Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-07-27
ALARM IN SPAIN.
Country on Eve OF Reyolution-EsiIes TO
Invade spain ON Friday.


Cerbere, Franco-Spanish Frontier
July 27.-Several thousand weII-armed,
desperate Spanish exiles we're gathered
today in this vicinity on the French
side OF the frontier, ready to invade
their own country on July %.
In Barcelona, the industrial centre OF
Spain, general strike and mammoth
government demonstration has
been planned for the same date. The
invaders intend to march straight to
Barcelona to join forces with the strik-
ers. The government has been con-
centrating troops for two weeks, and
the sending OF 10000 veterans into
Barcelona yesterday was probably the
first step toward putting down the
rebellion with an iron hand. There is
every prospect Of desperate fighting
between the exiles and the government
forces. and the disorders that are ex-
pected all over Catalonia will probably
exceed in bloodshed last summers riot
ing. Many people doubt, indeed, II
this years revolt will be crushed out
before the present Spanish dynasty is
overthrow.
Just how many exIles will join in the
march from here upon Barcelona it is
impossible TO determine. Senior Clare
mont. the leader of the rebels, says
thcrebe will 90, 000 His estimate is prob
ably too high, but it is fact that the
men have been reporting here for more
than month and that already 5000
or 10000 are on the scene.
Officials OF the Maura administration
in Spain admitted recently in the Cortes
that 1000 Spaniards we're exiled from
Barcelona for completely in last sum
mer's outbreak. Few OF them went
further than the French frontier,
settling here in the hope that some day
they might re-enter Spain.
The main question is whether Clare
mont aud his aides can hold the rank
and file together IN the face Of the
formidable showing Alfonso's seasoned
troops are sure to make. The general
opinion here is that they will succeed
The rebel band consists mainly Of Gaia
lonians. the best fighters in all Spain,
and most of them have already seen
service in tie Kings army.
The prospective invasion is to follow
formal demand from the exiles them
selves for general amnesty for last
summers outbreak Knowing that
the exiIes are made up OF irreconcilables,
the government refused Claremont
thereupon gave notice that unless the
government yielded By July %, be
would resort to force. The general
fight at Barcelona was decided upon for
the express purpose Of aiding the move
ment by giving the government trouble
to look after home the same time the
invasion begins on the border. The
energy with which the city's pOpula
ton generally conducts strike leaves
no doubt that it will be an exceedingly
dangerous affair Large quantities Of
arms, ammunitions and bombs are said
to have been concealed in the city, in
readiness for use against the troops.
Altogether the situation is ominous.
General Weyer, the captain-generaI at
Barcelona, declares he does not believe
the exiles will dare cross the frontier or
that the strikers will resort to violence,
but the sending Of 10000 troops and
1000 gendarmes to Barcelona, together
with the extend and completeness Of
the military precautions he has taken.
suggests that he speaks far more opti-
unsteady than he feels