It is of course a terrible thing for Spain that one of her highest ministers should be so punished and disgraced.
It was hoped that Señor Reverter would resign his office, and so save the Government any further trouble. This, however, he refuses to do, and the members of his department are in sympathy with his defiance of the Church.
It is said that friends are trying to persuade the bishop to forgive the minister, and withdraw the sentence, if he consents to resign at the end of the year.
The bishop is not willing to do anything of the kind. He thinks that if the Government is allowed to plunder one church without punishment, all the wealth belonging to the Church will soon be seized and taken possession of by the crown.
This unfortunate affair has brought fresh trouble on poor Queen Christina.
The Government, which has been in a very uncertain condition since the death of Canovas, has been unable to oppose the excommunication of Señor Reverter.
General Azcarraga, the Prime Minister, has offered his resignation to the Queen, and asked her to form a fresh Cabinet. He says he is no longer able to control the affairs of state.
This is the worst thing that could have happened at this moment. The only man who seems fit to lead the Government is Señor Sagasta, but, as we have told you before, he has very liberal views about Cuba.
QUEEN CHRISTINA OF SPAIN.