The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1873-12-20
Il(IIIo CASTELAR,.


prominent figures in contemporary Europe
an politics, and, as President Of the Spanisl
Republic, he shares with Marshal sIacMa
hon the most eager interest Of the civilize,
world. Placed in position as difficult a
has been occupied by any man in rccen
times, llc has acted with rare energy, 81
gacity and prudence and, contrary to TIN
expectation Of US who knew him only as
passionate orator and agitator, he seems t,
be slowly knitting together the ravellet
strands of public life in Spain, and givin.
her for the first time since the abdication o.
Amadeus the semblance, at least, Of an or
ganized and conservative government.
lie was born in Cadiz September 6, 1882
His father, Don Manuel CASTELAR,, belonged
to an honest, respectable family Of agent.
Of exchange in Alicante and his mother,
Donna Maria Antonio Ripolle, was the
daughter Of an advocate and hndhOldcr oi
the same city. They were married in 1910,
q little before the revolution Of Riego,
Both families were passionatcly devoted to
the liberal cause. Don Manuel CASTELAR,.
who was at the time very young, was CON-
promised in the insurrection, and when the
king succeeded in restoring the absolute
monarchy, was condemned to death, and
forced to emigrate, passing seven years in
the English possessions, and especially in
Gibraltar. In the year 1881, the husband
and wife. who had been forced by this BAN
isl'ment to long and sorrowful separation,
were reunited in Cadiz, where in 1882
Emilio CASTELAR, was born. Don Manuel
was devoted to study. His library was one
Of the best in Cadiz, equally rich in works
Of philosophy, history, political economy,
and general literature. lie enjoyed an easy
income from his position Of agent Of cx-
change in that city rs he had in Alicante.
His intention was always to devote his son
to the career Of letters and science but in
1889, having made journey to Madrid, he
died at that capital, leaving his family,
whose only patrimony was the earnings Of
their head, almost without resources. But
Donna Maria Antonio Ripollc, thus left a
widow in the flower Of her youth, woman
gifted with extraordinary courage and an
equal capacity, devoted herself exclusively
to the education Of her son. She labored
tO carry out the intention Of her husband
to tit him for usefulness to his family and
his country by brilliant literary and sci
cntitic education. All that was most valu-
able Of the library was retained, in spite of
ruin and misfortune, to contribute to this
end. She would not however, have been
able to accomplish it but for tho generous
assistance ct her sister, Donna Maria Fran
cesa, who was married and resided in the
town Of Elda, in the province Of Alicante,
lady Of unusual beauty and goodness, who
opened +" the widow the doors Of her COM
Portable lomc, and received as her children
the two orphans, Emilio and his eldest sis
ter Conception CASTELAR,. This act Of be-
nevoIence made one family Of both, and at
this day the orphans Of this generous aunt
share the house and the table Of CASTELAR,,
and the sons of his dead cousins are adopt
ed as his own children. In his childhood,
he shared their abundance: but when he ar
rived at the age Of commencing his studies,
the family met witt, misfortune which re-
duced them almost +" poverty. His moth
cr made him read hours and hours together,
from which, he acquired such a love for
books, that it is only recently the consider
alton Of his age and position has been able
to break him Of tho habit of reading in the
streets. After studying at Alicante, he
went to Madrid, where he entered as STU,
dent Of the Normal School Of Philosophy,
at the age "f twenty. The revolution Of
1854 came, and CASTELAR, appeared for the
first time as 4 public orator. 4 perfect
tempest Of applause followed the effort, and
ever afterwards the multitutes thronged to
hear him. But he was not content with
occupying the rostr,m only. He became
also contributor to the literature Of the
day, and in this soon won for himself great
distinction. He was the first editor Of Ell
Tribune, and subsequently was connected
with other leading journals. In December,
1856. hc was appointed to the chair Of tho
Critical and Philosophical History Of Spain
in the University Of Madrid, and while
thus employed he found time to deliver in
the Atheneum his famous lectures OH 1.-THE
History Of Civilization" At about the
same time he wrote y pamphlet on "The
Formula Of Progress," which made deep
impression on the minds Of those who read
it. The most striking part, however, Of Cas-
telar's political career was that period in
which he figured as editor Of La Demoera-
eio, the first number of which went forth
on the lst of January, 1894, welding great
power in shaping the political events Of
Spain. The same year, through leading
article in La Democracia, he defeated the
loan proposed by Barzanallana.
His influence was Noon felt even in colonial
matters, and on the split Of his party he |
rarried the majority, preventing the rup-
ture Of the Democratic party-its suprema-
~ being acknowledged by the Central
Committee. On the occurrence Of tho dis
turbanccs Oh the ed Of June, 1855, tho
council If war sitting In Madrid condemned |
him to death. Fortunately hc cvaded their |
and under disguise crossed tho |
lrmticr into France. There he remained |
~ contributor to several magazines until !
lie September revolution, 1868, Offering to |
return to his native country, the Provincial |!
government reinstated him in his professor
ship. In this capacity he cxerted his influ- |
n"cc to strengthen republican ideas among |
his countryn'cu, stumping the country in
opposition I" the monarclical tendencies Of \
tho leaders. lie was, at the abdication Of |
King Amadeus, representative for Zara- ;
goxa. in which capacity l,c rendered valua- !
bic service to the cause of the people. In !
The first Republican cabinet hc held tho |
portfolio for Foreign Affairs; hut when |
Figue,ss resigned, hc gave up his position |
and devoted himself to drafting tho new !
for his country. Afterwards !
he was elected President Of tho Cost.s, and |
On the resignation Of Salmcron, Last sum-
'ner, l,e was elected Prime Minister for an !