New-York tribune., 1908-11-22
SPAIN IS THROWING OFF HER DEADLY BLIGHT

cause There are several reasons for this al
tered condition in the political situation in
Spain. which has robbed Carlisrn Of its vitality
and of it's vigor. In the first place, IT may be
ascrIbed to the altogether phenomenal develop
ment Of trade and industry. and to the CORE
spending marvellous growth of prosperity
throughout the kingdom, but especially in the
northern portion thereof. since the war with
the United States and the loss of the colonies
This has served to diminish disaffection For
naturally when people are thriving and doing
well they are apt to be content with the regime
by which they are governed. When men are
earning money and able to accumulate savings
and property they do not as a rule care for anv
political disturbance that IS calculated to inter-
fere with the order Of things, or to endanger
their income and their possessions; and sinca
the most important industries OF Spain. and its
chief centres of commerce are situated in the
northern part OF the peninsula which was for
merly given up to Carlism, It stands to reason
that the people there. in the enjoyment of un-
precedented prosperity. feel very kindly disposed
toward the government to which they ascribe it
in a large measure. and are indisposed to favor
any change which would probably be for the
worse.
This applies more particularly to the Cata-
lonians. With regard to the Basques. Queen
at San Sebastian. right among them, virtually
intrusting her own safety and that OF her chill
dren to their chivalry, has gone far to win
their affection and good will. and to wean them
from Carlism. They have seen the young King
grow up from early infancy to manhood among
them. And since he attained his majority and
assumed the reins Of power he has stil further
increased their sympathy toward himself and
his throne by roaming among their mountain
Businesses without any armed military or even
police escort and visiting towns and cities
which were formerly regarded as the very hot
beds Of Carlism but where he for himself
most enthusiastic welcome In fact the
Basques have made 1t thoroughly clear that
they prefer as King the prince whom they have
known since infancy TO a foreign born pro-
tender such as Don Carlos. whose name IS asso-
ciated in their minds with all the horrors of
civil war. or to Don Jaime, who is to all intents
and purposes an alien born. bred and educated
abroad where he Is still compelled to reside
Then, too there has been a marked change IN
the attitude Of the village clergy and OF the
religious orders who are now kindly dis
posed 10 the Throne as they were formerly hos
tile. They know that Leo XIII entertained a
very real affection and profound sympathy for
his godson King Alfonso. championing his cause
against Carlsm on every possible occasion. and
they have that Plus X. although while
Patriarch of Venice friend OF Don Carlos and
frequent guest at the latter's palace since HIS
elevation TO the Chair OF St Peter has mani
tested the same kindly interest IN King Al
fonso as did his predecessor. exercising ALI his
influence with Don Carlos to restrain the Iat+ar
from encouraging any attacks upon the prssant
government in Spain This. IN conjunction ,,,+h
the action OF the rulers OF italy and Of Aps,-t.
who have intimated to the Pretender that tb.v
would expel him from their dominions ana o,,s.
him from his beautiful palace in the CITY q, ~.
Lagoons and from his country seat IN s;ty,rIs q,
he permitted his adherents to make snv tro,,,,.
for King Alfonso IN Spain. is accountant, ,o-
the inaction OF the Carlists throughout IN. las,
decade.
In fact' all the authority which Don Carlos
voted to deteIgipg them from anytbinr - ts.