Evening star., 1908-02-03
SPAIN FEELS ALARM
FEARS A SPREAD OF THE TRoU-
BILE IN PORTUGAL.

MADRID. February 3.-The assassina-
ton of King Carlos and Crown Prince
Luiz Philippe has created general sorrow
in Spain. but at the same time it has
awakened the fears that once obtained
that recrudescence of anarchistic deeds
are not impossible in this monarchy.
where the propaganda Of the anarchists
already has secured for them a strong
foothold.
Especially in Barcelona where the an
archists and revolutionists are notably
powerful, did the news of the assassfna-
ton cause great excitement
1t is understood that for long time
there has been active communications be-
tween the radical revoIutionists Of Portu-
gal and Spain, having in view the acting
in accord at the Psychological moment.
These facts induced the government to
take a firm grip on the Spanish sftua-
tion. with the intention of forestalling a
possible outbreak of violence toward the
monarchy. A meeting Of the council Of
state was held yesterday, at which 1t was
decided to observe especial precautions at
the frontier, and rigid rules will be en-
forced oncerning the passage across the
frontier Of individuals, traffic and mer-
chandise.
Safeguard Alfonso.
Immediately after the council of state
had concluded its session Premier Maura
left for Seville by special train for con-
sultation with King Alfonso. Extraordi-
nary precautions have been taken to safe
guard the king.
The foreign office gave out a statement
saying that the assassins in Portugal
| numbered six, all of them being armed
| with carbines and revolvers. They were
paid by political agitators, enemies of the
government. One of the slain regicides
was Frenchman according to the state
ment, and encircling his body was "a belt
filled with gold the profit for his share in
the murderous act.
simultaneously with the assassinations,
the statement also says. an armed band
surrounded the home of Premier Franco
in the outskirts of the city, but was beat
en- off by the guard.
The dissidents had announced that grave
events would develop from the situation
they would take the grave turn they did.
The Spanish press. while expressing
sorrow and indignation at the assassina-
tions. makes various comments on the
political aspect Of the murders. The Lib
eral says they probably were provoked by
ment. adding
1--WE can only suppose that Premier
Franco, the moral author of the horrors.
If not yet dead from remorse. has al
Newspaper Comment.
The Liberal welcomes rumors that the
Spanish ministry of war will send troops
to the Portuguese frontier in readiness for
any eventuality.
The impartial declares that the officers
of the Madrid garrison have been or
dered to remain in barracks. The pa
per is of the opinion that errors of King
70 arln nrnI-0xn6 SciN Naf
Ell Pals thinks the tragedy the result
of the political adsurdities of Premier
Franco. The paper says it believes the
new King Of Portugal has the necessary
force of character to master his grief
and work for the salvation of the coun-
try.
King Alfonso was hunting at Lachar
when he received the news of the assassi-
nation of the King and Crown Prince of
Portugal. He Immediately Cancelled all
his engagements for festivities attending
his visit, and Will probably return to
Madrid tomorrow.
An extraordinary meeting of the cabi-
net was held today. This has given rise
to rumor that Spanish troops may be