The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1931 REPUBLICAN SPAIN.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1931 REPUBLICAN SPAIN.

Among the many (Jiffiqult problems confronting the Republican regime in Spain is the man ace to national unity involved in the separatist movements among the Catalans and the Basques. The recent plebiscite in Catalonia, which resulted in a declaration in favour of complete autonomy a ■ result productive of scenes of the wildest rejoicing in Barcelona, the principal centre of the ancient principality, has o-iven President Marcia the pretext iov a visit to Madrid for the purpose of acquainting the Cortes with the aspirations of the independently in dined people whom he represents. As far back as the reign of Charlemagne Catalonia emerged as a distinct entity, and its existence as a separate State of Spain lasted from the beginning of the ninth century until a convenient marriage late in /the twelfth century resulted in its inclusion one more m the Kingdom of Castile. The period of independence that was enjoyed oy it however, gave Catalonia a distinctive character which time has not. been able to erase. There has since _ developed among the Catalans a definite national spirit, a particular culture and a civilisation with characteristics so peculiarly their own that all Spam .has been constrained to recognise them. In spite of the gradual annulment of

many of the privileges her people enjoyed, Catalonia tigs contrived to keep alive her passion for independence which is expressed to-day, as it was in the first hours of the Spanish revolution, in a demand for completeautonomy. The political aims of the Bourbons and the Hapsburgs may have made Spain a political and legal unit, but historically and ethnically their policies failed to crush entirely the keen desire of the Catalans for an opportunity to stand on their own feet as a self-contained member of the great European family. The consequence is that Catalonia now faces the Spanish Republic more determined to reclaim that even. augment her ancient rights than when she faced the monarchy. The Republic has conceded the Catalonian language, Hag, national anthem, and governing authority on condition that the Cataliaiis admit the superior authority Of Madrid aiitl Continue to pay the iiecessafy taxes to the Central Government, ,It is apparent, however, that tlld extreme separatists in Catalonia are not prepared to countenance even so- shadowy a connection with Castile. The question now obtrudes itself whether tho Republic can retain the confidence of its various members if, iff the event of .the Cortes agreeing to the complete autonomy of Catalonia, the Basque provinces aud other regions Of the peninsula suddenly conceive a desire to exercise, similar powers to those which President Marcia is demanding. This, rather than the actual granting of independence to the province, is likely to be the dominating feature of the Catalonian problem when it comes before the Cortes for consideration.