The Sun.
London, England, 1868-10-28 00:00:00

SPAIN.

The Central Junta at Madrid has dissolved itself,
public security being now firmly established ; as
have also many of the principal Juntas. Among
the reforms announced by the Junta are abolition
of arbitrary arrest in violation of the privacy of
domicile ; withdrawal from male religious commu-
nities of the privilege of acquiring and possessing
property ; and an amnesty for offences against the
press laws. The leaders of the chief political par-
ties in Spain are acting with a degree of forbear-
ance and moderation which promises well. The
desire is to carry out the will of the people in good
faith. At a breakfast given to Marshal Serrano,
Admiral Topete, and Senor Olozaga, at Gua-
dalajara, the form of Government to be
adopted was freely discussed. Senor Olozaga and
his friends were of opinion that a monarchy was a
necessity for Spain. For a Republic, it was neces-
sary the people should receive a preparatory educa-
tion, and he believed that freedom would be se-
cured under a Representative Government based
upon universal suffrage. Admiral Topete ex-
pressed a similar opinion, but would support a
Republic if that form of Government were esta-
blished by the Cortes. Marshal Serrano said the
Provisional Government would respect the national
wishes. Senor Moias, a Democrat, said the De-
mocrats would support a Republic as their beau
ideal, but they would respect a Monarchical
Government if such were voted by the nation.
The rank and file of the Democrats are more pro-
nounced in favour of a Republic, but no desire is
manifested to dispute the final decision of the
country. The Gaulois says that General Prim
has declared that he never dreamt of the crown,
and if it were offered him he should refuse
it. Letters received ire Paris from Madrid say
that the only two real candidates for the throne
are the King of Portugal and the Duke de Mont-
pensier. Some further decrees are issued, one of
which orders the immediate suppression of all mon-
asteries, convents, colleges, congregations, and other
religious establishments of both sexes, founded since
the 29th July, 1837. All the property, movable and
immovable, of these establishments is to become the
property of the State. No compensation is to be
granted to monks and nuns, but such as return to a
secular life may claim the restoration of any money
contributed by them. The convents established before
1837 are to be reduced by one-balf,and are forbidden to
receive novices. The reports from Cuba are still
contradictory ; and as they come thro igh New
York, where, it is said, there is an earnest desire
for annexation, they are not considered reliable.
Mr. Seward is urged to open negotiations for the
purchase of the island, which he appears in no
hurry to do, remembering the reception his form -r
purchase met with. In Americt it is thought the
Provisional Government will want money, and will
be willing to accept a price for Cuba. The Junta
has proposed that all the children of slave women
born within the dominions of Spain after Sept. 17
last shall he free. The ex-gieen was expected and
has probably arrived at Brighton. Her baggage was
brought over by the Count and Countess Gir-
genti. Her ex-Majesty has been so far wise in
her generation that she is prepared for the catas-
trophe, having for years been investing in property
in England and America. The Spaniards are not ,