The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-08-01
GERMANS PLOT
AGAINST ALFONSO
RULER OF PAIN
Also STOPPED to Embroil the
X Vatican in Revolu-
IS. ton

Madrid, spain-Many people be-
heve matters in Spain are taking the
same course as when the Russian
revolution surprised the world.
But the fundamental factors are of
totally different origin, and we
should. realize this in time, so that
we do not make the mistake of hop
ing that a Spanish revolution must
necessarily be in our favor.
Spain has been ripe for revolu-
ton for many years, but Alfonso has
been wise enough TO fraternize with
the masses
This has saved his throne. By in
vestigating the conditions of the low
err classes and taking q hand in the
work of improving them, he rs IN
creased to a create extent his popu-
larity.
He even claimed the Anarchistic
headquarters in Barcelona Alfonso
and his court were not only tolerated.
but a sincere attachment of King and
people existed, we'll nursed' by wise
ministers of liberal ideas
Religious Propaganda
Here is the root of the evil today.
When Germany saw her hopes for
victory vanishing she played up to
the neutrals, at first with success.
But the joining Of the United States
ON the side OF the Allies left only one
powerful neutral-spain. Events de-
veloped rapidly. and when the South
American states turned their favors
towards North American Allies. Ger
many had to act quickly.
Diplomacy. which is slow game
of hide-and-seek, could not save. the
situation and SO Germany set to work
in the same way as she tried in
Egypt, Ireland and India.
Now Spain Is strong Roman
Catholic country, populated to great
extent by q people very radical in po-
litical ideas. but not very highly edu-
cated--speaking OF the broad masses,
OF course-and consequently highly
susceptible to religious Influence.
y This the Germans are using as one
OF their weapons They tell the ig-
norant Glasses In circulars and
through papers that Rome has been
on the German side from the begin
ming, and that Rome would not be
ON Germsny's side IL Germany was
not fghting for right and honor.
Money Spent Lavishly
Germany does more She spends
money lavishly in Spain to buy
friendship, and wherever there is q
movement of. the better educated and
far-seeing classes to disclose the Ger
man underhand game, she again
spends money to counteract any
movement not suitable to her.
AS we all know. Germany does not
care a fig for the existence or honor
of any other nation and. therefore
oil her activity in Spain Is only tt
cause a. civil war, SO that Spain frs
OF all cannot join the Allies, and thai
Portugal and France should be com
PEELED to leave a certain number o.
troops on their Spanish frontiers.
But most important of all German.
wishes to leave a back door open fol
her trade afted the war with tn,
South American Republics
To gain her ends she is schemin,
to sacrifice King Alfonso and his dy
nasty, and she also sacrifices tn
goodwill of Rome by circulating tn
false statements I have referred to
While Spain Is thus enraged int
the turmoil OF riotous conditions sh
Is harmless>to Germany, but slightl
harmful to the Allies.
Lesson for the Allies
England and France made a grea
mistake in refraining from counter
acting Germany's game in SPAR
Both nations say that 1t is below thei
prestige 20 descend to the same 10,
level of the Germans in counting an
baTnboozling the neutrals-
The sentiment is right, but in prac
tice the matter gets q different as
pect- We have seen where this loft
ness landed the Allies in the Balkans
Greece 10 another proof. and mo-
Spain gets Into the same position
The Allies should have learned thei
lesson by now.
Matters cannot keep in suspens
worry long now The Spaniards ar
too impulsive to wait and see indie
finitely, and 1t IL not likely that tn
Spanish nation viii allow themselve
to be used as tools in German pow
er.
A statement issued from the Vat
can stating that any reference to re
ligious influence in connection wit
the political situation cannot be al
proved of, would tumble the Germa
building of intrigue down like