New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-06
THE CORTES IN SESSION.
TERRITORIAL CESSION DISCUSSED IN
SECRET BY THE SENATE.
GENERAL BELIEF THAT SPAIN MUST
GRANT WHATEVER THE UNITED
STATES DEMANDS

STATES DEMANDS.
Madrid. Sept 5-The Cortes assembled to-
day Those who had expected sensational
scenes on the reopening Of the Chambers
disappointed. The general public seems indif-
ferent. The people at large are apparently con-
vinced that Spain must accede to whatever the
United States demands.
The Chamber Of Deputies soon became in
voved in discussion of press censorship and
Deputy inquired the motive underlying a cir
cuar which General Chinchna, Captain Gen
eral Of Madrid. has addressed to newspapers
regulating their reports OF the sessions of the
Cortes. lie declared that the censorship in
consistently applied. and that the effect of the
circular was to punish possible errors in ad-
vance.
ROBLEDO ATTACKS THE GOVERNMENT.
At the close Of the censorship discussion. in
which Deputies who are journalists protested
emphatically against the attitude Of the Gov
ernment. Senior Romero Robledo. accused me
Government Of iesality in continuing the sus
pension Of the constitutional guarantees after
the reopeninc Of the Cortes He demanded that
DEGREES revoking the suspension be issued i'm
mediately
Senor Capdepon. the Minister Of the Interior.
replied that the time was not opp0rune 10
nero Y Robedo that former Government. of
which Senor Romero Robledo was member.
had acted in the same way In 1870
The Chamber then adjourned
ABANDONMENT OF COLONIES DISCUSSED
At the opening Of the Senate the secretary
read a letter from Sehor Rodriguez Senator
from Porto Rico refusing 10 obey the summons
70 attend
'ha CaHn nrfp f,o in
sigma Of his Office. ascended the tribune and
read decree authorizing the Government to
present 10 the Chamber a draft Of a law en-
povering the Ministers to renounce sovereign
" over the colonies in conformity with the
stipulatons If the peace premrarics between
Spain and the United states
The President of the Senate proposed a secret
discussion Of the decree. and. despite the pro-
tests Of some Senators. ordered that the gal
leres be cleared. which was done. amid loud
murmurs of disapproval.
SAGAsTAS MOTION ADOPTED
According % tho statements Of several Sena-
tors Senor sacasta. after the galleries had been
cleared proposed that questions relating TO ter
ritoral cessions be discussed IN secret Reply
ING 70 criticisms Of this procedure. the Premier
urged that delicate matters of this nature were
always discussed In secret Moreover. he point
ID out tho existing situation was grave Spain
having obtained only n suspension Of hostities.
Indiscreet parliamentary language might inter
fore with the diplomatic negotiations
When these negotiations had been ended he
would be willing 70 publish everything, he said,
and to accept all the responsibility. but now II
was necessary 10 be united before the enemy.
Therefore the Government appealed to the pa
triotism Of the representatives. Of the people 10
prevent sensational discussions that might de-
feat the ends desired by the country
Senior Montero Rios. President II the Senate.
then proposed that tho stenorraphers retire The
motion was adopted
Senior Sagasta formally demanded a secret
session for a discussion n the protocol anI
after several lively protests the demand was
voted by - 10
The Government has decided 10 pay The next
coupon on the Cuban debt. pending the settle
rnent with the United States
General Weylcr has arrived in Madrid.
The newspapers. II is understood viii he per
rnitted 10 indulge in fair comment" on the pro-
ceedings in the Cortes. unless the tactics of the
Opposition compel the Government to resort 70
secret sittnGs.
The decision 10 call 100000 recruits 20 the
ranks is regarded sharp device TO keep the
younger men from Joining thc Carlist movement