Yesterday week Mr. Grant Duff drew attention, in a tem-
perate and able speech, to the conduct of the Spanish Govern- ment in exiling Matamoras and his companions for propagating the Protestant faith in Spain. The exile—which is, in fact, a sort of modified pardon, since the exiles were previously suffering a severe imprisonment—Mr. Duff recognized as a concession to the more liberal opinion of Europe. He represented the vindictive hostility of Spain to Protestantism as originating quite as much in political dislike to the English centre of Protestant propagandists at Gibraltar as in religious bigotry. "Now, just imagine," said Mr. Duff, "what would be the feelings of Englishmen if Spain held the Isle of Portland, and used it as an advanced post from which to disseminate the doctrines of Rome." He ended a good speech with a hint which we hope English Liberals may not neglect :— " Well, Gibraltar is a word which raises a large question, into which he is a bold man who enters ; but I may surely say, that if I could see Spain what I wish to see her— Spain the hearty enemy of the slave trade, Spain the friend of toleration, Spain as unblemished in her pecuniary integ- rity as in her Castilian honour, Spain the convert to free trade—I would be well content to see her flag floating over the Rock, even if I thought only of the merest selfish inte- rests of England." If Gibraltar would buy the freedom of Cuba and the recognition of religious liberty in Spain, the fortress would fetch so high a price that we hope even Lord Palmerston would declare it a bargain at once.
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