The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-04-21
QUEEN RECEN1SSPDECH
Declares Never Ending Defiance to
Our Demands.
W00DF0RD HAS THE ULTIMATUM

VIII Present 1t Promptly to the Span
fsh Government and win Probabl
at Once Leave Madrid to Join Hi
Family In Paris.
Madrid, April 21--The opening of tn
Spanish cortes yesterday was a mag
niticent sight. All the wealth ant
beauty Of Madrid gathered In the sen
ate, where every available foot OF
space was occupied. There was a ter.
rife crush at the entrance leading Il
the senatorial seats. many OF which
were. occupied by ladies. Large bodie.
Of troops were drawn up outside the
building.
A wild cheer. at 2:30 p. m, announced
the arrival of the queen regent, who
was driven TO the cortes palace In a
state coach escorted by a detachmen,
OF life guards. The cheering was taken
up within the building az the queen re,
gent entered. The queen regent read
the speech from the throne while seat.
ed. with the young king, Alfonso. on
her right, and the premier. Senior Sa-
gasta. standing near the king. Her
majesty's words were inaudible to all
but those In her immediate vicinity.
At the close Of her majesty's speech
there was renewed cheering, after
which Premier Sagasta declared the
cortes opened. and the queen regent
and the boy king, accompanied by the
court. left the building amid another
wild burst of enthusiasm.
The queen regents speech began:
THE grave anxieties which saddened
my mind the last time addressed you
have increased, and are heightened by
public uneasiness. conveying the pre-
sentiment Of fresh and greater compli-
cations as q result of the turn which
events In Cuba have taken. These
complications were brought about by q
section of the people Of the United
States. which, seeing that the autono-
was about to be put in force. foresaw
that the free manifestation of tho Gu
ban people. through its chambers,
would Illustrate forever the schemes
against Spanish sovereignty which have
been plotted by those who with re-
sources and hopes sent from the neigh
boring coast have fettered the suppress
sion Of the instruction in that unhap-
py island. Should the government of
the United States yield to this blind
current the menaces and insults which
We have hitherto been able to regard
with indifference, for they were not an
expression Of the sentiments Of the
true American nation, would compel
my government, in defense Of the ma
tional dignity. to sever relations with
the government Of the United States.
I'm this supreme crisis the sacred
voice Of him who represents human
justice on earth was raised counsels
Of peace and prudence, to which my
government had no difficulty In heark-
ening. strong in the consciousness of
Its right, and calm in the strict per-
formance Of Its duties.
"Spain's gratitude Is due to the pope,
and also to the great powers, whose
action strengthens my conviction that
Spain's cause deserves universal SYM
pathy. and that her conduct merits
unanimous approval. 1t Is possible,
however. that an act Of aggression IL
imminent. and that not the sanctitv
IF our rights nor the moderation of
our conduct. nor the expressed wish Of
he Cuban people freely manifested,
nay serve to restrain the passions and
hatred let loose against the Spanish
sin anticipation Of this critical mo.
mont. when reason and Justice will
have for their support only Spanish
courage and the traditional energy
Or our people. have hastened the
assembling Of the cortes. and the su-
'reme decision of parliament will
doubtless sanction the unalternble
of my government to de-
end our rights, whatsoever sacrifices
Fishing this task.
Thus identifying myself with the
alton. l not only fulfill the oath
wore in accepting the regency, but 7
blow the dictates of a mothers heart,
'usting to the Spanish people TO gather
ehind my sons throne. and to defend
until he is old enough to defend 1t
imself as well as trusting to the
panish people to defend the honor and
lie territory of the nation"
The queen regent then referred TO the
'ouble in the Philippine Islands. and
said:
Although dark and gloomy fu.
Ire is before US, the difficulties are not
syond our powers. With our glorious
my and navy and the united nation
'fore foreign aggression. we trust in
I'd that we shall overcome, without
ain on our honor the baseless and
ljust attacks made upon U.S.
Marshal Lopez Dominguez, In an in
rview. is quoted as expressing con- |
lencs in the Cubans Joining the Span
rds against the American forces.
The minister of marine. Admiral
.rme1o. and Admirals Berapgo and
lller declare the Spanish people can
oroughy rely on the bravery Of the
anish fleets.
The senators and deputies. In the
,bies of parliament last night, talked
1st determinedly, and declared the
mands of the United States would be
rejected
Miss Woodford and the remaining la.
IS of the United States legation here,
Il
t by the night train for Paris, where
8. Woodford now is. General Wood
d thought 1t would be better not to
the ladies to the station,
Is avoiding attracting publicity to
.ir withdrawal.
1inister Woodford's own withdrawal
m the Spanish capital is contingent
on the governments answer TO the
'sdent's ultimatum. This was re- .
we'd by Minister Woodford at mid
hit, but the minister decided not to
sent 1t until today. 1t is expected
t a prompt answer will be returned,
that the minister will leave before
hit to join his family in Paris.
Yesterdays Baseball Games. .
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