1 DECEMBER 1888, Page 3

The Spanish Government has agreed to propose, and will therefore

carry, an immense extension of the suffrage, the franchise being bestowed on all males, not in the Army, of twenty-five years of age. The object is to strengthen Liberalism ; but it is exceedingly doubtful whether the real gainers in the provinces will not be the Clerical party. The change will, however, greatly diminish the Government influence in elections, at present predominant.