The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-09

VI,
struck for IS day, have returned to work at the
old wages, 50 so.
A destructive fire occurred in New Orleans on
the 5th inst. Losa estimated at million Of dollars
Revolutionary Prospects In Spain and Cuba.
The proclamation issued by General O'Don-
neE and the other insurgent leaders to the
people of Spain, will be found in another col
urnn. Without careful study, but little practi-
cal information respecting the revolution in
progress and the general state of Spanish af-
fairs can be gained from it; for, as usual in
Spanish Documents, rhetoric abon1ds to the
exclusion Of reasons and tropes to the detri-
menS Of facts. As we can understand it, how
ever, Its signers allege that they took up arms
to expel the ministry, whose Illegal exactions,
broken pledges and corrupt practices were sub
versive Of all sound government and calculated
to ruin the kingdom. General O'DCnncll dis
claims the title Of revolutionary leader: 'It
is the government" says he, (which Is revolu-
tionary." What measure of sincerity this
assurance may have contained at the time it
was given, it is not now worth while to inquire:
events have succeeded esch other faster per-
haps than the General expected, and it is quite
clear to every one at this time that the alleged
conservatism Of the insurgents wears as revelu-
tionary an aspect as could well be imagined
O'Donnell has been compelled, out of regard
for the success Of his movement and his own
safety, to admit az partner il his enterprise
the veteran Espaytero; aud whatever the
designs Of the former may Lave been, the
latter is notorious foe to the present
institutions Of Spain. When our last
accounts left, the insarrection had attained
its first and avowed object: it had driven the
ministry from power. 1t had likewise achieved
another end, less openly confessed by The lead
els: it had driven the Queen Mother from the
palace, and for the present reduced her infla-
ence to zero. Nor have we any reason to be.
feye that it was intended or expected to rest
here. Success seems rather TO have infamed
than satisfied the popular mind. The probabil-
ity that Isabella would be dealt with as her
mother had been that the half measure of a
change Of ministry with Espartcro at its head
would be inadequate TO calm the people--even
that the throne itself would be destroyed, as
SO many other thrones have been during the
last century, was generally discussed in Spain
when the last news left. Less likely events
than any one Of these have been witnessed in
cur days. Look over the whole Spanish PENN
sula, ard neither man nor an institution can
be found that can be said 10 possess elements of
abiding tirmness or stability The people are
dssusted with the whole Bourbon family.
Opinions are widely divided with respect to the
various candidates for popular favor. Neither
the church nor the throne nor the Cortes nor
tie Senate rest on such basis as 10 defy the
shock Of a successful revolution. Without for
eign interference, all might be swept away. 1t
Is within the bounds Of possibility that any 60
vernncnt soever, that could master Madrid for
= few days, might succeed in grasping the
sceptre isabclla's hand has not the strength to
held.
There are at least four parties in the field
already. Isabella has some few adherents left
and the middle classes Of Spain will obviously
lean to her side az less pregnant with danger
ard uncertainty than change Of sovereign or
dy nasty. Men of property, with the timidity
of their station, will prefer bad government
tllat they know. to new one that may be
worse. Could sire maistsin herself, foreign
tations would obviously abstain from inter.
ference. She has on her sile the advantage Of
possession; against her, her own character and
the odium OF her past misgovornment and her
vices. Her sister Louisa, the wife o.
is doubtless alive TO her chances.
Her aniecedents.are fair for Spanish Princess;
at least she has not yet rendered her name
byword Of reproach. If the Spaniards wanted
a Beuilon who was notdisreputable, she would
be their choice. But against her, there are the
heavy odds Of foreign opposition. Russia is
devoted 10 tic Carlist interest Neither Eng
land nor Louis Napoleon would quietly submit
10 the realization Of the scheme, which the
former tried 50 hard 70 prevent when the mar.