The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1898-05-09

people mas been acquired through intimate
association with them. He is a man VINO
is not content with the mere surface social
duties of an attache. but is a real student.
Yes he said, lookout for military
dictatorship and, unless all signs fail, with
Weyler at it's head"
We were discussing the effect or the VIC
tory at Manila upon the war and upon the
two countries engaged in it. He said that
so far as precipitating any intervention by
Europe was concerned he did not consider
1t likely that this one battle would in any
way change the relations now existing or
the attitude of the European powers to-
ward the conflict. His argument was that
having proclaimed neutrality these powers
would hold hands off and let us fight 1t out.
The mere defeat of Spain in the first battle
could not change the status and would not.
/ asked him if he thought with those who
believed Span's defeat would lead her to
sue for European interference on the basis
OF ceding Cuba as the United States has
demanded.
NO said he, Spain could not afford
to change front in that way at this early
stage of the game. She IS bound to make
at least one more effort-to put UP one
more fight as you say 1t. Her Atlantic
squadron, in which are her best modern
vessels. must show what they can do. II
the result OF battle upon the Atlantic
should be another overwhelming defeat for
Spain then there might be European inter
ference or intervention at the suggestion of
her friends. but not until then. The Span
lard Will die fighting and in my opinion the
end of this IS not now in sight"
1t was at this point OF our talk that the
conditions in Spain were referred to. The
diplomat who was doing the talking went
on to say that the evidences of discomfort
over the defea. at Manila BODIED Ill to the
Spanish dynasty.
There is not much real sentiment back
of the dynasty" he went on to explain.
about all there is comes from sympathy
for the boy king and for the natural feel
lngs Of his mother
Perhaps the ma iortty OF the people do
not believe that his claim to the throne is
good that OF Don Carlos and certain
~ few believe that It is better. The queen
regent Is not popular The politicians of
the country, though nomnally supporting
the dynasty. are in reality against 1t. except
where they profit by their support and the
queens only strength comes from the people
In the provinces who have been brought
in contact with her and who admire her
womanly and motherly qualities. She is a
most excellent lady. but she is referred to
by the masses of Spain as the Austrian, and
as you know. she is not the first Austrian
woman who has figured III the overthrow Of
a reigning house.
Neither is Don Carlos popular. He, too
is regarded foreigner, and there is no
enthusiasm back of the CarliSt cause, though
many of what you might call the anti
administration people in Spain put them
selves down as Carists. The masses care
little for either, and the shrewd leaders
of the army and In public life know it. If
there is an uprising, 1 do not believe that
1t will take the form call for Don Car
loss but Will rather be in the nature of a
for the re-cstablishment of the
Spanish republic. That viii be the form;
the substance. however. viii be a military
dictatorship. with Weyler at it's head.
"Weyler is a Spaniard of the Spaniards.
He is not only a fighting soldier. but he is a
man of ability in affairs. He is q born
leader of men. What Boulanger was 20 the
historical populace of France Il few years
ago Weyer is to the populace of Spain
and a great deal more. Boulanger was
merely the representative of the army
without brains and ability-a mere figure
head a mere puppet. Weyier. on the other
hand, enjoys the devotion Of the army as
and he has besides the qualities of real
leadership. He is the ideal man to help
revolution and just now the time for a rev
Olution In Spain has arrived. 1t looks like
d case of the time and the man meeting.
I asked If any guarantee had been given
to Spain of European help to uphold the
Nothing like substantial assurance"
said he. land there is likely to be nothing
of that kind except from Austria. whose
sympathies are very naturally with the
queen regent. Perhaps at the end there
might be intervention. but for a time, ut
least, Weyier would find things all his own
ambition, the opportunity is most tempting,
+ Weyler does eo] not gra512} s it, we haze q!
course ii would be done under dramatic
for those Latins are nothing
# not dramatic: and it would he done in
Of a n
most likely It would come in the shape
7 have indicated-that is the rc-establish-
ment Of the republic. But in whatever
shane il would be military dictatorship;
and If you keep your eye on Spain for the
next few weeks YOU will. | believe. see
that come to pass