The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-15
SPAIN IN MOURNING
For the Loss of Her Colonial
Empire.

London, Aug. 15.-The Madrid cores
pondent of the Daily Mail says:
The comments of the press on the
protocol are a veritable funeral hymn
on the destruction of the Spanish CO.
1onial empire. Some days ago, the de-
sire for peace made the people close
their eyes to the price, but now, upon
reading the protocol, they realize that
the cost is the loss of that empire
which Spain has conquered with so
much glory, and that Spain now falls
to the second rank among nations. The
public mind is stunned, and there is
general mourning.
General BlancO telegraphs that Ha-
vana is greatly agitated by the news of
the signing of the protocol, and that
much anxiety is manifested to learn the
conditions, which have not yet been
published. Some uneasiness is felt re-
garding the effect that the text of the
protocol may have on the Spanish vol
unteers in Havana.
Many newspapers express grief and
despair that the men who brought dis
aster on Spain by lack of foresight, or
ganizatiOn and ability should continue
to govern the country.
The Times Madrid correspondent
says:
The publication of the protocol has
not maze impression, because lIlG
contents were already known. The only
doubtful point referred to is the time of
the cOnVOcatiOn of the cOrteS. Although
there is strong cabinet dlssenslon on
this point, some experimenting a crisis,
little Importance need be attached to it,
because it is even unlikely that in the
event of one or two ministers resigning
the course of the peace negotiations will
be seriously affected, because in the
long run, Sagasta is certain to have his
own way.
Meanwhile, he allows his colleagues
to discuss the subject freely, and wisely
keeps his own counsel There is no con-
ceivable doubt that the cOrtes will ap-
prove of peace, and the date of the
convocation of the cortes can only af-
feet personal party interest.
It is too soon to speak confidently of
the impression the preliminary condi-
lions of peace, when examined closely,
will make on the Spanish people gen
orally, but there is no doubt the news
of the termination of hOStilitieS will be
received by great majority with sat
isfactiOn.
During the last few weeks there has
been a great change in public opinion.
Though it was universally recognized
from the beginning that,in the long run,
America would prove herself stronger
than Spain, it was generally expected
that the bravery, dash and tenacity of
the Spanish army and navy would in
some measure cOunterbalance the su-
periOrity of the United States in pOpu-
lation and resources, and that, cOnse-
quentIy the conditions of peace would
not be very onerous. This illusion was
dispeHed by the destruction of Ger
vera's squadron, the capitulation of
Santiago and other well known Incl
dents of the campaign, and gradually
the conviction spread that, as Spain
was evidently incapable of defending
herself, the sooner she made peace the
better.
It may pretty safely be assumed,
therefore, that the decision of the gov
eminent will be generally approved.
Whether the government will subse-
quently be called to account for negli-
gence in its preparation for war and
for the manner in which the campaign
was conducted is another question.