The herald., 1898-04-20
SPAIN'S PATRIOTS
MEET TO CONSIDER THE WAR
SITUATION
HER GLORIOUS HISTORY
MUST NOT BE SULLIED BY
CALUMNX
SAGASTA GROWS BELLIC0SE
Asks the Chambers to Hurry Up and
Provide Money for the Ma
tional Defense
SAGASTA GROWS BELLIC0SE
Associated Press Special Wire


MADRID, via Paris, April 19.-The sup
porters Of the government in both houses
of parliament met In the senate chamber
at s o'clock this afternoon. Senor Sagasta,
the premier. addressed them as follows:
1.-THE times are so grave and the circum-
stances are. SO exceptional that acts and
not words are necessary to face the pres
ont difficulty. Attempts are being made
to sully the glorious history of Spain by an
Infamous calumny. The different Spanish
governments have done their utmost 10
avert war, to which we are being provoked.
We have now reached the limit of conces-
sion compatible with honor and the ter
ritorial integrity. We consented to the
last concession at the instance of the
pope and the powers. We yielded in facts;
but now attempts are being made upon our
honor and menaces directed against our
territory That is thing to which Span
iards will never consent. (Applause)
"This is not the moment to train par
liamentary program, but the movement TO
unite ourselves as our fathers have done
In the face Of an odious attempt against
the integrity of our territory The insult
offered us today is the most infamous that
has ever been offered" prolonged ap-
plause)
Continuing, Senior Sagasta counselled the
rapid constitution of the chambers, in or
der to accord to the government the means
| to defend the country's interests.
"Spain," he added, will not allow n
parcel of her territory to be taken from
her with impunity; nor will she be a party
to any trafficking for her possessions" ="
PROLONGED cheers)
The ministers met today to modify tho
speech from the throne in conformity with
the situation. Senor Silvela, leader of the
dissident Conservatives, when addressing
the me memory Of the late s' senor Canovas l
del Castillo, and declared that he and hi..
party would aid the government by voting
as much as should be necessary for the
national defense without any opposition,
although making note of the responsibility
incurred, in order to investigate it. If nec1
be, at more opportune time. He de-
clared also that the dissident Conserva-
tives would respect whatever financial ar.
rangements the government might enter
into, no matter what these might cost, q
1t was the "only means of securing later
On peace with honor"
1850 p. m.-The all-absorbing topic is the
prospect of war. Ell Heraldo de Madrid
Gays that war is inevitable and even immi-
nent Even the forthcoming meeting Of
parliament is unheeded.
Ell Heraldo compares the indifference
of the mass of the people, to "Mussul-
man fatality" considering 1t highly dan
gerous and fearing terrible reaction. The
paper says a serious task lies before par
Lament, which, it hopes, will prove equal
to 1t, facing the great danger now gather
ing around Spain"
9 p. m.-This evening the parties consti-
meetings. Senior Silvela presided over the
meeting of the Conservative minority. In
the course of his remarks he advised all
Conservatives to support the government.
The Republican party has sent message
to Senor Emilio CASTELAR,, appealing to his
patriotism to take part in the parlia-
mentary campaign.
Midnight-It was rumored In town this
evening that General Woodford woul,l
leave tomorrow, but he has authorized a
formal denial of the report. Madrid Is
quiet and prepared to meet developments.
1880 p. NAT this hour the lobbies of
parliament are crowded with members,
new deputies and politicians, all discussing
the situation. The one predominating
word is WAR"
Seldom has there been witnessed more
Impressive and significant scene. The
large hall of the senate was densely packed
with Liberal senators and deputies, who
listened with breathess attention to the
short speech of Senior Sagasta, only inter-
rupting him with a unanimous and loud
applause when he Indignantly alluded to
the "unjustified and infamous aspersions
cast upon Spain,' with regard to the
Maine disaster Even more enthusiastic
applause greeted his stirring words when
he stoutly and proudly declared that the |
government hoped to receive the support
Of all Spaniards i'n defense of their ter |
ritory and ancient rights against more
odious and unfair aggressions than any of |
their ancestors had repelled with the same
energy and courage
If the idea still existed in the mind of
any one here that war could be averted,
Senior Sagasta's firm speech is regarded
as finally settling all doubts.
Ell Epoca Conservative asserts that
anarchy reigns in the executive and leeIs-
lative branches of the American govern
ment.''
1t quotes from recognized text books to
prove that There has been violation of
the constitution in the legislative and ex-
ecutive procedure" and adds: while
President Mckinley requests a free hand.
congress votes mandate, the president
impotent to resist the war party
Or to rouse peaceful influences.
No Hope Left
LONDON. April 2O.-The Rome corres-
pondent Of the Daily Mail says: italia.
he organ Of the foreign office, published
tonight the following: The powers are
IN the eve of taking a new step, namely
requesting the United States and Spain. in II
(Continued on Page Twol