The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-02-21


the Commanders Who Had Ca
pitulated Had Not Been
Executed.
MADRID, Feb. 20.-The Cortes reas-
semhled to-day. The galleries in both
chambers were thronged with an ex-
pectant crowd. The Senate was very
full, hardly a single General being abb
sent.
Senior Montero Rios, President of the
Senate, in opening the proceedings, pros
nounced an eulogy upon M. Faure, and
resolution of coincidence with France
was adopted unanimously
Senior Sagasta, the Premier, then
proposed to refer the bill providing for
the cession of the Philippines to the
United States to special committee,
but the Conservatives protested against
this. declaring that the bill ought to ba
conscientiously discussed, and Senior
Sagasta withdrew his proposal
Count d'Almenas then brought up the
question of the conduct of the Generals
engaged in the war in Cuba, declaring
that General Primo Rivera, General
Weyler, General Blanco, Admiral Ger
vera and General Linares had proven
failures
This declaration ELECTED much APP
plause from the public galleries, in con-
sequence of which several of the spec
tators were expelled from the chamber.
Observing that he would deal with the
shameful capitulation of Santiago
Count d'Almenas asked the House
whether he should proceed, and was an
swered with cries of Yes and NO"
and general uproar ensued. A repe-
tition of the query provoking still great-
er tumut, Senior Sagasta rose and de-
Tended the Government and it's Peace
Commission. The Premier criticized
Americas unjustifiable conduct, and
said that everything might be discussed
except the war, because the cases of
the Generals were still sub-judico.
Count d'Almenas resumed his attack
upon the Generals, and complained that
five months had elapsed. and not a
single General had been shot,
This gave rise to another tumult. and
Count d'Almenas was called to order.
Again he asked why the Generals who
capitulated had not been executed. 1t
is quite true. he declared, that the army
is an army of lions led by asses Cap
tain General Blanco's administration in
Cuba was deplorable, he said. but he
was not responsible for the surrender
of Santiago.
determinations continued between
Count d'Almenas and Lieutenant Gem
eral Correa. the Minister of War. and
there were renewed disorder.
Then General Primo de Rivera arose
and denounced Count d'Almenas as a
"contemptible calumniator."
General Blanco followed, defending
the Generals and accepting full respon-
sibility for events in Cuba during his
command in the island
General Barges also denounced Count
d'Almenas as calumniator.
After promise on the part of Count
d'Almenas to produce proofs of his as
sertions tomorrow, the Senate adj
journed.
In the Chamber resolution of cou-
dolence with France over the death Of
President Faure was unanimouslv
adopted
Senior Silvela, leader of the Dissident
Conservatives, moved a vote signed by
the Conservative Deputies censuring
this Government for its Indifference TO
the country's troubles.
Senior Annix, in seconding the motion.
denounced the Ministry for acceptin-
the war through fear of the Carlists.
and declared that the country was now
suffering the consequences of the Cow
ernment's pusillanimity. He proceed
ed to detail the lack of preparations and
of war materials, and charged the Cow
eminent with responsibility for the sur
render of Santiago, (which they ordered,
although the garrison there numbered
and there was sufficient pro-
visions in the place for three months"
This declaration created a sensation
In proof that the Government was re,
sponsible for the surrender of Cuba,
Senior Annix read kilograms from Sc
nor Sagasta and Lieutenant General
Correa to General Blanco, ordering the
Porto Rico and the Philippines and pre-
serving order in the peninsula. He
also read General Blanco's telegram in
reply. agreeing to obey the Govern
ment's order.
Senior Annix added that President
Mckinley had telegraphed to General
Shafter that the surrender of Santiago
had been arranged with the Madrid
Government, and that, therefore, he
must make sort of sham attack
Captain Aunon, Minister of Marine,
interposed at this point, saying he be-
lieved this story to be incorrect;
Senior Annix repeated the
statement that Premier Sagasta had
ordered the surrender of Cuba in order
to save the monarchy.