The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1920-02-25
WEYLER, OF spANIsI! WAR
FAME, ACTIVE AT NINETY
Prcsides Daily Over the Sessions Of
Spanish War Ministry.


Spanish War Ministry.
Madrid, FEB. 5.-General Valeriano
Weylcr, who during the Spanish Am
erican war, was the most caricatured
and headlined man in the United
States, is still, despite his 90 years
and the serious illness that he suf-
fered last year, one Of the most active
and energetic men in Spain
His automobile, taking him from his
residence near the Royal Palace,
across the city to the ministry Of war
where he, as chief Of the general staff,
presides over the daily sessions of
that body, is invariably the first to be
seen on the streets OF late-rising Mad
rid With the little figure in worn
uniform, or later in the year, wrapped
In great coat, the car makes quick
wash through the empty streets
bringing the aged Captain General to
his office long before his younger, but
not more active colleagues.
Being a Captain-G General, General
Weyler cannot be retired according
to Spanish military law, having in
this respect one contemporary, the
aged Captain-General Primo Rivera.
Since the Spanish-American war Wey-
ler has held many Offices in Spain and
even now, is always called into con-
sultation by the King and government
in times Of crisis or impending crisis.
AS chief Of the general staff during
the world war, he saw to it that the
army was kept up to strength III case
Of emergency and that the arsenals
were fill, so that if Spain should be
drawn in, she would not be found un-
prepared.
General Weyler pays very strict
attention to his work as a Senator,
and he is one Of the most regular
attendants at the sessions Of that
body defending always the prestige
of the Monarchy, his country and the
army.
Between the morning at the war
Office and the afternoon in the~aenate,
the General finds time for a ride
through tho park OF Madrid, or when
the Senate is not in session, for a
longer trot over the Casa De Campo,
near the city. Mounted on huge
charger, whcrcupon his little figure
appears TIMER than ever, still in his
worn uniform, the General goes forth
unattended, but sitting majestically
with his arm thrown back as though
holl OF n n I,oI, D., hot .iS
ting to sculptor,
This little man, whom all Spain re-
spects, saved good deal Of money
while doing duty in Cuba and the
philippines, which he invested in Mad
rid residential property and, with his
well rented residences and apartment
houses, the General Is now wealthy
man. He lives in one of his own hOus-
es with several Of his sons, he Is sep
arated from his wife, and within these
four walls he Is gentle and kindly
man, dropping altogether the roll Of
the strict disclplinarian, which he is,
when on official duty, and dispensing
charity with liberal hand. He brush
es aside criticism and even ridicule.
The newspapers sometimes caricature
him in costumes OF 40 or more years
ago, which he stometimes wears. His
sons resent this and have often threat
ened to "call out the authors" but the
. General who is credited with having
fought many duels in his youth, has
always replied "lcavc them alone, pub
lie men must correct these things"
General Wcyler, has number OF
sons. One is senator, another dep
uty and third recently Joined the
Jesuits.