The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-07-22
0aZgf9R.
PORTLAND. TUESDAY. JULY p. 1923.

PORTLAND. TUESDAY. JULY. o. 1923.
The late interesting intelligence from Spain
confirms the opinion that public sentiment is SC
extremely divided in that nation on the subject
of the constitution, that it is incapable ofmaking
an effective resistance to the unjust Interference
of foreign nation. In 1908 there was but one
feeling in every bosom, on the attack upon their
national rights and that feeling produced an
union of power that proved irresistible-But in
the present distracted state of the kingdom it il
not to be expected that they can make vgor-
Gus opposition. A King at the head of the ma
ton, of a most contemplate character, and a
ministry in whom Deither the King nor the peo-
\ pie have confidence, numerous and disafected
priesthood, which has heretofore had immense
influence, the whole Of which it has not lost. and
treasury entirely exhausted these il must be
admitted, are most unfavourable circumstances.
IN which to commence an active and efcctual
defence, against powerful nation with large
and well appointed army.
Inc amount OF the late news is, that the prin-
clpai corps OF the French army has reached
Madrid, without any opposition, and that disaf-
lection TO the constitution and the constitutional
government has been manifested by the princi-
pal officers Of the Spanish army.
The letter of Count Abisbal, the constitution
al governor Of Madrid, to Count Montiio,
though not directly throwing himself into the
arms Of the enemy, is a virtual abandonment of
the cause which he was entrusted to defend, and
may have worse operation than an open de.er-
ton. He makes the following propositions 10 IT.
lst. That the constitution requires amend
mcnt and must be altered
III. That the King must be- set at liberty and
return to Madrid.
Sd. The present Cortes should be dissolved.
& another assembled 10 form new constitution
composed of delegates from all parties in Spain
And 4th. He protests against foreign inter
ference in the new modelling of the constitution.
This Count Abisbal is the same who was nom
mated by the king to the command of the cele-
brated expedition which was fitting out in 1870
at Cadiz, for South America. AT that time he
is supposed TO have listened to the plans of the
revolutionary leaders, whom he soon afterwards
caused to be arrested, and who we're all impris-
oned or banished. On the breaking out Of the
revolution of 1920, under the direction Of Quiro-
ga and Riego, he was entrusted by the king with
the army OF La Mancha, to suppress the insur
recton. He took the command of this army at
the time he was in correspondence with his
brother Alexander ODonnell, revolutionary
Chief, in order TO declare for the constitution, and
have the merit Of giving it an efIectGaI support
first act Of treachery in which he has been en-.
gagged; and his conduct for the last four years
has been so nscilating, that much dependence
cannot be placed on his adherence to any cause
MontDo is also an officer in the constitutional
service.
| Noparticular information has been received as
to the effect Of this treachery upon the cause in
which they were engaged And from the silence
of the French accounts relating to ii, we may
reasonably infer that their army has received by
| il no accession of troops.
] The circumstance Of the occupation Of Ma
| drid was not unexpected no attempts were
made, or were intended to be made, to prevent
| it. Ard we do not hear that any force Is organ
lied to prevent The farther progress of the inva-
ding army TO Seville and Cadiz The latest news
is that corps Of the French army is already on
| the mai ch to Andalusia
The principal Spanish Generals whs have for
ces under them, are Nina in Catalonia, Morilo
in Leon, Empecinado in CASTLE, and BaIlesteros
between Madrid and Seville; but the precise
number of troops each commands. we have not
the means of ascertaining, though we apprehend
II IS not sufficient ts cope in the field with the
different corps Of the enemy 10 which they may
be opposed.
From the OBJECTIONS Of Ahisbal and EIontia,
in connexion with the imperfect preparations Of
the Spanish government to oppose the enemy, we
are constrained TO form the opinion ,Iat an ac-
! conmodation will soon be made, which il is easy
TO conceive must be fatal 10 the present consti-
tuition. We have always believed that if the
people of Spain could be reused TO an exertion
equal to their physical power, the casse Of free
dom would be safe in their hands; but from pres
ent experience, it does seem that the mass OF the
Spanish4naton is yet too ignorant to know the
worth OF the genuine principles Of liberty, and
unworthy TO be entrusted with their defence.
If they had the zeal Of the enthusiastic sons of
Greece, the Pyreuees wouldharc been the grave
of the army of Aneouleme, or new Thermop-
ylae for the defenders OF their country.
The following arc some further particulars re-
ceived at New York last Wednesday, which
show continued success on the part Of the
French.
NEw-YoRK, July is.
7tso days tater from Epgland.-The i
sailing British ship Commerce. Capt Richie.