THE RISING IN SPAIN

The revolution that has broken out in Spain is one of extraordinary gravity. The movement is not of a party, but is national and anti-dynastic. In general it has been the army that commenced the game; this time it is the navy. But I think you will find that the army will not be slow to join; in fact, it has done so already to a certain extent. A telegram has been received in Paris to say that Cadiz has capitulated. The facts of the case are somewhat different. The two men who have opened the ball are Captain Malcampo, perhaps the most distinguished officer in the Spanish Navy, now in command of the ironclad Saragossa, and Gefe de Escuadra (a rank equivalent to Commodore or Rear-Admiral) Topete, who fulfils the duties of captain of the port of Cadiz, and has command of the Spanish ships of war lying there. Malcampo is a progresista, or decided liberal in politics, but has never been mixed up in any political affairs or in insurrections. Topete, who is also one of the best naval officers Spain possesses, has always been considered a moderado ; but this is a movement that unites all shades of the liberal party – all, in short, who uphold the constitution. Everything was prepared at Cadiz with the exception of some battalions of artillery quartered there, which could not be got frankly to join the movement. Malcampo thereupon brought his ironclad just opposite their barracks, which happened to be quite open to the sea. Our information is yet imperfect, but it is likely that the Saragossa fired a few shots. At any rate the artillery submitted and joined the insurrection. Their preliminary hesitation or resistance explains what the despatches from Madrid call the “capitulation” of Cadiz ; but, in fact, that city was ripe and ready to rise. I believer there is no doubt that the important city of Xerez, as well as Puerto St Marin, Puertoreal, and other adjunct places have also rise.

You are doubtless aware that General Prim and a number of Spanish officers left England nine or ten days ago. I need not at present dwell upon the details of their proceedings, although there can be no doubt that they are now beyond the reach of danger from such revelations. About the same time that they left our shores, Marshal Serrano, Gen. Dulce, and the other Spanish officers who had been transported to the Canary Islands sailed for Spain. Two steamers had been sent to fetch them, one of which sailed from a Spanish port, where the Government authorities assuredly little suspected its true destination. I believe it will prove that the two parties of officers met at Gibraltar, whence they proceeded in a steamer to the fleet in Cadiz Bay. Further than this my information does not go, but we shall no doubt hear that Marshal Serrano and the Generals were received by the fleet with the honours due to their rank, and the probabilities are that as there are altogether seven men-of-war at Cadiz, including two ironclads, each of the five Generals will have taken a ship and have made all steam for the different Spanish ports – Malaga, Carthagena, Alicant, Valencia, Barcelona, &c., there to raise the standard of revolt against the tyrannical Government and the detested dynasty of which it is evident, all Spain is determined to be rid. So universal is the disaffection, so strong, even among the lower classes, is the feeling against the Queen, that the sailors of the squadron readily rose when invited, declaring that they would follow their officers for believing that their example will be followed throughout the Spanish navy.