The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1898-04-26
THE SPANISH CORrEs.
Ihe Queen Regent Arouscs much En-
thusiasm in Opening the Proceed
lngs--Ihe Spaniards are Ready to
Fight,

me Queen Regent Arouscs much En-
thusiasm In Opening the Proceed
ings-Ihe Spaniards are Ready to
Fight.
The Spanish Cortes Or parliament,
consisting Of the nobility, the clergy
and representatives Of the principal
cities, assembled on the 10Th inst. for
the purpose Of considering the rela-
lions OF their government with the
Unite1 States. The opening Of the
assembly was an imposing and magnih-
ent sight.
All the wealth and beauty Of Madrid
gathered in the senate, where every
available foot Of space was occupied.
Large bodies Of troops we're drawn up
outside Of the building, including the
handsomely uniformed blue Dragons
and the magniticently at.ired palace
guards. All the members Of the diplO-
matte corps were present in full dress.
a wild cheer announced the arrival
OF the queen regent, who was driven to
the cortcs palace in q state coach aud
escorted by II detachment Of Life
Guards. the cheering was taken uD
within the building as tue queen re-
gent entered, the cheers boiUg accom-
panied by enthusiastic cIics OF Viva
Alfonso Troce,' Viva Espana," IL
really unanimously patriotic demon
stratiOn.
The queen regent read the speech
from the throne while seated with the
young king, Alfonso, on her right, and
the premier, Senior Sagasta, standing
nCar the king. Her majesty's words
were inaudible TO all but those in her
immediate vicinity. The reading was
J greeted Throughout with cries Of viva
Espana." ~ wonderful picture was
presented by the queens encourage,
consisting Of most Of the highest person
ages in Spain in brilliant court, mill.
tary, naval or palace uniforms.
At the close Of her majesty's speech
there was renewed cheering, after
which premier Sagasta declared the
c)rtes opened, and the queen regent
and the boy king left the building
amid another wild outburst Of en-.
thuisasm. The queen regents speech
began:
The grave anxictics W hich saddened
my nina the last time | addressed you
nave increased and are heightened by
pubic uneasinCSS conveying the pre-
sentiment Of fresh and greater c0mpli-
cations rs II result Of tho turn which
events in Cuba have taken. These
complications wee brought about by
a section Of the people OF the United
States which, seeing that the au-
tonomy previously offered N my mess
age was about TO be put IN force, fore
saw that the free manifestation Of the
CuhGn people, through its chambers,
would Illustrate forever the schemes
against Spanish sovereignty which
have been plotted by those who, with
resources and arms sent from the
neiEhboring coast, have fettered the
suppression of the insurrection in that
unhappy island. Should the govern
ment Of the Unitcd States yield to this
blind current, menac ana insults
whicn we have hitherto been able to
regard with Indifference, for they were
not an expression Of the sentiments OF
the true American nation, would be-
come intoIcrablc provocations, which
would compel my government. in de-
fence OF the national dignity, to sever
relations with the government Of the
United States.
I'm this supreme crisis, the sacred
voice of hin who represents human
Justice on earth was raised in counsels
Ol peace and prudence, to which my
government had no difficulty in barker.
ing, strong in the consciousness Of ita
right, and calm in the strict perform
anCC OF It's duties.
"Spain's gratitude is due to the
pope, and also to the great powers,
whose action strengthens my convic.
ton that Spain's cause deserves uni.
versal sympathy and that her conduct
merits unanimous approval.
Possibly, however, the peace efforts
may fail to control the evil passions
excited against Spain. Lest this re-
suit, | have summoned the cortes to
defend our rights, whatever sacrifice
they may entail. Thus identifying
myself with The nation, | not only flu
I'LL the oath ! swore in accepting thc
regency, but | follow the dictates OF a
mothers heart, trusting 70 the Spanish
people 10 gather behind nv sons
throne, and to defend it until be is ole
enough to defend it himself, as well as
trusting to the Spanish people TO de-
lend the honor and the territory OF the
nation"
The queen regent then referred to
the trouble in the Philippine islands.
and, continuing. said "Although q
DARK and gloomy future is before Us,
the difficulties are not beyond car
powers. With our glorious army, navy
and the united nation before foreign ae-
grcssiCn, we trust in God that we shall
overcome without stain on our honor,
the basciess and unjust attacks made
IpOn U.s."