The cowardly assassin who murdered the Prime Minister has suffered the penalty of his infamous crime. He was tried, found guilty of his dreadful deed, and put to death.
The Queen Regent has had to choose another Prime Minister in Canovas' stead, and this has been a hard task for her. In Canovas she lost her best friend and constant adviser, and his place was not easily filled.
On the death of Señor Canovas, General Azcarraga, by virtue of his office of Minister of War, assumed the duties of the Prime Minister, and it is upon him that the Queen's choice has fallen. General Azcarraga is supposed to be thoroughly in sympathy with Señor Canovas' plans for Cuba, and to be prepared to carry them out.
He is said to approve of the way Weyler has been conducting the war, and intends to keep him as Captain-General of Cuba.
It is reported that when the news of Señor Canovas' death reached Havana, General Weyler at once offered to resign his position, well knowing that if Señor Sagasta was made Prime Minister in Canovas' place there would be a new Captain-General in Cuba within the month.
Sagasta has, as you probably remember, many kindly plans for Cuba, and had he come into power it is thought would have endeavored to give Cuba home rule.
The Queen has, however, put an end to his hopes by appointing General Azcarraga, and Sagasta must be content to wait.
In the mean while the Carlists are gathering in force, prepared to revolt as soon as Don Carlos shall bid them to. It is reported that sixty thousand well-armed men are ready to answer to his call.
Don Carlos, however, persists in awaiting the result of the Cuban war before he attempts to seize the throne. He declares that he loves his country too well to plunge it into a civil war at the moment when it is harassed by outside enemies.
The situation in Cuba continues to improve for the insurgents. They are strong, hopeful, and victorious. They have not as yet risked any great battle, but in their raids and forays against the enemy are constantly successful.