The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1930. THE SPANISH REVOLUTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1930. THE SPANISH REVOLUTION.

One of the most remarkable feats ol political suicide ever recorded was pertormed by General Primo de Rivera, the Span.sli Dictator, the week before last, says a northern contemporary. The general has been Military Director of Spain ever since his “coup d’etat” or 1923, when he turned out the Spanish Parliament, and installed an absolute despotism in its place. In spite of the strong hold that momuvlnal traditions retain in that country, ami the natural tendency of the Spanish Habsburgs towards absolutism the people of Spain have been for some time past manifesting much resentment and restlessness at the prolongation of Rivera’s tyranny. To some extent King Alfonso may have been the victim of circumstances like the King of Italy; but Alfonso, like all the Habsburgs, has always been antipathetic to constitutional methods of government. At last the muttering of a coming storm, made itself heard, especially in the perennially rebellious province of Catalonia, and in the great cities where the universities provide a centre for Liberal ideas and aspirations, the discontent became so strongly marked that Rivera, desiring to test the stability of his position, took an extremely dramatic step. He appealrJ to the Army and the Navy to express their confidence in him, apparently overlooking the vitally important fact that in so doing he was ignoring the authority of the King. Alfonso, recognising the unpopularity of Rivera, seems to have seized the opportunity at once, and Rivera, realising his mistake too late, was compelled to carry into effect his promise of abdication. It is evident, from the sequel, that King Alfonso had made up his mind that military absolutism had proved a failure. So lie immediately deputed General Berenguer to form a Cabinet and to establish a Government based upon the declared will of the people. Berenguer is chief of tlie King’s military Household, and was formerly High Commissioner in Morocco. But, in spite of his military antecedents ,he has.publicly declared that lie is a Constitutionalist, and that he will re-establish the constitution of 1876. which the “revolutionaries” have persistently demanded. There is to be a general election, and a Parliament is to be convened, after which the Cabinet, now consisting of nominated members, will be reconstructed. Throughout tne length and breadth of Spain these glad tidings have been received with every demonstration of relief and joy. Already many prominent Liberals and opponents of the Dictatorship have been amnestied and restored to their public positions, and hundreds of exiles who fled the country to escape the strong arm of Rivera are hurrying homeward. So far as Berenguer’s public utterances can help us to form an opinion, the new Prime Minister is an enlightened statesman, and the country, which was on the very verge of armed rebellion, has settled down a once into peace and quietness under the new regime. Unfortunately, the Spaniards are not haoituated to constitutionalism, and Berenguer may find some difficulty in governing efficiently on these new lines. Moreover, King Alfonso, with all the weight of Habsburg- tradition behind him, can hardly have been converted to Liberalism overnight. But for the moment Spain is free and the day of military despotism seems to be done. The developments in Spain are sure to be followed with closer interest. General Rivera capitulated so quietly that bis reputation as “Dictator" must surely lie discounted. It is evident after his reign of over six years, that he realised his mana had passed. He has lost his strong military backing, and is succeeded by .another military man wno however is of the King’s household. The fortunes of Spain are not without interest to Great Britain, for the Queen of Spain is of British extraction, and is a frequent visitor to England.