End of the Republic in Spain.
By J. H. W.
The friends of Republicanism have had considerable rejoicing for some time past, over the downfall of the Kingdom and the erection of a Republic in Spain. It was looked upon as a marked sign of the times in the direction of progress. If Spain could uphold freedom, it was thought the days of monarchy must be numbered in this world. But all such rejoicings have proved to be vain. The Republic is overthrown, and Alfonso, a youth, has been placed on the throne. This is only what was to be expected of such a people. They are not Republican either in feeling or education; and they are too intensely Catholic to admit of the long continuance of any system which grants freedom of conscience. The following from the N. Y. Evangelist gives a correct idea of the state of things in that unhappy country:— “Of course this boy will be a mere puppet in the hands of cunning schemers—soldiers and politicians. Probably the worst of the old retainers of his mother will flock around him, and by pandering to his boyish vanity and vices, control him, while they plunder the country at their leisure. This will go on a few years till there comes another revolution. Such is the inevitable round of change of a people that have not been educated to just ideas of liberty—that is, of freedom combined with order—and whose moral sense has been weakened by a puerile and superstitious religion.” J. H. W.