The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-05
WASHINGTON, Dec. l, 1886,


History Of the Spawiat Marriage Question.
The politics of continental Europe, more espe-
cially such involved in the res geste prior to
the French revolution, are not very thoroughly
understood in this country. 1t is therefore no,
very generally known that the protest Of the
British government to the marriage of the Dske
Of Montpensier the sister of the Queen of Spain,
is founded on the treaty of Utrecht, which was
concluded in 171S; nor yet il there clear appre-
hension of the right the British government has
to protest under that treaty A short summary of
the facts connected with the history of the peace
of Utrecht, so far as it bears on the Spanish mar
rage question, may not prove undressing.
Charles H., king Of Spain, who had married
Marie Louise, daughter of the Duke of Orleans
and niece Of Louis XIV, died, without heirs, on
the LIST of November, 100, bequeathing the crown
Of Spain to his wiic's nephew, Philippe, Duke Of
Anjou, second son of the Dauphin or France, and
of course grandson Of Louis XIV Philippe was
Immediately crowned King of spain, first at Fop-
of Philippe v. In December, 100, Louis XIV.
issued letters patent, securing to the new King of
Spain the right of succession to the crown Of
France, in the event OF the Duke Of Burgundy.
Phiippe's elder brother, dying without lawful
heirs; thus providing for tho junction of the two
kingdoms under the sceprre of his gran son, in
case the elder branch of the family should fail.
Several OF the European powers, jealous Of the
councils--the grandson of the King of France ON
the throne of Spain-entered into confederation
10 dethrone Philippe, and to place the Spanish
crown on the head of Charles, Arch Duke OF
Austria. This league was entered into BY Eng
land, Holland, the Emperor OF Germany, and
almost all the German princes, and afterwards by
Portugal and Savoy. Charles was proclaimed
King Of Spain at Vienna in 1708 and, by the asss-
lance of the other powers, carried the war into
Spain Against this confederation Philippe had
the assistance OF his grandfather who sent army
across the Pyrenees TO his aid.
At the same time, the French monarch was a,
war with England, in consequences ofhis recogni-
ton OF Prince Charles son of James H., as right
finl King of England on the demise OF his father
thus, as England alleged, committing a violations
OF the treaty Of Ryswick.
The war in Spain continued with doubtful src-
cess until ITO, from which time until its termina-
ton in I712, the tide of victory turned in favor oil
Philippe. But during this period, Louis XIV sni
iercd a series OF reverses and msfortunes, which
completely broke down his high spirit. His reign,
which had hitherto been so brilliant was drsrined
to close in gloom. His ablest generals, ralard,
Marsn, Villerey, and Villars, suffered defeat after
defeat at the hands of Marlborough and Eugene.
The fields of Blenheim, Ramilly and Maplaouet
followed each other in quick succession, and
though England gained from these splendid VIC
tories no solid advantages, yet France suffered
nevertheless.
But the French King had more poignant grieis Q