The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-21
SAGASTA'S Big BLUFF.
New Ministry Will Continue the
H.. Former Ministry's Policy. -
SPAIN WILL NORTHAMPTON CUBA.

Million Dollar Gold Loan.
Madrid, May 2.-The ministers, in
full uniform, appeared In the senate
yesterday. Owing to the circumstances
the new cabinet Is already nicknamed
the ''circumstantial cabinet" The pre-
mier, Senior Sagasta, explained the
ministerial crisis and asserted that the
new ministry will continue the policy
of the former ministry. He related how
Spain did everything to avoid war un-
til America, violating all recognized
diplomacy, attacked Spain with an in
justice unprecedented in the annals of
civilized history, and compelled Spain
to respond with war. which Spain
would continue to the utmost, until an
honorable peace Is obtainable. This is
a strong policy, and the new govern
ment will also energetically conduct
negotiations with European and other
states"
Count Penaramiro proposed the SEN
ate's congratulations to Admiral Ger
vera, on his arriving safely at Santi-
ago de Cuba, and cleverly lodging the
American squadrOns Captain Aunon,
the minister of marine. responded in
the name of the navy. highly extolling
Admiral Cervera. lE so doing he said
the arrival of the Spanish squadron In
Cuban waters would cement the
friendship of the Cubans with Spain,
and will prove to the world that Spain
will never abandon Cuba while the
mother country retains her vitality"
The congratulations were voted unani-
mously.
In presenting the ministers to the
chamber Senior Sagasta explained that
the appointment of a minister of for
eign affairs has been postponed, be-
cause Leon Castillo had not accept
ed the portfolio, being detained in Paris
by very important negotiations, which
may lead to fresh developments in the
present grave situation.
A Spanish official version of the en-
gagement said to have taken place off
Santiago de Cuba on Thursday. pre-
vious to the arrival Of the Spanish
fleet, says the American warships were
replused, and adds that one of them
was damaged.
In the chamber. Senior Sagasta re-
peated his senate speech. Senior Sill
vela, leader of the dissident conserva-
tives, replied that his section Of the
conservative party approved the policy
announced by Senior Sagasta, and
would support the new cabinet. Senior
Romery y Robledo leader of the Wey-
lerite faction, presented an interpella-
ton, maintaining that the government
was in a crisis from the declaration OF
war, and that if the present were a
continuation of the policy of the old
cabinet, then this cabinet was also in
a crisis.
All sides of the house received this
dilemma with merriment. Senior Rob-
ledo then pressed Senior Gamazo, min
lister of public instruction, public works.
agriculture and commerce. to disclose
his individual opinion and to say how
far he Endorsed the ministerial policy
of the reconstructed cabinet, insisting
that If the present were continuation
of the former policy then Senior Ca
mazo, unless he had thrown over his
former theories, ought to be in the OPP
position and not in Office Senior Ga
mazo replied that. without abandon
ing his political ideas, he had accepted
office periodically, and would carry
out the government program irrespec-
tive of his own personal theories.
Lieutenant General Correa, minister
of war, stated that nothing definite has
been decided upon with respect to the
expedition to the Philippines. The gov
eminent will be guided by circum-
stances.
Emperor Williams silence has caused
intense disappointment here. 1t had
been expected that his speech at Altoona
would declare in favor Of European
coalition against the Anglo Saxons, or
at least against an American invasion
of Spanish colonies. Now the press Is
falling back on the assistance of Rus
STA or France. If Senior Leon Cas-
tllo, the Spanish ambassador to
France, returns to Paris, it is probable
that Senior Gutierrez Aguera, under
secretary to the council Of state, will
be gazetted foreign minister
Admiral Cervera's dispatch from
Santiago de Cuba to the minister of
marine contained further details to the
government alone. 1t is pointed out
here that the American plan was to get
command Of the sea as condition of
future movements. Admiral CerveraS
brilliant move-reminding one of Lord
Nelson's race from the West Indies to
Trafalgar and his escape from the
French-deprives America of the COM
mand of the seas, and demonstrates to
the world that the blockade of Cuba ID
merely nominal.
An explosion has occurred at the
Cheateau San Julian, in Carthagena.
1t is supposed to have taken place in