The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-24
Spain end tho Spanish Republie-
American influence In Europe-Is
There Hope for Spsins


revolution in Spain. as written by one of our
correspondents in Madrid We have given
full dispatches from the same source showing
the progress of the revolution from day to
day. But, apart from the story thus told,
which changes with the changing day, events
like these have q historical interest which is
only seen when we come to view the revolu-
ton as a whole. We see now what the revo-
luton MEANS and we can make up our minds
as to the prospects of successful and perma-
nent republic
There are some considerations presented by
our correspondent which have more than usual
interest for the American people. We can
never cease to have a deep interest in Spain.
As our Minister reminded the new Re
public, it was the valor and faith
of Spain that first planted civilization
upon this Continent. We have had Spain
and Spanish people for neighbors, and al
though circumstances of irritation have been
frequent we have as yet had no strife. Amer
lea has never forgotten the kindness of Spain
in its own revolution, and, whether for evil or
good, it is our historical destiny to divide with
men of the Spanish race the domination of the
New World Although there are many cir
cumstances in Spanish history, the social and
industrial misfortunes of her people, and more
particularly in the wretched management of
the islands of the West Indies, that dishearten
those who wish well to the new Republic, we are
not without hope thatrepublicanism will bring
that wisdom without which no people can be
strong or Free We have never known gov
eminent so bad that the sun did not shine
upon it; and the sun shines on Spain. There
is land of marvellous wealth its fruits de-
sired by the world, its harvests going to every
port, its wines and oils and minerals necessary
elements in our civilization. While the earth
offers her treasures the rich countries of the
tropics pour into it untold wealth. There
are mountains and rivers and sea coasts-every-
thing that should constitute great Common
wealth. Ignorance and superstition and mis-
rule have made this land land of misery and
despair, and Knocked among the nations. Any
movement that will give it new life and enable
the people to arouse from their forlorn condi-
ton will meet with the warm support of the
American people.
The first good sign is in the character of
the men who form the new Republic.
America was founded by men who seemed to
have been sent especially by Providence for
the work, whose equals we have not seen,
nor are soon apt to see-Franklin, WASH
ington, Adams, Hamilton and Jefferson-the
names that we dwell upon now with fond,
sad affection when we see Vice President
like Colfax, and Congressman like the share
holders in the Credit Mobilier. It required
characters like these to found our Republic,
and we observe corresponding class in Spain.
Figueras, with his wisdom, his benevolence,
his courage, his life of combat for his ideas,
and q supreme knowledge Of law and legisla-
tive skill, recalls John Adams and Thomas
Jefferson. In the qualities that make Margall
we are reminded of the genius of
Hamilton. Castelar,, the first orator of this
generation, in any land and among any peo-
pie, recalls Patrick Henry, whose eloquence
dan and Vergniaud and Mirabeau. The fathers
of the American Republic were conservative,
cool men. So are the founders of this Com
monwealth of Spain. Europe looked for
another Commune in Madrid-she saw
| another Philadelphia. She dreaded q new
Reign of Terror-she sees q Declaration of
Independence. This conservative quality,
which marked every stage Of the new Repub-
lic-the recognition of the dangers and temp
tations that mark every new government, the
brave graphing Of financial andpolitical ques-
tons, the concentration of national industry
and the building up of q national credit-this
was the work so well done by the men who
founded the Republic in America, and which
we trust to see as bravely and successfully
done by the leaders of the new Common
wealth in Spain. The great difficulty is credit
Spain is virtually . bankrupt. These mer
can have no higher ambition than to make
their credit like that of France and the United
States. For their encouragement let then
remember the assignats of France, not worth
their weight in paper; the currency Of oul
Revolutionary days, even Of less value, ant
our bonds during the recent war, which were
bought and sold as cheaply as the despiset
bonds Of Spain.
The second point worthy Of note in thil
history is the apathy of the monarchies O
Europe. For long time Spain has beer
helpless as an aggressive Power in European
politics Since the time of Philip IL her sol
diers have only fought under foreign captains
or as mere legionaries paid by foreign gold
What has Russia or England or Germany q
fear from Spain, no matter what her govern
ment? She is as helpless as Switzerland ant
will be for generation or two under the bes
auspices. Why this apathy? Simply be
cause Spain, legally, peacefully, and, let u
hope, immutablya Republic, is stroke at tn
monarchical sentiment more deadly than tn
French revolution. II is moral protes