The times., 1898-05-08

crisis One writer says that the mere
fact that all eyes are now turned on Wey-
Ter as the possible savior OF his country
from anarchy shows how low Spain has
fallen. No one in his sane moments would
place any confidence in this unheroic in
dividual, but the country is no longer
sane. The government knows il and has
promptly clapped on the strait-waistcoat
of martial law. As soon as they can throw
that off the spectators will see to what
pitch Of madness the Spaniards have been
driven by the supineness Indifference
and incompetence of their rulers.
II a foreign army were encamped out
side Madrid greater preparations could
not be made TO receive it than have been
taken 10 check the uprising of the popu-
lace, indignant at the incapacity and stu
pidity Of its rulers. The government still
feels confident. however. in its servile
majesty within the chamber and in the
fidelity of the troops.
3raiRicss Dcmngogues.
Probably never before was there such
gathering OF unknown, brainless and
servile individuals within the Spanish pop
uiar chamber as constitutes Sagasta's ma
jority- They have not even the sense TO
vote silently and hold their tongues
10 call attention to their individual will
ingness to die for the government just
afford to such men as Robledo and Mella
opportunities for that sort OF sharp re-
torts which is even more damaging than
set speeches. Sagasta has many hardships
l To contend against. but the worst is the
stupidity Of his following.
WcSIer May he Arrested
Equally broken is his second reed, the
fidelity Of the army. The army is faith
ful. but their fidelity is TO Spain. not to
the incapables who have handed her over
powerless TO the enemy. II is pitiful to
think that Weyler is now the occupant of
the patriotic niche. but so 1t is His move
ments are closely watched and no one
would be surprised to hear that he had
. been placed under arrest. Such a step
would, however, only precipitate events,
not prevent them. The main safety of
the government lies in the apparently ir-
reconcilable principles Of the various sec
tions OF its enemies.
They Whistle Another Tune.
Since the Manila defeat became known
the tone Of the Madrid press has changed
There are no more ratings against the
pork butchers" no more gibes al the
American army as chiefly composed OF
mercenaries and foreigners. and no more
satiI al references 10 the personal ap-
( pearance Of prominent American states
men. Every editorial now breathes the fire
Of vengeance and sometimes the frenzy of
rage
If the selfshncss of he great powers
and their forgeJfulUess Of the right ana
I justice exclaims The Impartial. should
/ cause US TO be deprived Of means and
I space In which TO WELD the sword. we
shall fan. fighting with our nails dug In
/ the flesh of the giants arms that is at
/ tempting 10 overpower us and our teeth
+. fixed in his face. Up, then, with all our
might, to confront the days OF mourning;
up with indomitable vigor and courage to
STAY the enemy and TO wash the CORY
decks of the Reina Cristina, the Castillo
and the UlIoa."
The Heraldo trusts no longer in the
help Of the saints. 1t says:
THE god Of victories formerly favored
the brave. He now only helps those that
are best prepared, best organized and
directed"