The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-11

TO De relieved OF 3 falr snare OF the public bur-
dens. No; the public creditors must share
these burdens with the people and the inte-
rest Of the debt must be reduced. The inte-
rest is now far too high and out Of all proper
ton to either what was given for the debt or
the value of the capital. Laws are passed in
all countries against usurious interest as one
Of the greatest evils to society; yet that on
our debt is most exorbitant. In word, it is
ous in its influence. Two things are necessary,
then, to relieve the country from its heavy
burdens, and possibly from rcpudiaton-
namely, the funding Of the debt at low rate
of interest and the certain aud steady lquida-
ton of the principal.
The Revolution in Spain-Coniicing Reports.
The revolution in Spain has reached new
stage. That stage is the stage of barbados.
Barricades have acquired a dangerous pre-
eminence in European revolutions They had
something to do with the stirring events which
followed the uprising of 1889 in France, and
Paris has still some record of them. 1t was
not otherwise in Paris in the memorable years
of 1880 and lS48. Barricades for long years
to come can never be in Paris what they have
been. But Spain Is not France, nor is Madrid
Paris. II Is q curious and not uninstructive
fact that the most alarming outburst of popm-
lar sentiment which has yet taken place
against the provisional government has oc-
CURED in Cadiz the city where the revolution
began SO hopefully and SO well. Cadiz was,
according to news received prior to this
mornings cable dispatches, to all intents and
purposes in state of siege. The insurgents
were in possession of the Hotel de Vile and
the surrounding houses. They had fortified
their position by erecting barbados. The
prison convicts and the rural guards had
joined the insurgents. The government troops
had possession of the Custom House, where
the foreign consuls had fed for refuge. All
with Madrid had been inter
rupted. Similar risings were expected in
Saragossa. A more miserable .tiosco than that
with which the names OF Prim, Serrano and the
other members Of the present provisional gov
eminent are associated has not occurred in
modern times. The dissatisfaction OF Cadiz
is danning to the men who now hold sway.
The people have trusted them as no provisional
government was ever trusted before. They
have waited with q patience which has no
parallel Now they are Disguised, and Spain,
which might 80 easily have been led into the
paths of constitutional government, threatens
to become prey to the widest kind Of
anarchy. There is some barrier in the way
of the elections which has not yet been
divulged. general and violent outburst of
popular feeling, coupled with startling dis
closures, may be hourly expected Does Prm
wish to create Napoleons opportunity by rem
dcring anarchy inevitable? Is this the object,
or is the provisional government really and
truly helpless in the circumstances? Ger
tainly crisis has come.
By our Atlantic cable news published
this morning it will be seen that it is acknow-
lodged that the insurrection in Spain has in
reality assumed a more alarming character
than was at first reported. The conflict in
Cadiz has been of 80 sanguinary character
az to require an armistce Of two days to allow
both parties to bury their dead and to permit
women and children to leave the city At the
conclusion Of the armistice il is stated that a
combined attack is to bc made by the troops
and feet upon that quarter OF the city occupied
by The ''rebels," who are reported to have Q
force of three thousand fighting men, well sup
piled with arms aud the ''sinews OF war"
Malaga is excited and Catalonia ready
for rising. The provisional government, 1t
seems, Is much embarrassed and is out of
money. Prim has gone to Andalusia, leaving
Madrid under the protection Of the National
Guard. IL is somewhat significant fact that
the American flag is respected by both parties
and that many seek protection from the Ameri-
can Consul at Cadiz.
A despatch from Madrid, dated yesterday
evening December 100, states that the insur-
gents in Cadiz have demanded terms OF capitula-
ton, which, II IL understood, the government is
disposed 10 grant. This information Is hardly
reconcilable with the report of an armistice
for two days, which DESPATCH received just
previously furnishes. IL may be, however,
mat inc government, fcellng lts own weakness
without the supper, of the masses. is disposed
to yield accommodating terms TO those arrayed
in arms against IL.
THE PUBLIC DEBT We publish this morn
ing the Official December statement Of the ma
tional debt. 1t will be seen that the total
amount of Indebtedness, less cash in the Trca-
sury, December |, 1868, was e., 539, o3i ,si4,
showing an increase Of sll, 1902, 292 over the
November statement, or little over 100000
above the increase during that month In
view of this continued increase q our enor-
nous national debt is it not an imperative duty
for Congress to ponder well the gigantic pro-
jects for robbing the public treasury now be-
fore IL In the shape Of immense subsidies to