The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-08-26

corfeSr 1ndent. x condenseS the carseS which
led to, and the events which have followed
the Spanish revolution.
Ertr0ct Of letter from, Cadiz, dated
June II.
here is not, perhaps, upon record in
the history ct any Of the revolutions Of an
clcnt times or the subversion Of the govern
ments 81 the NEST enlightened! nations of mo-
dern origin, one mere remarkable than that
which has takenp ace i'll Spain. y is asto-
nishLg that nation who once took odis-
tingaiShed a part in the Enp;res OF Euro,e,
and who spread the terror 0f its arms, the
influence OF its religion, and the power OF las
laws, ever the distant provinces Of America,
and whose immense dominio.ls have always
been the cause Of jealousy to the neighburinp
potentateS, should have been as it were, pa
raliZed by the sudden entrance OF foreign
troops, and lose III Il moment that ancient
bravery and herOism which had sigualized
the national character
The causes which led To this primitive
PRESERVATION OF their government, before the
ambition of their ali powerful neighbnr, is
rot easily developed on explained. a foreig-
ncr III the country, ignorant of the language,
and not possessed OF authentic sources in
formation, is unable to state more than what
and to detail accordingly but it is easy to
sec the relaxed state of the government, the
ease with which almost all the public officers
are corrupted, and the total w ant of frnness
and energy in the lesser officers OF govern
mont, which would not be the case If the
head of the Spanish empire possessed any
OF the qualities fer the head OF a great and
powerful nation.
Ii was about the month Of October, 1907.
that the French emperor made known his
intention OF passing troops into Spain, Tor
the oStensible purpose of protecting it from
its enemies, and to form the siege of Gibral-
tar. This, though calculated To excite alarm
III the Spaniards, they submitted to; and
the polite emperor, having previously drawn
out the best troops of Spain to assist him in
the conquest of the north of Europe had no
fear or any obstacle TO the accomplishment
Oh his wishes, and doubtless with Il view Of
having troops in the heart of the kingdOm)
marched an army into Spain, which wasre-
ceived by the Spaniards Cher farce J with
the utmost friendship. Another ayowed OBJ
lect was the union Of his niece with the
Prince of Asturias. But, Notwithstanding
these demonstrations of friendship. it was
not difficult to foresee the fate of the mo-
narchy in the enmity of Napoleon to the blood
of the Bouibuns.
The abdication OF the throne by Charles,
and ITS assumption by Ferdinand, were the
effect OF the intrigucs of Napolcon's minis
terS. i his revolution took place in March.
1903, and is said to be accustomed bv the
attempt OF the Prince of Peace to secure
the retreat Of the Royal Family to their
South American dominions and the fear of
their escape was so great, that 1000 French
troops were transported in post chaises to
Madrid to prevent it.
he mine, SO long laid, was at last
sprung the combination against the Prince
OF she feace, openly inilamed the populace
CT Madrid against him, anli he was taker,
prisoner, put in chains, and his house and
furniture given up to their fury; the even
revenged themselves upon his pictures and
statues. o&o
Gates the throne, and Ferdinand VII. was
proclaimed king.--Ie was received with
great joy by the people: but the event shew-
ed either that they wanted attachment to
his person, or that he wanted firmness and
talents to direct the rens of government.
&" At this time the French had large
force III the vicinity Of Madrid under the
command OF the Duke Of Berg; and the first
exercise ct their power was 10 demand the
delivery of the Prince Of Peacc to the Ernpe-
ror, on pretcnce of his being member Of
the legion OF honor, and therefore amenab!e
only to the founder OF that order. IAis was
accordingly done by the royal decree, and
Don Manuel Godoi was carried prisoner into
France. The emperor then invited the King
and his family to meet him at Bayonne, to
celebrate the nuptials Of his niece with the
Prince Of Asturias. They accepted this in
vitatioo, and left the government of the
kingdom to the Infant Don Antonio, brother
to Charles ~. 1t was at Bayonnc the fate
OF the king was sealed. 1t was, however.
necessary to have the infant Don Antonioat
bayonue, as the fear of the emperor was not
dormant as long as any of the Bourbons re-
NAMED out of his immediate power; and il
was or his departure that the popuace If
Madrid arose, and that an alarming riot
TOOK place between the French troops and
the inhabitants of Madrid, which was auell-
I'd by tire French with the loss Of 1900 men.
and perhaps as many Spaniards This was
followed by severe proclamation of the
Duhe OF Berg, prohibiting the Spaniards from
carving any kind g Weapon, and ordering
al the inhabitants o. Madrid without exceb.
ton to be disarmcd: from meeting in com
naniss .! :aafe shan sisht persons deuounc-
lIg severe punishment upon the authors Of
seGitious ilbels; threatening TO burn every
village where a Frenchman should be assas-
snatCd; and concluded with informing them
that as his conduct OH this oCcas IN had BEEN
leuient, his vengeance in future would be
dreadful