The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-04-21
Whose Actions Indicate That SPANS
Cause Deserves UniVerSalSympathy.
cORTES IS HASTILY SUMMONED
To Defend Spanish Rights, No Matter What
Sacrifice Il May Entaa-Future Dark
and Gloomy But Believes Spanish
Arms Will Triumph.

beauty of the Spanish capital gathered in
the senate today long before the hour for
the opening of the Cartes had arrived.
Every available foot of space was occupied.
All members of the diplomatic corps were
present in full dress.
A wild cheer at 2:20 p m. announced the
arrival of the queen regent, who was driven
to the Cortes palace in q state coach and
escorted by a detachment of life guards.
The cheering was taken up within the
building as the queen regent entered the
cheers being accompanied by enthusiastic
cries of viva Reina, viva Alfonco Trece,
viva Espana,"a really tumultous and pa
triotic demonstration.
A wonderful picture was presented by the
queens encourage, consisting of most of the
high personages of Spain In brilliant colors,
military, naval or palace uniforms
The queen regent read the speech from
the throne, while seated with the young
king, Alfonso on her right, and the pre-
mier, Senor Sagasta, standing near the
king. Her majestys words were inaudible
to all but those in her immediate vicinity.
The reading was greeted throughout with
cries of viva Espana.''
The Queens speech
The queen regents speech is as fol-
lows:
1.-THE grave anxieties which saddened
my mind the last time 1 addressed you
have increased and are heightened by pub
lie uneasiness, conveying the PRESENT.
ment of fresh and greater complications
as result of the turn events in Cuba
have taken.
1.-The complications were brought about
by a section of the people of the United
States which. seeing that the autonomy
previously offered in my message was
about to be put in force, foresaw that the
free manifestation of the Cuban people
through it's chambers, would Illustrate
forever the schemes against Spanish SOW
ereignty which have been plotted by those
with resources sent from the neighboring
coast, have fettered the suppression of
the insurrection in that unhappy island,
Should the government of the United
States yield to this blind current, mena as
and insult which have hitherto been
able to regard with Indifference, would
become intolerable' provocations, which
would compel my government, in defense
of the national dignity to sever relations
with the government of the United States.
In this supreme crisis the sacred voice
of Him who represents human Justice on
earth was raised In councils of peace and
prudence to which my government had no
difficulty in hearkening, strong in the
consciousness of it's right and calm in the
strict performance of its duties
Spain's gratitude is due to the pope and
also to the great powers whose action
strengthens my convictions that Spain's
cause deserves universal sympathy, and
that her conduct merits unanimous ap-
proval. 1t is possible, however. that an
act of aggression is imminent and not the
sanctity of our rights nor the moderation
of our conduct, nor the expressed wish
: of the Cuban people freely manifested,
may serve to restrain : the passions let
loose against the fatherland.
VIII Defend Their Rights
''In anticipation of this critical moment,
when reason and justice will have their sup
port only. Spanish courage and the tradi-
tional energy of our people have hastened
the assembling of the Cortes, and the SUI
preme decision of parliament will doubtless
sanction the unalterable resolution of my
government to defend our rights, whatso-
ever sacrifices may be imposed upon us in
accomplishing this task.
"Possibly, however, the peace efforts may
fail to control the evil passions excited
against Spain. Lest this moment arrive, I
have summonded the Cortes to defend our
rights, whatever sacrifice they may make,
thus identifying myself with the nation,
not only fulfill the oath swore In accept
ing the regencys but I follow the dictates
of a mothers heart, trusting to the Span
ish people to gather behind my sons throne
and defend 1t until he is old enough to de-
fend 1t himself, as well as trusting to the
Spanish people to defend the honor and the
territory of the nation"
The queen regent then referred to the
trouble in the Philippine islands, and con-
tinung, said:
"Although a dark and gloomy future Is
before us, the difficulties not beyond
our powers, with out glorious army, navy
and the united nation without stain on our
honor, the baseless and unjust attacks
made upon U.S."
At the conclusion of her majesty's speech
there was renewed cheering, after which
Premier Sagasta declared the Cortes open,
and the queen regent and the boy king. ac-
companied by the court, left the building
amid another wild burst of enthusiasm.
Judicial Contest