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

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 busy, merry hour. The catys 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 a friend; "the only day
OF perfect rest.r The Cortes was dissolved with
out contest, although the stubbornness OF the ma
jority had time and again brought the capital to
the verge Of a 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 OF THE EMANCIPATION BILL
As for emancipation, the effect of the bill is this
slavery ceases absolutely in Porto Rico from this
day.. The masters receive an indemnity that will
probably average 5000 head in American
money. To pay this indemnity the sum of seven
millions VIII have to be provided, the loan TO be
raised upon the resources OF Porto Rico. 1t is
hoped this loan will be taken in the United States.
The negroes are compelled to make contracts with
some OF the planters or with the government
for three years. service. This will prevent
vagabondage. They may make the contracts with
their masters or with whomever they please. At
the end OF three years this obligation ceases it
Is hoped they win then know enough OF freedom to
enjoy its blessings. In the meantime exact and
wise laws for education Will be put into operation.
what has been done for Porto Rico will be done fer
Cuba as az the condition Of the island will allow
the election Of representatives to the Cortes. In
the absence OF such representation 1t was felt the
Cortes could not legislate; ana although the re-
puolicans we're anxious to pass law for Cuba
they compelled to admit the force of this argu-
ment. The first act OF the new Cortes will un-
doubtedly be the passage or q similar measure for
Cuba.
THE CONSTITUENT CoRTEs.
The Constituent C0rtes or the body which will
make the constitution for the new Republic will
be elected in May, and will assemble in June. In
the meantime this Cabinet remains IN power, SUBJ
ject to a committee which has power to advise
with the Cabinet and II at all necessary call the
Cortes together. In other words, the committee
VIII have as much power as the COM
mittee that watched over NJ. Theirs during
the recess OF the Assembly. IL may
advise and counsel but will have no legislative or
initiative responsibility Now that the Cortes has
dissolved the Cabinet can carry out many reforms
TO which no legislative body would have readily
consented Executive power In spain can do
great deal by DEGREES; and the friends OF liberty
and reform expect great deal from the resolu-
ton and vigor OF the men IN power
DIFFICULTIES AHEAD.
so the young Republic passes into smoother seas,
The dangers end, but the difficulties begin. The
reforms necessary to the salvation OF Spain will
never be admitted without q struggle. History
SHOWS 1t IL 30 much easier 10 tolerate Q difficulty