THE SYMPATHIES OF SPAIN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1552, 18 May 1916, Page 4

THE SYMPATHIES OF SPAIN.

At the outbreak of the war, accoring to an English correspondent, the Spanish Carlists were stirred to an exceptional degree of activity. The speeches of tho German Emperor, resounding with the name of God, and breathing the spirit of an unlimited autocracy, were as sweet music in their ears, and they saw in a German victory a unique chance of retrieving their ruined fortunes. Their point of view was shared with some reservations by the Church and by that aristocracy of birth and wealth which is known as “society,” and which, though loyal to the dynasty, is nevertheless reactionary by tradition, interest, and inclination. All these elements with a few notable exceptions, ranged themselves on the side of Germany, and they were fortified

in their sympathies by the attitude of the corps of officers, who looked upon a crushing and speedy German victory as a foregone conclusion. But if the aristocracy of birth and wealth were on the side of Germany the aristocracy of intellect; undoubtedly favoured the allies. The ablest politicians, the great lights of the universities, such as Altamira, Ramony, Caial and Unamuno, the most popular publicists and men of letters, such as Gonzalez Hontoria “Azoria” and Blaseo Ibanez ; in a word, all those thinkers and students of affairs who know or care what passes beyond their country’s frontiers, declared for England and France. Perhaps the most ardent of all our friends were to be found among that little party of “Reformistas” represented by SenorAzcarate, Melquiades Alvarez, Posada, and others, who were once the brains and the backbone of the Republican Party, but who have lately rallied to the Monarchy, as after all the best and safest vehicle of progress and social reform. The Militant Republicans expressed the same views with greater zeal and loss disinterestedness, in the belief that a French victory would restore their dwindling influence and give a new vogue to their discredited political ideals.