The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-13

II would be fruitless task to endeavor 60
deduce any great principle from the fal'. Of the
Bravo Murillo Ministry in Spain. a;:d the access
sion to power of General Toncali and his
friends. Changes Of ministry. attended with
far more violence than the last have been too
frequent OF late years in that country. to excite
much attention abroad. Foreigners are quite
used to hear chat the moderados are out and
the prsgressistas in high feather and seldom
trouble their heads much about either If we
venture, at this time. to direct our readers
attention. for brief space. to the politics Of
Spain, we do SO with the consciousness that we
are entering on topic which will at first blush
seem devoid Of general interest.
| Still there is much in the affairs of the PENN
sula to attract our notice. Spain is now touch
| ing on momentous crisis in her history. The
conflict between liberty and despotsm. the
hereditary and the popular principles, the pre-
rogative Of the crown and the rights OF the peo-
! pie, has reached its climax. 1t cannot last
much longer. Far as Spain lays behind the
! rest Of the world in political science the period
| Of her emancipation is not far distant and each
crisis, such as the one which has witnessed the
ldll Vi DIdVO duu VIC tlluIupu VI 1tOu.
cali, is step towards this great consummation
Each change Of ministry confirms the people in
the consciousness of their might. strengthens
their resolve to persevere in the contest until
victory crowns their efforts, and weakens the
| power Of the crown. The latter will find it a
vain task to attempt to crush public opinion by
| silencing the press and prescribing political
assemblages- contemplate makeshfts may
serve temporary purpose; but the prin-
ciple once admitted that the government
of the country must be administered by cabi-
net dependent on the people, the hey-day of
absolutsm is past and for ever. Taught by
| experience. the people Of Spain will become
more and more difficult to satisfy in proportion
as the crown recedes from its tyrannical pre-
tensions; each cabinet that falls victim to the
vain hope of reconciling the just demands of the
popular party with the musty prerogatives of
the old fashioned royalty. will afford fresh evil
dence Of the inherent justice of the popular
cause. Whatever be the particular opinions or
policy of each successive administration, the
simple fact that they have been summoned to
power in consequence of the unpOpularity of
their predecessors is of itself satisfactory proof
that the cause ofliberty is gaining ground and
that of absolutism declining.
This is peculiarly true Of the recent crisis
The late cabinet was formed by Bravo Murillo
early in 1851, when financial embarrasments
obliged Narvaez to resign the helm of state. The
premier-an advocate of high standing. and a
publicst who had frequently rendered himself
formidable to the progressista party-re-
deemed the rottennees of his cause by his per-
sonal talents SO far as any redemption was pos
sible. Whether be ever meant to attempt
radical reform of the constitution as he said is
matter Of which we cannot judge; certain it
is, however, that in fact he bowed obsequiOusly
to the exorbitant exactions Of the court, and
labored most strenuously to curb the growing
vigor Of the Spanish democracy. Under his
two years. reign both the press and the public
were muzzled; public prosecutions for State
offences were of common occurrence. and the
government soon became equally obnoxious to
both naOdeyudos and progressist0s. General
Urbina's resignation. and the unwillingness of
any Of the leading officers Of the army to take
his place as Minister Of War, was the immediate
occasion of the fall Of the Bravo Murilo cabinet;
the real cause lay of course far deeper. As
soon as their resignation was accepted. General
Roncali was desired by the Queen to form an
administration. He complied; and the result
Of his negotiations is the list we published on
the 18th inst.
five were to PREJUDICE the new administra-
ton by the circular addressed to the governors
of the provinces by the Minister of the Interior
we should perhaps find as much room for fears
as for hopes. The promises of a liberal govern
ment which it contains. are counteracted by
pledges to maintain and enhance if possible,
the splendor and prestige of the throne;'' and
advices from Madrid clearly indicate that the
new cabinet is aiming in many respects at pre-
serving the favor Of the court. Still, it is no
small boon to the Spanish people that the re-
strictions which fettered the press have been
removed and that men Of all parties are
not only permitted. but invited, to discuss the |
reforms in the constitution which are required |
by the interests of the community. We augur
much. however from the fact that Gen. Roncali |
and one Of his colleagues have resided. in an
official capacity. on the island of Cuba, and are
intimately acquainted with its condition and
requirements. If it rests with the Spanish gov
eminent to do anything to remove the existing
discomfort among the creoles, and to ameiorate
their condition. Gen. Roncali's cabinet is more
likely to attain that end than any of the admi-
nistrations which have preceded it. If on the
other hand no radical reforms are introduced
into the government Of the island. the Cubans
may rest assured that their ills are destined to
last as long as they remain under Spanish do
mnation. We shall look forward to the result
with some anxiety.
The AUSTRALIAN GOLD DIGGNGs.-There
is beginning to be manifested in this country
as lively an interest in the condition and pros