24 DECEMBER 1859, Page 1

The Spanish army is in Africa. This is almost a

correct summary of the war in Morocco. Marshal O'Donnell's troops, 40,000 strong, occupy certain wooded heights south-west of Ceuta, having the fortified pensinsula on which that town stands in their rear. They are there encamped on a small space covered in front by redoubts, exposed to wet and wind, and sheltered only by tentes d'abri, which arc only not worse than nothing. Besides suffering from exposure, they have suffered from want of provisions. Their hospitals are full of sick, and in constant skirmishes they have lost upwards of 1000 men. In short, against the desperate onsets of the Moors, and the insidious assaults of hunger and disease, they were only able to stand their ground. This cannot last. O'Donnell must make a move on Tetuan or Tangier ; probably he will select Tetuan. But then he will meet new dangers. Beyond the mountains lies a plain. Hero the Moorish cavalry will come into action. If the Moors flank the Spaniards, their chances are good. If they fight a regular battle, their chances are doubtful. As the Spaniards will have to bring all their stores and provisions from Ceuta, the Moors will have a fine opportunity of constantly intercepting their convoys. This will compel O'Donnell to detach strongly, and give the Moors a chance of beating him in detail. Spain has no reserves, neither in men nor in political capital. She has entered on an un- justifiable war, and must reap the fruits.