The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-07-24
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In spite OF the expectations founded on tho
composition Of the new Cortes, there was soon
a great deal of friction between It's various ele-
ments. Before tho end OF July. 1877, Marshal
Serrano was compelled to tender his r~esigna-
ton, and Senor Zorrilla was commissioned to
form q government. About the Same time an
unsuccessful attempt was made upon tho
Kings life by an unknown individual. who
fred a pistol at him as he walked through
the streets. The incident did not cause
him to alter the democratic simplicity
of his habits. but 1t justified the anxiety felt by
those who were charged with his protection.
Here We may mention that a large part Of the
old Spanish nobility boycotted the Italian King
and Queen. and those who dared. would openly
display their aversion by acts Of derision In
the public streets and promenades. while, in
tho salons OF the aristocracy. the insidious
warfare Of SANDER and ridicule was nightly
waged. In truth. the closing months OF the
first year OF the reign Of Amadeus were fraught
with many dangers and trials, not the least OF
which was the impetus given by the quarrels
between Gorilla aAd SaGasta to the Carlist in
surrection. The financial situation grew daily
more complicated. and the jealousies in the
Cortes made any radical amelioration of it i'm
possible. The year 1871 ended amid a general
feeling Of uneasiness. which, in court circles,
was intensified.
In April. 1872. King Amadeus nominated
Marshal Serrano Commander-in-Chief Of the
troops directed to repress the growing insur-
rection. This appointment resulted in the
much discussed Amoreviata. According to the
stipulations Of this document, not only was
an amnesty proclaimed for those insur-
gents who should lay down their arms.
hDf nuon nfNonrc 80 thn Art,lo orrnu ruho
had deserted their colors and passed over to
the enemy were to be reinstated in the rank
they had previously held. This measure.
not unnaturally. gave great dissatisfaction q
vote Of censure in the Cortes caused the fall Of
the Sagasta Ministry on May 27. and Marshal
| Serrano was constrained to resign not only his
military command. but also the Presidency Of
the Council Of Ministers. both of which charges.
however. he speedily resumed. yielding to the
pressure brought to bear on him by the King
and his former colleagues. In June. Gen.
Sickles. the American Minister at Madrid.
pointed out in a despatch to his Government
that the now dynasty was in the most critical
situation which it had yet confronted. The
King. he said. had alienated the friendship Of
the party which placed him on the throne. The
chief Of the Radicals. Gorilla, had retired from
the Chamber Of Deputies and renounced the
Parliamentary leadership OF the Progressista
Democrats. to which he had succeeded OIL the
death Of Gen. Prim. Reinforced by this defeG-
ton Of the Radicals, the various elements Of
the opposition became holder In their demands
every day. Gen. Sickles predicted that King
Amadeus would. before long. be succeeded by
a provisional government. in which the Repub-
licans and Radicals would contend with the par
tisans Of the young Prince Alfonso for suprem-
acy. For a little while. however. the crisis was
postponed by the withdrawal Of Marshal Ser
rano from Office and the appointment Of Tor
rilla to be President Of the Council. under the
stipulation that the existing Cortes, chosen
under the auspices OF SaRasta. should be dis
solved. and new elections ordered. 1t was this
Zorrilla Cabinet. which. on Christmas Eve. 1872,
introduced a bill for the abolition of slavery in
the island Of Porto Rico. This measure gave
great offence to the majority Of the politicians
who had united with Gen. Prim In establishing
the new dynasty. Nevertheless. Amadeus did
not hesitate to give the bill the most cordial
support and. consequently. the abolition OF sla-
very In the Spanish West Indies must always
be associated with his. name. although his was
not the hand which signed the final decree OF
emancipation. Tho formation of the Anti
Emancipation League. with It's formidable list
Of treacherous adherents and its insidious
endeavors to undermine the authority Of the
crown. had dealt a staggering blow to the sta
bility Of the monarchy. This WIS soon to be
followed by another. due. 1t was asserted. to
the Vaccinations Of the snme league. which
left the unfortunate sovereign no option but
that OF abdication or the reputation OF the
oath he had taken as a constitutional monarch.
The Cortes reassembled on Jan. 10. 1873. and
fourteen days later the Queen. Maria Victoria,
was delivered OF a son, who was to be known
later as Prince Louis. Duke OF the Abruxzi, and
to become an efficient officer In the italian
navy, Within q fortnight OF his entrance into
the world this child. who received at his birth
the titles OF Infant OF Spain and Prince Of
Asturias. was hurried over the Portuguese
frontier in the arms Of his mother. who. faint
ing from the weakness Of fever. and distracted
by anxiety for the safety OF her loved ones. was
a voluntary exile from the land whose suffer-
ings she had endeayored to alleviate.
v.
An Attampt had been madA in Jnlv 1870 bo