The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-02

deep-seated and powerful at the bottom.
Freedom, political equality and republicanism
are the natural offsprings Of the progress Of
this enlightened age, and the Spanish people
could not but realize this fact.
Perhaps nothing has contributed more
towards the revolution in Spain and political
enlightenment Of the people than the history,
growth and influence of this country. The
Spanish people study and admire the great
popular and fashionable. Even the manufac-
tured articles of the United States are bought
up with avidity, whep they can be obtained,
and used because they are American. Our
late civil war has made wonderful impress
sion upon the Spaniards, as, in fact upon all
Europe. The magnitude Of it, the results, the
way in which we raised armies of millions and
the easy dispersion of all these to their homes
and ordinary pursuits when the war was over
have astonished the world. Spaniards and
Europeans generally cannot but be deeply Inn
pressed with the excellence of our institutions,
strength Of the government and greatness Of
the republic The incidents Of that revolu-
tionary period are known all over Europe.
Where has the fact that four millions Of slaves
were emancipated not penetrated? The assas-
sination Of President Lincoln has become as
well known as that of julius Caesar, and, will
be scarcely less famous in history. In Illus
tration of this we will notice what occurred to
an American gentleman who was lately travel
ling in remote part Of Spain. In an out Of
the way village, removed from the lines Of
communication and intelligence, where a
foreigner is rarely seen, this gentleman was
asked by villager if he were an Englishman.
He replied ''No." "a Frenchman ?" ssNo;
I am an American" he said. ''Ah, Ameri-
cano" responded his questioner with agree
able surprise. ''Did you know Lincoln ?"
Little as this humble villager knew about the
world the name Of Lincoln was familiar. The
United States are exercising silent but pow
erful influence over Spain and Europe gene
rally, and the effect may be seen in the Span
ish rev oution.
There is undoubtedly strong monarchical
party in Spain, though some of this party are
SO not because they dislike republican institu-
tons, but because they are in doubt as to the
practicability of establishing firmly republic.
The republican sentiment is gaining strength
every day. It is said by those well acquainted
with Spanish affairs that both General Prim
and Espartero at heart favor republic. 1t is
doubtful if the Emperor Napoleon has much
influence in Spain, for the Spaniards have no
love for the French Whenever those monarch
lists supposed to be under Napoleon's influence
talk about king the republicans head them off
by pointing to Montpensier as the man. This,
of course is clincher. When the opposite
party speak of chief Espartero is pointed to,
as he is believed to be a republican at heart.
So we sec there is q good deal of dry humor
combined with the earnestness Of these Span
iards in their revolutionary movement. 1t
will be found as difficult for the monarchists to
get a suitable monarch as for the republicans
to succeed in establishing republic, and
from the lights before us we are inclined to
think it will be more difficult. However, the
Cortes are soon to be elected and to assemble,
and then we shall know whether Spain is to be
a republic or a monarchy. At present the
current Of popular sentiment runs favorably
towards a republic, though some Of the chiefs
are for monarchy.