on between Russia and Persia, is at length terminated, and the former country has gained an accession to its territory. The vicinity of the British possessions in India, to the scene of conflict, gave to the war a peculiar interest, but the alarm which it excited has passed away, and peace is at length restored. It is much for the interest of Russia, that she preserve a friendly connection with Britain, from the advantage derived by her commerce. But, amid the various changes in the political affairs of Europe, the colossal power of the North must be strictly watched, and every attempt to enlarge her territory, at the expense of any other country, carefully frustrated by a judicious policy. It is only by these means, that the danger arising from a country of such overwhelming magnitude, will be obviated, and the peace and prosperity of the European States secured.

EUROPE IN 1827.

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SPAIN

THAT picture of melancholy wretchedness, of intellectual and moral degradation, which every where meets the eye of the traveller in the Peninsula, has been almost uniformly becoming more shocking since the accession of the Bourbons to the crown of Spain in the beginning of the last century. Under Charles II, the last of the Austrian dynasty, the effects of a despotic government were striking but in the reign of Ferdinand VII., they are palpable in every town and in every village of Spain. That unhappy country, exposed to the baneful influence of Monks and Camarillas, has at length sunk into a mere cipher in European policy. Once and again has Ferdinand vowed to his people that the government would be placed on a more liberal footing; but equally regardless of his honour as a man, and his duty as a monarch, he fearlessly tramples on his most solemn promises, and his most sacred obligations. Instead of regarding the welfare of the people, as the foundation of all political institutions, he recently declared, that whatever were the wishes of the people, "he would never depart from that absolute power with which heaven had invested him. This determination, however, cannot long be re

tained. The peace of Europe, the state of degradation into which Spain has been sunk, demand the speedy abolition of these two great social deformities, Despotism and Priestcraft. Under the influence of these scourges, the inhabitants of the Peninsula have degenerated into an ignorant, weak, superstitious race; and never will Spain regain her rank among the nations, until the absurd despotism of Ferdinand and the Monks shall be completely destroyed.

No better symptom of the precarious condition of Ferdinand's government could be adduced, than the fact, that it is necessary, in order to preserve the peace of the country, to call in foreign aid. By this system of force, the flame of liberty is for a time suppressed, but not extinguished; and in. all probability, the time is not far distant, when it will again burst forth with terrific violence, sweeping before it the whole host of Jesuits, and Apostolicals, and Court retainers, and regenerated Spain shall emerge from the ruins of her political and superstitious despotism, to raise the character of her people, and exhibit to the world a noble instance of the beneficial effects of liberal institutions. Even the military occupation of Spain by the French, has not been sufficient to prevent the occasional display of the spirit of independence among the people. This has been attributed by Ferdinand, with some degree of justice, to the proximity of his territories to the constitutional government of Portugal. There is indeed a social incompatibility between these two countries, which, considering their relative position, cannot long subsist. The Spanish monarch, therefore, aware of the influence which a liberal government

in their immediate neighbourhood might have upon his people, exerted himself for some time secretly to undermine the Portuguese constitution. His plans, however, have been happily frustrated by the prompt and decided remonstrance of the British and French Governments.

The attempts of the Spaniards to assist and encourage the Portuguese rebels, were incessant in the earlier part of 1827. Supplies of arms were secretly afforded by the Spanish authorities, and a safe asylum on the frontier in case of a defeat. In vain did the Portuguese Cortes complain of this conduct, as being an infringement of the law of nations. Ferdinand refused to listen to the complaints of a government which he did not recognise. At length, however, he was compelled, by the interference of the French and English Courts, to adopt measures for the discouragement of the Portuguese rebels, by sending a body of troops to the frontier, with express orders to disarm and disperse those of the Royalists who sought a refuge within the Spanish territories. No sooner had the corps reached their destined posts, than a spirit of disaffection began to appear; and it was not until decided steps were taken by the Spanish government, that good order was restored in the

army.

Since the period of the restoration in 1823, the Spaniards have been prevented by the presence of the French soldiers from any open display of that secret dissatisfaction which is generally felt with Ferdinand's government. In various provinces, however, and particularly Catalonia, symptoms of tnrbulence have occasionally appeared, threatening that province with all the horrors of a civil

war. In the months of August and September 1825, an insurrection burst forth in that quarter with considerable violence. The insurgents attempted to gain possession of the fortress of Tortosa on the Ebro; but their efforts were defeated, and they were soon after dispersed. By a curious coincidence, their attempts were renewed on Tortosa, but without success, in the same months of 1826.

Last year the plans of the insurgents were more matured. Under the chiefs, Llobet and Trillas, a third attempt was made to get possession of Tortosa. It was intended to massacre the constituted authorities and principal persons in the city, and to make themselves masters of the port. The insurgent chiefs roused the Royalists, by foolishly attempting to persuade them that the King did not enjoy the necessary degree of liberty. A circular was immediately issued by the Royal Audiencia of the province, contradicting the ab surd assertion, and stating that the King was in the full exercise of his authority. But, notwithstanding the assurances contained in this circular, the rebel army increased to the number of 7000 men. Prompted by the monks and apostolicals, the insurrection became every day more alarming, both from its extent and importance. In regard to the views of the Insurgents, it is sufficient to mention, that they considered the absolute government of Ferdinand as too much inclined to liberality, and their chief desire was to see the Inquisition restored, and all who had filled office under the Cortes banished.

The grand insurrectionary movement, it was arranged, should take place in the beginning of