The herald., 1898-05-11

event the presence Of American Carlists
was desired at this moment. He added:
don Carlos is already forming his min
istry, and although 1t is not yet completed,
can safely say that at least three Of the
ministers have been decided on. The mar
ouis of Cerralba is to be president of the
council; Gen. Weyler, commander-in-chief
OF the army, and Don Juan vasquex de
Mella. who was recently expelled from the
cortes. will occupy a high position, prob
ably that Of secretary Of state"
sagasta Is Sad
LONDON. May 10-The Madrid corres-
pondent Of the Morning Post has had
long interview with Senior Sagasta, the
Premier. in the course Of which the Span
ish statesman said:
1.-THE sad events at Manila have sad
dened all Spaniards. but have not made
them lose heart. We can say with con-
fdence Of this disaster that nothing has
occurred to wound our pride. Much has
been said regarding the causes of the cat
astrophe. but all the discussion has been
outside the question. The truth is, we
were two few and were overwhelmed by
the great superiority of the enemys forces
and by the fortunes of war, which, un-
happily, went against US.
'On principle, I am opposed to war, which
Is always disastrous, even to the victorious
nation. God is my witness that did not
wish a rupture with the United States.
realized perfectly that we were exhausted
by the war with the Cubans and needed
rest. On the contrary desired peaceful
rAlx xryt.f
interests and honor, our rights and SOW
ereignty. The government did every thing
to avoid conflict, even more than it should
have done. When our adversaries began to
treat US with contempt, war became in
evitable and we were compelled to accept
1t.
1.-The situation is very simple and un-
fortunately cannot be concealed. Spain
is desolated and ruined by internal trou-
bles. The United States have coveted
Cuba for long time-firstly, because it is
an excellent strategic point; secondly, so
as to be masters of the interoceanic trade.
To attain their objects they have literally
hesitated at nothing. They knew the
state of our finances and took advantage
of it to attack us, after having assisted
the Cuban insurrection, with a view of
completing our ruin and with cute plan
of declaring war as soon as Spain had
been sufficiently exhausted.
"Now that the struggle has begun the
Americans continue the same tactics. In
stead Of openly making war. they en-
courage in every way, the troubles in Cuba,
Porto Rico and the Philippines, and, If
they could, they would stir UP an insur-
rection in the peninsula.
''In the present juncture there is no time
to lose. We must reserve all our strength
and all our energy for tomorrow. Our first
duty is to unite in order to vanQuish our
enemies and uphold the honor of Spain.
NOW this is precisely what grieves me.
I believed that the first cannon-shot fired
by the United States against our troops
would be a signal for the union and the
fraternity Of all Spaniards, as all are fully
affected by the assault of the United
states. was mistaken. Certain parlta-
mentarian groups are in disagreement with
the government and have the pretention to
make conditions in return for their sup
port. They thus paralyze our efforts and
diminish the strength which is indispens-
able to the government. In such difficult
times some are even ceaselessly intrigl-
ing, others are full of reticence, and all
has been done in the name of the Father
land. Attempts have been made to as
sail the monarchy, with their authors ap-
pearing not to imagine for moment that
this is simply weakening the country low
ering the prestige of the flag, tending to
the discouragement of the troops and the
encouraging of our enemy.
when our political adversaries attack
the government, when they criticize the
crown while war is proceeding, they are
committing a crime for which some day
they may have to answer before the coun-
try.
1.-THE future is in the hands of God. None
can foresee it."
Grub Getting Scarce
MADRID, May 10, 10 a. m.-The authori-
ties here are greatly concerned about the
provisions for this city. 1t Is estimated that
the stock of wheat will be consumed in
side of. a month, and measures are being
taken to purchase wheat abroad.