Spain is becoming the theatre of the grandest European events.
A great spirit is moving the masses, and the hour of political regeneration seems at hand. The proceedings of the Cortes will be watched with extreme interest both by the foes and the friends of improvement. The commencement has been auspicious, notwithstanding the threatening aspect of affairs in the capital immediately before the assembling of the Deputies. The circumstances to which we allude were briefly noticed in our second edition last week : we proceed now to relate them more is detail.
Serious disturbances broke out in Madrid on the 17th of last month. For some days previous, the Carlists and the extreme Liberals, or Ex- altados as they are called, bad been in a state of violent excitement. On Sunday the 13th, there was a scuffle between parties of the Urban Militia and the Guards, who form part of the garrison of the city : the latter were accused of Carlism. This outbreak indicated the spirit that was abroad. In the meanwhile, the deaths by cholera rapidly in- creased from 38 on the 15th to 270 on the 17th. An absurd and wicked report was spread that the monks had poisoned the wells. A Franciscan friar was seen, on the morning of the 17th, standing near a well with a paper in his hand : he was charged with poisoning the waters, and immediately stabbed ; although in fact he was only making
paper cigar. This incident, however, passing from mouth to mouth with the usual exaggerations, was held to be proof of a conspiracy among the friars to poison the people ; and several, who were found in the streets, were murdered by a mob, which rapidly collected. The Jesuit convent of San Isidro was the next object of attack. One of the friars, who opened the gates to the multitude, tried to escape by running into the street. This was taken for proof of guilt ; the convent Was entered, and about twenty monks were slaughtered. The Jesuits defended themselves with fire-arms, and killed one soldier and wounded another. The Franciscan convent of St. Thomas was then broken into, and more of the monks were killed than at the Jesuit convent. The soldiers of the Line were far more bloody than even the Exaltados or the rabble. It is remarkable, thut while this murderous work was go- ing on, three of the regular priesthood, the working parochial clergy, passed by in full canonicals, and made their way through the crowd with the Host, receiving the usual marks of respect. This is evidence of the different estimation in which the idle monks and the regular clergy are held in Spain. Several other convents were sacked in the course of the day ; but no more lives taken, as the inmates opened their doors to the assailants. The next morning, Friday, the great convent in the Calle de Aocha was plundered ; but there was scarcely any blood spilt. During all this riot, the authorities interfered very little. The civil Governor, the Duke DE GOB, issued a proclamation on Wednesday, enjoining peace. and promising to inflict condign punish- ment on all who had been accessory to the injury of the health of the city,—thereby countenancing the absurd stories of the poisoning of the fountains. On the 19th, a proclamation was published in the Gazette of Madrid, repudiating strongly the foolish belief of the poisoning. Se- veral of the ringleaders were arrested ; the effects of the cholera became less alarming, and order was restored.
It was feared that the news of these events would have deterred many of the Deputies of the Cortes from going to Madrid; but this was not the case. A sufficient number assembled to make preliminary arrangements, to verify the deputations, or ascertain the qualifications of the Deputies returned, to choose interim Presidents of the two Chambers, and to regulate the mode of voting and publication of proceedings, and other matters of fora) not prescribed in a decree issued for that purpose by the Queen. It has been decided, that the votes shall be given vied voce; that the proceedings shall be taken down by a short-hand writer, and published ; and that the sittings shall not continue after nightfall. The leading orators are expected to be EOMUERO A LPUENTE on the Exalted°, and TORENO on the Conser- vative side,—for TORENO has, somewhat unexpectedly, proclaimed himself an advocate of Conservatism ; which, however, in Spain seems to mean something rather more liberal than Juste-milieuism. Senor Posanos, a very estimable old gentleman, of decidedly Liberal politics, was elected interim President of the Deputies ; and FERMIN CABAL- LERO, the editor of a Liberal journal, called the Eco del Comercio, was chosen Secretary. These proceedings took place on the 20th of July. CASTANOS, Duke DE BAIL EN, is President of the Proceres or Peers; and the Duke of Rivas and Don DIEGO CLEMENCIN, both accom- plished men of literary talents, are the Secretaries. These appoint- ments, which were made on the 21st of July, are likewise proviiional.
The Cortes was finally opened on the '24th, by a speech from the Queen. The particulars of the proceedings have not yet been re- ceived; but the whole ceremony was conducted with the solemnity be- fitting so great an occasion. The city remained perfectly tranquil throughout the day. It is said than Don CARLOS has made his appearance at Lessee, near the French frontier ; and that this is a retrograde movement. No ac- count of any fighting has been received. The reports of the condition and dispositions of the opposing forces are very contradictory; but it is probable that EODIL is hemming the rebels in on all sides. State- ments have been made of the shipment of arms, provisions, and money, hrnished by English and Continental Tories for the service of Don Caasos, from the Dutch ports. It has also been stated that two British officers command the vessels which have conveyed them ; but this account is contradicted, and appears to have been without foundation.
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