New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-11-13

Jose Canaleias V Mendes leader OF the
Monarchical Democrats and cX-PrcsideHt
of the Chamber Of Deputies became Pre-
mier in February, 1910. For a decade ne
fore that he had been a power in Spanish
poIitics As far back as 1900 Senior
Canaletas was preaching anu-clcricallsin.
and when he became Premier ne an
nounced that, while the negotiations begun
by his predecessor with the Na''C'h
would be continued, his programme "hleh
called for the abridgment Of the inhu-
ences of the Catholic Church ana the es-
tablishment Of a broad system OF public
education. would be carried out regardless
of the wishes OF Rome
A Cabinet crisis arose in April, 19ll
and the ministry resigneds The resigna-
ton was due TO a dilemma in when me
ministry was placed by the debate on the
Republican motion in favor Of a revision
Of the court martial which resulted IN
the condemnation OF Francisco Fcrrer, di-
rector OF the Modern School The Premier
on that occasion. however, was induced
TO reconsider his resignation and a new
Cabinet was formed two days later.
Canaleias in forcing religious reforms
encountered the bitter opposition OF the
Catholics. and his course resulted in the
nractical suspension Of diplomatic rela-
lions between the government and the
Vatican. The paddock bill" which pro-
hjbited the creation Of further religious
establishments in the country until re-
vision Of the Concordat had been COM
pleted, but which was amended, limiting
the period of Introduction against new con-
rregations to two years, was passed in
December, 1910. and the associations BILL
providing for the regulation of religious
and other societies. was introduced In the
Chamber Of Deputies in May, 1911.
His recognition Of the non-Catholic cults
also made trouble with the Vatican
Negotiating with Vatican.
Relations between the Vatican and
spain have been resumed and the ques-
ton of separation is being discussed
with a view TO a friendly settlement
The Spanish government, however, In
sists on the supremacy Of the civil
power
During the last eighteen months there
had been many rumors that the Canale-
las ministry was about to fall. According
to one story circulated in August the
King had been asked by Liberals 10 re-
place his minister either with General
Weyler or Moret, but nothing came of
these rumors
Other movements initiated by CanaleJas
as Premier were the establishment OF
old-age pensions and the reform OF the
military service.
Canaleias came OF a wealthy and prom
inent family. He was a big, active, out
door nan OF simple habits, who divided
his time when in private between hunting
and reading. But he allowed himself lit
tie OF these beloved pursuits, though he
was only hfty-three years old at the
time of his death. The greater part OF
thirty-five years had been given to the
service of the public.
His first appearance was as the deliver
or OF a course Of lectures before the
Academy of Jurisprudence at Madrid,
when he was eighteen years old. At nine
| teen he was touring the country a
popular political orator. Six years later
ne was sent TO the Cortes by the ad-
vanced Liberals of the district OF Sofia.
4
But his acceptance soon afterward OF
the extraordinarily of the presidency
on the resignation Of King Amadeo of Sa-
voy cost him the favor of royalty for
many years.
II was not until 1900. therefore, that
Canalejas really came into his own, when
he attracted the attention of an un-
easy people by his bold denunciatlon OF
clericalism on the floor of the Cortes.
1t was at the time when rampant sepa-
ratism was expressing itsefin the bloody
riots of Barcelona. The bold anti-cleric
at once found himself a national hero.
Pounds the Radical Party.
In 1902 he became Minister Of Agri-
culture In sagasta's Cabinet His chief
act In that capacity was the creation of
| the Department of Labor. He denounced
the concentration Of property In general
and the tenant system in particular.
About this time he ceased TO be an ortho-
dox Liberal and founded the Radical
party, Altogether he was a most uncom-