17 DECEMBER 1836, Page 2

From Spain the accounts are, as usual, confused and contra-

dictory. GOMEZ is flying, suo more, before the Queen's troops, under NARITAEZ, in the direction of Murcia. He seems to meet With no resistance ; and entered and quitted Osuna—a place with a population of 15,000, and protected by a fort—without molestation. It is said that he had been compelled to leave some of his booty behind him ; and that a considerable portion, shipped at Algesiras for Gibraltar, had been captured at sea.

The last news from Bilboa is, that ESPARTERO, after having engaged the Carlists in slight actions—both parties claiming the victory—had retreated to Portugalete ; where he was joined by a body of reserve, so that his army is now 20,000 strong. The Carlists were not pressing the siege of Bilboa with any vigour. CALATRAYA has made an application to the Cortes to grant the Government extraordinary and almost dictatorial powers : and it is generally supposed that the Cortes would consent to the demand.