The times., 1898-04-27
REVOLUTIONARY SPAIN.
Mobs Practically Take Control of
the Large Towns.


According to the New York Worlds
Madrid correspondent more than twenty
of the largest towns in Spain are in the
hands of the mob several hours every
day.
The government has permitted pa
triotic" demonstrations as the best means
of giving vent to popular excitement. All
was well as long as they We're expressions
of animosity toward America or ebulH-
tions in anticipation of victory over a
foreigner-always an object of hate and
suspicion with the Spanish masses.
But now the demonstrations are getting
beyond control The government is
anxious and the better classes are alarm
ed.
The police notice already in the throngs
many Socialists Anarchists and Repub-
licans. who would quickly turn these
demonstrations into anti-dynastic or
anti-monarchical movements, or at least
upset the cabinet if news came of a Sc
rious reverse beyond the seas.
All Spanish revolutions have begun in
just such outbreaks of a spirit of law
lessness.
The noisy street demonstrations are
particularly dangerous now when all
classes have been led to indulge in hopes
of naval and military triumph.
The revolutionary parties are very
active. They are almost publicly threat
ening to take matters in their own hands
if the government does not succeed in
promptly overcoming the United States.
Matters are critical politically-and
even worse financially. Both aspects of
the situation are being employed by the
| Spanish diplomats and court to impress
European courts and governments with
the urgent necessity of action to save
Spain from both the foreigner and hel-
self.
The cabinet which has rendered it's
resignation to the Queen Regent, de
clineS to take up the responsibilities of
office again without a promise of the
support necessary to enable il to carry on
a war which all foresee can hardly end
taVorably for Spain. 1t seeks thus to
impose on the opposition party a patriotic
| obligation and bridge over the ministerial
crisis.
If the Liberal ministry should be retain
| ed in the main, but be obliged to sacrifice
Colonial Minister Moret and the other
supporters of the policy of colonial home
rule the government would be seriously
compromised in the eyes of E,urope i'm q
way that would benefit the United States
Sagasta hopes to be able TO induce the
Cortes TO vote unlimited appropriations
for the war and adjourn quickly, thus
avoiding debates embarrassing to the GOV
! ernment
The Government will ask the Cortes this
week to let the budget of this year re-
main in force another year and to author
lZe the minister of finance to raise the
money by pledging any government source
of revenue he may think necessary to
pledge, and to take any other step to get
! supplies for the war.
| The leaders of the opposition have been
consulted and promise to vote for all the
| financial bills.
| The Bank of Spain will be authorized to
| increase its note issue from $500 900 600
| TO A00 600. 600. If necessary to buy gold
and silver. in order to increase it's coin
| reserve, the state sharing the expense
| with the bank
| The run on the bank TO exchange it's
notes for silver continues.
| During recess either the present cabi-
| net may he modified to suit the popular
sentiment or a strong military government
| may be organized.
If Il military government is formed
| state of siege will be proclaimed through
| out Spain and her colonies, in order to
| give a better opportunity to deal with the
| revolutionary parties.