but the rebel army was so numerous, that it kept its ground with surprising vigour. It will be very difficult, in the present state of the Spanish government, to preserve the country from being exposed to civil dissensions of every kind. An absolute monarchy, a degrading superstition, can give rise to no other feelings among the people than discontent and disaffection. Every attempt to enlighten the people is completely discouraged; and hence all their efforts to release themselves from the political thraldom to which they are subjected, only exhibit their moral weakness and unfitness to enjoy a state of freedom. Could the influence of the priesthood be diminished, and knowledge diffused among the people, there might still remain some hope of unhappy Spain.

If such be the state of the country, though subjected to the occupation of the French troops, the prospect is dismal when they shall have marched for France, as they are expected to do, in the course of a few months. Should a general insurrection then occur, the pusillanimous Ferdinand has not power to resist. Through want of pay and provisions, discontent prevails among his own troops, and little assistance can therefore be expected from them. Should he depend on foreign aid, it is more than probable, in the present state of Europe, that he would find himself unbefriended. No government will undertake to support a monarch, who has already shown himself unworthy of the situation he holds, and destitute of every claim, either to the respect or the confidence of his people.

Under such a government as that of Spain, the

sciences and arts will never flourish. Some feeble attempts have been made, especially by the Royal Academy of History at Madrid, to awaken in the Spaniards a taste for the cultivation of literary pursuits; but all their efforts have been hitherto inneffectual. That institution has, to its honour, made many successful inquiries into the early history, both civil and literary, of the country. At present, Spanish literature, indeed, may be resolved into the researches, which the few Spaniards, who prosecute literature, have instituted into Spanish antiquities; and perhaps the publication of the ancient glories of Spain, may awaken in her degraded sons, that patriotism and chivalrous spirit, which may animate them in claiming their rightful independence.

It is a very remarkable circumstance, that the absolute Ferdinand, who has considered knowledge as dangerous to the throne, issued in the early part of the past year, an order to M. Gomez de la Corsina, and several other writers, to prepare and publish a Biographical Dictionary, including notices of all the Spaniards who have distinguished themselves from the remotest period, to the end of 1819. That the editors might perform their task with the greater accuracy and ease, the King has also given them free access to all the records and libraries of the kingdom, and commanded the authorities and heads of corporations, to furnish them with all the documents which may be in their possession.

In Spain, degraded though it be in a political point of view, great efforts are made by several patriotic institutions, to promote the welfare and

happiness of the people. In Valencia, for example, one of those associations is established, which, since the period of its first formation, in the end of the last century, has been unceasingly fulfilling its original intention of diffusing elementary instruction, improving industry, manufactures, commerce, navigation, fisheries, and rural economy. A cabinet of natural history, and a collection of machines, are connected with the establishment. It is pleasing to observe, that such a society exists in the town where, during the past year, more than one instance of priestly domination has oecurred.

The only literary production of importance which has recently appeared at Madrid, is the Geographical and Statistical Dictionary of Spain and Portugal, by Dr Mignano, which is at present in course of publication. This great work, which it is calculated will include 26,000 articles, will, when completed, afford much valuable information as to the topography, natural productions, and literary status of every part of the two kingdoms it embraces.

In conclusion, it may be noticed, that the pernicious influence of an illiberal priesthood, is the principal cause of the ignorance which prevails in the Peninsula. The people are precluded from every source of information, and even taught by the priests, that knowledge is inimical to the happiness and tranquillity of the country. In pursuance of this intention to arrest the progress of knowledge, not many months have elapsed since the Archbishop of Toledo published, in his diocese, an edict, prohibiting the people from the use

of every kind of books, except prayer-books. All foreign works, all the French and English Journals, are also forbidden. At the request of this

Bishop, the Minister for Foreign Affairs at Madrid, has requested the Ambassadors from the various countries, not to allow the Journals they receive to be read in the capital.

EUROPE IN 1827.

VI.

PORTUGAL.

THE present situation of Portugal is of singular importance. For many years past, the cause of Absolute Monarchy has been tottering in that country, and now it has, at length, given place, with the consent of the monarch, to a Constitutional form of government. It is extremely doubtful, however, from the fluctuating nature of public opinion, and from the power of Spanish influence in perverting the minds of the nobility, whether the more popular system will long remain in a state of security.

The diversified changes which the Portuguese Government has undergone, may be viewed, in connexion with Spanish politics, as having given rise to the glorious independence of the South American States. From the year 1807, when King John VI. was compelled to embark for Brazil, leaving his dominions in Portugal in the hands of a Regency, may be dated the commencement of important changes in the policy both of the Old and the New World. On his arrival in his South American dominions, the Portuguese monarch established Brazil as a separate kingdom, and by opening the ports, encouraged a system of free