The record-union., 1897-01-02
A THREATENED CARLIST RE-
VIVAL.

The Carlist revival is on again. The
older pretender has resigned in favor
Of his son all his airy claims to the
Spanish throne. This thing happens
about twice in every generation, but
the Carlos blood never puts repre-
sentative on the throne Of the troubled
kingdom.
The ambition of these Carlists is
law, which forbids female succession
to throne. Not much of a chance
need be expected in these days for a
law that proposes to push woman into
new in Spain as with US, but even
there her influence is felt, and whatever
hope there might have once been for
a law of tradition being maintained
that holds a female human being inca
pable OF reigning may as we'll be laid
aside.
A descendant Of the violation Of the
salic law now wields the scepter in
he will be disposessed, boy though he
is and dominated by the Queen Re-
gent, a firm minded woman, by the
way, and a great deal more courageous,
discreet and capable In government
than may be supposed.
This salic law, which was crushed
out in Spain along with the ambition
of the original Carlist, was the out
growth of barbarism, and was imported
from Germany into Spain and France
It obtained in a good many European
States besides, and because Of the per-
versity Of girls who insisted upon be-
ing born where boys were wanted it
caused Hanover and England to part
company. turned France topsy turvy,
and made no end of trouble in a good
many royal quarters.
It was left for Ferdinand VII. in
1881, to give 1t the blow below the
belt and knock 1t nearly out but he
left life enough In the body to spas
medically kick now and then, just as 4
is doing at present. Ferdinand de-
clared the salic law foolish and in his
His daughter thus became the infamous
Isabella of Spain, whose grandson is
the boy King of to-day.
Ferdinand's brother, clinging to the
salic law, denied the right to dispose
of traditions so easily. On the sover-
eign's death this Carlos aspired to the
throne, and hence arose the Carlist
party, which has caused Spain no end
of trouble, and has involved her in some
considerable wars. OF late years. how
ever, the Carlist faction has been too
weak to excuse worry. This has been
due to the senior Carlist's dislike of
war. Moreover, he some years ago
married wife with a fortune whose
German house Is not at all disposed to
favor the Carlfst ambition, and has suf-
icient political influence in Europe to
cause trouble to the pretender in his old
age.
This man therefore discreetly with
draws and turns over to his son all
his pretensions, young man who is
said to be inspired with the belief that
as Spain now has Cuba and Philippine
fights on hand, and Is short Of cash and
munitions of war, he may have a
chance Of marching into Madrid and
seating himself on the Royal Purple Of
Spain. Hence the rumors of Carlist ac-
tivity The youth is vigorous fellow,
a good soldier, has plenty of friends.
some money and unlimited courage.
Such claimant may at such a juncture
as this become troublesome to the
Spanish. But that he will Gust the
present Government is wholly unlikely.
Spain fills so large space just now in
the public mind that the story of the
carlfst revival has more than usual in
terest.
The pedigree of the Carlist pretension
n when stated briefly this: Carlos OF