The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-14
SPAIN READY TO FIGHT.
Presidents Message Considered by Cabinet
at Madrid.

Madrid, April 13.-As the result of a
long important cabinet council last night
the Spanish war Office is actively engaged
in fortify1ng and manning the Mediter-
ranean islands of Spain and in placing
other portions of the kingdom in a state
of defense.
1t is understood that instructions have
been csbled to Captain General Blanco
to carry the suspension of hostilities into
practical effect according to the circum-
stances in each district.
! The cabinet meeting lasted five hours
and, it is stated, was mainly devoted to
| the consideration of President Mckinley
recent message to Congress on the Cuban
situation,
When the ministers adjourned, an
official note was issued, setting forth the
views of the government.
1t is variously commented upon and in
terpreted in newspaper circles.
In brief, the note sets forth that the
cabinet has granted an extraordinary
credit for war purposes, and has Incident
ally increased the grant for the account of
the artillery of Porto Rico.
The minister of the interior, Senior
Capdspon, gave the official version of the
events here on Sunday and Monday and
also made report on the occurrences In
some of the provincial towns.
After disposing Of current affairs, the
premier, Senior Sagasta, designated two
of the ministers to Immediately draw up
an address to the Crown.
The minister for foreign affairs, Senior
Gullon, at the request Of Senior Sagasta,
made a report on the state of affairs in
this department, which the premier
thought should occupy the first place in
the debates of the cabinet
| Senior Gullon read portion of the text
| = S,,l, Ttc Il
| though several paragraphs were lacking.
| The cabinet, after referring to the
| President S previous message, which was
| considered necessary in order to I'LL up
the gaps in the present summary, DECIDED
| that the paragraphs received were suifi-
cient for the cabinet to afflrn that the
government refuses to acknowledge the
right of the United States to Interfere in
Cuba, adding:
"The doctrines contained in the mes
sage are incompatible with the sovereign
ty and rights of the nation and are an in
reference in the internal affairs of this
country"
The Spanish government, how eyer, ex-
pressed the opinion that it is not called
upon to take action until the reco m
mendations of President Mckinley have
become specific acts
Thus, it is considered by the Span iards
here that matters are practically as they
were before the message was sem to Con-
gress, and the opinion is expressed in
official circles that neither the message
nor last nights cabinet meeting have
changed the prospects Of peace.
The Spanish government considers that
apart from it's solemn affirmation of
Spain's rights as nation, the ministers
are not called upon to make any declara-
ton SO long as the resolutions of Congress
or the initiative of President Mckinley
do not lead to concrete acts.
The official note also says:
"a firm consciousness of its rights,
united with the resolution to maintain
them, will inspire the nation, as they in
spire the government with the serenity
necessary in these diff suit moments to
direct successfully and defend energetical'
ly. the sacred interests which are the
patrimony of the Spanish race.
The minister of war, General CORES,
and the minister of marine. Aamlral
Bermejo, submitted reports relatlnS 70
the measures taken to compete tne
mobilization of all the forces OF the
country. g. NJ,
rover read a decree already drawn up re-
Iatiye to the national subscription to in
crease the strength OF the neet.
NEW SHIPS FOR NAVY.
Washington, April 13.-The navy de-
partment has decided 10 buy the trans
Atlantic liners st. Paul and St. Louis.
Tbs yessels at present belong to the
Amarican line and under the terms of the
subsidy act are at the disposal of the gov
eminent in times of emergency.
Tha dep artment also has decided to pur-
cbase the Brazilian cruiser Nictheroy, If
she proves satisfactory to board of in
sneetion which will examine her. This
crniser rendered a fine account of herself
in fine Mello revolution i'll Brazil.
There is also under consideration the
n,1rchase of another auxiliary cruiser
from a list of three or four whose merits
are known, the Yorktown of the Old Do
minion line being especially well re-
garded.