The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-08-18
SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.
Editorial Opinions ofthe Leading Journals
upon Current opics-compiIed Every
Day for the Evening Telegraph
THE DECISIVE HOUR FOR SPAIN.


thinkers, when they first heard of the revolu-
ton that expelled from the renowned old land
of Ruy Diaz, the Cid and Ferdinand and Isa-
bella, Government that seemed totally in
adequate to the requirements of its modern
life, was unanimous in predicting glorious
things. Never had so complete q change
been effected at SO little cost of life or with
such fair demeanor on the part of the victors,
and it was not too much to expect that men
who knew how TO make movement so ad-
roitly and manage its results so judiciously
would be equal to the task of reconstruc-
ton. But months and even years, we'll nigh,
have rolled away, and Spain is still founder
ing about in that slough of despond styled
regency. Her crown has gone begging,
only to be peremptorily rejected by every
one solicited, excepting by the Hohenzol-
lern prince, whose acceptance has been
made the pretext of ferocious war be-
tween France and Germany, and came very
near embroiling Spain herself with her fery
and imperious Gallo neighbor. The Spanish
Ministry we're greatly irritated at the circular
of the Due de Gramont, and on the night
of its receipt at Madrid (July 24) crowds as
sembled in the streets of that city and loudly
menaced not only the French embassy but
all the French residents of the place. The
Government was SO greatly excited that there
was a proposal seriously entertained to call
the Cortes together Immediately, their pro-
per time of reassembling being October 81.
From that moment the republicans began to
organize in favor of absolute neutrality in
the pending war and of speedy close to the
interim between the settled form of govern
ment driven out and the one that is to sue
ceed it. On the 25th of July grand mass
meeting Of all the liberals who dwell on the
right bank of the Tagus was held at Plasencia,
and the proclamation of a republic was boldly
suggested.
The Spanish Ministry has, indeed, pub
lished decree of neutrality, but many of the
ministerial journals and all of those in the
democratic interest decidedly lean towards
Prussia. Upon a careful survey and COM
parison of the different elements of the Span
ish press, as representatives of public opin-
ion, we come to the distinct conclusion that
the restoration of the throne and the crown
ing of the Prince of the Asturias are regarded
as the sure consequences of French success,
the event to be followed by another moderado
ministry, which would commit over again
just the faults that drove them from power,
along with Queen Isabella, before. On the
other hand, it is believed that Prussian tri-
umph would lead at once to the republic in
France, and that Spain would have to initiate
her. Well, thus far the Prussians have won
every point, the trumpet of republicanism is
sounding the reveille throughout France, and
its echoes are heard through the gorges of the
Pyrenees already, and hearkened to most
eagerly by exulting millions. The working
men have appeared in immense masses in the
streets at Cadiz, Valencia, Saragossa, BARGE
Iona, and Madrid, where they bear this in
scription on their banners:-"Army, Govern
ment, Aristocracy, Middle Classes-the
People are Hungry"
In the meanwhile Senor Rivero, the Min
lister of the Interior, has insisted upon the
defnitive adoption of q constitution, in order
to be in advance of the mandates that might
be imposed by either successful belligerent
but he has been SO bitterly attacked by the
Sagasta, the Minister of State, that he and
all the other democrats in the Cabinet are
withdrawing. The reactionists, the procras-
tinators, and the conspirators for any and
every species of monarchical form, there
fore, find themselves left face to face
with the country now weary of delay
and indignant at the serio-comic per-
formances of its reputed lawgivers. This,
then, is the decisive moment for the Spanish
people-'the tide which, taken at the flood,
leads on to fortune" With intellects like
Topete, Rios Rosas, and Lorenzana at their
command, and so grand and majestic voice
as that of CASTELAR, to announce their cause to
the world, the progressists need hesitate no
more. The great French terror hangs over
them no longer. They have but to raise their
souls to the height of the popular yearning
and Spain may lead the van of the sisterhood
of republics which are, presently, to revive
the youth, redouble the energies, and secure
the happiness of nations so long made the
sport Of arbitrary power and the footstool OF
military arrogance.
OUR NATIONAL DoTHEBOYS HALL.