The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-21

Madrid. April 20.-The opening of the
Spanish Cortes to-day was u magnificent
sight. All the wealth and beauty
Madrid gathered in the Senate, where
every available foot of space was occu-
pied.
Large bodies of troops were drawn up
outside the building, including the
handsomely uniformed blue dragons,
and the magnificently attired Palace
guards.
All the members of the diplomatic corps
were present in full dress.
A wild cheer at 2:30 p. M, announced
the arrival of the Queen regent, who
was driven to the Cortes' palace III a
State coach. escorted by detachment
Of the Life Guards. The cheering was
taken up within the building, as the
Queen regent entered, the cheers being
accompanied by enthusiastic cries OF
''Viva La Reina, Viva Alfonso Irece,
viva Espana," really tumultuously
patriotic demonstration.
The Queen regent read the speech
from the Throne, while seated with the
young King Alfonso on her right, ana
the Premier. Sener Sagasta, standing
near her King. Her Majesty = words
were innudible to all, but those i'll her
immediate vicinity. The reading was
greeted throughout with cries of Viva
Espana."
\ wonderful picture was presented by
the Queens encourage, consisting OF
NEST of the highest persOnages III SPAN
in brilliant court, military naval or
palace uniforms.
At the close of Her Majcsty's speech
there was renewed cheering, after
which Premier Sagasta declared the
Cortes opened. aud the Queen regent
and the boy King. accompanied by the
court. lert the, building amid another
wild burst of enthusiasm.
THE QUEENS SPEECH.
The Queen regents speech began:
The grave anxieties which saddened
nv mind the last time | addressed You
have increased and are heightened by
public uneasiness, conveying the present
ment of fresh and greater complications
as a result of the turn which events III
Cuba have taken. These complications
were brought about by section OF the
people of the United States, when, see
ing that the autonomy previously offered
in my message was about to be put Ill
force, foresaw that the free man1estd-
ton of til Cuban people, through Its
chambers, would Illustrate forever the
schemes against Spanish sovereignty
which have been plotted by those who,
with resources and hopes sent from the
coast, have fettered the sup
preston of the insuTection IN that un-
happy island. Should the government
of the United States yield to this blind
current. menaces and insult which we
have hitherto been able TO regard with
indifference for they were not an OK
preston of the sentiments of the true
American nation, would become intolera-
BILE provocations, which would compel
my government, in defence of the nation
al dignity, to- sever relations with the
government of the United States.
'In this supreme crisis, the sacred
voice of Him who represents human JUS
tice on earth was raised in cOunsels of
peace and prudence, to which my gov
had no difficulty in hearkening,
strong in the consciousness of its right.
and calm in the strict performance Of
its duties"
GRATITUDE TO POPE.
Her Majesty added:
''Spain's gratitude is due to the Pope
and also to the great powers. whose ac-
tiOn strengthens my conviction that
Spain's cause deserves universal SYM
pathy and that her conduct merits unan-
imous approval.
POSSIBLY however. the peace efforts
may fail to control the evil passions eX-
cited against Spain. Lest this moment ar
riveg have summoned the Cortes to de-
fend our rights, whatever sacrifice they
may entail Thus identifying myself
with the nation, / not only fulfill the
oath | sworc in accepting the regency.
but l follow the dictates of a mothers
heart trusting to the Spanish support to
gather behind my sons throne, and to
defend it until he is old enough to de-
fend it himself. as well as trusting to
the Spanish people to defend the honor
and the territory of the nation
The Queen regent then referred to the
trouble in the PHILIPPINE Islands. and !,
continuing. said:
Although a dark and gloomy future
Is before. us. the difficulties are not be- !
vond our powers. with our glorious army !
and navy and united nation before for
eign aggression, we trust in God that we !!