The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-02-24
THE SPANISH CORTES MEETS
Stormy scenes in Both HOuses-The
Government Denounced Demands
for Execution of the Commanders In
the Recent War

Madrid, February 20.-The cortes re-
assembled today. The galleries in both
chambers were thronged with an ex-
pectant crowd. The senate was very
full, hardly a single general being alb
sent. Senior Montero Rios, president of
the senate, in opening the proceed
ings, pronounced an eulogy on M.
Faure and a resolution Of coincidence
with raj was adopted unanimously.
Senior Sagasta, the premier, then pro-
prosed to refer the bill providing for
the cession of the Philippines to the
United States to a special committee,
but this the conservatives protested
against, declaring that the bill ought
to be 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 de Rivera, General
Weyler, General Blanco, Admiral Ger
vera and General Linares had proved
failures. This declaration ELECTED much
applause from the public galleries, in
consequence VI Will SSNSId oil " Liz
spectators were expelled from the
chamber.
Observing that he would deal with
the shameful c~apitulation of Santa
CO." Count d'Almenas asked the house
whether he should proceed and was an
Swered with cries Of Yes" and mo-"
and a general uproar ensued. A repe-
tition provoked still greater tumult.
Senior Sagasta defended the govern
ment n it's Spanish peace commits
sion. The premier criticised Americas
"unjustified conduct" and said that
everything might be discussed except
ing the war, because the cases of the
generals were still subjudice.
Coun D'AlmenaS resumed his at
tack upon the generals and complain
ed that five months had elapsed and
not a single general had been shot"
This gave rise to another tumult n
count D'AlmenaS was called to order.
Again he asked why the generals who
c~apitulated had not been executed. It
is quite true, he declared, that the
army is an army of lions led by asses.
Captain General Blanco's administra-
ton in Cuba was deplorable, he said,
but he was not responsible for the sur
render of Santiago.
determinations continued between
Count D'Almenas and Lieutenant Gen
eral Correa, the minister of war, and
there was renewed disorder.
Then General Primo de Rivera arose
and denounced Count D'Almenas as a
contemplate columniator." General
Blanco followed defending the generals
and accepting full responsibility for
events in Cuba during his command in
the island. General Barges also de-
nounced Count D'AlmenaS as a calum-
inator.
After a promise on the part of Count
DA1emanaS to produce proofs of his
assertions tomorrow the senate ad-
journed.
In the chamber a resolution Of con-
dolence with France over the death
OF President Faure was unanimously
adopted.
Senior Silvea1a, leader Of the dissident
conservatives, moved a vote signed by
the conservative deputies, censuring
this government for it's indifference to
the country's troubles.
Senior Annix, in seconding the mo-
ton, denounced the ministry for ac-
cepting the war through fear of the
carlists and declared that the country
was now suffering the consequence of
h governments p~usilanimity. He
proceeded to detail the lack of prepa-
rations and Of war materials, and
charged the government with RESPONSE
bility for the surrender of Santiago,
WHICH tl0y OTQ6ESO although the gar
rison there numbered %. 900 and there
was sufficient provisions in the place
for three months" This declaration
7, created a sensation.
In proof that the government was
responsible for the surrender Of Cuba,
Senior Annix read kilograms from
Senior Sagasta and Lieutenant General
Correa to General Blanco, ordering the
surrender Of Cuba as a means of saw
ing Porto Rico and the P~hilipuines AMI
preserving order in the peninsula. H.
ais read General Blanco's telegram
in reply. opposing the surrender. blu,
agreed to obey h governments or
der.
Senior Annix added that President
Mckinley had telegraphed to Genera
/ Shafter that the surrender of Santiago
had been arranged with the Madril
J government and that. therefore, hs
must make q sort OF sham attack.