New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-19
SPAIN NO REBELS NEST,
| SAYS AMERICAN LAWYER
J. Arthur Barratt Predicts a
Great Agricultural Future
for Her.
AIR SOVEREIGNTY FIXED
International Law Congress
Upholds Contentious Of
British American
Delegates.
fRy Gable to The Tribune.l

tBy Cable to The Tribune
London, Oct. 1S.-Spain. instead Of
being a nest of rebels. a country seeth-
ing with rebellion. as popular super
stition has it, is in fact prosperous and
progressive, according 70 J. Arthur
Barratt, a we'll known American law
yer and counsel for the American En-
bassy, who has just returned after a
months visit TO King Alfonso's domin-
ions. OF course, the progress and pros
perity OF Spain are comparative. and
the comparison must not be made so
much with other European countries
as with the Spain Of twenty TO forty
years ago.
There is still great deal OF poverty
in Spain, and Mr.. Barratt was in
formed that seven ont Of ten Of the
poorer classes Of the population are un-
able to read or write; but Mr.. Barratts
observation was that there is growing
up in Spain a young generation Of &C
tive, energetic and intelligent men, who
will soon bring their country TO a lead
ing position among the nations.
While the central plateau is wasted
and arid in appearance, and the agri-
cultural methods are extremely print
tive, every foot Of land has been Guilt
waited, and where irrigation has been
used fine crops are produced. The pow
erty Of the country people has pre-
vented the rapid introduction OF mod
ern irrigation methods. but as fast as
possible the work is being developed,
and the central plateau Of Spain prom
Uses in the near future to be one Of the
richest and most prosperous agricult-
ural regions Of the world.
Eastern Section PROSPEROUS.
Already the eastern section Of the
country presents every evidence OF
Astounding prosperity in its vineyards
and fruit farms. The large cities are
also being brought up TO modern con-
ditions. nearly all having electric tram
ways, which are financed by Belgian
capitalists and owned and managed by
Belgian companies.
Mr.. Barrett observes that instead Of
being in a constant state Of ferment
and plotting revolution. the people are
peaceful and contented. seeking politi-
| cal advancement through material
prosperity, on which they have concen-
trated their energies. Mr.. Barratt
went to Spain as one Of the delegates
to the Congress OF the International
Law Association at Madrid. King AL
fonso gave reception at the palace for
the congress. and in the absence Of the
American Minister Mr.. Barratt intro
duced the American delegates. He also
had several minutes conversation with
the King and Queen, who, contrary 10
special honor. Mr.. Barratt found
King Alfonso an extremely likable
young man, very we'll informed and
very intelligently interested in any
thing that might benefit Spanish prog
ress. The King was particularly inter-
ested 10 learn that the, international
Law Association, although now a
worldwide body, had It's beginning in
America, where it was founded by
David Dudley Field King Alfonso ex-
pressed great admiration for America
and American affairs and methods.
Anglo American Victory.
At the congress the British Ameri-
can delegates carried their contention
for national sovereignty over the air
as we'll as the land. The German and
French delegates. particularly the Ger
man professor Niehmaier, OF Kiel Uni
versity, argued that the air should be
free to all, with no restrictions as to
national boundaries, but the British
American contention was carried, with
only two dissenting votes.
1t was found impossible 70 lay down
a convention for universal recognition
Of divorce DEGREES, as In England and
America divorce jurisdiction is founded
on domicile, regardless Of nationality.
while in many other countries jurisdic-
ton is founded on the nationality OF
the petitioners. II was found impossi-
Bile TO reconcile the two principles so
that a universal convention could DO
adopted. but the committee on divorce
did extremely valuable work, making
the first codification OF divorce laws OF
all countries. showing the circum-
stances under which divorce in one
country Is recognized or refused rec
ognition in another country. This is
expected TO be particularly valuable in
the settlement of questions OF legit-
imacy and inheritance Of property.