Alva
or ALBA, FERDINAND AL- VAREZ DE TOLEDO, DUKE OF, prime ALVA, or ALBA, FERDINAND ALminister and general of the Spanish armies under Charles V. and Philip II., was born in 1508. He fought in the wars of Charles V. in France, Italy, Africa, Hungary, and Germany. He is more especially remembered for his bloody and tyrannical government of the Netherlands (1567-1573), which had revolted, and which he was commissioned by Philip II. to reduce to entire subjection to Spain. Among his first proceedings was to establish the "Council of Blood," to Spain. Among his first proceedings Philip II. to reduce to entire subjection volted, and which he was commissioned by a tribunal which condemned, without discrimination, all whose opinions were a tribunal which condemned, without suspected, and whose riches were covsuspected, and whose riches were coveted. People by hundreds of thousands abandoned their country. The most oppressive taxes were imposed, and trade was brought completely to a standstill. and soon the provinces of Holland and fleet which was fitted out at his com- Zealand revolted against his tyranny. A and soon the provinces of Holland and fleet which was fitted out at his command finally subduing the country, he asked to be recalled, and, accordingly, in Decem- Zealand revolted against his tyranny. A ber, 1573, Alva left the country, in which, as he himself boasted, he had executed 18,000 men. annihilated. Hopeless of with distinction in Madrid. He had the honor, before his death, of reducing all Portugal to subjection to his sovereign.
He died Jan. 12, 1582.
He was received was rä'do), a famous comrade of Cortes, was born at Badajoz, toward the close of the 15th century. In 1518 he sailed for the New World, and accompanied Gri-