The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-08-15
SPANISH
COMMENTS
On Protocol Are Like a
Funeral Hymn.
THE LOSS OF COLONIES
Puts Spain In Second Rank Among
Nations OF the World.
SAGAsTA WILL BE SUSTAINED.

ments on the protocol are a veritable
Spanish colonial empire. Some days
ago the desire for peace made the peo-
pie close their eyes to the price; but now,
upon reading the protocol. they realize
that the cost rs the loss Of that empire
which Spain had conquered with SO
much glory, and that Spain now falls
TO the second rank among the nations.
The public mind is stunned, and there
Is general mourning.
THE Impartial says: Peace will not
bring to Spain even the rest she so much
needs after three years and a half of
war The National remarks bitterly:
III Spain had at least been vanquished
only after furious and heroic struggle
she could resien herself Peace with
the United States will only be a mo-
mentary respite from our misfortune
The Liberal contends that the article
In the protocol relating to the Philip
pines does not indicate that anything
good for Spain will be fixed upon, and
the question will not be settled favor
ably for her.
General Blanca telegraphs that Ha-
vana is greatly agitated by the news OF
the signing OF the protocol. and that
much anxiety Ia manifested to learn the
conditions. which have not yet been pub
lished. Some uneasiness is felt regard
ing the effect that the text of the pro-
tocol may have on the Spanish volun-
teers in Havana. Many newspapers
express grief and despair that the men
who brought disaster on Spain by lack
of foresight, organization and ability
should continue to govern the country"
The Times Madrid correspondent
says: The publication of the pro-
tocol has not Mode much impression be-
cause the contents were already known.
The only doubtful point referred to the
time OF the convocation of the cortes.
Although there Is a strong cabinet dis
sension on this point, some apprehend-
Ing a crisis, little Importance need be
attached to 1t. because II Is unlikely that
In the event Of one or two ministers re-
signing the course Of the peace negotia-
tfons will be seriously affected, because.
in the long run, Sagasta IL certain TO
have his own way. Meanwhile. he al
lows his colleagues to discuss the sub
ject freely. and wisely keeps his own
counsel. There Is no conceivable doubt
that the cortes will approve Of peace:
and the date of the convocation OF the
cortes can only affect personal party in
terests.
1T is too soon to speak confidently of
the impression the preliminary con-
ditions of peace. when examined closely,
will make on the Spanish generally, but
there is no doubt the news of the ter
mination of hostilities will be received
by a great majority with satisfaction.
During the last few weeks there has
been a great change In public opinion.
Though 1t was universally recognized
from the beginning that. In thelong run,
America would prove herself stronger
than Spain, ii was generally expected
that the bravery. dash and tenacity Of
the Spanish army and navy would in
some measure counterbalance the SUI
periority OF tfse United States in popu-
lation and resources, and that, con-
sequently, the conditions of peace would
not be very onerous. This illusion was
dispelled by the destruction Of Ger
vera's squadron. the capitulation Of
Santiago and other well-known incl
dents OF the campaign; and, gradually
the conviction spread that as Spain was
evidently incapable of defending her.
self, the sooner she made peace the bet
ter. 1t may pretty safely be assumed
therefore that the decision of the govern
mnt will be generally approved. Wheth-
er the government wilI,subsequently be
called TO account for negligence in its
preparation for war and for the manner
In which the campaign was conducted
Is another question" .tet
'In the peace negotiations no serious
complications are apprehended in regard
TO Cuba and Porto Rico. II the MEN,
bers Of the local commission OF the
evacuation have not yet been appointed
| II is simply because the government
wishes to appoint officers and officials
of the same rank as those to be appointed
| by the United States government; and
at Saturday nights cabinet council II
was decided to save time by appointing
persons on the spot. f
Already some people areg beginning
| to console themselves with the idea that
| the loss OF those two Islands, though most
painful to Spanish national feeling as
ronsummating the destruction of the
great Spanish empire I'm the western
hemisphere. is really not so serious as is
Generally supposed. The Impartial for
example. says: After all, those who ex-
| plotted the markets OF the Antilles were
only some manufacturers and mer-
| fhants In certain regions Of the
| peninsula the exercise Of sovereignty
was utilized by politicians TO send their
| proteges as officials TO these islands. The
| great mass Of the nation derived In
| directly very little advantage and had 10
| bear the sacrifices necessary to maintain
| our domination Ideas OF this kind,
! which are by no means confined TO the
press. generally show that the Spanish
| national character contains. with much
| that NJ medieval and romantic. strong
element OF sound. practical. common
sense.
| The Philippine question will be found
| much more difYicult OF solution. and al
ready on one point all competent au-
thorities here seem agreed. namely: that
| whatever solution may be adopted there