Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-20
TO-DAY'S TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
From Madrid.

MADRID, April 2O.-All is quiet here
aud nothing unusual mas occurred.
Two policemen are stationed at the cor
ner of the street upon which is situated
the residence of Minister Woodford,
who began yesterday preparations for
his departure from Madrid. He has
not received any communication from
Washington since the text of the reso'
lutions of Congress was cabled out.
The Prince of Monaco, who is an Of
fcer in the Spanish navy, has written
to the Queen Regent, warmly express
ing regret at the fact that private
duties" prevent him from dischsrglng
his naval duties, but that be has for
warded subscription of 81, 900 to the
fund being raised to strengthen the
Spanish navy. Ex-Queen Isabella Of
Spain has sent a subscription OF S6,OOO
to the national fund.
The newspapers this morning are
very warlike in tone. The impartial
contrasts the manner in which the
United States and Spain enter into the
conflict, saying: 1.-The aggressor is
noisy, insulting aud clamorous and the
agrieved is reserved, calm and self.
contained" The Liberal remarks:
Even Minister Woodford is convinced
that war is at hand, having left his
farewell cards with the diplomatic
body
The public generally accept the
situation without apparent concern.
There is no foundation for the story
that Spain will offer Cuba to the Pope,
so that the latter may surrender the
island to the United Sta'es, thus en-
aiding Spain to escape the humiliation
of a surrender to the United States. The
Spaniards say they will never renounce
Cuba without heroic struggle.
1t is announced that the national
fund to increase the strength of the
Spanish navy is being hugely aug
mented."
On the departure of General Wood
ford from Madrid, which is expected a.
most Immediately, the arms Of Great
Britain will replace those of the United
States over the United States embassy
and the British charge d'atiaires will
look after the interests Of the United
States in Spain.
Aa official dispatch from Havana
says General Blanco has chartered q
vessel to bring over 1000 Sailors who
have heretofore served in the United
States, but who are DOW DESTROYS Of
defending their own country"
The dispatch adds that the Cuban in.
surgent leader Betancourt has publish.
ed proclamation agreeing to sus-
pension of hostiitics. In conclusion
the dispatch says: "The inhabitants
OF Santiago de Cuba, even those who
are the most hostile to Spain, are re-
solved TO fight on the side of the
Spauisrjs, and some influential rebel
leaders have the same Intention
The opening of the Spanish Cortes
to-day was 8 magnificent sight. All
the wealth and beauty of Madrid gath
cred in the Senate, where every avail
able foot OF space was occupied by
ladies. Large bodies of troops were
drawn up outsida the building, includ
ing the handsomely uniformed Blue
Dragons and the magnifcently attired
palace guards. All the members OF
the diplomatic CORDS were present in
full dress.
The Queen Regent read the speech
from the throne. She referred to the
attitude on part OF the people of the
United States whom she charged with
iometing rebellion and the present acts
of the Unied States would oblige her
to break relations with that coun-
try. The Queen referred to the
efforts Of the Pope to prevent conflict
and calls on the people to defend the
country from its assailants and gather
behind her sons throne. She closed
by saying she had summoned
the Cortes to defend Spain's rights.
The Queen Regent read the speech
with the little King on her right. There
was great enthusiasm.