The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-05-25
SPAlN'S DIZZY FINANCES.
The Minister of Finance Trying to Msks
Black Appear White.


Madrid May "a. 4 p. m.-In the cham
ber Of deputies to-day Senior Puigcerver.
minister of finance. replying to the
criticism OF Marquis de Villaverde, con-
servative, with respect to the financial
policy of the government. repudiated
the charge of want of foresight. and
asserted that Spain's finances were in
"A satisfactory condition" assuring the
payment of all the expenses of the war.
Senor Puigcerver said that in view Of
the impossibility OF negotiating loans
abroad. there was no means of raising
funds to continue the war except by an
extension of the Bank OF Spain's note
issue, which. however. did not imply a
forced paper currency. He proposed he
said. to convert the treasury's floating
debt. now nearly 500. 900. 900 pesetas into
small denomination treasury bonds. He
explained the proposed conversion OF
the external debt. but avoided any al
fusion to the proposed tax on the ma
tional debt. Senior Puiacerver affirmed
the necessity of 20 per cent. increase in
all taxation, including that Of agricul-
ture.
IL p. m.-The same mysterious silence
reigns in official circles tonight as last
night. The government dicloses nothing
from the seat of war.
La Oorreseondencia Espana observes:
''An unexpected feeling of dependency
Is motto cea BILE. As no bad news has been
received we can only suggest that this
feeling is caused by fears Of prolonga-
ton OF the war"
London. May PA special dispatch
from Madrid says: Evidently the pro-
gramme in regard to the Philippine ISL
ands has been changed IL Is believed
here that there will beno immediate en-
gagement in Cuban waters. but that
Admiral Cervera will draw off the enc
my while the Cadiz fleet relieves Ha-
vana.
Wednesday:
Nothing positive is revealed as to
the situation. Lieutenant General Cor
rea. minister of waI> has received a
cablegram from General Blanco saying
that the American warships are in
minister OF marine. has received a
lengthy dispatch from Admiral Ger
vera, replying to full instructions. The
minister of marine receives nobody.
He Is working day and night. Yester-
day ne presented to the queen regent
every detail of the plans at Santiago
de Cuba, showing the defenses and the
security of Admiral Cervera's squad
ron.
Admiral Cervera has gone back to
Cadiz on sealed orders IL is said on
his arrival there he will arrange for
manouvering his ships at sea. for trials
of speed. gunnery and everything nee
essary TO assure himself that the
squadron is in efficient condition. He
will depart for destination undi-
vulged. Senor Capdepon. minister Of
the interior. says telegram received
by the war Office from Manila. reports
that the natives are disposed to remain
loyal to Spain and will defend the ter
ritory against foreign invasion.
The latest rumor is that a Spanish
warship has captured an American
warship in Cuban waters"
The Madrid correspondent of the
Daily News says: Rumors as To- the
negotiations of the powers in favor of
peace are premature: but responsible
Spanish statesmen are prepared to
seize the first opportunity to end the
war. providing IT can be done on terms
honorable TO Spain.