The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-26

AAA ASAA -tAOf 4OsOs 4VAA -
less It came to an end, he would not be in any way
responsible for the peace OF the nation.
THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME
II was resolved, therefore, to 60 into the Cortes
and announce that the government would resign
its powers unless three things were done-to
witt
|. The passage OF the bill aboushing slavery in
to counsel the government until the meeting of
the Constituent Assembly whose duty will be to
Ill. Permanent session OF the Cortes until q vote
OF dissolution was reached.
THE EMANCIPATION BILL
The first question was upon the Emancipation
bill. The speech OF CASTELAR, had convinced the
conservatives Of the fact that unless that bill was
passed now there would be no assurance that the
new Assembly would not pass another one. giving
indemnity to the slaves instead OF the masters. AS
the Cortes stood the conservatives held the balance
OF power. On one side were the republicans in
power; On the other, the radicals seeking power,
and vainly believing that Spain would submit
to their rule. On all questions the conservatives
had acted with the radicals. But when the
announcement was made by the government that
course had been resolved upon they held con-
sultation. "What do we care" said they, "for one
party more than anothera Why should we aid the
radicals, who are republicans at heart, to over
throw the republicans who are frank and honest
Why displace Fgueras and CASTELAR, and Mar
gan, who are among the first men In Spain, what
ever they think, for lot OF Indifferent, heady
politicians ?" And so thinking they resolved to
support the government and carry through Its
measures.
THE LAST STRUGGLE OF THE REACTIONISTs.
The COrtes assembled-the last day of its life
and all seemed quiet enough. We were to have
another dull droning day, and Dozen perhaps
succeeding. The seats were empty and there was
no crowd outside The day was raw, and an un-
usually keen, cold wind came down from the Qua
darrama snow tops which may have had its part
In keeping people at home. The confer
ence between the conservatives and the govern
ment had taken place, and it was resolved to
amend the bill for emancipation in one or two un-
essential particulars. Suddenly the President
announced, in quiet way, his programme. The
radicals gave way, as they have always given way
when met with resolute resistance. The question
then arose ON the manner in which the Commission
was to be elected II the Assembly chose each
member by ballot tine radicals would be apt to
control the Commission, and thus have
the government in vice, as 1t were,
during the interim. The republicans proposed
that each member should vote for four
Names and the names having the largest number
something like what you have in Illinois. II 1t
were adopted there would be a positive minority
OF republicans on the commission and men, too,
whose character and force would make them, as
they have always been, practically majority.
Upon the voting OF this measure there was
o scene. BY the constitution no member Of
the Assembly can hold an once. But as Is SO
often the case with Spanish laws, it was dead
letter and members of the Assembly held Offices
Since the republicans came into power they have
naturally enough, been appointing their friends to
place. Those OF the new appointments who were
in the Assembly have been waiting for the dissou-
ton to take their Offices. The President Of the
Cortes knowing this fact and remembering the
law, directed the Secretary not to call the names
Of several Deputies who had been named to ONCE.
The vote was 80 close that II these names
were not called the republicans would lose
their proposition This exercise Of the power OF
Acknowledgement led to q scene. The President
insisted that he was right and read the law. The
republicans called upon the Secretary to read the
names of the radicals who held office during the
monarchy and remained In the Assembly. For
few minutes it seemed as If the Cortes would break
into mob; but the sense OF the Assembly was
against the President. and the proposition was
passed.
THE STORM BREAKS INTO SUNSHINE
Beaten again, beaten finally the storm passed,
and there came sudden and sweet sunshine. These
| strange Spanish people pass from one extreme to
another suddenly-from JOY to tears, from anger
to sobbing affection-that you can hardly UNDER
stand the phenomena that followed. The govern
ment moved permanent session: 1t was carried
Then came the votes on minor bills-about the
navy and so on: they were all passed. Then came
the emancipation measure for Porto Rico For
days this had been debated. Speeches for 1t and
vehemence that agitated the Republic Its
friends despaired Of passing 1t under any circum-
stances. And yet when it was called for vote the
whole Cortes arose and said YEA" and there were
shouts and cheers and shaking of hands. The ses-
sion had passed into the night No special Incl
dent transplred, only full Assembly, crowded gal
eries the journalists eating supper in their
box, and sense of satisfaction, good will, kind
illness, free breathing, as. OF men who had at last
passed the rocks and the eddies and were now in
a smooth, open sea. And so IL continued until after
midnight, until two O'Clock in the morning, when
the business ended, the vote OF adjournment was
carried. Members cried, Live Spain" and "Lve
the Republicl" and the Cortes which Amadeus
summoned, as the last hope of his crown, passed
into history.
TUE MOST PEACEFUL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC.
1t was two in the morning when the Cortes dis.
solved. But in this strange capital, where you
make evening calls at midnight, two In the
morning is a busy, merry hour The CATS were
crowded with men waiting for news, which the
night, with its rawness, forbade them to do in the
streets. The Sabbath came, and Madrid showed,
in its brightness and activity, that happy day
had come. "This IS the most satisfactory day the
Republic has known" said friend; "the only day
OF perfect rest.r The Cortes was dissolved with
out contest although the stubbornness Of the ma
tv had mo fhp can al "a
the verge Of combat. Slavery was abolished in
Porto Rico, and Spain was now to pass upon the
Republic and the form of the new constitution.
THE EFFECT THE EMANCIPATION BILL
As for emancipation, the effect of the bill is this,
slayerv ceases absolutely In Porto Rico from this