In marking the close of the first act of the
Spanish revolution of 1854, the prelude to the real' drama, we observed that the troubles of Espartero were but beginning ; and this week confirms our cal- culation. The President of the Council is reported to be in- disposed—in bed. Reports are afloat, suggested perhaps by ob- vious possibilities, that his lieutenant and preceder in the revo- lution, O'Donnell, shows signs of insubordination. However that may be, feeble health, or inherent want of vigour, must account for Espartero's having consented to a quasi-popular demand, made through the Junta, that Queen Christina should be brought to trial before the Cortes. That the conduct of the intriguing Nea- politan fairly challenges a trial, we are not disposed to doubt; but at periods of revolution, the balance of power and of policy usually outweighs regular forms and technicalities. It would have been far better to exile the Queen Mother by a dictatorial stroke of state, which the juncture would justify, than to begin that series of embarrassments which are promised by a public trial of so clever a woman, supported by so many interests, before an irregular and numerous body like the Cortes ; the prisoner at the bar being the only living parent of the reigning Sovereign.
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