(Published in The Pall Mall Gazette)
MADRID, Feb, 11, Evening. – In to-day’s sitting of the Cortes, the King’s message announcing his resignation was read. His Majesty says that it is a great honour to preside over the destinies of a country, however profoundly disturbed it may be, and that he had resolved to keep his oath and respect the Constitution, believing that his loyalty would compensate for the errors due to his inexperience.
“My good wishes,” adds the King, “have deceived me, for Spain lives in the midst of perpetual conflict. If my enemies had been foreigners, I would not abandon the task, but they are Spaniards. I wish neither to be the King of a party nor to act illegally; but believing all my efforts to be sterile, I renounce the Crown for myself, my sons and heirs.”
The president then proposed that the King’s message should be sent to the Senate, and that both Chambers should unite and assume the Sovereignty. Señor Salavarrai declared , in the name of his party, that he desired that the Chamber should act according to the Constitution, and that he was ready to support the government which would preserve social order and protect the integrity of Spain. Señor Ulloa expressed the same wishes, adding that the country should be superior to all other considerations, a declaration that was received with loud cheers. Señor Castelar (Republican) rejoiced at the attitude taken by the conservatives. The Congress and the Senate subsequently held a joint meeting, the president of the Senate taking his seat next to that of the President of the Congress. The latter then declared that both Houses had joined and constituted themselves the Sovereign Cortes of Spain. Señor Martos declared that the King was firmly resolved to abdicate, that the Ministry in consequence had tendered its resignation, and concluded by expressing his wishes for the preservation of liberty.
The abdication of the King was unanimously accepted, and the Cortes appointed a Commission to draw up a reply to his Majesty’s message. The Cortes also appointed a Commission to accompany the King to the frontier.
