DOMESTIC AFFAIRS OF SPAIN 153
Internal Administration 153
Revolutions under Isabella and Charles V. 153
Absolute Power of the Crown 154
Contrast between Charles and Philip 154
The latter wholly a Spaniard 154
The Royal Councils 155
Principal Advisers of the Crown 155
Character of Ruy Gomez de Silva 155
Figueroa, Count of Feria 157
Cardinal Espinosa 157
Two Parties in the Council 159
Balance held by Philip 159
His Manner of transacting Business 159
His Assiduity 160
His Mode of dividing the Day 161
His Love of Solitude 161
Extent of his Information 161
Partial Confidence in his Ministers 162
His Frugality 162
His magnificent Establishment 162
His fatal Habit of Procrastination 163
Remonstrances of his Almoner 164
Habits of the great Nobles 164
Manners of the Court 165
Degeneracy of the Nobles 165
Splendour of their Households 165
Loss of Political Power 166
Depressed Condition of the Commons 166
Petitions of the Cortes 166
Their Remonstrance against Arbitrary Government 167
Their Regard for the National Interests 167
Erroneous Notions respecting Commerce 168
Sumptuary Laws 168
Encouragement of Bull-Fights 169
Various Subjects of Legislation 169
Schools and Universities 170
Royal Pragmatics 170
Philip's Replies to the Cortes 170
Freedom of Discussion 171
Standing Army 171