The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1899-02-21
Conduct of the War HarShly
Attacked in the COrtes.
STORMY SESSION OF THE SENATE
The Premier's Attempt to Con Inc the Dis
eussion to Topics Outside tho War Fails,
and Count d'AlmeGas Demanded the
Execution Of the Generals Responsible
Tor the Surrender of Cuba and Philip
pines-Similar Attack in Chamber.

Madrid. Feb. 2-The Cortes reassem-
bled to-day. The galleries in both cham
| beFs were thronged with an expectant
crowd. The Senate was very fun, hardly
a single General being absent
Senor MonterO Rios, President OF the
Senate, in opening the proceedings, pro-
nounced eulogy upon VI. Faure. and a
resolution OF confidence with France was
adopted unanimously.
Senor Sagasta, the Premier, then pro-
posed 20 refer the bill providing foe the
cession Of the Philippines 20 the United
states TO special committee, but this
the Conservatives protested against. de-
claring that the bill ought 10 be COnsci-
entiously discussed, and Senior SSgasts
withdrew his proposal.
Count d'Almenas then brought I'D the
question OF the conduct of the Generals
engaged IN the war in Cuba. declaring
that Cen Primo de Rivera Gen Weyler.
Gen. BlancO, Admiral Cervera, and Gen.
Linares had proved failures. This declar-
alton ELECTED much applause from the
public galleries, in consequence Of whioh
several of the spectators were expelled
from the chamber.
Observing that he would deal with the
shameful capitulation of Santiago"
Count dAlmeIas asked the house Wheth-
er ne should proceed, and was answered
with cries of "Yesr' and Nor and Il
general uproar eGsued A repetition of the
query provoking still greater tumult, Sc
nor Sagasta rose and defended the gov
eminent end its Spanish Peace Commits
sion. The Premier criticised Americas
"unjustitied conduct" and said that ev-
erything might be discussed except the
war, because the cases OF the Generas
We're still sub-judice.
Attack Upon Spanish Commanders.
Count dAlmenas resumed his attack
upon the Generals, and complained that
five months had elapsed and not a sin
gle General had been shot" This gave
rise to another tumult, and Count dAI-
menas was called to order. Again he
asked why the Generals who capituated
had not been executed. 1t is quite true,
he declared, that the army is an army of
lions led by asses. Capt Gen Blanco's
administration in Cuba was deplorable.
he said, but he was not responsible for
the surrender Of Santiago.
Recriminations continued between Count
d Almenas and Lieut. Gen. Correa, tie
Minister of War, and there was renewed
disorder. Then Gen. Primo de Rivera
arose and denounced Count d'Almenas as
d contempuble calumniatOr"
Generals and accepting full responsibility
Tor events in Cuba during his command In
the island. Gen. Barges also denounced
Count d 'Almenas as a calumniator
After promise on the part of Count
d AlmenaS to produce proofs of his as5er-
tons Tomorrow, the Senate adjourned
In the Chamber resolution OF condo
lence with France over the death of Pres
ident Faure was unanimously adopted
Senior Silvela, leader of the Dissident
Conservative, moved vote signed by the
Conservative Deputies, censuring this
government for its Indifference TO the
country's troubles.
Santiago Surrender Discussed.
Sener Annix, in seconding the motion.
denounced the Ministry for accepting the
war through fear Of the Carlists, and de-
ciarod that the country was now suffer
ng the consequences OF the governments
He proceeded to detail the
ack Of preparations and OF war mater
ais. and charged the government with
for the surrender OF San
iag0. which they ordered. although the
garrison there numbered a3,Ooo, and thers
vas sufficient provisions in the place for
hree months" This declaration created
/ sensation.
In proof that the government was re-
ponsible for the surrender Of Cuba, Senior
Annix read kilograms from Senor Sagasta
md Lieut.. Gen. COFrea to Gen. BlancO
ordering tho surrender Of Cuba as a
means OF saving Porto Rico and the Phil
ppineS and preserving order In the penin-
uld.
He also read Gen. Blanco's telegram in
eply, opposing the surrender, but agree
n8 TO obey the governments order.
Senior AnnlX added that President Nc
Sinley had telegraphed TO Gen. Shaftsr
hat the surrender Of Santiago had been
rranged with the Madrid government,
nd that, therefore. he must make a sort
4 sham attack.
Capt. AunOn, Minister OF Marine. inter-
osed at this point, saying he believed this
tory TO be incorrect; whereupon Senior
Innix repeated th9 statement that Pre-
1ier Sagasta had ordered the surrender
( Cuba IN order to save the monarchy.
agasta to Have Republican Opposition.
Madrid, Feb 0.-The Republicans in
no chamber have decided TO begin at
nee an energetic Campaign against the
Oyerlment