The King's death throws everything into confusion. The Carnets have
for some time been preparing for a rising, and it is asserted that Zorrilla, the leader of the Revolutionary party of action, has issued orders for an insurrection, and himself gone to Spain to act as its head. At the same time, the descent of the Crown is uncertain, for although it falls by law to the King's little daughter, the Princess of the Asturias, now five years old, there is expectation of a posthumous child., who may be a boy, and so be born King of Spain. Under the Constitu- tion, the Regency falls to the King's widow, the Archduchess Christina ; but though a woman of some ability, she is young,
a foreigner, and supposed to be devoted to Austrian interests. There is a party, therefore, who would make Queen Isabella Regent—a plan which, if carried out, would end in her restora- tion. All substantial power during the confusion falls, however, to the Army ; and if General Lopez Dominguez, who commands in Madrid, and General Martinez Campos, who commands in the North, can agree upon a Regent, the Constitutional regime may be kept going for a time. The occasion is, however, far too favourable to any ambitious General, and to every section of the party of disorder.
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