The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-13
THE SPANISH MINISTER.

THE SPANISH MINISTER.
What Admiral Polo Thinks OF the situ-
alton I'm spain-His Government Not
observation-disclosures Not To He Adam
donod-Amadcus an Honest and Liberal
Prince.
WASHINGTON, Feb. IL, 1879.
The abdication OF King Amadeus has excited
great deal OF comment in Official circles Of the gov
eminent and among the diplomatic corps In this
city. The representatives Of the Old World mon
arches attracted to one another by a common
sense Of danger and congregate at their favorte
club on Fifteenth street for the purpose of discuss
ing the great event. They look at each other with
troubled faces as much as to say, 'Here is one Of
the Oldest monarchies in Europe gone to the deuce
Which Of us next ?"
Your correspondent called this evening on Ad-
mira Polo, the Spanish Minister, for the purpose of
elicting his opinion regarding the strange turn OF
affairs in Spain and obtaining additional informa-
ton on the subject The Admiral was engaged
reading q despatch when he was shown into his
presence. The Spanish Minister has the reserve OF
a diplomat, but now and then the frankness OF the
sailor would break out through the restraint of
his official position. He speaks English with
iuency and correctness, and has pleasant, en-
gagng manner. The conversation began as fol-
lows
"Wel Admiral, have you any further news from
SpainP"
Admiral Polo pointing to a telegraph tape)-I
have just received despatch announcing the proc
lamation OF the republic.
"Will you allow me to translate 1t ~
ayes, certainly: Will translate 1t for you. 1t
reads as f0llOws:-
THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
TO TIE REPRESENTATIVE OF SPAIN AT WASH
NGTON:-
Tne Senate and Chamber OF Deputies, consti.
tuted III sovereign assembly, after accepting the
abdication of King Amadeus, have proclaimed the
Republic by vote OF 1858 to SO, on February H."
CoRREsPoNDENr-Now the question is, Will the
Republic improve the condition Of Spain, and will 1t
lastP
Admiral PoLo-I am at such great distance
from the scene OF the event that cannot give any
decided opinion on this subject. have been
away about two years from my country, and
while there always confined myself to my
naval profession, never meddling with politics.
have been content to serve my country without at
taching much Importance to forms Of government,
long as 1t is q liberal one can now only Judge
by the facts know. A large majority Of the
Spanish Congress profess radical or advanced !ibe
raj opinions, hence they must be in harmony with
the sentiment OF the people they represent; and
having once set MP o republic, suppose they will
give 1t fair trial.
Carlist pretender any chance to the throne?"
'The administration Of Senior Zorrilla has been
liberal one, one in conformity with the sentiment
OF Congress and the country. Whatever may be
the ultimate form Of government 1t does not seem
logical that the Spanish people should retrograde
by return to despOtism. It seems more probable
that they will preserve the advance they have
made.n
''what might have been the cause OF King
Amadeus abdication"
"a have not received the slig htest Information on
the subject. 1t is as much mystery to me to
the rest OF the world I have read cable despatch
in the HERALD saying that the German papers hint
that the Kings abdicaton was caused by French
intrigues, but do not believe word OF it.n
81 suppose Senior Zorrilla will be the President Of
the new Republic ?"
~ do not know any more about 1t than you do.
Madrid is like Paris-a city of surprises One
cannot tell what the next day may bring forth.
! suppose there are several aspirants to that
position"
"will the new order Of things in Spain produce
any change in the relations with Cuba p"
suppose your Congress were to make some
change IN the constitution, such, for instance, as
the election of President and Vice President by
direct vote OF the people, would that cause any
disntegration OF your territory, should say no
The same rule applies to US. whatever may be the
form Of the government in Spain its fundamental
policy, I think. cannot be other than to maintain
the integrity OF the Spanish d0mnons The
change from monarchy to repuplicanism can only
affect the internal affairs OF the country. It may
do this, however; it may be an impetus for the
Introduction OF further reforms in Spain and her
coloniesn
CORREsPoNDENT-What do you think, Admiral OF
King Amadeus and the course he mas pursued
Admiral PoLo-I think he was an honest and lib.
era prince who had the interest Of the Spanish peo
pie at heart He was always anxious to do his best
for the country, but events over which he had no
control have compelled him to adopt the step he
has taken.
The conversation would have been prolonged,
but Amiral Polo was obliged to attend the Presi.
dents reception.