The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-05-04

Mgr. Herrea, cardinal bishop of San
tiago de Compostel, said he spoke be,
cause he desired to stir up the public
mind against the cowardly Americans.
He declared that the Spanish nation was
the victim of the power OF gold"
There Is no longer any doubt that the
internal situation is causing the govern
ment almost as much uneasiness as the
external. Monday nights demonstra-
tion was one Of the most serious in some
time. since those participating showed
their revolutionary tendencies. Cries
were raised OF Down with the Bour-
bons" Long live Don Carlos" Long
live the republic" and Long live Wey-
ler." The first move of the demonstra-
tors. over thousand strong, was to the
house of General weyler. with the OBJ
Ject OF cheering him. He did not ap-
pear. and the crowd then went to the
residence OF Sagasta. where the min
listers were in conference. and shouted in
favor OF his resignation Aguilera, tina
civil governor of Madrid, broke UP the
procession with the aid OF the police.
who were badly stoned and had to charge
the crowd. The authorities thereupon
met Aguilcra. who announced his inten-
tion OF resignirG. saying that it cost him
great trouble 20 repress such manifes-
tations, ard that he was not able to an
swer for order with the powers at his
disposal. Thereupon the edict was is
sued placing Madrid upder martial law,
and the military governor. General Da-
ban. received stringent orders from Cen
eral Correa, the minister of war, for the
preservation OF peace.
The proclamation Of martial law has
caused much dissatisfaction, 1t being de-
clared unnecessary unless the govern
ment has information OF a secret con-
Epiracy. The new.pa pers particularly
are discontented with the state OF affairs
as the mere mention Of military opera
tions is punishable severely.
Groups of,people which gather around
the spots where the proclamation is
posted promptly disperse, laughing
when they read the article prohibiting
public gatherings
The proclamation is couched in war
like language. beginning:
whereas, Spain. finding herself at
war with the United States. the power of
the civil authorities in Spain is sus-
pended.
Whereas II is necessary to prevent
any impairment OF the patriotic efforts
which are being made by the nation with
manly energy and veritable enthusiasm:
Article IA state of siege In Madrid
Is hereby proclaimed
Article 2--As a consequence of article
I, all offenses against public order, those
Of the press included, will be tried by the
military tribunals.
Article 3--In article are included
offences committed by those who, with
out special authorization. shall publish
news relative to any operations OF war
whatsoever"
Then follow the articles which pro-
hibit meetings and public demonstra-
tions.
In the mob Monday night were many
officers In uniform. who were foremost
In melting the people to attack the
minister's residence and were loudest
In calling for cheers for Weyler. There
Is no doubt these men desire to provoke
the government into firing upon the mob
and so to pave the way for it's down.
fall. Some OF them were arrested, but
were subsequently, released. the gov
ernment fearing to let II become known
that officers OF the army formed part
Of the mob.
While the streets were thus occupied
great unrest was manifested at the
various barracks and the soldiers were
only prevented from Joining the mob by
the personal pleadings OF the officers.
The Republicans were even more busy
than the officers In egging on the crowd
and shouting: Down with the queen
regent" More than once they led the
mob toward the royal palace, but each
time the police drove them back. There
Is a general belief that a cabinet crisis
Is imminent and that II will probably
end In considerable modification of
the present government. possibly In the
formation OF a national ministry under
the presidency OF Marshal Cam2os. In
any case parliament Is certain to be
closed shortly.
Meanwhile the cabinet council is dis
cussing the political situation In Spain.
Admiral Bermejo. minister OF marine
and General. Gorrea are strongly in
favor OF an Immediate suspension OF the
constitutional guarantees. a step which
requires the closing OF the cortes. The
other members OF the cabinet. however.
consider this inconvenient at present,
because IL would wipe out many years
OF the history OF the Liberal party.
The events OF the last few days have
undoubtedly Increased the popularity
of General weyler. who fsvors an OUT
and out war policy At the same time
there 10 no real ground for anticipating