a previous censorship. There lay, however, an appeal even on these to a supreme junta established for the protection of the liberty of the press.

These deliberations were checquered by events belonging rather to the executive than legislative department. The army of the Isle of Leon, proud of the share they had taken in achicving national liberty, considered themselves still as its guardians, Since the nomination of Quiroga as a depnty, Riego had taken the command; and his enthusiastic disposition having led

mercial regulations, the leading principle was made to be, that nothing which Spain could produce within itself, should be allowed to be import ed. Particular care was taken to keep down the intercourse with France, the country of all others from whose trade Spain might have derived the greatest benefit. This system was every way ruinous. It crushed the germs of that prosperity which would have been the natural consequence of freedom and security of property; while the distress generated by it threw a general discredit upon the constitu-him to embrace the highest principles tional system to which it was imputed. In consequence of it also, the financial embarrassment instead of being remedied grew more and more severe. The contraband trade, which had always been one of the greatest scourges of Spain, was trebled; and with it those habits of tumultuous and irregular as semblage, which passed by an easy transition into insurrection. Thus, this voluntary sacrifice of her trade, not only impoverished Spain, but proved one of the strongest bars to the preservation of that tranquillity which she ought to have sacrificed almost any thing to maintain,

The establishments for education were carried by the Cortes to a laudable, almost excessive extent. There were to be three gradations of schools throughout the kingdom; the first for elementary instruction, of which there was to be one for every five hundred families, and where the catechism of the constitution was to be carefully taught. The second degree was for those destined to public employments; in these were taught the ancient and modern danguages, history, and political economy. The third degree was forcertain specialand profound studies. The law on the liberty of the press allowed the publication of all works except those upon religion, which the bigotry of the nation still subjected to

of liberalism, he was looked upon by the clubs of Madrid as their sure and powerful supporter. There appeared a very evident, danger, that this army might assume a prætorian character, and might become dangerous both to prince and people. The Minister at War, therefore, formed the bold resolution of dissolving it; and as this step was taken with the approbation of Quiroga, while Riego was soothed by the appointment of Governor-general of Galicia, it was hoped that the arrangement might be tranquilly effected. Riego, however, saw in it the downfall of his influence, and, as he imagined, new dangers to liberty. He hastened to Madrid, and presented to the King a petition from the army against its dissolution, intimating at the same time his own refusal of the government of Galicia. He was received with the most rapturous applause by the clubs and the multitude, and continued for eight days the hero of Madrid. Intoxicated with this homage, he gave way to an irregularity which alarmed all moderate men. Being one evening at the theatre, his aides-de-camp began to sing a vio lent democratic song, called from its chorus, Traga la, perro, swallow it, you dog," composed at Cadiz, in hatred of the nobles. The political chief having endeavoured to put a stop to this exhibition, Riego interposed in

dices, of perverse suspicions, of black and horrible imputations, after voluntarily declining of a post incompatible perhaps with my honour in existing circumstances, I return to the simple condition of a citizen. If my country should require my services a second time, I shall fly to her aid, and shall be ready to repeat my services. At present I am satisfied with the pleasure of having deserved your lively gratitude, and with that delight which the testimony of a pure conscience conmunicates to an honourable mind." These representations had no influ

its favour, and a violent tumult arose, which was continued during a great part of the night. The government, determining hereupon to take the most vigorous measures, withdrew from Rie. go the offer of the command in Galicia, and sent him into an honourable Dexile at Oviedo. Riego now addressed a long memorial to the Cortes, in which he represented the services rendered by the army of the Isla to the cause of liberty, and urged that its support was still necessary against the numerous enemies of the constitutional system. I beseech,” said he, "the National Congress to take into considera-ence on the Cortes, which adhered to tion these short reflections, to examine the opinion of Andalusia, that of the army, that of fore-sighted and judicious men, and then to consider whether the time has arrived for deciding that circumstances have changed, that the laws are in their vigour, and that the constitution is triumphant in all its parts. ouousdoriqs sliriwa.li

b

gious.

the resolution of ministers; and Riego had no alternative buts to depart for Oviedo.His associates, San Miguel and Velasco, were at the same time sent to Zamora and Valladolid. The dissolution of the army was then effected; but the Cortes agreed, that liberal allowances, both in land and money, should be given to the disbandThe disgust of an army is conta- ed troops, in proportion to their length ous. The distrust of one province of service. Although these measures passes to another. The public mind is were effected by government, yet the agitated; and, when concord is the clamour of the clubs against the Mimost necessary, the most fatal disunionnister at War was so violent, that he has been introduced. It was my duty to was induced to give in his demission. make these explanations to the govern ̈ment, and likewise to the Cortes, who ought always to watch over every thing that influences in so visible a manner the well-being of our country. I have fulAlled these two sacred obligations. I have done all that was in the power of a lover of the laws, to avoid disorders and misfortunes. Those calamities which may perhaps arise from general *distrust will not be my work. Would to Heaven that my suspicions were only those of ati extravagant mind, and that we may never have occasion to seek in vain for that physical and moral force which is our support a force, the importance of which is either unknown, or too much depreciated. For my part, having been the mark of unjust preju

X

These tumults induced the ministry to bring in a proposition to the Cortes for repressing the licence of the clubs; and notwithstanding the strenuous opposition of the liberals, it was carried on the 14th October, by a majority of 100 to 45. The meetings of these societies were only to be held upon notice given, and permission received, from the local authorities, and under their superintendance. The individuals thus assembled were in no case permitted to form corporations, or to speak in the name of the people; nor were they to hold correspondence with any similar body, 901 no wa

Towards the close of the session, which, in consideration of important business under consideration, was con