New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-01-26
SPANISH POLITICS.

SPANISH POLITICS.
The chronic crisis in SPAN shows no symp-
toms Of ever coming to an end. When the
Cortes came together this week, after their
vacation, tho most important question before
them was the election of President
to take the place Of Mr.. Sagasta,
who had become President of the
Council of Ministers. There was no reason
able prospect Of the same cabal which elected
Sagasta electing his successor, for since the
unfortunate day on which he had succeeded
in overthrowing the Gorilla Cabinet
tho lines of party had been closer
drawn in the Congress, and it was no longer
possible for members Of the Radical party TO
support a man who had formally ceased to be-
long to that organization. The Ministry could
only rely on one or two small factions, on the
Liberal Union, whose members held some OF
the most coveted positions under the Govern
ment, and who are able to dictate the policy
of tho Administration to its own disgrace ana
damage in Cuban and Porto-Rican matters and
in the slight contingent of the Progresis-
Ia party which had followed Sagasta in his re-
volt, or had been subsequently corrupted by
his patronage. The CaJlists might sometimes
be expected to vote with the Government In
cases WherO vote that way seemed
to serve tho cause of biGotry
and reaction, but in any questions
involving mere political or dynastic questions,
the Government could Of course expect nothing
from these faithful vassals of Don Carlos.
AGAINST Sagasta and his Cabinet were anayed
the liberal Progresistas, the Democrats, and, 80
far as they could vote with this radical coalition
without prejudice to their own principles or
organization-tho Republicans. These formed
clear majority of the Congress, and Mr.. Sa-
gasta had, therefore. no right to look for
ward TO anything hut defeat as soon
as any test question came up for vote. lie
had obtained power by trick and fraud.
Every election which had taken place since
hisaccrssion to place had demonstrated that the
popular majority was on the side of Ruiz
Zorilla and the Radicals. Even in Madrid,
city of of1ice-holders, where the party In
power always exert disprOportionate influence,
the Radical and Republican vote was greatly
in excess of that east for the Government
candidates. The Government Of Spain being
constitutional and parliamentary, the cOntin-
uance Of SaGasta in Office against an apparent
majority was violation of constitutional
practice. Ho had no business to re-
main there, and there was no justiiica-
ton for dissolution OF the Cortes,
unless fair prospect existed Of changing
their political complexion by new election.
As yet this prospect is not evident, and all
the indications tend the other way.
But MIR. Sagasta is no ordinary lawabiding
statesman such as We find in other parlia-
r,cntary bodies. He thinks laws and tradi-
tons are good enough for the other side,
but treats them with great contempt
when they stand in the way Of his
own plans lie is not ready TO
give up his unexpectedly acquired power to
the leader of the majority. Io faced the
Issue of the test vote on the opening Of the
Chamber with perfect cOmpOsurO, sure OF
never-failiDg weapon in reserve. He first felt
the temper of the House, and, finding that
the Ministerial candidate, Mr.. Herrera, could
not possibly be elected, no assumed the re-
spOnsibility of advising the sovereign to take
the extreme step Of dissolving the AS
sembly and ordering a new election
on tho I'd of April next. In this
way be gains one or two points. He post
pones his own fall, and takes the chances of
any possible changes in public sentiment He
gives himself time TO manipulate the
elections in his own interest and, what
is of somo consequence to Latin
statesman, he makes sure Of another
three months Of Office and emoluments. If
tho King has any genuine friends in Madrid
they are committing fatal folly in allowing him
to fall under the control Of so reckless pol
itican as Sagasta. The prestige of the Crown
is seriously injured when 1t becomes evident
to the country that the royal authority is used
as weapon of personal ambition and vim
dictiyeucsS,