Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1853-07-09
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Queen Isabella, of Spain.

The Savannah Republican has CORES
pendent who is travelling in Spain, and
who writes very agreeable and entertaining
letters. His last one is from Madrid. We
make the following extract:
have not seen Queen Isabella as yet, nor
do | think circumstances will render an op-
portunlty favorable. No one says she Is
pretty, though all speak of her great love
of pleasure and gaiety and you even find
story in reference to her free and careless
spirit of independence She and her bigoted
husband-her cousin Fcrdnand-haye new
err lived OF the most favorable terms, one
occupying one end of the palace, the other
the other end. Now, it is understood, they
are more friendly. 1t was through the
means of tender and considerable mother
the Queen Chrislna-that this detestable
marriage was consummated The character
of the retiring, bigoted Ferdinand rather fits
him for the cloister than as for the companion
of gay, pleasure-lcving queen There is
a floating story current that the affections of
Isabella have long been engrossed by
young handsome Spanish General, which
she has never taken any special care to con-
ceal. In fact, if one should believe all the
naughty things one hears; ! do not know il
the Youthful queen would not seem to dis
pense her kind regards pretty much at the
suggestion OF whim or passing fancy. She
has given birth to princess, now some
years old. saw this royal bud this after
noon, as it was taken out on drive from
the palace; under dashing escort of mount
ed guards.
Though Isabella is scarcely twenty-three
years of age, her career has been one Of
continual peril and revolution. From her
cradle 10 this day, gloom and danger have
darkened her way and made her home a
mere prison-house. She was born in 1880,
during the thunders of French revolution.
Enemies sprung up on all sides when the
Salic law was abolished, and stern opposition
against her began in her veriest infancy.
In 1881 the ball of revolution was set agoilrg
for Don Carlos. In 1888: her father died,
when the revolution in favor of Carlos was
renewed with redoubled energy, and lasted
during seven years of boodshed and horrible
asrocity. The enemies of Isabella not only
succeeded in approaching her capital, but
there were occasionally revolts under the
very walls of the palace. In 1871, the name
of Queen Christina was the watch-word OF
rebellion, and during an attack upon the
l'didCt, Idl luN ~ CSCdpCu uSdAll. tlC
balls entering her bed-chamher. In 1912
Catalonia was the scene of revolt, excited
against the Regent Espartero. In 1913, a
revolution proclaimed Narvaez, and Espar-
tero was compelled to leave the kingdom.
During 1874 there were bloody struggles in
several provinces, and exciting scenes in
the capital itsef. In 1915 Catalonia again
shook the political fabric. In 1s47 she sa-
crifced herself by acquiescing in a disagree
able marriage. In 1s4S there was mill
tary revolution in Madrid; and scarcely a
year has elapsed since an attempt was made
upon her life by a priest and luckily es-
capped with slight wound in the arm.
Many may recollect the circumstance. She
was in the palace, and at the time had the
Princess in her arms, when priest, who
had made his way into her presence in some
secret way. suddenly rushed upon her, at
the same time making thrust with knife,
which fortunately was badly aimed, and i'm
mediate assistance prevented another at
tempt. Like true mother, she forgot her.
self in the most trying peril, and was only
alarmed for the safety of her child. With
all these sad events accompanying her
brief career SO far, she is cheerful and care.
less, is passionately fond of dancing, and
never troubles herself about Tomorrow.