According to the Times correspondent in Paris, it was King'
Alfonso who overthrew the Conservative Cabinet of S. Canovas, and introduced S. Sagasta into the Spanish Ministry. He is now inclined to replace S. Sagasta and the Moderates by Marshal Serrano and the Democrats, his object being to show that no. party in Spain need be hostile to him, as there is none with which he will not work. This is clever, and there is little doubt the King is a much abler man than his recent predecessors have' been, but it will not render the position of Spanish Premiers pleasant. To be thrown aside when done with, is the destiny of a good many people, but the man who likes that destiny has yet to be found. We suppose the truth is that the King, whose influence with the Army enables him to be arbiter between' parties, has seen that the country desires a more Liberal Ministry, and has signified to the Democrats that he will not refuse to accept them if the country wishes for them, and will not allow S. Sagasta to pack a second Parliament, in order to keep them out. The true test both of the ability and of the sincerity of the King, now that he is fairly seated, would be to. call a free Parliament, never yet seen in Spain, and see if he- cannot get along with the Ministers it prefers. He is not bound to work with Republicans, but his theory is, and he has much evidence on his side, that the country has accepted him. If he, can rule with a free Parliament, he may refound the Monarchy.
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