Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1898 — THE QUEEN’S APPEAL [ARTICLE]

THE QUEEN’S APPEAL

Synopsis of Her Address to the Spanish Cortes. MADRID WILD WITH ENTHUSIASM. ——• .) Tke Youthful Kin* Appears by th* •ide of the Queen Regent, Who Appeals for Defense of the Itigbta of Spain. Madrid, April 21.—The opening of the Spanish cortes Wednesday was a magnificent sight. All the wealth and beauty of Madrid gathered In the senate, where every available foot of space was occupied. There was a terrific crush at the entrance leading to the senatorial seats, many’ of which were occupied by ladies. The correspondent of the press secured a seat beside Senor Bomero Robledo, the former minister of justice and conservative leader. The queen regent read the speech from the throne, with the little king on the right. There was great en- ' thuslasm. ' The Queen’s Speech. She referred to the troubles mentioned at the last session of the cortes, saying they had Increased, "owing to the attitude on the part of the people of the United States in fomenting rebellion,” adding that hitherto Spain had submitted “to these threats ar.d injuries, as not being an expression of the American nation. But becoming national, they would oblige me to break relations with the United States.” Continuing the queen regent said “that in the supreme crisis the pope spoke words of peace, which were hearkened to by my government, In the firm consciousness of right and In strict performance of international duties." Her majesty added: i "Spain’s gratitude la due to the pope, and to the great powers, whose action

strengthens my conviction that Spain’s cause deserves, universal sympathy.” Summoned to Defend Spain’s Rights. Conf’- g her majesty said: "Possibly, however, the peace efforts may fail to control the evil passions excited against Spain. T.est this moment arrive, I have summoned the cortes to defend our rights, whatever sacrifice they may entail. Thus identifying myself with the nation, I not only fulfill the oath I More in accepting the regency, but I follow the dictates of a mother’s heart, trusting to the Spanish people to gather behind my son’s throne, and to defend it until he Is old enough (o defend it 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, continuing, said: “Although a dark and gloomy future is before us, the difilcultles are not beyond our powers. With our glorious army, navy and the united nation before foreign aggression, we trust in God that we shall overcome, without stain on our honor, the baseless and unjust attacks made upon us.” Cries of “Viva Espana.” The reading was greeted throughout with cries of “viva Espana!" A wonderful picture was presented by the queen’s entourage, consisting of most of the highest personages in Spain in brilliant court, military, naval or palace uniforms. At the close of her majesty's speech there was renewed aheering, after which Premier Sagasta declared the cortes opened, and the queen regent and the boy king, accompanied by the court, left the building amid another wild burst of enthusiasm. Spain Will Reject. Madrid, April 21.—Spanish senators and deputies declare the American demands will be rejected and war credits will be voted. Great war enthusiasm is reported in all the towns of Spain. The hope prevails that the Cuban insurgents will join the Spaniards against the United States. It is said in official circles the location es the first naval battle will be a veritable surprise. . » Gen. Woodford has received the ultimatum. He will present it to the government to-day. United States Minister Woodford has not yet asked for his passports. Sagaata Says “War.” London, April 21. —According to a special dispatch from Madrid, Senor Sagasta, the premier, on being asked the opinion of the cabinet as to the outlook, replied: “War! War! War!” Woodford Prepared to Leave. London, April 21. —The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Mail, telegraphing at 11 o’clock Wednesday evening says: “Gen. Woodford’s family left Wednesday night by the ordinary’ express for Biarritz. The American minister himself has taken tickets for the south of France express to-day. Be has received extensive dispatches of instruction. It is doubtful if he will have an opportunity of presenting the American ultimatum, since in all probability Seror Gallon, the foreign minister, will send him his passports at eight o’clock this morning with a declaration that diplomatic relations between the two governments have been broken off. Uen. Woodford has handed the archh ex of the legation to the British embassy. New York, April 21. —The Herald's Madrid correspondent says he has it from fountain-head authority that Spain will not wait for the ultimatum to give Minister Woodford his passports. Spain's Fleet Under Way. Washington, April 21.—Spain's formidable fleet, which has been mobilizing at the Cape Verde islands for some days past, sailed Wednesday for an unknown desthiation. This information was received Wednesday night at the late legation of Spain. There is reason to believe that the navy department will put every bit of machinery in motion to ascertain the whereabouts of the fleet.