Evening journal., 1898-05-07
MORET'S LAST STAND.
The Minister'S Pathetic Reply to His
Enemies Attacks.
RIOTS THROUGHOUT PROVINCES.
Mobs Burn and Destroy-oueen Regent
Makes a Last Desperate Appeal 20
Franz Josef-General weyier
Under Suspicion.

Under Suspicion
MADRID, May I'm the senate yes
terday Senior Puigcerver refused any
explanations as to the war intentions or
the government.
In reply to a question whether meas
ures had been taken in view Of the In
dustrial crisis arising from the diminu-
ton Of the stock of coal Senor Puig-
cerver said the government was inquir-
ing into the question and, IL necessary,
would prevent the expectation of coal.
In the congress Senior Capdepon min
lister OF the interior, asked the deputies
10 suspend Judgment as to the Manila
engagement until detailed reports had
been received.
Senior Moret, minister for the colo
nies. in a speech universally regarded
as the best in his political career and
repeatedly interrupted by enthusiastic
cheering. insisted that the throne, "oc-
cupied briefly by young and promising
monarch and afterward by his widow
and child, must not be blamed for the
policy OF different governments" The
responsibility existed he declared, as
the burden OF all. and each should bear
his share instead Of trying to shift the
blame TO a nelghbor. He defended au-
tonOmy as granted to Cuba gener-
ously under the friendly advice OF the
powers In order TO deprive tho Ameri-
cans OF pretext 10 foment discomfort
and rebellion" Autonomy, he main
tained. had achieved conciliation and
improved the economic situation He
pointed. as a proof OF its success above
all others. to the loyal friendship and
assistance Of the Cubans in the present
war against the United States"
With regard TO the question of un-
preparedness. Senior Moret candidly
confessed that he had not believed until
the very last that war would come, as
he considered the Americans were "in-
capable OF attacking Spain without the
slightest cause" but when convinced
that the United States was bent upon
despoiling Spain" then, with the entire
cabinet, ne seriously prepared to repel
an unjust attack, purchasing and At
ting out warships and procuring war
material irrespective OF cost" resolving
10 make strong stand and convert
ing a peace loving into a warlike cabi-
net"
In pathetic terms Senior Moret cleared
himself Of the charges OF n press which
was, he said, trying to load all the
sins OF the nation" upon him. He as
serted that he yielded to none in pa
triotism and was always acting TO Sc
cure what ne thought best for his coun-
trys welfare. In conclusion he appeal
ed to the patriotism of the nation and
the chamber to assist and advise the
government In its defense OF the rights
and honor OF Spain" a task which was
1.-The work OF ALL with the collective
after responsibility OF the ministry TO
the cortes and the nation"
Senor Moret resumed his seat amid
thunders of applause Deputies crowd
ed around him and loaded him with
congratulations.
Senior Gasset. editor Of The Impair
cial, withdrew his proposal for the inn
parchment of Admiral Bermejo, the
minister Of marine, and Admiral Beran-
ger, minister Of marine In the cabinet
OF the late Senior Canovas
Admiral Bermejo, in reply to a ques-
tion. expressed the opinion that 1t
sought to have been possible to have
repulsed the Americans at Manila"
Senior Moret challenged direct vote
of confidence. declaring that the gov
ernment would resign II It were not car
ried.
Further disorders are reported from
different parts of the provinces, espe-
cially from Murcla. capital Of the prov
ince OF that name 30 miles from Carta-
gena, where a mob. composed mainly OF
striking miners, has cut the telegraph
lines and set fire to the town hall and
the law courts burning the archives
The rioters also made an attack upor
the local JAIL beat in the doors and re.
leased the prisoners. Finally the riot.
ing strikers interrupted railroad com
munication with Murcia and destroyed
store by the use of dynamite. dis
tributlng the provisions which Il con
tanned The situation is regarded a,
being very serious Quite recently 500
striking miners of AIurcia attempted t,
march upon CGrtagena and were onl,
prevented from so doing by a stron,
force of troops.