The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-10
But Found when 1t Was Too Late
that the MalcOntents Were Plot
ting Against the Kingdom.
CABINET SITUATION CRITICAL
MINISTRY WILL PROBABLY BE RE-
FORMED WITHOUT DELAY.
Internal Disorders Increasing and
Martial Law Extended-ThOusand
of People Living ON Aims.

LONDON, May 1O-The Madrid corre-
spondent of the Morning Post has had
long interview with Senor Sagasta, the
premier, in the course of which the Spanish
statesman said: 1.-THE sad events at Manila
have saddened all Spaniards, but have not
made them lose heart. We can say with
confidence of this disaster that nothing has
occurred to wound pride. Much has
been said regarding the causes of the catas-
trophe, but all the discussion has been be-
side the question. The truth is, we were
too few, and were overwhelmed by the great
superiority of the enemys forces and by the
fortunes of war, which. unhappily, went
against us. In the present iuncture there is
no time to lose. 1t is useless to debate.
We must reserve all our strength and ali
our energy for tomorrow. Our first duty
is to unite in order to vanquish our enemies
and to uphold the honor of Spain. 1t is
necessary. to secure that end, for the gov
ernment to have the support of all, without
considerations of party and exclusively on
patriotic grounds. Parliament, too, must
grant the government the resources re-
quired
Now this is precisely what grieves me.
1 believed that the first cannon shot fred
by the United States against cur troops
would be a signal for the union and the
fraternity of all spaniards, as all are equal
ly affected by the assault Of the United
States. 1 was mistaken. Certain par
liamentarian groups are in disagreement
with the government, and have the preten>--
sion to make conditions in return for >saeir
support. They thus paralyzed cur efforts
and diminish the strength whic'a is indis-
pensable to the government. In such diff
ficult times some are even ceaselessly in
triguing, others are full of reticence, and
all has been done in the name lof the
satherland. Attempts have even been. made
to assail the monarchy with their authors
appearing to imagine for a moment thzst
this is simply weakening the country, low
ering the prestige of the flag, tending to
the Encouragement of the troops and the
encouragement of our enemies When our
political adversaries attack the government.
when they criticise the acts of the crown
while war is proceeding, they are commit
ting a crime, for which some day they may
have to answer before the country.
ION principle am opposed to war, which
is always disastrous, even to the victorious
nation. God is my witness that / did not
wish rupture with the United States.
realized perfectly that we were exhausted
by the war which we have been waging so
long and needed rest. On the contrary,
desired a peaceful solution, which would
have protected our interests and honor, our
rights and sovereignty. The government
did everything to avoid confict-more,
even, than it should have done. When our
adversaries began to treat us with con-
tempt war became inevitable, and we were
compelled tc accept it with all its conse-
ouences, whatever they may be.
1.-THE situation is very simple and, unfor-
tunately, cannot be concealed. Spain is des-
olated and ruined by internal troubles. The
United States have coveted Cuba for a long
time, first, because it is an excellent strate.
gic point; second. so as to be masters OF the
interoceanic trade To attain their object
they have literally hesitated at nothing.
They knew the state of our finances ard
took advantage Of 1t to attack u.s. after
having assisted the Cuban insurrection with
a view of completing our ruin and with a
cut and dried plan, declaring war as soon
as they considered our exhaustion sufficient
ly advanced.
Now that the struggle has begun, the
Americans continue the same tactics. In
stead of openly making war, they encourage
in every way the troubles in Cuba, Porto
Rico and the Philippines. and if they could
they would stir up an insurrection In the
peninsula. The future is in the hands OF
Cod None can foresee it,"
e
RIOTING IN THE PROVINCES.
Twelve People Killed and Fifty