The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-06

speaker, taking as ms COplC the Spanish Civil War"
 Father Barrett has made study of this subject and in presenting his topic last night stated that 1t would not be possible ito give an adequate picture Of the background and origin of the present conflict in Spain because of lack Of time He said, however. that he would deal with those issues which appear to be paramount in our eyes, in the eyes of the world"
 Quoted Sources
 Throughout his talk in relating the events since the Spanish elec- tions in February, 1936, Father Barrett substant!ated his state ments with quotations from relia- ble sources, most of them non-Cath- loic. He described the tricky electoral system inaugurated by the radicals in l932," the breaking and burning of the ballot box's contents, with returns sent in the day ahead of election. He followed this with a description of reign of terror and assassination with destruction of struction of churches, attacks on same as well as shrines, people killed, robberies under arms, pri- vate and political centers destroyed, general and partial strikes, at tacks on newspapers, bombs and petards fired, and concentrated terrorism widespread before the Spanish Civil War had even begun. All these things, he stated. were the reason that General Francisco Fran co got together his vast army and commanded the uprising of the Nationalists or Rebels.
 Victory In Sight
 Father Barrett stated that 1t Is the belief that the end of the war and Franco's victory are in sight Among the tragic events in the early days of the conflict he cited the murder of Calvo Soleto. who got up in the Cortes to question the government about some Of the election disorders and ensuing acts. He quoted the words of the Communist, Largo Cab- allero, who said sometime previous, "a union of Iberian Soviet Repub- lies, that is our aim" Another fact. perhaps not too generally known, except by those who have spent some time in Spain and which he related was the changing of street names in Madrid and Bar celona ito conform to MarXist ideals" For instance, streets named for saints which was the order in Spain became Via Russia. Paseo de Lenin, Avenida de la PasioDaira (the passion flower. Dolores Ibur- ai1, Asturian Communist leader). Plaza Rojo (Red Square)," and other such names associated with the revolutionary theme" He said also that the Hill of Angels changed to Red Hill was changed back again when 1t was rccaptured by the Rebels.
 People to Decide
 Among those outstanding writers, authorities and sources quoted in his talk were Arthur Bryant, Eng fish historian, The Manchester Guardian, Edward Knoblaugh, cor respondent. and ogden H. Ham mond, former United ambassador to Spain, who said In part, T firmly believe the people Of Spain want, above all, good government of their own choosing and not dictation from Russia, Germany or Italy as to what that government shall be, that there is no intention of giving up any of their territory to any government, that when Franco finally wins. as he must he will first establish law and order, bring back the church and then let the people decide what kind of govern ment they want
 Vote of Thanks
 Following his talk Father Barrett was given rising vote of thanks for his fine picture of certain not too well known events of the Span ish Civil War. Miss Kathryn w. Hayes, chairman, presided at the open meeting and introduced the speaker. Rev. Eugene P. Cryne, dio- cesan director, welcomed those pres ent. The social and reception that followed was in charge of Mrs. Frank Newcomb of the Blessed Sac- rament church, assited by council members from that parish. Rev. George Reilly of the Immaculate Conception parish was also present. Miss Hayes announced a Garden Party would be held on the grounds at 56 Church street the last week in June, and the next monthly open meeting will be the second Monday