Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

Inquisition.—The following document we copy from a Paris paper of December 16. The editor introduces it with a column of remarks, closing with the following sentence:

"It is a melancholy thing, while every other government in Europe is setting its people an example of enlightened liberality, to see the jurisprudence of Spain relapsing into worse than primeval barbarism—to behold a fine people, yielding to none in qualities both personal and mental, crushed both in mind and body beneath the racks, and wheels, and scourges, of a grand Inquisitor!—Alas! poor human nature!"

The following decree has been issued under the authority of the grand Inquisitor, who is also private confessor to Ferdinand VII:—

"In the name of the Holy Trinity, &c.

"Whereas it has been made known to us that various publications of a heretical, irreligious, and seditious tendency are in circulation amongst the subjects of this kingdom; and whereas it is of the last importance that their progress should be arrested, and the authors, publishers and circulators duly punished, it has been determined that such measures shall be taken instantly as will most effectually accomplish this purpose.

"All persons having in their possession works bearing the following titles, be brought before the Holy Inquisition, and punishment inflicted as the nature of the offence may require, provided it be not less than three months' military imprisonment under the orders of the holy office, and payment of a fine of not less than 1000 reals. The works prohibited are—'History of the Inquisition,' 'Reason why the Inquisition should be abolished,' 'Remarks upon the re-establishment of the brotherhood of the order of Jesus,' 'The theory of the Cortes,' 'The necessity of national representation,' 'Observations on the conduct of several of the courts of Europe,' 'Patriotic songs,' 'The difficulties at present to be encountered.'

The greater number of these heretical and seditious productions have been printed in foreign countries, in the Spanish language, and secretly introduced into this kingdom. A proportionate punishment will be inflicted upon such individuals as have in their custody any foreign journals, newspapers, etc. containing matter against the government and institutions of Spain.

Given from Madrid, this 19th Nov. 1818.

(Signed)
FRANCISCO XAVIER MEIR Y CAMPILLO,
Grand Inquisitor of the Kingdom.
ANDRES FLOREZ PEREIRA, Sec."