1 JANUARY 1870, Page 10

We are strongly inclined to suspect, from the way in

which Prim is getting local power into the hands of soldiers, from

S. Castelar's speech, from the sudden recall of the Spanish Ambassador in Paris to Madrid, and from the sort of expect- ancy said to be visible in Spain, that the interregnum in Spain is about to be terminated by a coup (tan. In whose favour it is to be made is uncertain, but we have endeavoured elsewhere to show that the probabilities are in favour of Prim himself. He doubted about that course some time ago, but since then he has been for months the unquestioned Dictator of Spain, a position which has developed his self-confidence. Note, nevertheless, the curious transaction in Portugal, where the old Duke de Saldanha., who is suspected of Spanish proclivities and avows warm Spanish friend- ships, has turned out the Ministry and made himself .Premier by pressure exercised through the Army.