General Lopez Dominguez, the new Spanish Minister of War, has,
with the sanction of the King, issued a decree whioli may produce consequences. -Under its provisions, the higher Staff offices in the Army, which are now held during geed behaviour, become tenable only for three years. The decree expels from active service one Captain-General, five Field- Marshals, seven Lieutenant-Generals, and forty Brigadiers, and destroys the hopes of probably twice as many more of the highest officers. At the same time, it allows General Dominguez to fill most of the great military appointments with his own friends. It has, therefore, created intense irritation, some of the dismissed officers even saying that to be just the rule should be applied first to the King, who is Commander-in-Chief. It is difficult for any but Spaniards to decide whether this particular order is wise ; but it is certain that the Spanish Army requires a thorough weeding amongst its highest officers. If the Throne were stable, 5,000 officers, at least, would be sent into civil life with small pensions; but only a King' whohad won a pitched battle would dare to introduce such a sweeping reform.
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