The herald., 1898-04-25
WAR BUDGET OF SPAIN
WILL BE READ TO THE CoRTES
TOMORROW
TWO YEARS. TAXES IMPOSED
With a Promise That the Government
Will Refund-The Financial
Crisis Is Over
ssociated Press Special Wire


MADRID. April "a, 1890 a. m.-Senor
Puigceiver, minister of finance, will prob
ably read his budget to the cortes on
Tuesday. It's chief feature will be an am
pie authorization to the government to
raise such funds as may be deemed neces-
sary for war expenses
Two new sources Of income will be loans
guaranteed by the tax on navigation and
the Almaden quicksilver mines. New
taxes will be imposed on gas. petroleum
and electric lighting. Two years taxes will
be levied, payable quarterly in advance,
and reimbursed within a decade by spe-
cial bonds. Power will be given to the
Bank of Spain to increase its note issue
from 900 pesetas to 1000 100000 Pc
setas, in which case the metallic reserves
must be increased proportionately a half
and two-thirds.
The Madrid papers point out that some
excellent prizes are now obtainable in the
Mediterranean in the yachts of millionaire
Americans.
2 p. NIT Is believed that the Spanish
admirals at their meeting yesterday ap-
proved of plan of campaign against the
United States. All information on the
subject naturally is refused.
The rush to change paper currency for
silver has ceased, thus ending the none
tary crisis. A high official asserts that the
powers are still comforting, with results
that are expected to benefit Spain. The
tone of the Portuguese press is friendly
to Spain and 1t is said that the demonstra-
ton in favor Of Spain has been made be-
fore several United States consulates in
Mexico.
The impartial prints list of the Amer
lean ships in the Mediterranean, pointing
out that they will be easy prey for the
Spanish warships.
7:45 p. m.-There were slight demonstra-
tions early this morning and again this
evening, but they were dispersed by Gov
ernor Aguilera- The one subject of con-
versation throughout the day has been the
capture of the Buena Ventura prior to a
formal declaration Of hostilities or the
lapse of the time limit in the American ui-
timatum. The papers describe 1t as an act
Of piracy.
The attitude of the citizens of Madrid
today is irreproachable Several American
correspondents left by the Sunday ex-
press.
Advices have been received from Manila,
AiAPPAhO AoioANop ~ lAAO CAASSS tAieAt WASA
news was received there of the sailing of
the American squadron from Hongkong
an imposing popular demonstration took
place, all classes offering their property
and lives in defense of the country. The
enthusiasm is described as tremendous"
Barcelona Disorder
BARCELONA, April A.-The most in
tense excitement prevails here. Thou
sands of people are parading the streets
and demonstrating in front of the French
and Mexican consulates.
At Porto Rico
ST. THOMAS, West Indies, April a.
According to the latest advices from Porto
Rico, the agitation there is increasing, and
food prices are rising fast. The author
tiles have taken steps to prevent the de-
parture Of refugees. At Mayagus, seventy
miles southwest of San Juan, there is talk
of revolution.
Refugees from Porto Rico, who reached
here by a schooner this evening, report
that the condition of the island is critical
Martial law has been proclaimed and
Americans there are in danger, as they are
without protection. United States Con-
sui Van Horn here has bought 1900 tons Of
coal for the United States government,
which will arrive here tomorrow, and he Is
negotiating for more.
Left Under Tow
TOULON, France, April A.-The old
Spanish ironclad Numanira, which has
been under repairs for months past at the
Iazarine ship yards, started yesterday for
Barcelona, under sealed orders. Her re-
pairs not being completed, she was towed
by the Spanish steamer Cabonea from Mar
seilles, starting in the darkness in order to
escape observation.
Unlawfully Taken
LONDON, April 24.-It is announced in
a dispatch from Madrid to the Evening
News, dated yesterday evening, that at a
cabinet council presided over by the
queen regent at noon on Saturday, sum-
moned to consider the capture of the Span
ish steamer Buena Ventura by the United
States cruiser Nashville, it was decided to
claim that the vessel was unlawfully cap
tured, and the minister for foreign affairs
was instructed to seek the support of the
representatives of the foreign powers at
Madrid.
The dispatch adds that as result of the
capture of the Spanish steamer Buena
Ventura, the government OF Spain, it is ex-
pected, will formally declare war against
the United States.
Red Cross Funds
| PARIS, April PA subscription has
been opened in aid of the American and
Spanish Red Cross societies.
The Oriental Fleet
HONG KONG, April 24.-Five warships
belonging to the United States squadron,
accompanied by two store ships, will leave
here today under sealed orders.
The United States cruisers Olympia and
Baltimore will wait the arrival of the
| United States CONSUL Mr. o. F. Williams,
from Manila, and will follow the fleet to.
morrow.
The foreign enlistment act has been pro-
claimed by the British authorities here,
thus enforcing the neutrality of British
subjects.
European Neutrality
LONDON, April "a. - The Berlin CORE.
spondent Of the Standard says: Germany
will take no steps prejudicial to the United
States, nor will she join in any intervention
in Spain's behalf"
The Rome correspondent of the Standard
says: 1.-THE queen asked the blessing of
the pope upon the Spanish arms. His holi-
ness replied that he sent it from his heart,
and hoped to see vindication Of SPAIN $
rights, which had been trampled upon "
The st. Peterburg correspondent of the
Daily Telegraph, telegraphing Saturday,