The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-11
THE POLITICAL ASPECT OF THE AS.
SASSINATION.

The declaration of the assassin who
struck Canovas down at the moment the
deed was performed. Il have fulfilled my
duty and am satisfied, having avenged
nv brothers of Montjuich." contributes
powerful testimony to the theory that the
murder was not alone the act of an
enemy to society, as all Anarchists are,
but that It was in a measure representa-
tive OF the feelings OF large class in
Spain, who are dissatisfied with the
present order Of things there, and who
hope to see the monarchy overthrow
and a republic set up in its place. Spain
has already had a taste of Republican
institutions, after a fashion, and. living
next door neighbor TO France, with a
network Of social and business connec-
tions with the French, their Republican
notions have necessarily spread amongst
the Spaniards TO a considerable extent.
1t is well known that these causes have
raised a powerful Republican party in
Spain, and Canovas' methods as a ruler
were such as TO indame the passions of
that party. instead of allaying them.
lie has maintained the authority Of the
monarchy with an eye single to that end,
Furnishing the Anarchist assassins with
out mercy. for which the enlightened
world will not be too severe in its
judgment of him, but REFRESHING free
speech and free thought generally when
ever they seemed to threaten danger TO
the established order Of things. The assas-
sins reference to his brothers of Mont
juich" was a reference. II is true, to the
Anarchists executed at Barcelona. but
II was a statement OF the case OF those
who were offended at Canovas' arbitrary
measures as well as OF the resentment
Of Anarchists at the execution Of their
fellow Anarchists; for it is beyond
doubt that. by order of the government
Of which Canovas was the life. inquisi-
torial tortures were inflicted upon the
Anarchists there that revolted all right
thinking men. even if Anarchists were
the subject OF them.
Canovas' assassination. therefore. may
turn out to be more than the mad act
OF an Anarchist. 1t may prove to be the
act OF an Anarchist who felt that a
powerful political party was at his back.
in a certain sense, and, from that point
OF view 1t may be the first event in a
movement that may change the whole
form OF Spanish Government.
We have great respect. in personal
way. for Senator Morgan, though we
think him one OF the most dangerous pub
lie men that the country has, even in this
day Of dangerous leaders. But he is
upon the Senate Committee OF Foreign
Relations. he has been there many years,
and his service there has given him
exceptional opportunities for learning the
conditions Of opinion in Spain.
In an interview which he has given out
in regard TO the assassination he expresses
the opinion that 1t is an indication OF
state of opinion that will lead to the
overthrow OF the monarchy. His inter-
view was given before II was known in
this country that the assassin had made
"a reference TO the executions at BARGE
Iona.
in the course OF II he said:
This AFFAIR is going to create a com
plete Revision throughout the whole OF
Spain. That country Is now in a very
shaky condition. 1t Is true. doubtless,
that the assassin was an anarchist. but
the act Is representative OF a feeling
that exists all over the country Re
publican party has already attained great
strength, though. OF course. its operations
have 10 be largely concealed. Then the
universal testimony is that the bulk OF
the Spanish army in Cuba is made up OF
young mon. This has broken up families
All oyer the land. and their dispatch 10
the island 10 be led by Weyler has de-
veloped powerful sentiment in Spain.
Why are the veterans kept at home?
Look at this powerful Republican eie-
nent that has grown up. the effects or
lsnuding the country OF its young men.