The Washington herald., 1910-03-27
THE NEW PREMIER OF SPAIN
How Conaea Endeapored at Washington and Cuba Avert
the War of 1898

by means of obstructive tactics can
literally block all legislation.
Owing to the angry scene which took
place in the Cortes in November last be-
tween Senior Moret and the Conservative
premier, Maura, resulting in the resigna-
ton of the latter's cabinet. a feud OF
such bitterness ensued between the two
men as to cause an abandonment of even
the ordinary courtesies of life.
Indeed. Maura declared then and there
that neither he nor his followers would
have anything to do with Moret or agree
to the slightest understanding. That vir-
tually sealed the doom of the Moret
ministry
And inasmuch as Moret. in a vain ef-
fort 10 do without the good will Of the
conservatives. made such concessions 70
/ the Republicans and Socialists as TO
alarm even the most advanced members
Of the Liberal party and to forfeit their
allegiance. the King intimated to him
that he no longer enjoyed the confidence
OF the Crown
Alfonso XIII did not take this step
without having previously consulted the
other Liberal leaders, who, one and all
recommended their sovereign to jettison
Moret and under no circumstances to
permit him to remain in Office during the
elections which are to take place In
May. pointing out that these would in
evitably result in huge Republican gains
were Moret % remain.
1t was therefore on the advice Of the
most influential Liberal leaders them
selves that the Liberal premier was GUST
ed and that one OF his former ministerial
colleagues. namely, Don Jose Canaleias.
a one time Republican, was intrusted
with the formation Of a new Liberal ad-
ministration. Senior Maura, the Conserva-
tive ex-premier. and his followers read
lily agreeing TO that working understand
Ing with CanaIeJas which they had re-
fused for personal reasons to Senior
Moret.
Canalejas has made it abundantly clear
that while he accepts this understanding
with the Conservatives. which is neces-
sary for the working Of his administra-
ton. no matter how great his majority in
the Cortes about to be elected, he will
hear of no compromise concerning his
programme, but is determined 10 carry
through the reforms 10 which he and his
party are pledged without any further
delay.
As the programme is a very far-reach-
Ing one, the announcement has had the
effect Of cutting away the ground from
under the feet Of the Republican-SoclaI
list coalition, the reforms demanded by
the latter being adopted by the govern
ment. Thanks TO this. the great Repub-
lican-Soeialist meeting which was to
have been held at Madrid a fortnight
ago has been abandoned.
II Canalejas fulhlls the promises which
he has made and the expectations which
are entertained with regard to his adj
are fulfilled. he will have
rendered an immense service not only to
the nation, but also 10 the dynasty. by
popularizing the Liberal party, restoring
public confidence in its power of good.
and converting il into a support of the
throne, such as 1t was IN the DAYS OF
5agasta.
Many who had joined the Republican
party because they saw no hope of any
reforms ever being carried through by
he Liberals have reverted 10 the latter
since Canalejas became premier. and
even :he church, despite the fact that a
lumber of the measures promised by Ca
lalejas will restrict its powers and inter-
ere with its interests, is inclined 10 show
tseif not merely conciliatory, but even
riendly. realizing that If the present ad-
falls It means not only the
nd of the cabinet. but the disintegration
( the Liberal party, friendly to the
and the desertion OF its mem
ers to the Republican camp
Should that come to pass. should Span-
ards be called upon TO choose between
eaction and revolution. it VIII be the
cath knell of the dynasty At the mu-
icipal elections held throughout the
ingdom two months ago all the cities
nd towns returned overwhelming Repub-
can majorities. merely because the peo-
lie were convinced that they had moth
lg to hope from Senior Moret's Liberal
administration in the way of reform and
lat their only hope lay in Republican
sgime.
Were Canalejas to fail in carrying out
IS programme and to fall without put
ng 1t into execution, most of the Lib
ais in Spain would be driven into the
epublican ranks and consequently be-
me anti-monarchicaL That is why the
analejas administration can depend on
e good viii of the Conservatives. of the
lureh, and of the Crown. Some describe
as the last card Of the Spanish mon
chy.
Copyright. 1910. By tie Brentwood Cmpany)