Different Oaths, But—The Marquis de Castellane
Different Oaths, But—The Marquis de Castellane gives the oath of the Spanish king, and his comments, as follows:— “I swear before God and the Holy Gospel to be the guardian of the constitution and the laws. If I do thus, God will recompense me; if I do otherwise, He will demand an accounting for my conduct.” This formula leaves the door open to much liberty. It is in happy contrast to the oath King Edward of England will take. The latter takes an oath directly insulting the Catholic subjects, while Alfonso’s oath leaves all on a par. But if the Marquis de Castellane wished to be absolutely free to profess and practise any religion which his conscience dictated, would he choose Spain or Britain for a residence? The British oath came in, whether wisely or not, to prevent in Great Britain the condition of things which has existed in Spain for centuries, and which has made that country what it is in ignorance, in weakness, in general decadence. Despite any wording of the oath, there is great tolerance in England. And while the simple form of the Spanish oath allows large liberty, it will not be granted, unless there is kindred sentiment able to oppose the hierarchy at its back. It is to be hoped that Alfonso’s rule will indeed leave all on a par.