Matters are fast approaching a crisis in Spain. The political
tension there must be much more severe than outsiders per- ceive. The Prime Minister, S. Posada Herrera, has hitherto been rather ultra•Liberal, has accepted advice from Republicans, and has assented to Liberal demands, such as universal suffrage, of an extreme character. On Thursday, however, urged by some internal excitement, he declared that " between the Republicans and the Monarchy there was an impassable abyss." A tremendous scene followed, and as the Republican vote is essential to this Ministry, it is believed that Senor Sagasta must be recalled to power, and that the Republicans, despairing of success in Par- liament, will descend into the streets. The event will then depend upon the Army, which is supposed to be divided. It is quite possible this is an error, and that the regiments will straightforwardly obey the King, but all the portents indicate that within a very short time Alfonso will have to prove that he can hold his throne.
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