PRAXEDES MATEO SAGASTA, Minister of Government to the civil governors and government councils of Spain, October 9, 1868

Circular from the department of government to the civil governors and government councils of Spain.

The provisional government having been organized, and the first part of our glorious revolution being finished, the minister undersigned feels it his most pressing duty to address the councils and all constituted authorities in the country and explain to them the patriotic intentions of the government, and tell them what to do to preserve the glory of our revolution, to assure confidence at home and retain the sympathy, admiration, and applause so readily awarded to us by Europe and America at the dawn of our regeneration.

Our easy victory and the moderation in which we enjoy it seem singular to those who look upon us from a distance, without knowing the vices and corruption of the oppressive system under which we were living or the proverbial virtues of the Spanish character.

The glorious revolution, begun in Cadiz, has emboldened those timid souls that bowed their necks to the yoke of a corrupt government in dread of the horrors of anarchy or the fury of angry passions.

To their everlasting glory, the Spanish people have demonstrated to the world that they not only could rise up against the tyranny that oppressed and degraded them, but, after the victory, could preserve that moderation that shows an education sufficient to enter boldly into paths trodden by a free people.

Honorable in every way as this revolution has so far been—and we may be proud of it, as history records no other such—we would sin as prodigals, and fail in our patriotic duty, if we halted a moment on the way, before completing the work we so auspiciously began with so much enthusiasm.

If we would preserve the great advantages obtained in so brief a time, we should exercise unremitting vigilance, encouraged by patriotism, honor, and confidence in a free future. We must remember that the enemies of our honor and liberties have secreted themselves among the people, and have assumed the mask of patriotism to mislead them and induce them to commit outrages that would disgrace our nation and sully the purity of our revolution. If it was formerly a painful necessity to resort to arms to overthrow a government that humbled and degraded us, now that we are peaceful victors we must preserve order; and the provisional government is determined to do this in fulfillment of the great duty it owes to the country.

Fortunately we have no sanguinary deeds to lament so far; but the few that have occurred will prove a warning and may prevent the perpetration of others. If some are guilty, there are courts to try them and punish them. Mobs must not undertake to administer justice, lest innocent victims be sacrificed and the fury of personal resentment turn to vengeance. Such acts are unworthy of a civilized nation, and the provisional government would not tolerate them, for it has assumed the reins of state to conduct the nation to the enjoyment of liberty, and not to let it perish in anarchy.

Having explained the intentions of the government in this particular, it remains for me to advise you to deserve the country’s thanks by maintaining order at all risks, delivering over to the courts of justice all those that disturb it under any pretext, for they are the true enemies to liberty, and might cause us many sacrifices and tears if left to pursue their wild career.

May God give you many years.