The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-03-01
IHE COUNTRY
Spanish Political Parties viii
Now Go.
PEACE OR WAR INVOLVED
WeyIer Will Make 1t Warm
for SagaSta,

Washington, Feb. 28.-The state depart
ment has received the following dispatch
from Minister Woodford at Madrid:
Decree dissoIving Spanish cortes Feb
ruary 26. New cortes will meet April p"
The dissolution of the cortes had been
expected, and it may be attended with
important results. The two parties, Lib
eraI and Conservative, will now appeal TO
the country, and on the result will depend
the political complexion OF the ministry.
The Sagasta ministry, now in power, is
Liberal Its retention in power means
much at the present juncture, for it was
was on the advent of the Sagasta regime
that General Weyler was recalled,
the reconcentrado DEGREES were annulled
and the present plan of autonomy put in
fore. The policy now being pursued by
General Blanco in Cuba is an entire re-
Versal of that under the Conservative
regime Of Canovas and his successor, and
it is felt that the continuance of this
policy is no less at stake than the min
istry itself in the outcome of the present
elections.
affairs, has not received official notifica
ton of the dissolution of the cortes but
he says this was expected as soon as the
work of the present cortes was concluded.
Under the laws OF Spain, forty days must
expire before the election of the new
cortes occurs. Senior Du Bose, who is
himself a Liberal and a warm supporter
of the Sagasta ministry, says there is no
doubt the result will be the return of the
present ministry. All parties Of late have
given loyal aid to the Liberal ministry
and its policy toward Cuba, and the pres
ent time is regarded by Mr.. Du Bose as
suspicious for a calm campaign, which,
be asserts, will continue the present au-
thorities in power. He says there is no
significance in the dissolution at this
time.
In other quarters it is felt that the Con-
servatives may take this opportunity to
regain the reins of government by max
ing a campaign against the Cuban policy
of the Sagasta regime. The Weyler eIe-
ment is another growing factor in Span
ish affairs and, it is expected that the
Weylerites either will cast their influence
with the Conservatism, who sent General
Weyier to Havana, or else make their
af5pearance as a distinct political organ,
representative of the army and navy and
the martial spirit in general To a con
siderable extent the contest will be be-
tween the war element and the peace ele-
rnent and as the Liberal program thus far
has been most pacific in character. it Is
anticipated that the Liberals Will gain
the peace vote.
Elections will be held not only in Spain,
but also in Cuba and Puerto Rico. This,
however. should not be confined with the
local elections of Cuba, under the plan
of autonomy. The present election will
he confined entirely to the choice Of dele
gates to the imperial parliament and will
not be part of the autonomous plan LOT
a local government of Cuba. The latter
elections have not been fixed. and the time
for them will be set by the autonomous
cabinet. In the elections Of April % CUBA
will select its usual quota to the span
ish cortes under the same system Oh SUI
frage that has long prevailed. The new
cortes will meet Immediately after the
election, probably May l. While no date
is given it is known in advance that the
new body must be completed by july l.
This will give brief time for completing
the extensive supply bills within the time
prescribed by Spanish law. With Lib
eral majority, however, this can be read
iy accomplished. The possibilities OF
delay lie in the fact that Conserva-
tive victory will not only give that party
control of the cortes but will precipitate
other ministerial changes, with conse-
quent changes of policies.