The National tribune., 1893-01-26

q
snd have given TO the world some valu-
sble histories Especially this year has the
attention of the world been turned to this
peninsula on account of the centenary cele-
brstions of the discovery of the New Wolld'
In Spain every town of Importance has ceie-
brated the event Monuments have been
erected al various places. international COM
pliments and courtesies have been exchanged,
such as all like to see. Columbus, the once UNI
known, visionary fellow, is a name that every
country delights to honor
Spain was once mistress of the seas and ruler
of the world When all South and Central
America acknowledged her rule the name was
one respected by all nations. The Spanish
armies were powerful, and her fleets were
dreaded on every sea.
The history of the country reads like ro-
nance. Ii has been a series OF Jealousles, muir
ders, and intrigues such as the fertile brain OF
novelist scarcely ever conceived. Of truth,
the reality is stranger than fiction. There have
been good Kings and bad Kings, rich and poor
powerful and impotent.
Some have been canonized by the Pope and
Others, no doubt, left for the other extreme.
Yet al have managed to have most interest
ing history, which, if fully written would read
like novel. The Kingdom to-day is in de-
cayed state. The revenues have decreased, and
ambition seems to have fallen to a very low
ebb
1t was in the misty past, say, five or six Gen.
turtles ago. that royalty in Spain was most in
teresting. Thea the country was divided into
q number OF petty Kingdoms, and each ruler
had 10 sleep with one eye open to prevent his
neishbor from swallowing him and his King
dom whole. The Moor was here safely lodged
in one corner, and was the one common object
of hatred. Yet these Sultans dwelt IN their
palatisl ALEXANDRIA, at Granada, with their harem
If nr 4
the time of the guitar and splash of their mag
nifcent baths.
There was one Spanish King about this time
who took the Moor for an example. He built
palaces for himself and his female favorites, and
lived high life, having everything his own
way. He burned alive one woman who refused
his addresses. He killed bis brother for fear
of q rival claimant TO the throne He invited
sKing to ali audience. The guest came wear
ing a magnificent set of jewels. Don Pedro
coveted them, and sent the King out to be
killed. One of these jewels was the largest
ruby in the world, and may now be seen among
the Crown jewels of England. In addition, this
King had all sorts of royal amusements which
were rather hard on the victims.
Then, there is long list of Alphonsos, Fer
dinands, Phillips, etc Nearly all lived lives
of excess in one way or another. The strange
thing about them is that in their latter days so
many ended their lives in converts in self-de-
nisl and remorse. Some, TO be true, were de-
throned, but a number retired voluntarily.
Thus Spain had probably reached the climax
of her greatness during the reign of the great
Charles V. This man was King of Spain and
Emperor oe Germany, and was the man with
whom Luther had to contend. He welded
great power had immense wealth, and remains
Of some of his magnificent palaces are still to
be seen here. Yet he, after reign OF many