The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-26
Dsnsosacy II Kuropc-Thc Great Spanish
OrRt,r, CASTELAR,.

| ish Cortes, as reported and commented on by
lished yesterday, is as full Of sig niicance as to
the political condition and movements of Spain
and Europe as it is eloquent. The speeches
Of the ordinary politicians and statesmen both
in Europe and America are tame and arid
compared with this grand, comprehensive and
thrilling Grafton. There has been nothing
superior to it, and perhaps not comparable
with it, in late times. 1t is full of fire, pro-
found in statesmanlike grasp and prescience,
redolent of classical SMILES and beautiful
in dictiOn. 1t touches the heart while
instructing the mind and leading the
reader to contemplate the great movements
of the age. We see the struggle
throughout Europe, as we'll as in Spain,
between the past and the present. and are led
to anticipate the inevitable future. CASTELAR, 8
eloquence reminds us of that of Daniel OCon-
nell in power, in abundant and apt illustra-
tons and Smiles, in the wonderful flow OF
language and in its electric effect upon an
audience. While scarcely less robust than that
of the famous Irish orator, 1t is more classical,
tar-seeing and comprehensive. CASTELAR, stands
| in the first rank of orators of ancient and
modern times, with Cicero, Demosthenes, the
Earl of Chatham, Burke, O'Connell, Patrick
Henry, Webster and other such like great men.
We can imagine the profound impression
CASTELAR, makes upon the Cortes and the Span
ish people. Notwithstanding the loss of beauty
and strength of his language by translation
into English, we are deeply impressed with it.
How effective, then, must his words be as they
are delivered in the rich and sonOrous periods
of his native Spanish. Indeed, there is
evidence of the effect of his eloquence
and boldness both on the Cortes and
the government of Spain. He was
interrupted frequently in the course
of his speech by loud cheers, and Immediately
after this bold arrangement Of the Ministry Mar
! shall Serrano announced the resignation Of the
! Cabinet. When, too in conclusion, the orator
declared that he and his friends would wage
| eternal warfare against such Ministry,
| though to one composed OF radicals-that is to
say, progressists and democrats-they would
be disposed to be tolerant and even benevo-
lent, Marshal Serrano instantly caught at the
words, and, asking CASTELAR, what he meant,
said he would try to form Ministry if the
republicans would lend il support 1t is
clear, from these circumstances, that the
republicans are in power still in Spain, and
that their great leader and orator is thorn
| in the side of the reactionists and monarchists.
Though Spain does not occupy that central
position and Influence over the political
affairs and movements of the Continent that
France does, CASTELAR, may, we think,
be called the apostle of democracy
in Europe. There appears to be NO
man in France or in the other ma
tions of Europe who is likely to
exercise as controlling an influence in difusing
democratic government. Theirs, Favre and
Gambetta may have at present more actual Or
governmental power, but We question if any
one of them will exercise as much influence as
CASTELAR, in promoting the cause of republican
progress and shaping the democratic destinies
of Europe. He appears to be pre-eminently
the apostle of democracy in the Old World.
He is not trammelled by sub impracticable
theories as are many Of the leading French
republicans, and does not shock the cOnserva-
tive sentiment of people by obtruding socialist
or Communist ideas. He is simply republi-
and bold. Sunk as SIP .in has been in political
degradation, We have hope of her restoration
through this brilliant man and his republican
friends. His appearance on the stage of pub
lie life gives promise of glory again to this
once great country. There is ring in the
ardent eloquence of this republican chiei
which indicates that he may yet place
| Spain foremost among the nations in
the way of democratic progress. Re-
publican ideas are fermenting and develop
ing in an extraordinary manner among the
Latin nations of the south Of Europe. France
Italy and Spain are undergoing a wonderful
change, and it is not unlikely that within
few years all will become republican. Caste
lar evidently believes this, and he above al
others may be instrumental in effecting tn
revolution.
We have frequently referred to the grea
influence the American republic has had ant
is having over the thoughts and politica
destiny of the people Of Europe. This fac
has been saown in many remarkable instance
Of late years. The people have been lonl
learning silently from US the nature and value
of republican institutions, and within the las
few years the magnetic telegraph, rapid ant
frequent communication by steam power, TIT
diffusion of information through the press, tn,
these, together with the remarkable events il
Europe, have thrown food Of light on th,
minds of all classes in the Old World. Caste
lar has been impressed, like many other lead