MONTA LB AN’S TOWER, AMSTERDAM.

THIS tower is situated at the eastern extremity of the ancientboundary of the city, in the angle formed by the canals of theOude Schans, and the Waals Eylands Gragt. It is interestingfrom having been one of the last points where the Spaniardsstruggled to preserve their dominion over Holland. Most ofthe Dutch cities, roused from their torpor by the cruelties ofthe Duke of Alva, who had been appointed governor-generalby Philip the second, had previously shaken off the foreignyoke. The city of Amsterdam for a time continued its submis-sion, but at lengtli, wearied by tyranny and oppression, it joinedthe common league, and from that time the independence ofthe Seven Provinces was established.