The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-31
LOPEZ DE AYALA.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SPANISH CHAMBER
STRICKEN DOWN IN THE MIDST OF GREAT
POLITICAL cRIsIs-THE MOST NOTABLE SCENE
OF HIS LIFE.
icy CABLE TO THE HERALD

OF HIS LIFE.
[BY CABLE TO THE HERALD
MADRID, Dec. go 1879.
Senior Ayala President Of the Chamber OF Deputies.
died at his house yesterday. mot three weeks ago
Senior Ayala presided over quite unprece-
dented In the annals Of the Spanish Cortes.
He was, indeed. its controlling spirit The
London Standard said 1t evident that the return
to power and Office of Senior Canovas del Castillo
had strained the patience and equanimty of tho OPP
position. whatever their shade almost to breaking
point. The scene around the Cortes. with the long
files of carriages, the anxious crowd Of candi-
dates for admission tickets. the strong dis
play Of police. the elegantly dressed ladies.
showed what might be expected. The Deputies
mustered stronger than usual in the Hobbies and ia
nous Conference room. and the multitude contained
of the various parties that have In
succession ruled Spanish politics during the last
years. 1t little after three o'clock when Presi
dent Ayala toohhis seat and the DEGREES appointing
the Cabinet were read. the galleries and every
inch of space being crammed to suffocation. Then
appeared full uniform with belted swords. cooked
bats, laced uniforms and crosses in abundance the
Ministers of the Crown. One solitary exception
among them Seflor Lasaa-the Basque noble
man selected Minister Of Public Works. doubt
because he represents the most economically
administered provinces
appeared in plain evening dress. seGor Canovas.
fresh from the Senate. where he had made the
FIRST declaration of tho new Cabinet to
renew 1t before the popular Chamber. He spoke in
clear and. as usual. slightly naughty tones. When
he declared that he would continue the policy of his
predecessor loud Interruptions and ironcal cheers
hailed his speech Tribunes aud members
Of the Left proved that they did not
share his opinion, and at last he wound
up his exposition of programme that
differed littlc from that OF Marshal Campos that
Of his hearers wondered why he could possibly
have consented to supplsnt the KinRmaker. When
sehor Canovas intimated that he must go to the
Senate where the sitting had only been suspended
allow him to here and address the Deputies.
u member of the liberal opposition very sharply
demanded that some member of the Cabinet should
remain to answer his criticisms. Canovas very
coolly declined this challenge. and putting on his
plumed nat strobe away. followed by his eight COL
leagues. before President Ayals could consult the
Chamber on the question OF adjournment.
POLITICAL BULL FIGHT.
Then began . scene compared to which tho char
actersic revelations of the national instincts in the
bull ring would appear mild il not tame. The last
Minister had not vanished. when the whole Of the
Left and Centre their feet, shouting.
protesting. calling upon the Speaker. and exchange
ing remarks with the galleries above. At the same
time, the Ministerial members. now become
furious, began . series of demonstrations that
defy description. Tho ladies in the galleries
endeavored to escape. the diplomats thought
discretion the better part Of valor. the ushers
shouted to tho rioters in the galleries. and head
long rush made toward the doors
aud passages. President Aysla, after ringing
his bell until he became red in tho face, put his
hat on, and vanished with his macebearers and
secretary to his own rooms. where he summoned
the Governor Of Madrid and gave him leave to
clear the House and tribunes. Tho Civil Governor.
with the police, went and very cvy asked the spec
tators of this entertainment to dis
perse no successful everywhere. except down
below where dense mass OF Deputies, Senators and
ex-members Of both privileged classes surged about.
quarreing laughing. banterng. wrangling. discuss
ing shouting ana otherwise proving that it is an
error to suppose that Southrons are wanting in
animal spirits. In fact to use their picturesque
expression. not the royal fetes the occa-
sion of the Pavia coup dd had they witnessed such
m unexpected scene. 1t served to give new power
and influence to Ayala He was now looked
on as the mediator between the warning parties.
Till tho last few days meetings wero held at his
house or under his presidency. He was
not man Of high elevation OF character.
General Prim's Ministry. Having been one Of
Queen Isabellas bittercst opponents he accepted
with equanimity the return Of the Bourbons. Ho
was u man OF moderate views. not unacquainted
with the art Of bending. At tho present moment
much was expected from his Intervention and his
death is another blow to the champions Of Cuban