The sun., 1898-06-06
Spain in Dire Condition.

Special Dispatch TO THE Sun.
LONDON, June 5.-The descriptions of
the situation in Madrid and throughout
Spain received in London are Of the
gloolniest possible character.
Most OF the correspondents take an
altogether hopeless view of Spans affairs.
The staff writer of the "Daily Telegraph"
under the caption of "The Coming Catas-
trophe," says that Spain stands on the
brink of an abyss from which escape
seems impossible, and death with dig
nifty is the only hope. The rottenness Of
the whole political system and not the
unequal contest with the United States
is declared to be the true cause OF the
coming politica, tragedy.
Castelar's article, which has made such
4 stir in Madrid last week, is not an ex-
tremc rtterance. He is outspoken
enough to include the crown with the
Cabinet as responsible for the impending
disaster
He says: 'The Queen Regent consid-
ers that it is impossible for her to sign q
treaty Of peace resulting in the loss of a
part of the Spanish territory without in
curing for herself and her son grave
risks. The position of Maria Cristina in
the circle of her relatives is precisely the
same as that of Marie Antoinette. In \
the palace the Queen Regent is generally
designated as the Austrian more than
among the people.
''The Queen Regent really believes that
Spanish Princes, at the head OF affairs
could steer clear of difficulties, making
heavy and perilous sacrifices that would
Al ,n fr11 IS ,ety d
and as the Spanish Constitution requires
that the Princesses who may be called to
the regency be designated in an un-
equivocal manner, the Infanta Isabella
stands first on the list. =
'The infanta is the sister.im-law of
Cristina, is Nadrilena born and bred,
and has naturally all the national habits
and predictions that Cristina could
never make her own. The Queen Re-
gent believes that in confiding the reins
OF government to Isabella, Alfonso XIII.
may be saved from the dangers that now
threaten, and that Spain may at last OBJ
tain the desired peace. The Ministers
deny this, but in spite Of their denials it
is generally credited. The truth pene-
trates deeper and deeper, and as we are
OH the way to prompt denouement, let
us hope that this denouement will not
entail great catastrophe"
European newspapers'h bt en- rather
busiy discussing fresh schemes of inter
vention by the powers in the war. Most
of these statements go wide OF the mark
and betray ridiculous ignorance. The po-
sition has not been materially altered
recently. What change there is seems
to work for peace, because it has oc-
cured in Madrid where the Ministerial
politicians are beginning to pluck up
courage and look facts in the face.
The impression is growing there that
earthquakes will not necessarily follow
the conclusion of peace based upon the y
independence of Cuba. The Queen Re-
gent is prepared, for herself and her son,
to take the risk of paying for peace with
Cuba and war indemnity. In this she
has been encouraged by the counsels Of
the Pope, the Car, and the Emperor of
Austria. who have informed the pre-
tender Don Carlos, that if he should
succeed in stealing the Spanish crown
they will not recognize his right to wear
it. Nobody is now afraid Of the repuu-
lican bogey.
In truth, there is not Spaniard of
any pretentions to intelligence who does
not believe that the American army of
invasion will get good drubbing in
Cuba. Every army officer is tiercely and
aggressively confident of the superiority
of the Spanish soldiers now in Cuba
over any force the United States will be
able to send against them before the end
of this year. They declare, therefore,
thai the army must have a chance to
vindicate the national honor even
though this should indefinitely prolong
the war, and Spain should lose the re-
mainder of her fleet and the Phillip
pines.
The indications today are that the
mi itarv mrty will have its way,