The mullahs, or priests, have been persuading the people that the Ameer would help them as soon as the revolution was firmly established. It is these same mullahs who are responsible for the suspicions the English had of the Ameer.
It is said that the tribesmen are just beginning to understand that the Ameer does not mean to help them, and that they have only themselves to look to, to support their rebellion against England.
There is a report from Cuba that the Spaniards have reconquered the town of Las Tunas. This, however, seems hard to believe. Only last week reliable information was sent to us, that, owing to the impossibility of sparing enough men to guard the town, the Cubans had decided to destroy it, and had accordingly burnt it to the ground.
The Carlists are daily assuming a more threatening attitude.
In the hope of quieting the people, who have become fearful lest a civil war should break out, the Government spread a report that Don Carlos had given up his claim to the throne of Spain, and that there was no fear that he would cause any trouble.
Don Carlos, however, caused a letter to be published throughout Spain, in which he denied the story, and said he was only waiting until the proper time arrived to come forward. He added that one hundred thousand volunteers were ready to take up arms for him at his call.
Side by side with this unwelcome announcement comes the news that there is fresh trouble in the Spanish Cabinet.
Señor Reverter, the Spanish minister of finance, that is to say, the minister who has charge of the money affairs of Spain, has been excommunicated by the Church of Rome.
This minister has had a very hard battle to fight against the poverty of his country, and her pressing need for money.