SPAIN.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 320, 23 August 1848, Page 3

SPAIN.

INSURRECTION AT MADRID. Madrid papers to March 27 have been received. An insurrection of a seiious character broke am in Madrid on the evening of the 26th. It would appear that a plan had been formed Co overthrow the Ministry by means of an insurrectionary move'nent, of which it was expected tlie military world have remained passive spectators. ' The leaders of the movement having subsequently discovered that the rroops were determined to resist, countermanded the orders they had given to the people. The latlet, however, who had been wrought to the highest pitch oi'excitement, declared that they were betrayed, and that they would fight even without leaders. They accordingly assembled about six o'clock in the afternoon of the 26th/ and commenced erecting barricades, which were completed in an incredible short space of time. The fighting commenced at seven o'clock, and continued without intermission till three in the morning, when the military were successful on all points, and a number of the insurgents were captured. Two hundred persons, civilians and military, are said to have been killed, and a vast number wounded. An English gentleman named Whit well is said to be amongst the victims. - The Q,ueen-Mothet quitted Madrid during the disturbance. Up to the hour of post on the 27th the attack had not been renewed, but much excitement prevailed among the people. Several arrests had taken place, and among those arrested is, it is said, Senor Escosura. The fighting was desperate — the military, who far outnumbered the insurgems, suffered severely. The news of the arrival of the Due de Montpensier hastened the outbreak.

LATER FROM MADRID. We have just seen the following extract from a leitei, dated Madrid, March 27, two o'clock in the afternoon, It was expected that the fighting would be renewed in the evening: " Last night there was much bloodshed between the people and the cavalry — the Queen was fired at twice, which we heard was che commencement. The firing continued from five to eleveti at night. All the shops j are shut, and litters containing the wounded are constantly passing. The large square of the palace is full of troops ; indeed, it is surrounded on all sides by cavalry. The fighting was expected to recommence at eleven today. Christina has fleJ. Picquets of soldiers are stationed at every street ; but they kept the infantry in last night, as they feared they would join the people. The momeut the row began all the gates of the city were shut and hundreds remained out. Many women were killed on the balconies as they were throwing furniture and heavy articles on the soldiers. I have just heard two or three shots fired in different directions. Every one is in

grea' excitement — the people asking arms of every house."