It is believed in many quarters that the duel increases
the Duke de Montpensier's chances of election. He was thought wanting in spirit, but clearly he can stand fire. The incident, however, will not influence Prim, who, on the 5th inst., told the Cortes that no member of the Government was in favour of the Duke except Admiral Topete, who had always supported his claims. The Marshal pointedly called the Pretender Antonio de Bourbon, instead of Antonio d'Orleans, thus reckoning him among the family whose return to the throne of Spain he has so repeatedly pronounced impossible. It is rumoured that the event will precipitate the election of Serrano as King, but the rumour is probably unfounded. Prim is quite satisfied with the Regency, and as he has promoted his military followers till, it is said, there is now one officer in the Army to every four men, the Army is quite satisfied too. The only danger is lest General Caballero de Rode, now commanding in Cuba, should return without leave to head a pronunciamento which would be favourable to the Duke.
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