The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-21
The Disordercd Condition or SPAIN
Action Of Foreign Powers.


Action Of Foreign Powers.
There are, we fear, two insuperable obsta-
clss to establishing at the present time the
Republic in Spain-the hostility of foreign
Powers and the want of honesty and ability
in those who have the control of affairs. It
is with regret that we are forced to come to
this conclusion, and should be glad to learn in
the course of events that we have been mis-
taken We looked for the Republic at the fall
of Queen Isabella, and hailed it when Amadeus
abdicated, hoping that after SO many expert
ments and failures of monarchy under diff
ferent phases the Peninsula might settle
down, as last resort, at least to republican
form of government. The United States
promptly recognized the Republic, with the
view to encourage it, and because that was
the de facto and only government possible
when Amadeus resigned Then this action
on the part of the administration ct Washing
ton was O sort of offset to the do-nothing or
repressive policy toward Cuba, and gave the
State Department an opportunity to give
the cold shoulder to the Cubans again
on the plea that nothing should be done to
check or embarrass repubicanism in Spain.
But this magnanimity, if it can be so called,
has awaited nothing. The Spanish Republic
pursued the same course toward Cuba that the
monarchy had, and now Spain is fast drifting
back again, to all appearances, to monarchical
government. Though no other government
than the Republic was possible Immediately
after tho abdication of Amadeus, not one
of the great Powers, except the United States,
recognized it.
Had France-the Republic Of France
acted as the United States did, the Spanish
republicans, with all the difficulties that lay
in their way, might have succeeded, for
France is the neighboring country of Spain
and exercises great influence over the affairs
and destiny of the Peninsula. The Spanish
ment from the adjoining French Republic,
from the leading and representative nation Of
the Latin race and of Southern and Catholic
Europe. But neither affinity of race nor re-
publican sympathy was found to have any ef-
feet upon France. On the contrary, the
French government not only declined to
recognize the Spanish Republic, but
actually encouraged disorders in the
Peninsula and the reactionary move
ment of the Carlists and royalists
generally. France has been to some extent
the base Of Don Carlos operations, and the
intimation has been thrown out probably by
design, that the French government contem-
plates the recognition Of the Carlists as bel
ligerents. England-hberal England--too,
has not acknowledged the Spanish Republic,
and sends arms and munitions of war to Don
Carlos. Italy has no word of encouragement.
This, however, is not surprising when we con-
slider that Italy is monarchical and that from
the inglorious failure Of Amadeus the royal
family must be disguised with Spain. Least
of all is it likely the autocratic governments of
Germany, Russia and Austria will take any
step to encourage the establishment of Span
ish Republic II is reported by cable tele-
gram from Madrid that, in the event of q
recess or adjournment Of the Cortes, CASTELAR,
will visit London, Berlin, Vienna and Rome
to endeavor to bring about the recognition of
the Republic of Spain. We fear the eloqueuce
of this ardent patriot will have little effect,
unless, indeed, the republicans of Spain can
crush the Carlists and other disorganizers and
establish firm government and of that there
does not appear to be much hope ut present.
Spain is in the most anomalous condition
of all the nations of Europe. 1t Is really in
q chaotic state from the conflict of ideas and
interests. 1t is one of the most intensely
patriotic countries in the world, and yet is
more divided than almost any other on ques-
tons of polity at home and party. If attacked
by foreign enemy no people would be moro
united or brave.
The fight is triangular. The government,
weak, half served or idealistic, confronts Car
lism whole-hearted to the extreme Of
fanaticism and practical Besides this
another element Of weakness and discord Is
in the ultra republicans, composed mostly of
the uneducated or specifically educated
masses and socialists, with few idealist and
energetic leaders. Some of these have seized
upon the sentiment of confederation or State
rights of provincial sels-government, which
has been agitated to some extent both in and
out of the Cortes. Aided by tho socialists and
communists of the cities they have been
enabled to seize portion of the navy, to hold
certain districts OF the country, and to make
themselves power in the land. This party is
more obnoxious to foreign Powers, as well as
to the conservatives Of Spain, than anv other.