New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-27
RuMDRS ER0M NP1M


gOtiations going on between the Radicals and
the Republicans in the Cortes for a coalition
between these important branches of the Leg
islature. These names will not mislead our
readers who know that the Radicals consti
tute the more conservative portion of the Lib
eral party, embracing the members of the old
Progressta and Democratic factions. They
wero monarchists until King Amadeus threw
down his crown in disgust, and they have
been since then on most occasions the sup
pOrters of moderate measures against either
Alfonsist intrigues or the anarchical
schemes of the cantOnal insurgents. Their
most eminent leader is Don CristinO MartOs,
one of the foremost men in Spain in honesty,
integrity and soldity Of judgment, and it is
reported that the negotiations for fusion
between the parties have been carried on by
him in consultation with Senior Castelar,, the
acknowledged leader of the Republicans, who
during his short and unsuccessful Presidency
greatly increased his political standing In the
country. Although it was not possible, under
the circumstances, for him to retain a majority
of the COrtes, he yet exhibited, before the
lamentable intrigues which resulted in the
dictatorship of Serano, more political sense
and discretion than any of his predecessors in
Office. 1t would be easy for him and
for Senior Martos to form a perfectly
honorable and satisfactory coalition if
they were the only parties concerned.
But it must be remembered that both of them
have unruly elements among their respective
colleagues which may make an agreement
impossible. Behind Senior Martos are the
inveterate Ofiice-seekers who stood by Prim
until his death, and the thrifty Democrats who
harmOnized their liberalism and their interests
so well under SerranO and Amadeus. CASTELAR,,
on the other hand, has to reckon with the
most undiscplined band Of free thinkers and
free voters who have ever appeared in
legislative assembly. They work together
pretty well as long as they remain in the
minority: but the sunshine Of prosperity dis
solves them like SNOWFALL.
If, in spite of these obstacles, which we must
admit render the coalition improbable, plan
of common action should be resolved upon, it
would be q matter of the utmost Importance
for Spain, as such combination would easily
control the Cortes. 1t is surmised that Serrano
would himself accept the parliamentary support
of this powerful party, in which case there
would be q reasonable prospect Of a more
permanent and serious Government than has
of late seemed possible. If the Radical cOali-
ton should confer upon the Marshal-Presi-
dent, as is suggested, the supreme power for
five years, with some such title as Consul,
there would be little difficulty in going before
the country and eecting new Assembly
which could for o while at least be re-
lied upon to "keep house" peaceably with
tha Government.
This would not be an especially satisfac-
tory solution, but it would be better than
any other which has been recently sug-
gested. 1t is not true that the bulk of the
Spaniards or even of those who take some
interest in politics, care anything for their
banshed and discredted monarchy. There is
no more promise Of permanence in restOra-
ton than in any other expedient. Don Carlos
could scarcely hope for better chance than
was afforded him at Bilbao, and his opportunity
at Esteila 10 far less favorable. He may not be