The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-04
Power of the Civil Authorities
Suspended,
Observation-Disclosures
Public Gatherings in the City
Prohibited.

Madrid, May 8, noon.-The proclamation
of martial law has caused much dlssatis-
faction. it being declared unnecessary, un-
less the government has information of
secret conspiracy. Sundays demonstra-
ton was trivial even, compared with tho
trihing disturbances upon the occasion Of
the proclamation of the Cuban armlstice.
The newspapers are particularly discon-
tented with the state OF affairs existing,
as the mere mention OF military operations
is punishable severely.
Groups of people which gather around
the spots where the martial law procla-
nation Is posted promptly disperse, laugh
Ing when they read the article prohibiting
public gatherings. All interest is now cen
tered in the debates in the Cortes.
The proclamation is couched In warlike
language, beginning: Whereas, Spain,
finding herself at. war with the United
States, the power of the civil authorities in
Spain is suspended.
Whereas, 1t is necessary to prevent any
impairment of the patriotic efforts which
are being made by the nation with manly
energy and veritable enthusiasm.
article IA state Of siege in Madrid is
hereby proclaimed.
article 2.-As a consequence Of Article
/, all offenses against public order. those
of the press included, will be tried by the
military tribunals.
"Article S.--In article are included Of
fenses committed by those who, without
special authorization, shall publish news
relative to any operations of war whatso-
ever"
Then follow the articles which prohibit
meetings and public demonstrations.
An article written by Gen. /Weyler has
appeared in the newspapers at Palma, cap
ital of the island of Marjorca, where the
general was born and where his home Is
situated. The general says that II the gov
eTnment had been prepared Spain would
now be covered with glory.
Continuing, Gen. Weyler asserts that
the Spanish army and navy are superior
in discipline to the Yankees, whose lack
of discipline was manifested In the loss
OF the Maine"
Gen, Weyler then accuses tho Spanish
government OF weakness, and concludes
garding the future.
In the Congress to-day resolution of
homage" i'm honor Of those killed in the
naval engagement off Cayite, was adopt
ed, the republicans, Carlists and Conserv-
atives voting an the negative.
Tho official account of Captain General
Augustus communication as to the offer Of
the British consul at Manila to place al
Chinese subjects i'm the Philippines under
-. ion, xf thn Tgtatff fah DAD We
Captain General Augusti wires that the
British consul called upon him TO say
that he would take the Chinese subjects
In the Philippines under the British flag
In order to safeguard their lives and prop
erty The captain general added that a
number of rich and influential Chinese at
Manila had assured him that they were
satisfied with the protection Of Spain. Sc
nor Moret, secretary for the colonies. re-
piled to Captain General Augusu that
there was no reason to accept the pro-
tectorate which the British consul wished
to exercise. The British consuls offer has
been communicated to the Powers"
The government apparently sees some
deep laid maehination on the part Of
Great Britain, for the official note says:
"This news caused surprise, although peo-
pie are accustomed to the methods OF
those who direct British interests"
The question IS asked: What can be
the object of the British request? China
Is not in a position to expect this or any
other protectorate; but the British take
IL upon themselves to be the protectors
of the Celestial empire against French,
Russian and German ambitions, with
view undoubtedly to acquire a new title
by the protection Of the Chinese in the
Philippines. The Spanish government
cannot accept the role offered II and re-
tects the proposition, at the same time
informing the Powers, who are not dis
posed 10 allow Great Britain 10 protect
China as they have sqlladrons In the Tar
east themselves for that purpose"