The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-04-29


Madrid, April 25.-DeIayed in trans
mission-The Pals today announced
that the Spanish admiral in command
of the fleet at st. Vincent, Cape de
Verde Islands, has cabled the govern
ment here that when the United States
fleet is before Havan his place is not
at the Cape Verde islands, adding that
he would sail against the American
squadron in the morning, order or no
order.
In the Spanish senate yesterday
Count Almenas asked whether the
government adhered strictly to the
treaty of Paris in regard to privateers,
or whether it would issue a letter of
marque to any one asking for such
authority.
The premier, Senior Sagasta, said the
moment was inopportune to reply to
the question.
on Count Almenas insisting upon an
answer to his question, the minister
for foreign affairs, Senior GulIon, said
Spain occupied the same position as
she held before the treaty of Paris.
Madrid, April $3.50 p. m.-The
Spanish government today sent a cir
Cular to the powers experimenting it's
circular Of April 18th and expressing
regret at the hard necessity of being
compelled to appeal to force in order
TO repel the ~scandalous aggression of
the United States and defend the ma
tional dignity and historical integrity
of the fatherland."
Continuing, the circular note says:
'HjctnrV nrpGpntC fpyy INSTANCES Wharp-
in reason is SO evident on one part
and the outrage SO u~ndisguised on the
other. Spain has on her side right,
correct procedure and prudence, while
the United States has on her side only
disloyalty and the impulse of unbri-
died ambitions"
After the reference to the "~execrable
conduct" of General Fitzhugh Lee, the
note reprOduces the text of the resOlu-
tons of congress undermining the last
words. " as intended to drive the Gu
bans" 1t is then predicted that the is
land of Cuba will not be declared pac-
flied until lit is ready for
Further on, the note gives the details
of the rupture of the negotiations be-
tween Spain and the United States,
concluding with the following declara-
ton: The Spanish people wait the
attack with tranquil serenity, decided
to sell their lives dear and to defend
e~nergetically their right to remain in
America, confident that in this work
they will have the assistance of the
Cubans, who are Spaniards like them
selves.
Judging from the available adviceS
Spain appea to have the tactics of the
badger.
1t is generally believed that, in con
sonance with this policy the Spanish
fleet, unless compelled to fight, will
avoid engagements and the fastest
ships will be employed to destroy the
of the United States.
The newspapers today reflect general
satisfaction at the unanimity of the
support given the government in the
cortes yesterday.
In the senate Marshal Count Chast
eulogized the army in Cuba and recall
ed his experience forty-five years ago
when as captain general of Cuba he
ordered the forts to fire on the Anglo
American fleet which was obliged to
retire. He said he hoped General
Blanco would fulfill his promise to
come through the conflict dead or vic
torious (cheers.)
The congress dover house of the
COrteS) which met for the first time
since the assassination of Senior Del
Castillo, passed a resolution of condo
lence. A deputy then raised the ques-
ton of the rise OF exchange.
Senior Puigcerver simply said the
government would do it's utmost to
prevent another rise, adding: THE fall
in Spanish funds is due to exaggerated
fears based Upon the conflict with
America. The payment of the coupons
is assured and, even admitting that
Spain has to traverse further Difficult
ties, the country Will recover easily.
We are believed to be in a worse posi-
ton than we really are in. There is
40 reason for the present pessimism.'
BLANCO BRAGS.
General Blanco cables that the situa-
alton is unchanged. His dispatch
says: This CTuesday) evening
ed Mirano. The Spanish gun
BOAT Nigeria ~repulsed three destroy
ers which entered the port OF Cardenas
and compelled them to retreat. L De-
lieve the Americans will not dare to
,disembark in Cuba" -
8 p. m.-This evening Cardinal CT
raicO Maria Sancha y HervaS. arch
bishop of Toledo. in a patriotic dis
course extolled Union in face Of the
and declared in his own name
and the name of Cardinal. Cascajares
V AZara, archbishop of Valladolld,
tina they both adhered to the senti-
ments expressed in the speech from
the throne. The attitude thus taken
by the high clergy in Spain is much
applauded.
Nidnight-The general tone of the
evening papers bears out the opinion
last cab1ed, that the war will be a long
one.
SPANIARDS REJOICING OVER AL
LEGGED VICTORY.
London, April 27.-The Madrid cor
respondent of The Daily Mail tele-
graphing Tuesday evening says: A pro-
Dosal has been submitted to the con-
gress dover house of the c~ortes) for
obligatory military service. The re-
Dublicans propose a evolutionary cam
Daign in the chamber, in which case it is
practically certain that the constitu-
tional guarantees will be suspended.
Great enthusiasm has been aroused
here by a report, as yet unconfrmed.
that a Spanish gunboat has repealed