The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-29

ti Twice before Spain has tried Inc experiment of busting her monarchs and setting up government based }rpOn democratic principles. AZ rlany timeT she has failed 10 con- ftnue the idea for more than short lime. Will that be the result once plore? Only the future can tell whether Alfonso XIII. who left the country 80 recently. will be able to return 10 his throne.
 It was first tried in 1868 with little chance of success. Affairs had rapidly reached Il crisis under the gay but irresponsible Isabella IT. arandmother of the modern Alfonso. Early in her reign. which started in t843 N hen she WAS only 13 years old, bitter wars between the Chrllhtb -+~foIlowers of Don Carlos. pretend s5r to the throne-~-and the Chris tjpon. supporters of the former rec gent. Maria Christina. threatened to tear asunder the Kingdom. By 1863 Isabella. dcspotic. incapable. ruled alone. From then until she nbdicnt- ec under Inc pressure of revolution three years later. murderoiis out breaks against her regime were frc- quent.
 Marshal SeTrano and Marshal Prim. exilcs. united with Admiral Topetc In that year and began revolt which soon had the gym phthy of the army and navy. A provisional Junta of 1l psreons was appointed. Dccrccs having tho effect of laws were signed. serrano was ordered 10 form Il temporary ministry 10 rule until fhs Coftea could meet. Royhligt troops were decisively defeated near Alcoleh and the queen fled into France.
 II was then republican form of government wns tried. A year later il constitution was written, recognizing the inherent rights of man and m elective monarchy. II didn't have Il chance 10 operate. Fighting broke out in all parts of the kingdom and even continued when Il compromise was made and it was suggested Spnin become n constitutional monarchy.
 An active republican party had been formed under Don Emilio Castclar. who Htill demanded re- public. The Gnrliate wanted the Duke of Montpenaicr to bc kins. Others wanted Ienbclla's fon. AL foneo, on the throne. All fac tioas were bitter and nprlsihgn were frequent The Duke or Aostn, Italy, was finally chosen king AS Amndco l. but reiancd only two years befor" he met huch difficulties he abdicated.
 The gifted castelar tried earnestly to establish Inc republic he wanted He was conservative and honest, but his efforts went for naught when the grandson of Don Carlos appeared and the Carlisis started a new war. fl broke his power and when tn" doctrines of the Paris Commun" found favor there was a movement to split up the kingdom into self governing provinces The people rioted and destroyed estates. seized pfoperty. Anarchy was ramphnt@"- and Il king was called 10 rule nghih' Aifonfo XII. father of the recent king, was made ruler, but he lived only Z years.
 Born posthnmonslY after th" death of his father In lhh6. th" bhby Alfonso was even then king. but his mother. Queen Maria Christina of t,e Aust rian fIhpgburRs, ruled until he wne crowned at lG yehrr old, Rhe prepared him well for the business of being monarch.
 Fearing he might develop iu- bercuiosia na his father had be- fore him, he was encouraged L" take part in all kinds of sports from polo to tennis He built up T wiry physique. mol exception ally strong. but strong enough tp give him good health,
 when he married Princess Ehh in 1906 he received his first last" of what might Dc expected later 4 bomb was hurled nt the royal carriage. IL missed. and although many were killed and wounded Inc king and his bride escaped.
 Tine seeds of revolution, so"n ip