Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-05-12
SEES SMALL HOPE FOR SPAIN.
A Remarkable Interview With the Dis.
Outraged Leader of the spanish Gov
ernment--Iie Speaks bitterly of the OPP
position Pnrties--Don Carlos Also Tails

cOuraged Leader of the spanish Gov
ern,nent---ne Speaks bitterly of the OPP
position Pnrties--Don Carlos Also Talks.
Madrid May 10.-In an interview
Prime Minister Sagasta said:
1.-THE sad events at Manila have sad
dened all Spaniards, but they have not
made them lose heart. We feel the con-
ISOLATION that our sailors did their duty
valiantly and only succumbed to the
great superiority of the enemy after be-
having heroically. can say confident
ly that nothing has occurred to wound
our pride. The truth is, we were too
few and were overwhelmed by the great
superiority of the enemy and the Tor
tunes of war, whit went against us,
However, we have no time to lose IN
useless debate. We must reserve all our
strength and energy. Our first duty Is
to unite and yanquish the enemy; or, at
least, defend ourselves yaliantly If nee
essary to do so.
1.-THE government will be supported
by all parties on patriotic grounds and
parliament will grant resources, but
certain parliamentary groups disagree
with the government and have the pre-
tension to make conditions in return fot
their support, and thus paralyze our ef-
forts. Some are ceaselessly intriguing,
while others are full of reticence. At
tempts have even been made to assail
the monarchy"
Senior Sagasta reiterated his previous
statement casting the onus of the war
on the United States. Continuing, the
prime minister said:
spain Desolated and Ruined.
"The situation is very simple, and.
unfortunately. it cannot be concealed.
| Spain is desolated and ruined by inter-
nal troubles. The United States is pros
porous and increases in riches and
| strength daily. There is no use saying
| this state of affairs is the fault of the
| present government. Would a mon
| archy have prevented the development
| of the United States? / do not think
so. A republic would have done no bet
| ter for Spain and might have done
| worse
1.-THE United States has coveted Cuba
| for long time-ffrst, because 1t is an
excellent strategic point. and, second, Sc
| as to be masters of interoceanic trade
| To attain this object it has literally
| hesitated at nothing. 1t knew the state
| of our finances and took advantage oil
II to attack us, after having assisted
| the Cuban instruction, with the view
to completing our ruin, and with tbs
cut and dried plan of declaring war as
soon as it considered our exhaustion
sufficiently advanced
Senior Sagasta's insistence upon the
disuniun of the political parties is re-
garded as diplomatic stratagem
adopted with the idea of preparing ar
honorable way for retreat in the event
of another severe Spanish defeat. wher
he will cast the responsibility on the
parliamentarians who have not sup
ported him and who have impeded his
efforts
Senior Sagasta met several of the in
reviewers leading questions with Z
shake of the head. vaguely saying: =
do not know. The future is in tn,
hands of God. None can foresee it.
The truth is Senior Sagasta does no
dare to forecast the future, because 4
appears so black and threatening. HI
possesses a deal of knowledge. 1t il
just because he knows that his silence
is eloquent. FIe regards future disaste
as certain, and is already laying PLAN
to repudiate responsibility.