No. 299.
Mr. Adee
to Mr. Evarts.
Madrid, July 19, 1877. (Received August 6.)
Sir: The “dead season” in Madrid is now fairly inaugurated.
On the 11th instant the labors of the Cortes were brought to a close by the reading of a royal decree, declaring the session of 1877 terminated. The wording of the decree leaves some doubt as to whether the present Cortes can be again convoked during the current year, it being asserted, on the one hand, that, should any urgent contingency require the reassembling of the deputies of the nation before the 1st of January, it will be necessary to proceed to new elections, while on the other it is maintained that there is nothing in the constitution to prevent the legislature of 1878 from being convened at any time during 1877. The opinion is current, however, that the decree of prorogation is a prelude to a supplementary decree of dissolution, and the announcement of fresh elections.
The past session of the Córtes has been more than usually barren of results. Little has been done besides passing the budget of supplies. The time of both houses has not seldom been frittered away in petty debates, born of the factiousness of party opposition. The new copy [Page 516] right law, the law reforming the penal code, and several others of equal or greater moment, remain unacted upon.
Certain of the bills passed, and report of a recent incident of debate in regard to the Cuban war, will form the subject of separate dispatches.
Immediately on the termination of the legislative sessions, the King, accompanied by several of the ministers, started on his long-projected journey to the northwest of the peninsula. His reception in the cities of Leon and the Asturias is reported to be cordial, if not enthusiastic. His Majesty will return about the 10th of August, passing directly to the summer palace of La Granja, where he will remain until cooler weather.
The minister of state, Mr. Silvela, has quitted Madrid for Spa, in order to recuperate his health, which was seriously impaired by the arduous duties of his office. He is expected to return in the first week of August, when he will go to La Granja to await the King.
The exodus of public functionaries is general. Only two ministers remain in Madrid, with the president of the council, who is making himself generally useful by looking after the working of the several departments almost single-handed. Mr. Martin de Herrera, the minister of ultramar, remains at his post, and is charged, in addition, with the management of the ministry of state.
I have, &c.,