The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-04

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governments of the last half century, nota-
bly, that of the restoration, declaring that
they were responsible for the present situa-
tion.
Senor Silvela interposed: I'VE are now
threatened with an impotent dictorship in
spired by the genius Of the disciples of
Loyola," remark which provoked protests
from the Conservative benches.
Senior Salmeron renewed his demands for
an explanation of the cause of the reverse
the fleet had sustained. just at this mo-
ment General Weyler entered the chamber
and seated himself between the Republican
and Carist groups Salmeron continued, de-
ploring the unpatriotic attitude of the Con-
servatives, and attributed the countrys ills
to the worn-out regime under which we
live" He concluded: I'VE expend millions
to maintain the monarchy. but have not
enough to buy ironcads. Whoever will de-
stroy the existing regime will be great
patriot" This declaration was received with
loud Conservative protests.
Senior sagasta made determined reply,
which was loudly applauded by a large ma
jority of the chamber. He began by deplor-
ing the fact that the Spaniards were not
united Sin the present circumstances when
it," If it were ever criminal to attack the
fatherland, he said, it was surely more so
now Eulogizing the men who had fallen in
battle, he declared it imperative that Span
iards should show themselves energetic and
he appealed to all parties to unite. He
begged the chamber to adopt the necessary
war credit. II ask it," he said, 'in the name
of the soldiers and in the name of the faith
erland."
The Republicans and Carlists greeted Sc
nor Sagasta with angry denunciations,
shaking their fists and giving other marks
of disapproval, while the Republicans and
Monarchists exchanged hot recrirninations
But the debate itself. fell short of expec-
tations, Senor Sagasta reserving the de-
sired explanations depriving it of interest
The heads of all political sections promised
not to oppose any measures the government
required to conduct the war.
The chief interest attached to the speech
of Senor Jose Canalejes, who declared that
he belonged to no political party, and could
speak with entire independence. The editor
of Ell Heralde severely criticised the unpre-
paredness of the government. He said that
he learned while on his visit to America
and Cuba that the Americans meant war
and were rapidly preparing for it, being per-
fectly acquainted with Spain's means of at
tack and defense; but, he said, had the
Spanish government not been so yielding,
| and had it confronted the Yankees with a
powerful army, they would never have gone
to war. He said he considered it preferable
to give Cuba independence than embarking
on foreign war without proper prepara-
tions.
An incident OF the division was the spec
tacle of such strange companions as Senor
Salmeron voting with Senior Mella, the Car
list, and Senior Romero Robledo, the Con-
servative. 1t caused one member to cry
ironically: Good company" Senior Robledo
quickly retorted: Good Spanish company"
During the debate Senor Llorines. the
Carlist, read a letter from Manila to the
effect that no kind Of defense existed there.
General Correa, minister of war, declared
that the enemy would never set foot in Ma
nila, as the garrison was strong enough to
repulse them Admiral Bermejo explained
the technical impossibility Of establishing
defenses in Manila bay
Senior Sagasta declared that the Re
publican system did not deserve the
praises Senor Salmeron bestowed on 1t.
THE United States issa republic" he said
yet 1t employs towards Spain a policy Of
kind so base that the world has never
seen before. 1t does not dare make war
face to face. 1t seeks by indirect means to
do Spain injury. J. am certain the United
States would be pleased to see an uprising
provoked in Spain by the Republicans" This
was followed by loud Conservative cheers
and Republican protests Senior Sagasta
ironically reminded the Republicans of the
woeful shortcomings and mistakes of their
short misrule in 1873 He skillfully reminded
them that the Spanish people were wide
enough awake to see through their pre-
tended patriotism
1t is believed the government intends to
close the Parliament the moment the budget
Is voted. Senor Gassets proposal to vote
censure upon the government is likely to
produce a warm debate. The minority,
though small, is in possession of brains far
above the average of deputies
In the Senate, Admiral Beranger, after an
eloquent eulogy to the seamen VINO had died
at Manila, offered his services to the gov
ernment Internationally. Senior Sanchez
Toca violently protested against the breach
Of international law involved in the capture
of Spanish ships by the United States war
ships before war had been declared, and
characterized American conduct as amount
ing to piracy
Senor Capdepon, minister of the interior,
explained that state of siege had been
declared because certain elements had
sought to turn the misfortunes of the coun-
try to their own advantage by trying to
arouse public passions
Marshal Campos offered the government
his unconditional support. Monsgnor Her
rera, cardinal archbishop of Santiago de
ComposteIa, said he spoke because he de-
sired to stir up the public mind against
the cowardly Americans" He declared that
the Spanish nation were the victims of
the power of gold" Senor Gullon, foreign
minister thanked Mgr. Herrera for his pa
triotic speech.
SCENES IN MADRID.