National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-01-05
TIE SPANISH REPUBLIC.

THE SPANISH REPUBLIC.
The news from Madrid which VIC print
this morning will be received with feeling
of sadness by the friends of Republicanism
everywhere. But depressing as it is, it Is
not 50 fatally indicative of the destruction
of the Republic as it might be. The nfor-
NATION received is so meagre, however, as
to render it impossible at this writing to
forecast even the immediate future The
coup d etat by which the Cortes has been
dispersed is not so much the result OF
legitimate defeat of Castelar's administra-
ton as it is of a conspiracy no doubt headed
by Salmeron and few Republican leaders,
who are either jealous of Castelar's growing
power and popularity or honestly opposed
to his policy of governmental conduct.
With this fact before us we are forced to
accept the deduction that the trouble after
all is within the Republican ranks. The
Cortes is overwhelmingly Republican.
In 50 far as it lcgitimately represents
the opinions of the Spanish people
it is almost unanimous in opposition to the
Monarchy. The strife, then, is for the lead
ership of the Republic, and while it may
encourage the Carlists and Intransigentesi in
their efforts to change the form of govern
ment, it docs not necessarily impcril the
Republic. 1t seems that the principal diff
ference between CASTELAR, and Salmcron has
been occasioned by discussions of the ques-
ton of capital punishment. Salmeron has
favored the abolition of executions as
punishment for crime of any kind. When
CASTELAR,, as the head of the Cabinet, was
recognized as the virtual President of the
Republic, hs attempted to conciliate the con-
tending factions in the Republican ranks
and to attach the army to the cause of Re-
publicanism. In his attempt to do the lat
ter he was compelled to restore capital pun
islment as a military measure. To this
Sslmeron and his adherents pcrsistently
and consistently objected. There were
other points of difference between them,
and although we have no definite informa-
ton in the premises, it is not impossible
that Castclar's brave and manly course re-
gsrding the Nirginius affair has subjected
him to the adverse criticism of his enemies.
How far these criticisms may have been
effective in influencing the great major
ity in the Cortes against him is not known.
One deplorable event of the existing
trouble, and one which will be felt by the
United States, may be prolonged delay in
the settlement of differences between the
two Governments 1t is known that very
tla tod toto inf Tod fn
negotiations for the establishment of some
provision against the recurrence of trou
bles arising from the condition of affairs in
Cuba. The character Of these provi
siens is yet slrouded in the mys-
terry which envelopes the future,
but it is believed that they contemplate such
an independence of the island and such
amennbility of its people to the laws of
civilization as will insure peace and quiet
between the two Governments. The Cas-
telar Government is, no doubt, in favor of
such an arrangement, based upon principles
of equity and justice and upon its policy
that the integrity of Spanish territory shall
be preserved. If the pending disturbance
continues, it is evident that the negotia-
tons may be indefinitely postponed; but
there is no reason 10 despair even now.
1t is instructive to look back upon the
recent history of Spain. The lesson to be
learned therefrom shows conclusive1y the
inevitable progress of popular government.
The existing troubles are but part and
parcel of the struggle which attends that
progress. Torn by internal discussions the
Government has passed rapidly from one
phase to another of repeated revolution
which was inaugurated previous TO, and
compelled the flight Of Queen Isabella.
After period of several months fluctua-
ton betweensa Monarchy and Republic
under provisional government, controlled
by Pri,n and Serrano, King Amadeus l.,
second son of the King of Italy. assembled
the Spanish throne on the 4th of December,
1870. He was chosen at full meeting of
the Cortes by 191 votes out of 81 present.
Affairs progressed anything but smoothly
with the new sovereign. Disturbances
were constantly fomented by the Carlists
and the Internationalists, resulting in the
assassination of General Prim and an at
tempt TO destroy the King and Queen in
their carriage. In April, 1872, Cariist
instructions were precipitated in several
of the provinces, and at the close
of that month over 5000 men were
in the field under De Rada, and rallying to
the CRY of .'Viva Carlos WIZ "Away with
the foreigner 'Long live Spain!'' This
civil commotion has continued ever since,
with varied SUCCESS. Meanwhile the Re-
publicans. under the leadership of Salmeron,
ri Margall, CASTELAR, and Figueras, repudi-
ated all sympathy with Don Carlos, and
also declined to fight him under the stand
ard of Amadeus.
Laboring under these adverse circum-
stances at home, and striving also to put
down instructions in Cuba and the Phil
lipine islands, the Government of Amadeus
continued to struggle on under the premier
ship successfully Of Sagosta, Admiral
Topcte, Marshal Serrano and Gorilla, the
latter being radical, opposed to the con-
servative policy of Scrrano. At the August
election the Cortes returned was largely
radical in politics, and, besides, obtained
the sympathy and support, to considerable
extent, of the pronounced Republicans.
On the 18th of February, 1874 King
Amadeus abdicated the throne, and by q
vote of the Cortes Snain became Repub-
Tic, under the guidance Of Figueras, Cas-
telsr, Pi Margall and their associates. The
events of the past year are still fresh in the
minds of all. Figueras, ri Margall and
CASTELAR, have each in turn essaycd the con-
troll Of affairs. and now Chaos has come
sgain-
CONGRESS.
Congress reassemblcs At noon to-day, and
will it is hoped, settle down Immediately to
the hard and important work Of the session.
There is an immense amount Of business to