THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. 238 on a raised dais. Queen Christina seated herself on the left, with the little king, dressed in the uniform of an infantry cadet, on her right. Beside the king stood the Ministers in court dress. Near the queen was a group of heralds, on whose embroidered tabards flashed in red-and-gold the lions and castles of Spain. The Senate were grouped near the dais, the deputies in front of it. The galleries were bright with uniforms and the brilliant costumes endeavouring to destroy the sovereignty of Spain in the island, " a part of the people of the United States" was endeavouring to prolong the conflict and prevent the success of the new order of things. The queen expressedthe opinion that the majority of the Cuban people were in favour of this new regime— home rule under the Spanish flag— against which the agitation in America was directed. If the United States Government yielded to this Frith £3° Co., Rtigati. ROYAL PALACE, MADRID.

of ladies, whose fluttering fans and waving handkerchiefs gave token of their applause when cheer on cheer greeted the speech read by the queen.

current of opinion, "the threats and insults, which until now we have treatedwith indifference, would become an intolerableprovocation, and would oblige the Government to break ost diplomaticrelations." The speech, drafted by the Sagasta Cabinet, but inspired by the queen, and probably at Last in part expressed in her own words, was a grave document, written in the serious tone that befitted the occasion. The situation,said the queen,had become more difficult since the last meeting of the Cortes. Seeing that autonomy established inCuba would put an end to the hopes of those who, with"the help of expeditions from the neighbouring coasts," were Fresh concessions granted at the request of the Pope and the Powers had not averted the danger. The Cortes had therefore been summoned to confirm the action of the Government, and to take steps to defend therights of Spain. The queencalled on the Spanish people to rally round the throne of the boy-king,and ended by saying:— " Though the future lies before us dark and