Alva

or Alba, Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of, prime minister and general of the Spanish armies under Charles YV. and Philip II., was born in 1508, of one of the most illustrious families of Spain. He entered the army a mere youth, and fought in the wars of Charles: V. in France, Italy, Africa, Hungary, and Germany. He is more specially remembered for his bloody and tyrannical government of the Netherlands (1567-1573), which had revolted, and which he was commi ioned by Philip II. to reduce to entire subjection to Spain. Among his first proceedings was to establish the “Council of Blood,” @ tribunal which condemned, without discrimination, all whose opinions were suspected, and whose riches were coveted. The present and absent, the living and the dead, were subjected to trial and their property confiscated. Many merchants and mechanics emigrated to England; people by hundreds of you sands abandoned their country. The most oppre ive taxes were imposed, and trade was brought completely to a standstill. As a reward for his services to the faith, the Pope presented him with a con see rated hat and sword, a distinction previously conferred only on princes.