The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-12

siom " Amoucus ~"" S.-~
Procla nation OF tho Republic.
Our latest news from Spain is to the effect
that Amadeus adheres to his purpose. In
spite of the advice and earnest entreaty OF his
Ministers, he persists in his determination to
abdicate II is not stated at the time we
write that his abdication has been formally
proclaimed but we are no longer iei' LII
doubt as to the actual condition OF AFFAIRS
Nate last night despatch was received by
Secretary Fish that at nine O'Clock the Cortes
had adopted republican form of government
bv n vote of 259 in the affirmative to 80 in the
negative. According to another despatch the
greatest excitement prevailed in Madrid. The
Senate had appointed permanent Com
mittee of Thirty to attend to the affairs of
government Malcampo and Topete had both
magnanimously offered their services to Prime
Minister Zorriila to assist him in the main
1t was doubted, however, whether Zorrilla
would remain in the capital after tomorrow
All this is in confirmation of news received
earlier in the day. AS late as midnight on
Sunday the King refused all advice and
persisted in his purpose to resign, and early
in the day yesterday despatch was received
by prominent republican at Versailles-M.
Quinet-and signed by CASTELAR, and Figueras,
two pronounced republicans, stating that
within few hours the Republic would be
formally proclaimed. 1t is not difficult to
understand why in some circles this intelli-
ell, 10 n FIR
us, however, who are identified with the popu
lar cause the wide world over, to do other than
rejoice because of this fresh republican pros
pect in Spain. 1t has long been manifest that
it would have to come to this at last, and it is
well that the inevitable has not been longer
delayed.
The abdication of the Savoyard King will
prove an event in history of more than ordi-
nary significance. Abdication of throne is
no new thing; history furnishes numerous
the circumstances in which Amadeus abdicates
is somewhat of novelty. We all remember
the circumstances in which that throne was
offered and accepted. Queen Isabella was
dethroned and driven from her realm
in the Fall of 1868 How the fall
of Isabella resounded throughout the
world and gladdened the hearts of the lovers
of liberty no reader of the HERALD requires
to be told. II was felt that a powerful blow
had been dealt at the heart of despotism and
that from the success of the blow the lovers of
liberty would take fresh courage, and by one
ho1 ola Of md
oligarchy in Europe. From some cause or
other however, Europe did not respond TO
the rest of Europe Spain became an object of
study and of curious interest; but the revolu-
ton read the nations no lesson-it gave them
no impulse. 1t is undeniable that after the
revolution Prim was master of the situation
He more than any other man made the revo-
luton success; and he more than any other
man, after the revolution, was master of Spain.
How far Prim was earnest in his efforts to
establish the Republic it is difficult to say; but
that he gave the Republic a chance, that he
consulted by constitutional means the wishes
of the Spanish people, and that the idea of a
republic was abandoned, it is impossible to
refuse to admit. 1t is not forgotten how the
Spanish throne was offered to and how it was
refused by the father of the King of Portugal.
1t is not forgotten-it never can be forgotten
how the same throne was offered to and how
it was refused by Leopold of Hohenzollern. In
all time to come the Franco-German war
will remain a memorial of the quest
which Spain, the once proud king
dom of Ferdinand and Isabella of Charles
the Fifth and Philip the Second, made for
king. 1t is not forgotten how the Hohen-
zollern candidate was abandoned and how an
appeal was made to the young Duke of Aosta.
If the records of the period are of any value
it is not unfair to say that to the Italian
Prince the Spanish crown was destitute of all
special attractions. He cared little for it, his
father was opposed to his accepting it, and it
was not until the popular voice loudly ex-
pressed itself and the representatives of the
greatest houses and of the best blood in
| Spain joined in the call that the scruples of
father and son gave way and Amadeus ac-
cepted the offered crown. His arrival in
Spain was marked by an event which, while it
stained the Spanish character and gave an
ugly hue 10 oPanlsn PoHticS, WAS utteu 10
daunt the bravest spirit. Through the life
blood of his patron, General Prim, he had to
mount the Spanish throne, but, nothing I'M
daunted, he marched to his place and resolved
to test his destiny. That he began well, and
that from the moment of his advent in Spain
he has honestly endeavored to do his best, no
enemy has ever denied. After most das-
tardly attempt on his own life, and in spite,
it is said, of the EARNEST entreaties of his
family and his young Queen that he should
resign, he has stuck to his post; and now it
must be admitted that, if he does abdicate he
abdicates because he has done his best and be-
cause his best has failed He abdicates
in favor of no son, of no friend, but