Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that General Prim, accompanied by his late military staff, reached Lisbon yesterday afternoon. A large number of persons had assembled on the quays where it was supposed he would debark, and evidently with the intention of emphasizing, by their presence and by their welcome, sympathy with the chief and his cause. When the fact of this assemblage became visible on board the steamer as the usual landing place was approached, the boat was put about and descended the river to a point where the |popular feeling was less demonstrative, and where the debarcation could be effected with more convenience to all concerned.
General Prim and suite were then conducted to the private residence of one of the principal personages of the city, where quarters had been provided for him some time since, in expectation of the contingency which has happened. It is not yet known whether they will remain in Lisbon, or seek asylum elsewhere; [Page 94] and after this first effervescence shall have passed off, it is not very important in a political point of view, because, for the time being at least, the revolutionary movement in Spain may be considered as having completely failed. Therefore the presence in, or the absence from, this vicinity of any particular individual, however considerable he may be, while it may prove a cause of annoyance to the parties immediately interested, can hardly exercise any serious influence upon that opinion and purpose by which alone large events are accomplished.
It is not my province to speak of the interior condition of Spain, but every reflecting observer must know that a process of political change has been working itself out in that country for years past, encumbered by traditions, prejudices and pride. Military leaders have availed themselves of this state of things to advance their own ideas or interests, and the country has been played as the stake of ambitious chiefs, in a game where personal rivalry and selfish aspirations have been too often and too painfully conspicuous. It is not to be disputed that the government has been controlled by means of the military power, and hence it is that all the so-called revolutions of the last quarter of a century have originated in or been achieved by revolt, disaffection or conspiration in the regular standing army. The sword has always been thrown into the scale, and, like that of Brennus, has invariably turned the balance.
As the recent revolt has been attended with no other result than an exhibition of its weakness or misdirection, the ruling authority which suppressed it, though morally weakened by the existence of any defection, is materially strengthened for the moment by the developments of this experience, which will enable it to tighten the grasp more rigidly and to fortify itself against other dangers which are quite menacing.
These temporary shifts and military expedients for governing a country must, however, come to an end, and give way before that healthy march of progress and enlightenment which, in spite of a too material tendency, is leading the age on to a noble development. Sooner or later Spain will accept the high destiny which is reserved for her, but it will not be attained until the nation, as such, shall throw off a bondage which has enslaved it to the past, and shall identify itself with the cause and hope of a grander future.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.