Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 January 1898 — BORN AMID GREAT FEAR. [ARTICLE]

BORN AMID GREAT FEAR.

Autonomy in Cuba Begins Under a Threatening Cloud. Autonomy wns formally implanted in Cuba Saturday morning by the administration of the oath of fidelity to Spain and the new constitution to the membors of the colonial cabinet. Only four members were present, Senor Dolz, minister of public works, being in Spain, and Senor Govin, minister of the interior, not having arrived from the United States. The new regime was ushered in under threatening auspices. It is believed that an outbreak against autonomy was only averted by extraordinary military precautions. The Government had been in possession for several days of information that trouble might be expected on New Year’s eve, the signal for an outbreak being the ringing of bells nt midnight. ITecautionary measures were taken with great secrecy, but enough became known to convince the intrnnsigentes and the turbulent element of the utter futility of the success of a demonstratv.m. Much bitter feeling was manifested over the action of the Government. The intrunsigeutes declare that the end is near when the wer».»ons of the Spanish soldiers are turned against the only loyal Spaniards in Cuba, and ask if autonomy is to be thrust down their diroats with the bayonet. Marshal Blanco, the captain general, escorted by a number of high Spanish offi-, ciuls, the consular corps, army and navy officers, politicians, etc., reached the throne room nt 0 o'clock a. m. A new Bible was open on a table, and upon it the secretaries took the oath of fidelity to the queen, the monarchy and the Spanish Government, placing their right bunds on the Bible and kneeling as they repeated the words required. Senor Galvez, president of the cabinet, was first sworn in, and then the oath was administered to the others. After the conclusion of this ceremony all present attended the celebration of mass by the bishop in the chapel of the palace. All present knelt down at the elevation of the host, except the British and German consuls. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the captain general remitted the death penalty imposed upon persons who had been convicted of common crimes. Cable messages of congratulation were exchanged during the day between Senor Sugasta, premier of Spain, and Marshal Blanco.