To add to the uncertainty it is rumored abroad that there is to be an
immediate attempt by the Carlists to overthrow the Government and seize
the throne of Spain.

The poor Queen Regent is much worried with all this trouble. The loss of
Canovas at the most critical moment of the Cuban war seems to have taken
away all her courage, and it is said that she is very unhappy, and is
constantly weeping over her boy, the young King Alphonso, for the poor
mother fears she may not be strong enough to hold the crown of Spain for
him.

There is a story that in her distress the Queen Regent has sent a
personal message to Don Carlos, begging him not to begin a civil war at
a moment when Spain has so many other enemies to fight.

A civil war is a war carried on between citizens of the same country.

It is said that Don Carlos sent a very unkind reply to the Queen, and
said that he should come forward just as soon as he felt that the
country needed him.

It is stated that he believes that war with the United States cannot be
avoided, and that he intends to wait till war is declared, and then
offer to save Spain if he is made king.

His friends are all gathering at Lucerne to hold the council of which we
spoke last week. The unhappy Queen Christine is waiting with much
anxiety to learn what they decide to do.