New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-25
THE NEWS FROM MADRID.
MYSTERIOUS SILENCE AND GLOOM IN
THE SPANISH CAPITAL.
PUIGCERvER PROPOSES INCREASED TAX
ATION-A NEW FOREIGN MINISTER
FOUND AT LAsT-ANOTHER CABI-
NET CHANGE EXPECTED.

NET CHANGE EXPECTED.
Madrid. May "a. II D. m.-The same myster!-
Gus silence regns in official circles tonight as
last night. The Government discoses nothing
from the seat OF war.
La Correspondence Espana" says: An un-
explained feeling Of dependency is noticeable.
AS no bad news has been received, we can only
suggest that this feeling is caused by fears OF
a prolongation Of the war"
In the Chamber of Deputies to-day Sehor
Puigcerver, Minister of Finance, replying to the
criticisms OF Marquis de Villaverde ConserVa-
tive. with respect to the financial policy OF the
Government repudiated the charge OF want OF
foresight and asserted that Spains finances
were in "satsfactory condition, assuring the
payment Of all the expenses OF the war. lie
added that In view OF the imposs'bity or ne
gotiatng loans abroad. there was no means OK
raising funds TO continue the war except ny an
extension Of the Bank OF Spain's note issue
which, however cid not amply a forced paper
currency.
He proposed he said to convert the Treasury's
floating debt. now nearly 900 100000 pese,as.
into small denomination Treasury bonds he
explained the proposed conversion OF the ex'er-
nal debt but avoided any allusion to the pro-
posed tax on the national debt. Senor fugcer-
yer affirmed the necessity OF n 20 per cent IN
crease In all taxation. lnciudlhs trat Oh "e''
culture
Duke Almodovar Do Rio has accepted the port
folio of Minister for Foreign Affairs. declined by
Senor Leon Castillo. the Spanish Ambassador
at Paris The Duke says that he does not desire
the office but accepts Il on patriotic grounds
The new Minister also said Every Spanard IS
bound 10 devote all his powers 10 TIE defence OF
the country"
Duke Alrnodovar de Rio Is well known in Eng
land where he was educated and where ne
often visits during the hunting season After
taking the oath as Minister for Foreign Arairs
he had a long conversation with Senior Leon
Castillo the Spanish Ambassador 10 France. NJ
schevitch the Russian Ambassador to Spain.
was the arst member Of the Diplomatic Corps 10
call on the Minister.
Duke Aimodovar de Rio Is forty-hve years old.
very active well Informed and highly educated
He has held various official places. Including the
Vice Presidency Of the Chamber OF Deputies
Though he has had no experience In the Foreign
Office, he is thoroughly versed In financial ana
commercial matters. the work OF treaty negotia-
tions and the Ike. and he IS expected 10 show
initiative energy in his new post
Among the bearers OF the Dukes title was an
eminent diplomatist Pedro Gimenez Gongora.
whose valuable services in Russia England ana
Portugal procured the dukedom and raised him
10 the rank OF n grandee
II 's believed that Scnor Gamazo. the present
Minister OF Public instruction and Liberal
leader. will replace Sehor Puigcerver. now Minis
ter Of Finance who has absolutely declined In
the Cortes 20 agree 20 m income tax, and who
Is consequently expected to resign sehor Ga
rnazo favors the proposed impost