HUELVA, SEPT. 24TH.—The town and province of Huelva were among the first to follow the example of Cadiz in pronouncing against the Spanish government, and a few details of the movement may interest your readers.
First, for the benefit of those not intimately acquainted with the geography of this country, let me explain the situation of Huelva. The province extends from that of Seville to the frontier with Portugal ; it is bounded on the north by Badajoz, on the south by the sea. The town of Huelva, the capital of the province, is situated near the mouths of the rivers Odiel and Rio Tinto, only a short distance above the little port of Palos, whence Columbus sailed on his first voyage for America.
The population of the town probably does not exceed 15,000 ; yet it contains a larger number of English residents than any other in Andalusia, the attraction being the extensive mines of copper and manganese ores, in the working of which nearly two millions of British capital are invested.
On the 19th inst., the news of the arrival of General Prim, and the rising at Cadiz, became known here. Next day (Sunday), about ten o’clock, as I was proceeding along one of the principal streets on my way to breakfast at the hotel, I became aware of a sudden disposition on the part of the passers-by to bolt into open doorways, like nervous ladies on “cow day” in the northern districts near Copenhagen-fields. Presently a band of music was heard playing the Hymno de Rigo (the Spanish Marseillaise). The musicians soon appeared in sight, followed by a great crowd, shouting “Viva La Libertad!” They marched to the governor’s palace, where the few troops joined the people. They turned out the governor, formed a provisional committee, proclaimed civil and religious liberty, freedom of the press, and universal suffrage, and abolished the octroi. The governor departed by diligence for Seville the same evening. The only show of resistance was that made by the rural guard, a recently-formed body, who shut themselves up in an old convent, and refused to surrender their arms. After a few hours’ siege they yielded, so that no blood was shed. Perfect order is maintained both here and at Seville.
Much hostile feeling prevails against the priesthood, who all belong to the fallen party ; and it is to their baneful influence over the Queen that her present unpopularity is to be chiefly attributed. The “vicario” here at first refused to give up the keys of the church to allow the bells to be rung, but, being told that if he did not the doors would be forced, he gave in. At Seville the Jesuits were allowed 24 hours to leave the city, and their building has already been confiscated and made into a school for the children of the poor. The Seville revolutionary committee say they will have freedom in education, and that they hope soon to see Spain occupy the place she should fill among civilised nations. At Port St. Mary’s, opposite Cadiz, there is a college for young priests ; they were all (24 in number) packed into an opne boat and sent adrift, they were picked up by a vessel passing.—London Telegraph
