y which was thereupon established endured
two and a half years, and was given distinction principally by its
introduction, in 1892, of the thoroughgoing protectionist regime which
prevails in Spain to-day. The Conservatives falling into discord,
Canovas resigned, December 8, 1892; and at the elections of the
following year the Conservatives carried only one hundred seats in the
Chamber. During the period from December, 1892, to March, 1895,
Sagasta was again at the helm.

*688. The American War and Ministerial Changes, 1895-1902.*--Between
1895 and 1901 there was a rapid succession of ministries, virtually
all of which were both made and unmade by situations arising from (p. 623)
the war in Cuba and the subsequent contest with the United States. In
the hope of averting American intervention a new Canovas government,
established in 1895, brought forward a measure for the introduction of
home rule in Cuba, but while the bill was pending, Canovas was
assassinated, August 9, 1897, and the proposition failed. The new
Conservative cabinet of General Azcarraga soon retired, and although
the Sagasta government which succeeded recalled General Weyler from
Cuba and inaugurated a policy of conciliation, the situation had got
beyond control and war with the United States ensued. By the
succession of Spanish defeats the popularity of the Liberal regime was
strained to the breaking point, and at the close of the war Sagasta's
ministry gave place to a ministry formed by the new Conservative
leader Silvela. The elections of April 16, 1899, yielded the
Silvelists a majority and the ministry, reconstituted September 28 of
the same year, retained power until March 6, 1901. At that date the
Liberals gained the upper hand once more; and, with two brief
intervals, Sagasta remained in office until December 3, 1902. Within
scarcely more than a month after his final retirement, the great
Liberal leader passed away.

*689. Parties Since the Death of Sagasta.*--A second Silvela ministry,
established December 6, 1902, brought the Conservatives again into
power. This ministry, which lasted but a few months, was followed
successively by four other Conservative governments, as follows: that
of Villaverde, May, 1903, to December, 1903; that of Antonio Maura y
Montanes, December, 1903, to December, 1904; the second of General
Azcarraga, December, 1904, to January, 1905; and the second of
Villaverde, from January, 1905, to June, 1905. Of these the mo