The Carlista would appear at last to have sustained a
serious check. Don Carlos, pressed, it is imagined, by the necessity of inspiriting his followers, recently bombarded Irun, the Carlist town on the frontier between France and Spain. The Madrid Government, stung to unusual vigour, sent General Loma to its relief by sea, with about 10,000 men. The Carlists, under General Elio, endeavoured to intercept his march from St. Sebastian, but were fiercely attacked and driven from all their positions. By the latest despatches, they have retreated in good order towards Vera, and will probably retire upon the very strong position of which Estella is the centre. The defeat, which is ad- mitted by Carlist authorities, is considered of great importance, as Don Carlos loses his easiest road to France, has to face the winter with defeated troops, and loses his chance of offering a loan in England. He has apparently sent away his brother, Don Alfonso, and there would seem to be much disorder in his counsels. Nothing occurs in Spain which would occur anywhere else, but Marshal Serrano appears at last to have an opportunity of putting an end to the Civil War, which is eating up the Northern provinces. General Loma can make his men fight.
