The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-04-22
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Spanish Authorities Snubbed the
..su Presidents Ult;matum.
ANTI-AMERIOAN DEMONSTRATION

:, The Civil Governor of Madrid Encour-
|. aged the Mob That Tore Down the
American Eagle-saeasta Says the
First Shot Is Almost Audible" 4
Madrid. April 22.-The ultimatum of
the United States was received yester-
day In English. The Spanish govern
ment Immediately broke off diplomatic
relations with the United States, noti-
flying the United States minister to this
effect before he was able to present any
note. A semi official note, issued yes
=. terday afternoon, says:
THE Spanish government having re-
ceived the ultimatum of the president
of the United States, considers that the
document constitutes a declaration Of
war against Spain, and that the proper
form to be adopted Is not to make any
further reply, but to await the expira-
ton of the time mentioned in the ulti-
matum before opening hostilities. In
the meantime the Spanish authorities
have placed their possessions in state
OF defense and their fleet is already on
its way to meet that of the United
! States"
AS a result Of Spain's action Minister
Woodford at once made hurried prepa-
rations to leave Madrid. He was ac-
companied to the railroad station by
g. H. Barclay, the British charge
daffaires, and the secretary OF the
German embassy, Count Won Castell
| Ruedenhausen.
An immense crowd gathered at the
( station, composed of all classes. A
strong force Of police and civic guards
maintained order, while amid the
crowd moved a large number of pri-
vate detectives. A detachment Of the
civil guards accompanied General
Woodford to the frontier. The retir-
ing minister maintained his usual
calmness, but looked worn and IA
tigued.
When General woodford took his seat
in the train there was stir among the
spectators and rush toward the win
dow Of the carriage. The minister sat
unconcerned and dignited.
Senior Aguilera, the civil governor of |
Madrid, his gigantic figure rising head |
and shoulders above the crowd, In
stentorian voice raised a cheer, which /
was thrice responded to by the crowd.
viva Espana" resounded throughout
the station until the train was fairly
outside. This was not meant as
kindly farewell, but was an explosion of
long pent up feelings.
The English flag is now flying over
the American legation, which is still
guarded by the police.
Last night enthusiastic professions
moved through the principal streets.
The mob gathered in front of the
building OF the Equitable Life Insur-
ance company and insisted upon the re-
moval Of the American eagle which
was thrown down and smashed to bits.
The fragments were then carried
through the streets by cheering, yell
Ing mob to the Military club, where the
members appeared upon the balcony
and enthusiastically cheered the DEM
constructors, shouting viva Espana"
and Down with the Yankees" The
police mixed with the crowd and al
without restraint.
The civil governor of Madrid, Senior
Aguilera, instead Of prohibiting dis
order, allowed complete liberty of &C.
ton, mingling among the demonstra-
tors He was loudly cheered, especially
when the American escutcheon was
thrown from the Balcony Of the Eaui-
table building fell at his very feet.
Aguilera, as If trampling on the es-
cutcheon. addressed the populace amid
applause. He said:
1.-THE Spanish lion is reused from his
ylumber. He will shake his name and
isperse the rest of the brute creation"
The demonstration then continued. a .
part of the mob proposing to demon
trate In front Of the American Legal
ion, which is now under the British flag.
There is bitter feeling here against ,
There is bitter feeling here against ..
treat Britain, especially on the con-
raband of war and privateer questions.
t is the belief of the general public !
hat Great Britain is playing, in an
manner, the game of the
United States.
At yesterday afternoons cabinet I
ouncil Senior ,agasta addressed the 2
ueen regent thus:
I'm this solemn moment when the =
rst cannon shot is almost audible, the
overnment Is prepared to assume the
ntire responsibility for Its decisions, 4
ut 1t considers 1t opportune that the =
ueen regent should hear the opinion h
{ all the political leaders and the in .
uential men of all parties, as well as
he principal generals"