The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-04-03

SPAIN.
Discussion in tho Spanish Cortes fcsnrdins
the Duke of NIontpcusier.

Dsscussion in tho Spanish Cortes Regarding
the Duke of Monfpcusier.
MADRID, March TO- 1862
A GOOD deal OF light was thrown on the status OF
the Duke OF Montpensier candidate Tor the throne
by debate that was Unexpectedly brought on In the
Cortes last Monday. The discussion arose on an In
terpelation on part OF the republicans to ascer
ta,n by what right the Duke held his rank Of Cap
tain General in the Spanish army after the Bourbon
DYNASTY had been overthrown. General Prim, whose
position and sympathes towards the Duke have been
very uncertain replied In behalf OF the government
saying that the government formed in con-
sequence Of the revolution, found Antonio dOrleans
expatriated as themselves; they saw that
ne was q captain general who quickly recog-
nized the revolution, and they could not do other
wise than acknowledge his position In the army; as
they did not believe the cry OF "Down with the
Bourbons" affected one who was not only not
legitimate inheriter 0f,the crown by what is called
divine right, but ne could not have been IN any
case called to the throne. He aid not comprehend
why the opposition launched against him the anathe-
ma that he In no way deserved.
CASTELAR, replied that the recognition OF Montpen
sler was recognition of the fallen dynasty. Mont
pensier is an Individual of a foreign house also
overturned. If he has given services those services
were with foreign army. He shed his
blood in Africa for his real country.
He came to Spain by means OF a
marriage with the sister OF Dona Isabel
de BOURBON, who conceded by right OF this marriage
only, all the titles and decorations. The Duke has
never commanded in the spanish army, nor even
he done to preserve this courtiers sword this dynas
tic tites He then went on to show that there were
Two classes OF captains general the effective and
toria Espartero) who obtained his titles by wars In
America the siege of Morella and the siege OF Luz
in '' the civil war; and Prim by his African
campaign. his Mexican expedition and his services
the revolution. But the title of the Duke de Mont
marriage to the daughter OF Fernando VII, the sis
Ter Of Isabel It was only dynastlc title;
ali the members are united with the chief: that
tunes that he may meet with and they are never
separated from him. He Illustrated his position by
citing the cases OF the Prince Napoleon, the Prince
de Joinville the Count OF Syracuse, and Others to
show that both in the gories and in the defeats the
members of the royal houses were united TO the
chief, whether they were really In sympathy with
him or not. He believed that the Duke de Montpen-
sier comprehended in the list prosecuted in the
cry of d6djo los Borbones of The revolution. He
would never consent that foreign prince should
become chief OF State in his country, because that
would be the continuation OF his country's unhappy
history and the sign Of her rremedable decadence.
Senior Tope e, Minister OF Marine firm friend and
supporter OF Montpensier then rose and with
good deal OF animation said that If the Duke
was not on>board OF the Saragossa during the
CadiZ revolution 1t was because he had thought Ii
best that he should no. be there He closed by say
ing that before the republic he Tor the Duke de
Montpensier as King. This frank sailor ike way OF
dealing with the subject created great uproar on the
republican side. and the entire party was Its feet
TO reply; but Prlm, more experienced than Topete.
arose and attempted to correct the blunder commit
ted by the blun Admiral. CASTELAR, replied and
Figueros spoke strongly against MontpenSier, say
ing that he would have no kings in Spain possible
He preferred the republic, but If that was not at
tainable like his forefaters he would be vulgar and
refuse to have French kings
General Serrano closed the debate and suggested
that Admiral Topete was merely expressing ms pri-
vate opinion "a deputy; that the question OF the
form OF the government and the selection or The
didate for the throne in the hands OF the Con-
stituent Cortes. The Executive would bow to Its
will. 1t decreed republic it would CRY, ''T.Ua Ia
Republican, II 1t chose the monarchy 1t would say
"VtDd Ia MoflGrclria!" the Cortes must settle the
question, and the people would support them. After
little more debate the Incident terminated, ard 1t
is admitted by nearly every one that the prospects
OF Montpensier have been greatly favored BY the dis
CUSTOM and it is well conceded that he Is the ~
ture KING or Spain. Many OF his friends assert that
he will be ON the throne in ess than three months:
but that greatly depends on the management OF the
affair which has thus far been handled with great
deal n skill