The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-04
by the personal pleadings Of the Off.
Situation Serious.


Meanwhile the cabinet council was
| discussing the political situation IN
| SPAIN Admiral Bermejo, minister Of
marine, and Gen. Correa were strong
| ly in favor of an immediate suspension
of the constitutional guarantees, step
which requires closing the cortes. The
other members Of the cabinet, however,
| considered this inconvenient at the
present moment, because 1t would wipe
| out many years Of the history OF the
| Liberal party.
There is a general belief that total
cabinet crisis Is imminent and that 1t
will probably end in a considerable
modification of the present government.
possibly in the formation of a national
ministry under the presidency Of Mar
shall Martinez Campos. In any case
parliament is certain to be closed
shortly.
The events Of the last few days have
undoubtedly increased the popularity
of Gen. Weyler, who favors an out and
out war policy. At the same time there
is no real ground for anticipation that
he will come out at the head of af-
fairs.
Gen. Weyler is notorious, but not a
prominent person in Spanish politics.
Politicians and the people at large have
been paying but little attention to him
recently. His party Is composed Of a
| few persons Of no very high standing.
Moreover every one recognizes that
Weyler's cruelty in Cuba and his pol
icy as TO the reconcentrados largely
contributed to bring about the present
state of affairs, while his alleged no
| torious laxity with regard to public
money has made him much disliked
Public opinion is always likely to mis-
trust him and he is unpopular with the
queen regent.
The country en- maSSe is opposed to
the idea of republic. The people pre-
fer Don Carlos or anything to such a
change. They had enough Of the re-
public in 1873. The indignation which
is felt at present is not against the
present dynasty, but against the gov
ernment and the politicians in general
If a military dictatorship should come
it would most probably be under the
queen regent and possibly Gen. Campos.
Even Gen. Polavieja has more chance
than Gen. Weyler. Such dictatorship
would take the form of comforting the
premiership on one Of these generals
with full powers.
In the COrtes.
The floors and galleries of the cortes
Qower house, were crowded at today's
sitting, and some lively scenes ensued.
Senor Salmeron said that before ques-
ticning the government the house ought
to pay It's tribute of admiration to
Spains heroic sailors at Cavite, adding:
When 1t has been ascertained how
much blood has been shed and how
much money expended, it will be neces-
sary to establish the responsibility at
taching to the crown as well as to the
least citizen"
Murmurs Of protest followed this re-
| mark. The president of the chamber
| called Senor Salmeron to order and di-
| rected his attention to the article of
| the constitution declaring the inviola-
bility Of the crown. Senior Salmeron
| continued, demanding information as
10 the defenses in Manila bay and in
sisting that this was a question which
J should be discussed.
| After the government had given Its
explanations, he proceeded to cr1ticise
the monarchial governments Of the last
half-century, notably those of the re-
| storation, declaring that they were re-
sponsible for the present situation.
| Senior Silvela interposed: 1--WE are
now threatened with an impotent dicta-
! torship inspired by the genius of the
] disciple Of Loyala," remark which