Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-14
THE SPANISH REVOLUTION.

ed in other cases, but none important.
THE SPANISH RETOLUTION
The abdication of King Amadeus Of
Spain is followed by revolution in the
government, looking to the establishment
Of a republic. That there has been a
strong feeling and party in favor of free
government in Spain since Isabella quit
the throne, has been manifest through all
changes and movements which have
taken place. 1t has made itself felt, and
now it comes to the front and declares
for republic
The soil in Spain seems about the most
unpropitious possible in the civilized
world for the growth Of republicanism.
Aristocracy and narrow prejudice and big
otry have reigned supreme there. If they
were safe anywhere against the advance
of liberal sentiments and freedom Of the
people. that appeared to be the very place.
Kingcraft and priestcraft Aourished there
securely and harmoniously when they had
parted company in nearly all other coun-
tries, binding down the masses under the
chains of superstition and ignorance and
the power of despots.
While we rejoice in America, at the
step which Spain has taken in declaring q
republic and initiating free government,
there must be mingled with our gratifca-
ton doubts as to the ability Of the people
to sustain themselves in the position which
they have assumed. Judged by their past
the Spanish are poorly fitted for self gov
eminent They are ignorant. petulant,
hasty, impulsive, with little respect for
law and order, characteristics which are
totally at variance with those that should
distinguish people who are their own
masters. They have ofcourse an educated,
intelligent, and well disposed class among
them, that will be influential in moulding
the public character to the requirements
of republic in the citizens who compose
it. but can they guide and control sufficient
II for success, the turbulent. undisciplined
masses below them? OF this there is pro-
found reason to doubt, though we hope
for the best. 1t may be that the excess of
tyranny and misrule which the people have
had to endure will prepare them to appre-
ciate and improve the opportunity opened
for better things. 1.-THE people can consent
to restrain themselves for their own good
the republic will be maintained. 1t rests
with them.
To the monarchs of Europe there is
something ominous in the spread OF re-
publicanism on the continent. 1t points
to time coming when the last crown will
fall and kings be known no more
Though the struggle in France to estab-
fish a government of the people is sharp.
severe. and protractcd in the present
trial, still these movements indicate the
tendency of public sentiment towards re-
publicanism and its final triumph. In ev-
cry kingdom in Europe there is felt the
sign of the change to come. Monarchs
bend to it. Parties recognise it. 1t rules
France and Spain. And still as ignorance
and superstition go down before knowl-
edge and free thought, the current of re-
publicanism expands. The events con-
nected with the reign of Amadeus are
briefly sketched In the following.
The great uprising Of September, 1868, led
by Prince Topete and Serrano, having driven
Queen Isabella II from the Spanish throne, a
visio
remained in power until June, 1869, when
Marshal Serrano was declared Regent. The
regency continued until Nov. l6, 1870, when
Amadeus, the second son of King Victor
Emanuel, expressed his willingness to accept
the throne, provided the Cortes elected him
by majority Of two.thirds.
After vigorous opposition on the part of
the republican leaders, the Prince was elect.
ed by the requisite majority, Nov. l6, 1870,
and formally accepted the throne on the 4th
of Dec. following. He landed at Cartagena
on the 3oth OF that month, and three days
later entered Madrid, where he was received
with great enthusiasm. He addressed a let
ter to the sovereigns of Europe announcing
that he had accepted the throne offered him
by the Cortes, and promptly entered upon the
graver duties of government.
His first Ministry obtained two thirdS ma.
jority At the new elections for the Cortes, held
in March, but was compelled to resign in
July, having become unpopular on account
of the great entertainments discovered in the
administration Of the finances. After several
endeavors on the part of the King to form a
new Cabinet composed Of representatives OF
different parties had failed, Raiz Zorrilla, one
of the leaders of the Progresista, accepted
the position Of PINE Minister, and formed a
Ministry which included Sagasta, Ruy,
Gomez, and Malcampo.
The first measures Of the new Ministry