The Sun.
London, England, 1865-04-15 00:00:00

The Disturbances in Madrid,

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT.
MADRID, April 10.
The following explanations have been given in
the Spanish Senate by Senor Gonzales Bravo on the
subject of the late disturbances which have taken
place in that city :
" The Government were aware that certain indi-
viduals were organising illegal manifestations. In
the exercise of their authority they had removed a
public functionary from his post. Permission was
asked of the competent officials to allow a serenade
to be given to that ex-functionary by persons who,
having been his subordinates, might be supposed to
be actuated by a desire to give their old director a
proof of their affection. For this reason the per-
mission was granted. But, as it was subsequently
intimated to the Government that the serenade was
to be converted into a great political demonstration,
the Government revoked their permission, and an
announcement to that effect was made in the even-
ing journals for the information of the public. In
the evening numerous crowds assembled in the streets
adjoining the residence of the ex-director, and then
the authorities, who could not suppose the crowds
were ignorant of the fact that the serenade was
no longer to take place, took steps to prevent
disorder. Moreover, seditious shouts and threats of
death having been uttered in connexion with the
names of persons who should only be spoken of with
respect, it became necessary to employ force for the
dispersion of the crowd that was proceeding to the
Puerta del Sol. There the cries recommenced, and
consequently it was found requisite to clear the
square and the adjacent streets. The authorities
hastened to the Puerta de Sol, whence a detachment
of troops was sent, consisting of infantry and cavalry,
but of inconsiderable number, comprising in all
hardly 1,000 men. The Government afterwards
learnt that on the night following it was intended to
make a demonstration of hostile character to the
new director in front of that gentleman's residence.
To prevent this due precautions were taken. This
morning the promoters of the disturbances of Sun-
day evening collected together again in the Calle
Anche de San Bernardo, uttering seditious cries,
whereupon the streets were cleared by the authorities.
The crowd then passed on in the direction of the
Puerta del Sol, continuing their cries and abusive
shouts. A few persons.have been arrested, and will
be tried before the proper tribunals. The popula-
tion of Madrid have clearly proved by their calm
and pacific attitude that they had no kind of sym-
pathy with the rioters. The Government is firmly
resolved to maintain order, and will not suffer
questions to be debated in the public streets which
should form the subject of quiet discussion in the
Chambers. Every endeavour will b 6 made to con-
ciliate moderation with energy and activity, but if
-disturbers of the public order have recourse to arms
force will be met with force, steel with steel."

ANOTHER NEW OPENING FOR FEMALE LABOUR.
—At Vienna a corps of female commissionaires has been
organised. One branch of the duties they undertake to
perform is the writing of letters for those of their sex who
do not' possess caligraphic accomplishments. This will no
doubt be a most agreeable duty, as in its performance they
will naturally become acquainted with a few choice secrets.

Her Majesty's ironclad frigate Minotaur, 26, 1,350
horse power, in accordance with orders issued yes -
terday at Chatham, takes her departure at noon to-
day from the Nore for the Downs, on her way
round to Portsmouth. During the passage round
from the Nore the Minotaur will be in charge of
Capt. the lion. G. D. Keane, additional of the
Cumberland, 70, guardship of the Steam Reserve,
and between 300 and 400 seamen, marines, riggers,
and stokers have been sent on board from the
naval barracks, the Cumberland, 70, the Formi-
dable, Bt, and the Fisgard, 42, to assist in navi-
gating the frigate to Spithead. A telegram received
from the Admiralty directs cabin accommodation to
be prepared on board for Mr. E. J. Reed, the Chief
Constructor of the Navy, who will go round in the
Minotaur in order to enable him, to observe the ship's
working at sea. The seamen and other hands have
been berthed on board for some two or three days
in order to get accustomed to the ship before leav-
ing the Medway. The coal-bunkers have hundreds
of tons of coal in them. Her 12-ton 300-pounder
Armstrong and other guns have been despatched to
Portsmouth in the Lord Vivian, War Department
transport, and will be placed on board on the ar-
*rival of the Minotaur at that port. Should the
weather prove at all favourable to-daytheMinotaur
will continue her course from the Nore to, Spithead
without bringing up at the Downs.