The Government of Spain has suddenly betaken itself to military
preparations. Orders have been issued to build two steel-plated frigates, with the utmost despatch, at La Seyne, near Toulon, and immense stores of munitions are collecting in the interior. The total expenditure to be incurred is stated at twenty millions sterling. The object of this movement is not clear, the Spanish account being that it is in- tended to 'protect the neutrality of Spain against France and F.ngland. It is possible that Spain intends, if a favourable op- portunity occurs, to strike for Gibraltar, but the most probable account is, that Spain is once more growing ambitious. Her revenue has recovered, her army—always good—has recently distinguished itself, and her -fleet, though small, is equal to that of any second-class maritime power, and manned by a most tenacious race of sailors. She claimed, not three months since, two votes in Conference, as a first- class power, and is most eager to assert her right to that high rank.
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