A BACKGROUND TO THE NEWS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 253, 22 July 1936, Page 7

A BACKGROUND TO THE NEWS

High Treason Consideration is being given to the question of bringing a charge of high treason against McMahon, for his alleged attempt on the King’s life. High treason is, in essence, the violation of the allegiance which is owed to the King. The allegiance is owed by the subjects of the King, wherever they may be. Allegiance is also due from an alien living in the British Empire and receiving the protection of its laws, even if the State to which he belongs is at war with the King. Treason is the highest crime which (considered as a member of the community) any man can possibly commit The charge which w'ould be brought against McMahon would be that of “compassing or imagining” the death of the King. These are synonomous terms for the word “compass” signifies the purpose or design, and not, as in common speech, the carrying of such design into effect. An accidental stroke, which may mortally wound the King, where there was no traitorous intent, is not high treason. The compassing or imagining must be demonstrated by some open or overt act. An open or overt act has been defined as “any act manifesting the criminal intention, and tending toward the accomplishment of the criminal’ object.” Thus, even to provide weapons or ammunition for the purpose of killing the King would be an overt act within the meaning 'of the Statute. Formerly the punishment for high treason was of a very solemn and terrible nature, but since 1870 it is simply one of hanging, unless the King, by warrant under the sign-manual, countersigned by a Principal Secretary of State, substitutes death by decapitation. “The Sick Man of Europe.” In the London Letter in yesterday’s “Dominion,” the phrase “the sick-man of Europe” was used. Czar Nicholas of Russia first used this phrase, in 1844, to describe the Turkish Empire, which had been declining ever since 1586. “I repeat to you,” he said, “the man is dying; and we must never allow such an event to take us by surprise' Dust Damage in U.S.A.

The Government of the United States has reported that the so-called “dust bowl” in Texas, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma is largely tihe result of illadvised farming practices. “It is my opinion,” said Mr. M. L. Cooke, one of America’s foremost engineers, “that as matters now stand, and with continuance of the manner in which the soil, the mainstay of individual and collective life, is now being squandered,- this country of ours has left to it less than 100 years of virile national existence. . . . Particularly in the decades since 1900, the American people have pillaged their soils. . . . We have ruthlessly cut down and burned our forests. Through. improvident) grazing over vast areas, the protective sod cover has been removed. In both moist and dry areas we have practised modes of agriculture which invite disintegration of the soil and a corresponding decline in fertilty. | . . . Once ravished beyond a certaim point, soils can be restored only afterthe passage of centuries.” “Removing soil from any region and without diminution of rainfall it becomes arid,” says another authority. “Without soil there is no local water storage. The rainfall runs off as it does from a slate roof.” Spain in Rebellion. Spain, which is in the throes of a great rebellion, has an area of 190.050 square miles and a population exceeding 29,000,000. Madrid, the capital, has a population of more than 1,000,000. The Constitution of 1931 dedared Spain to be a democratic republie of workers of all classes, did away with an “official religion.” and granted freedom of conscience and liberty of worship, and recognised the freedom of all before the law. War as an instrument of national policy was renounced. The legislative power was vested in the Cortes, a single Chamber of Deputies elected for four years by direct and secret ballot on a system of proportional representation, all men and women citizens over 23 years of age having a vote. The President, elected for six years, must be over 40 years of age. Under the Constitution he appoints and dismisses the Premier, and, upon the latter’s recommendation, his Ministers. He himself may be dismissed by a vote of the Cortes. Since 1934 there has been intermittent civil war in various parts of the country, and strikes in the cities have been quite an ordinary state of affairs. The number of political parties makes it impossible for any Government to exist except as a coalition and a compromise. Cadiz.

Cadiz, where rebels are reported to be besieging the Governor’s officers, is a seaport of south-west Spain. It stands at the end of a narrow isthmus projecting. five miles into the Bay Of Cadiz. It is approached by a single railway and one road, and owes its importance to its geographical position and line natural harbour. One of the oldest ports and cities in the world, it is now a fortress, a naval station, the see of a bishop, a wireless telegraphy station, and a centre of art and- industry. It has an equable climate, but poor water supply. The population is about 70.000. Cadiz was founded in 1100 B.C. by the Phenicians, and was a place of considerable importance throughout Roman times. Its modern prosperity dates from the discovery of America, and in 1765 it rivalled London in wealth. This prosperity • declined when Spain became involved in wars and lost.her American colonies, and still further from the competition of Gibraltar and Seville. Malaga.

Malaga, which is the scene of tierce fighting is a seaport and wateringplace of Spain, and stands at the mout h of the Guadalmedina River, 65 miles north-east of Gibraltar. Protected by hills, it really comprises two towns, an old and a new. The old town is crowded, its streets being narrow and its houses lofty; but the new is well built and stretches into the surrounding country cultivated with vineyards and gardens. The harbour is deep and spacious, and in it ships are protected from all winds. The river alternates from a dry watercourse to a swollen torrent. Founded probably by the Phenicians. Malaga became important under the Romans and later under the Moors, from whom it was wrested by the Christians in 1487. The population is about 200.000.