New-York tribune., 1902-12-21

Of the bar of his country. sacrificing the largest
enj most lucrative practice in Spain when he
accepted the Premiership shortly after the
with this country He severed his connection
with the legal profession that occasion, not
only for the period that he was to remain in
office, but also for the subsequent portion Of
his career. grounds which afford remark
able illustration of his higfl-rnindedness and
integrity The reason which he gave for leaving
the bar was that the custom of ex-premiers
and ex-cabinet ministers figuring as counsel in
court is not calculated to promote the i'm
partiality of judges TO inspire popular con-
hdence in the latter's strict sense of Justice
All over the Continent of Europe the judges
are subordinate to the government, and de-
pend upon the Premier and upon the Minister
Of Justice for their promotions and distfnc-
tions of one kind and another. Now d judge
Knowing this, and finding among the counsel
In his court lawyer who has already once
held the office of cabinet minister and who is
likely to become cabinet minister again. will
naturally be tempted to earn the latter's good
Will by granting decisions in favor of the cause
which he represents. At any rate any judg-
n1ent that the bench might deliver in favor of
the cause would be exposed TO the suspicion of
partiality.
Senior Silvelas's action created an immense
amount of discussion at the time, but it was
warmly commended, both at home and abroad
as the setting of a singularly high standard of
honor il political life. His attitude in this
however, is in keeping with the remainder of his
career. He, well as Senior Villaverde TO whom
he has now entrusted the Treasury Depart
ment, preferred to resign their portfolios in the
Conservative Cabinet of the late Canoyas Del
Castillo, ten years ago, rather than to be par
ties to the policy of Don Romero Robledo, then
Minister of Justice in huShiny IN he scandals
In connection with the extraordinary corruption
and dishonesty of the municipality OF Madrid,
notably Of the then Mayor and political boss,
SenOr Bosch, intimate friend and political
associate of Robledo. On yet another occasion,
when a movement was organized by Robledo
and certain Conservative ministers to transfer
the regency from the young Kings mother to
his aunt, the Infanta Isabella, the ground
that Christina was a foreigner, and the Princess
entitled to it the nearest Of the grown up
Spanish born relatives Of the King. Svelas de-
eiined to have anything to do with the plot,
warned the Queen Of its existence, and brought
the whole affair to naUght. In fact, his name
throughout the length and breadth Of Spain is
synonymous with everything that is honorable
and loyal, and as such he commands the re
spect OF all parties, even Of his foes chief
among whom is, of course, Robiedo, the per
so7ifca lion OF al that is most corrupt in Span
tSh politics
Silyelas while he can be very eloquent, is as
q rule rather cold concise and sober Of speech.
His manner though courteous, conveys an i'm
nression of reserve, and his distaste for every
thing that is heatrical and snowy is most pro
bounced. Thoroughly a master Of himself, he
is in consequence thereof well qualified to act
nc tho master of others, and while his policy is
likely to prove of reactionary character, it
will at any rate be one of action For he is
altogether opposed to Sagastas methods oil
.laissez aller"-of letting things Side until they
settle themselves-of compromise and OF con-
,i,ia,ion AZ all cost. According to him the reins
of government must be kept well in hand and
the dominant note Of his administration VIII be
fits vigor.
While the helm OF the Spanish snip OF ota'e
,s now in the hands of a pilot possessed OF d
,, fr,oer prasp and of more decision OF
character than easygolng old Sagasta' 'ie
very personifcation of the Spanish "nlanaha,
&, remains to be seen whether the change VIII