The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1882-04-16
FATHER oRErIrY IN SPAIN
The King and the People-The Royal VISIT
TIE Ancient and Modern CITY OF Seville.

SEVILLE, March 18-I must say that l see
or hear but little, II anything which might help
me toward belief that Alfonso XII. who has
just visited Seville. has any deep hold on the
affections OF his subjects here. or that augnr-
ing from what have observed during his stay
here. he 10 likely to die in peace ON his ances-
trail throne. And yet even the persons VINO are
most bitterly opposed to 'him-the Carllsts ana
the advanced Republicans-have told me re-
pcatedly that the young King Is Roou man.
loving tho country sincerely fully enlightened |
obout its bsst interests. and disposed to throw |
tho whole weight OF his influence in favor Of |
overy MEASURE calculated to develop the agri |
culture the industries. the vast dormant min |
oral resources and the paralyzed commerce OF |
spain. He was educated in England. has an
enlightened love Of constitutional govern ment,
and a sincere desire to advance the best inter-
ests and happiness Of his people. But in Spain.
rs in Italy. the King reigns without ruling. His
Ministers. while apparently guided by the
maxims OF q responsible Government lord 1t
most absolutely over King and country.
just at present Alfonso XII. Is bearing a
heavy load Of public odium. due solely to tho
unwise system Of taxation devised by his Min
lister OF Finance Senior Camacho. and main
tanned by the entire Sagasta Cabinet. To be
sure public opinion is very much divided about
the merits OF Senior Camacho's plan. The best
economists praise him for an earnest endeavor
to open up the interior OF Spain by q perfect
system Of railways and canals; for his avowed
purpose Of awakening into healthful life and
activity the resources Of the country and its
foreign trade. But. say they. 1t is only fair that
industry and trade should help to pay for what
is to benefit themselves immensely. Very true.
Yet men whose labor is cramped and products
are crushed by u present load OF taxation. ex-
tending to every sphere OF in dustry and to
every article OF natural or artificial growth. are
not likely to take comfort from a remote pros
pect OF amelioration to trade and industry.
For instance. the shoemakers OF Seville have
to pay this year 800 per cent. more for taxes on
their products than they paid this time a
twelvemonth ago. And 30. in proportion have
all other branches Of industry 1t i, well
Ministers in thus grinding the faces OF the in
dustrial and laborng classes, or in the unequal
this oppressive burden OF taxation halls on the
various producers.
Im}agihe what RECEPTION our President
il the shoe trade in the United States We're taxed
800 per cent more than II was last year. Surely
cheers IL Lynn or Boston or New Haven. or even
Well. here in Seville the town and country
folk alike are wont to hold the. King RESPONSE
bic for the doings of his Ministers. SO.
stranger who knows all this; need not marvel
Far different was that rendered to him at the
where 1900 miners and their families gave
him an enthusiastic ovation. he has used all
mis- ss Sor IN sbs ts En s1 oSq
specimen OF what might and should be done on
SO many points OF this great and beautiful
mineral deposits. OF agriculture SPANS main
and incomparable mine OF wealth: sag moth II
Government instead OF encouraging or allow
ing its noble Biscayan population to emiErate
to the wilds of South America. induces them to
settle in the wilds OF central Spain. and invites
skilled agriculturists from every European land
to cultivate the fertile and unproductive wastes
All this is written by q friend. and is dictated
by q love for Spain almost lnborn In the writer
heartier greeting from the crowds which met
him here. and the lady who shares his throne
AMI MS shond hsse haa mSFe man or he e
faint perfume and faded colors Of the poor
bouquets heaped up in one end Of the royal
carriage, or the gaping curiosity OF the female
multitude OF starers-the worst and rudest
starers ON the face Of the earth. She was
peri!s and the Responsibilities OF her young
husband. and who. like him, means to do her
this still great and favored land.
we Went into the cathedral TO see Alfonso Nj.
and his bride in e aGa a
for it is the immemorial custom that the King
Of SPANS first visit, on arriving in city shall
state. had been prepared beneath canopy OF
crimson velvet and gold on the Gospel side OF
the high altar. On the Episte side the vener-
able Archbishop, with the canons and the clergy
of the cathedral was waiting for the arrival OF
the soveregns; From the great south porch 70
the entrance of the sanctuary double line OF
guards-the city gendarmere. in full uni
form-extended, with uncovered heads. their
hats hanging behind on their shoulders. TINS
was in REVERENCE to the holy place. Presently
the bells from the Glrada Tower peal iorth.
while all the churches and converts in the city
loin In the chorus tiil the whole ar ID nllea
with sound. Along the double line OF guards
the crowds sway. eager to have look at SPANS
youthful Queen.
There she comes at length. on the right oil her
royal husband, he dressed in full military uni
form. and she in plain black velvet and satin.
with the Spanish veil hanging from her fair atr
wear She + tall taller even than b the HIM HIM
come the Kings sister the Princess Euialla.
very graceful and handsome ladies' IN Tatii{{inE:
Ministers. Generals. and officials. in brilliant
uniforms In moment men the yo9hnG s oyer
are Rneeutk before lhe altu1 men lnry t!iie,
ascend the throne. ana stana, nan facing the
people ana nan turned 10 the ai1a ~ n,r, .ho
Inc ArehplShop intoneS the le Deum. the
hrst verse Selhs ehante "a Ny the c!erGy around
IA