The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-04-26

ceIved earl" this morning in English.
The Spanish government Immediately
broke off diplomatic relations with the
United States, notifying the United
STATES minister to his effect before he
vas able to present any note.
1920 p. m.-The news OF the rupture
was received calmly. There is no ex-
element apparent anywhere.
. Z. m.-Spain's action today is con-
sidered a virtual declaration Of war,
and hostilities may begin Immediately.
800 p. ma semi-oficial note is
sued this afternoon says: The Span
ish government, having received the
~ultimatum Of the president Of the Unit
ed States, considers that the document
constitutes a declaration Of war against
Spain, and that the proper form to be
adopted is not to make any reply, blu
to await the expiration Of time men
toned in the ~ultimatum before opening
hOstilities. In the meantime the Span
ish authorities a w placed their posses
sions in a state Of defense and their
fleet is already on it's way to meet that
of the United States.
4 y. m.-The queen-regent presided
this afternoon at the cabinet council.
Senior Sagasta, the premier, announced
the departure of Senior Polo y Bernabe
from Washington and that the United
States minister, General WOodfOrd, has
been informed that it WOul he use
less to present any note.
The British ambassador, Sir Henry
DrummOnd Wolff, called upon Senior
GuIlOn, the foreign minister, and in
formed him that the affairs of the
American legation were in his (ambas-
sador's) hands.
The chambers have elected provis-
ional officers, the Marquis Vego d1Armi-
10 being chosen president of the con-
gress, the lower house of the cortes.
WOODFORD'S DEPARTURE.
AGO p. m.-General Woodford arrived
at the station about a quarter or an
hour in advance of the hour at which
the train was scheduled to leave. The
train started half an hOur late and dur
ing the interval, General WOOdford con-
Versed with the representatives of the
foreign press and a number of private
friends. An immense crowd gathered
at the station, composed of all classes.
"a strong force of police and civic
guards maintained order, while amid
the crowd moved a large number of prl-
waite detectives. A detachment OF the
civil guards accompanied General
Woodford to the frontier. The retiring
minister maintained his usual calm
ness, but looked worn and fatigued.
When the crowd was the thickest about
him General WoOdford forced his way
through and, after approaching Col
onel MOrel, the chief Of police, shook
hands with him cordially, thanking
him for his kindness and zeal in guard
ing the United States legation and his
General WOOdfOrd'S) residence for so
,oony months When General Wood
ford took his seat in the train there was
a stir among the spectators and a rush
toward the window of he carriage.
The minister sat uncOncerned and dig
nified.
Senior Aguilera, the civil governor of
Madrid, his gigantic figure rising head
and shoulders above the crowd, In a
stentOrian voice, raised a cheer, which
was thrice responded to by the crowd.
Viva ESpana' ~reSOunded throughout
the station until the train was fairly
outside. This was not mean as a
kindly farewell, but as an explosion of
long feelings. Outside the station, Sc
nor Aguilera addressed the crowd,
Counselling calmness and confidence
in the government, which, he said,
would safeguard the honor of Spain.
The English flag is now flying over
the American legation, which is still
guarded by the police.
mere Is d plltcl 1ttlIIS L CSolAiSN
Great Britain, especially on the con-
trabard of war and ~privateer Ques-
tiOns. 1t is the belief of the general
public that Great Britain is playing.
in an underhand manner the game of
the United states.
IN THE CORTES.
5:35 p. MIN the Spanish senate to-
day Marshal Martinez Campos asked
the minister of foreign affairs. Senior
Gullon. to make a statement regarding
the relations between Spain and the
United States. Whereupon the minister
replied tina all relations were broken
off. The former captain general of
Cuba then made a patriotic speech, In
which ne declared hat Cuba will never
lose her Spanish sovereignty. He sald
he warmly approved the wisdom dls-
played by the government, which had
accepted voluntarily all propositions
compatible with the dignity of Spain"
He added that ever since 1920 the Unit
ed States had pursued it's aim of seiz-
ing Cuba" If America belonged to the
Americans. he argued, Spain ought to
be considered an American power, for
''She has watered the soil of America
with her blood" He recalled the fact
that there exists in the American con-
tinent 40, 900. 900 inhabitants of Spanish
origin. "all favorable to the mother
country
A resolution, elOquently supported by
several leading senators pledging the
assistance of the chamber to save the
dignity of Spain, was carried with &C
amatiO
senior Gullon. the foreign minister,
thanked the senate, mot in the name
of the liberal cabinet. but in the name
of the government"
The president then delivered a pa
triotic grafton, arousing intense enthus-
iaSm. .
At this afternoons cabinet council
Senior Sagasta addressed the
gent thus: I'm this solemn moment.
when the first cannon shot is almost
audible. the government is prepared to
assume the entire responsibility for its
decisions, but it considers 1T opportune
that the oueen-regent should hear the