Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-02

pillar of the throne; the King has always as
siduously cultivated it,
Berenguer is an enigma. His military COM
petence is doubtful He got his military edu-
cation in Cuba-which is not exactly anything
to boast about-and his first taste of active
service in Morocco, whittier he sent by the
politicoS after a spell as minister of war. He
arrived, an imposing martial figure, with fine
mustaches and magnificent bull neck.
Things went from bad to worse and in 1921,
two years after his advent, the 10-year record
of Spanish military ineptitude in Morocco
reached it's peak with the terrible disaster OF
Annual. The second in command shot himself,
but Berenguer was mysteriously maintained in
power and was publicly congratulated in Par
lament by ministers for his work as high COM
missioner and commander-in-chief.
However, his enemies pursued him relent-
1eSSly, demanding his court-martial and death
if found guilty He had to resign, and in 1928
things had got to the stage of decision to
put him on trial for negligence in his duties
and responsibility for the rout of 1921. BY the
Summer of 1924 he had been tried and placed
on the reserve list But in less than month
powerful friends asserted themselves, and he
was amnestied
THE story was that he was the Kings fa-
vorite; he had been sent to Morocco
through the Kings influence and he had tried
to carry out the Kings ideas; and the King
had to stand by his friend see a nasty breach
opened in his elaborate defenses. However this
may be, Berenguer got the captain generalship
of Coruna in 1925 and the next year was chosen
by the King as chief of his military household,
despite the fact that year before he had been
clapped into fortress for three months for
attending banquet at which speeches were
made attacking Primos dictatorship.
Primo and the new premier-dictator never
liked each other. Their military ideas clashed.
Berenguer was for forward policy in Morocco,
and the King was with him there. But as
early as 1916 Primo had expressed his con-
ception of the situation in the trenchant words:
"Ceuta for Gibraltar and to hell with the rest
Of Morocco!"-a speech which cost him his
Office of military governor of Cadiz.
If King Alfonso and Gen. BeTcnguer left
by tired and petulant Primo to finish the
game alone, play their cards with skill the
Spanish throne will once again be carried
safely across the tightrope to the resting plat
form beyond-for a breathing space be it un-
derstood, for breathing space only.
They seem agreed that the army and the
country are tired of military dictatorship and
that the best thing to do is to get back as
rapidly as is consistent with safety to the con-
stitution OF 1876. De Rivera having failed over
Two years 70 get support for his proposed new
compromise constitution The politicos have to
be consulted. Also the leaders Of the new pro-
gressive parties.
But taking it by and large. it does not look
as II King Alfonso need start looking for a
residence abroad, or need even lose much sleep.
Berenguer having promised q reversion to the
old constitution by the Summer the King NAV
not be able to dine and dance in London toward
the END OF the gay season, as is his won't or
go deer stalking this Autumn with the ducal
Sutheriands, as he had promised But. after
all, kingship has it's duties and resuonsibibties
One must sometimes make sacrifices.