Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-07-30
CaneIejas Declares He Doesn't
Fear Threat of Civil War.
MADRID IS STILL EXCITED
Clerical Element Bent on Spanish
Premier's Downfall.
CATHOLIC PRESS JUBILANT
Recall of Ambassador to the Vati-
can, It Declares, Will Cause the
Ruin of Canelejas.

MADRID, July 30-Excitement con-
tinues in the capital and throughout
Spain over the conflict with the Vati-
can, which came to head yesterday
with the decision of Premier Canelejas
to recall the Spanish ambassador to the
Vatican. Both the governmental and
clerical parties have accepted the chal-
lenge to battle. and the situation, COM
plicated by the intrusion of Don jaime
the exiled pretender to the throne, may
under existing conditions of ferment in
Spain easily develop as acute features
as those of last year. Already the gov
ernment is taking precautionary meas
ures and is prohibiting demonstrations
from which disorder might result
Pretender's Challenge Accepted.
Premier Canelejas telegraphed the.
following statement to the press today,
boldly taking up the challenge of Don
Jaime, the Carlist pretender, Of a revo-
luton:
I'VE do not fear the threat of civil
war. The king and the Spanish democ-
racy support us"
The clerical element, which has often
before won similar battles in Spain, shows
no hesitation in entering upon the conflict
and seems to have set it's aim not upon
minor concessions and a compromise ac-
ceptable to the holy see, but upon the
downfall Of Canelejas and his cabinet
and the cancellation of the entire pro-
gram of the reform. The withdrawal of
the imperial decree permitting non-Cath-
olic organizations to display the insignia
of public worship, which furnishes the
ostensible cause for the conflict and for
the severance of diplomatic relations. as
sumes secondary importance.
The Premier's Aim.
Premier Canelejas has fixed his eyes
upon a modernization Of Spain and the
ment as . factor in the government Of
the kingdom, and confident OF the sup
port sof the cortes, which was elected in
May upon this issue, is determined to carry
through his battle for the revision of the
agreement OF 1851. the registration and
regulation Of religious orders, govern
mental control of public education and
the recognition of absolute freedom Of
conscience.
Premier's Downfall Predicted.
The Catholic press of Spain makes no
effort to conceal its joy over the decision
Of Premier Canelejas to recall Marquis
de Ojeda, the Spanish ambassador to the
Vatican. The rupture with the Vatican
and the prospective fight with clericalism
will, they predict result in the downfall
Of the premier The chartering of special
trains and steamers to carry crowds of
manifestants to San Sebastian. the sum-
mer capital, to make demonstrations be-
fore King Alfonso, Is advocated.
A Pro Government Demonstration.
Demonstrations in Madrid began today
with one in favor Of the government
when children from the public schools
marched in procession before the statue
Of Mendizabel, a Spanish leader of the
first half Of the past century and author
of the anti-clerical laws of 1885, On the
other hand, committee of Roman Cath
olics from the Biscayan provinces tele-
graphed today to Cardinal Merry del Val.
papal secretary of state, that they are
prepared to sacrifice their property and
their lives for their religion.
Why the Ambassador Was Recalled.
Premier Canelejes in a statement today
said that diplomatic relations had not
vet been severed, though the Marquis de
Ojeda had been recalled from Rome. The
ambassador had been recalled, he said,
simply because the government could not
accept dictation from the Vatican.
The organ of the government. Manana.
declares today that the Vatican will be
deceived If It counts upon Catholic up
rising in the liberal press in favor of the
Vatican. 1t believes, on the contrary,
that the hostilities will rally public opin-
ion on the side of the government.