The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-10-09
MINOR EUROPEAN STATES.
The Course of Events in the Small King
domR and Municipalities.

Public attention Is so much absorbed,
usually, in what is going on in the larger
countries, that the minor states of the
world and their affairs are but little
noted
Yet events, apparently of small impor-
tance, which take place in these smaller
states, have sometimes a bearing upon
the destiny of their bigger neighbors.
The course of events to-day, for in
stance, in the small kingdoms and prin-
cipalities of southeastern European
Servia, Roumania, Bulgaria, and Monte
negro-is watched with anxious inter
est by the great powers; for disturb
ance in that region always carries with
it the possibility of bringing about
European war.
Taking general glance at the minor
states of Europe, we find that in two of
them-in Spain and in acknowledgement
elections for new parliaments have been
held within the past six months; while
in several Others important ministerial
changes have taken place.
The Spanish general election occurred
early in February, and was the most in
tcresting which has been held in Spain
since the restoration of the Bourbon
monarchy.
It's result was the return of a very
heavy majority in favor of the conserv-
alive ministry of the present prime
minister, Senior Canovas del Castillo. In
the deputies his supporters number
about three hundred and fifty, while all
shades of the oppositiOn-including lib
erals and epublicans-only number one
hundred and twenty.
The Spanish senate, since the cleo
tions, has one hundred and thirty con-
servative members, while the parties in
opposition have only thirty.
Strong, however, as the conservative
majority is in the Cortes, or parliament,
the other parties are sufficiently for
midable, especially in the cities and
towns, to render Senior Castillo's task
of governing far from an easy one; and
it is probable that troublesome times
are ahead in Spanish politics.
The elections in Holland, which took
place in June, instead of confirming the
ministry in power, as was the case in
Spain, resulted adversely to the states
men in office, and involved change of
ministers. The Dutch chamber now
comprises fiftyfve liberals, twenty-four
Catholics, two radicals and nineteen
moderates.
The transfer of political power has
been made quietly, however, and on the
whole, the affairs of the thrifty little
kingdom, ruled over by its young queen
of eleven years, appears to be progress
sing quietly.
In both Greece and Norway changes
of ministry have taken place within
year Delyannis succeeded Tricoupis
in Greece, having at his back only ten
majority in the popular house of parlia-
ment. 1t was supposed that Delyannis
would enter upon a more vigorous poll
cy against the Turks than his predeces-
sor. and make an effort to obtain the
territories inhabited by Greeks and still
held by Turkey.
But although Delyannis has been in
power seven or eight months, as yet he
has not alarmed Europe by any threat
ening step in that direction.
In Norway the change of ministry
has yet more significant aspect. 1t
arose from the dissatisfaction of Nor
way with the superior influence held by
It's sister kingdom, Sweden, in foreign
policy, and from what seems to be the
wish of Norway to be virtually sepa-
rated from Sweden altogether.
Mr. Steen, the representative of this
aspiration on the part of the Nor
wegians, succeeded Mr.. Stang as prime
minister in March; Mr.. Stang having
been the champion of Swedish interests
in Norway.
Portugal has had hard time of it
during the past few months, with its
changes of ministry, its quarrel with
England over South Africa, its financial
straits, and the trouble given to its gov
crnmrnt by republican agitators. The
condition of Portugal is critical, and
startling changes may occur at Lisbon
any time.-Youth's Companion.