Death of Fernando VII
The Huelva Gazette

Fernando VII Deceased—Queen Donna Isabella II Reigns in His Stead

(Weekly Gazette—October 10, 1833)

The King of Spain who has lately been so often killed and resuscitated by the English and foreign newspapers is, it appears, now dead in good earnest, and his daughter, Queen Donna Isabella II. reigns in his stead. This heiress “to a sea of troubles” is only three years of age, so that she will enjoy some considerable space of happy ignorance touching the political commotions which are like to take place around her.

Don Carlos, the brother of the deceased King, and of whom we have lately heard so much, intends, it would seem, to prosecute his claim to the throne. By the last accounts we learn that he had left Portugal, and that it was rumoured he would cause himself to be proclaimed at Toledo.

It is rather remarkable, by the way, that Spain and Portugal should be so similarly situated with regard to the royal succession, both having Queens in their minority whose claims are disputed by their paternal uncles.

However the question of the Spanish Government may be finally settled, it is fervently to be hoped that the new regime, whatever it may be, will do something to resuscitate that once most flourishing country. The advantages which Spain possesses in geographical position, climate, and soil, are wasted and disregarded to a most lamentable extent. The internal communication, in particular, is stated to be so bad, that it very often happens that the people of one province are famishing for want of bread, while in another, the corn is absolutely rotting in the granaries because there are no roads on which it can be transported to places where it is really wanted. Spain is, in fact, a most striking example of the corpse-like state to which a long continuance of bad government can reduce a nation possessing all the requisites of intellectual excellence and commercial prosperity. It cannot be much worst than it is ; it has closely approached to a condition in which any change must inevitably be for the better. We therefore “spy hope” even for Spain.

Insights

  • Ferdinand’s reign was a calamity for Spain, a step back and away from progress elsewhere.
  • There is a touch of Schadenfreude in the text. A powerful rival to Britain is now in decline.
  • The contrast between Isabella’s reign and Victoria’s turns out to be startling. The author is prophetic in this respect drawing attention to the “sea of troubles” for a 3 year old queen and the onset of the Carlist Wars.