mpathy with his defiance of the
Church.

It is said that friends are trying to persuade the bishop to forgive the
minister, and withdraw the sentence, if he consents to resign at the end
of the year.

The bishop is not willing to do anything of the kind. He thinks that if
the Government is allowed to plunder one church without punishment, all
the wealth belonging to the Church will soon be seized and taken
possession of by the crown.

This unfortunate affair has brought fresh trouble on poor Queen
Christina.

The Government, which has been in a very uncertain condition since the
death of Canovas, has been unable to oppose the excommunication of Senor
Reverter.

General Azcarraga, the Prime Minister, has offered his resignation to
the Queen, and asked her to form a fresh Cabinet. He says he is no
longer able to control the affairs of state.

This is the worst thing that could have happened at this moment. The
only man who seems fit to lead the Government is Senor Sagasta, but, as
we have told you before, he has very liberal views about Cuba.

[Illustration: QUEEN CHRISTINA OF SPAIN]

If he comes into office there is little doubt but that he will recall
General Weyler, and offer home rule to the island, if he does not accept
our offer of arranging terms whereby Cuba can purchase the island for
herself.

While this policy is very pleasing to the friends of Cuba, the majority
of the Spaniards are unwilling to give up the island unless it is taken
from them by force.

Don Carlos knows this, and so has declared himself in favor of keeping
General Weyler where he is, and pressing the war still more severely
till the rebels are forced to give in.

The chances are that if Senor Sagasta comes to power there will be a
Carlist rising, and the young King Alphonse will lose his throne.

On the other hand, there seems to be no leader, strong enough to guide
the country, who believes in carrying out Canovas' policy, and as far as
the poor harassed Queen can see, the speedy subduing of Cuba is the only
policy that will please the people and keep her boy on the throne.

A number of Spanish war-ships have been sent to Cuban waters. It is said
that they are there to help moor the floating dock in some place of
safety until it can be brought into Havana Bay.

The dock, however, has not yet arrived in Cuba, and it is whispered that
the real object of the visit of these ships is to be in readiness in
case war is declared be