Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-05-10
CASE VERY DESPERATE
Sagasta Shows Despair in a Talk
with a london Cor.
respondent.
SPAIN III GREAT NEED OF UNITY.

But All the Signs Point to Lack of Tha,
| Neeessity-The Premier Much Disap-
pointed-Opposcd to War on Principle
| but Apparently Determined to Fight II
Out 10 the End - Eread Riots Cause
| Bioodshed in Many Provinces.
Madrid, May 10.-Both chambers of
the cortes have adopted the war meas
| ures proposed by the government.
London, Nav 10.-The Madrid CORE
spondent Of The Morning Post has had
long interview with Senior sagasta.
| the premier, in the course OF which the
Spanish statesman, said: The sad
events at Manila have saddened all
Spaniards, but have rot made them los
heart. We can say with confidence of
this disaster thai nothing has occurred
to wound our pride. Much has been
said regarding the causes of the catas-
trophe. but all tie discussion
has been beside the question.
The truth is we were too few
and were overwhelmed by the great
superiority Of the enemy's forces. and
by the fortunes OF war which, unhappi-
ly, went against US. In the present
Juncture there is no time to lose. 1t is
useless to debate. We must reserve ell
our strength and all our energy for to-
morrow.
SPANS First Duty Is Unity,
our first duty is to unite in order TO
vanGuish our enemies and to uphold the
honor OF Spain. 1t is necessary to Sc
cure that end for the government to
have the support CT all, without consid-
eratlohs OF party, and exclusively on
patriotic grounds. Now this is precise
" what Srieves me. l believed that the
hrst cannon shot fired by the United
states against our troops would be a
signal for the union and the fraternity
of all Spaniards. as all are fully af
fected by the assault of the United
States. l was mistaken. Certain par
Humanitarian groups are in disagree
ment with the government, and have
the pretension to make conditions in
return for their support.
Opposed to War on Principle.
"On principle l am opposed to war.
which is always disastrous. even to the
victorious nation. God is my witness
that did not wish a rupture with the
United States. | realized perfectly that
we were exhausted by the war which
we have been waging so long, and :
need rest. On the contrary. | desired
a peaceful solution which would have
protected our interests and honor. our
rights and sovereignty. The govern
ment did everything to avoid a con-
fiict, more even than it should I,
have done. When our adversaries be- /
came inevitable, and we were compelled /
to accept it with all its consequences, /
whatever they may be. /
Says That We Cayet Cuba.
The situation is very simple. and
cannot be concealed. F.
Spain is desolated mad ruined by in .
ternal troubles. The United States have (
coveted Cuba for lorg time. firstly
because it is an excellent strategic
point, second so as to be masters Of the
nter-oceanic trade. To attain their OBJ
ject they have literally hesitated at
nothing. They knew the state of our
finances and took advantage of it 10
attack us, after having assisted the Gu
ban insurrectior with a view of com
pleting our ruin. and with d cut and
Tried plan declaring war as soon as they
considered our exhaustion sufficiently d
advanced. The future is in 4
he hands of God. None can forsee it"