DIVIDED SPAIN

Evening Star, Issue 22026, 11 May 1935, Page 20

DIVIDED SPAIN

DEMOCRATIC STRUGGLE FOUR DIFFICULT YEARS FACTION AND CLASS STRIFE The fourth anniversary of the proclamation of the _ Spanish Republic shows the new regime still _ struggling to find its feet and Spaniards more bitterly divided than in the “glorious spring of 1931,” wrote the Madrid correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ last month. Apart from the increase of educational facilities offered by the opening of new schools and the settlement of a few thousand peasants on th© estates of grandees, the achievements of the republic have so far been mostly negative. The Constitution voted on December 9, 1931, is already up for revision in certain fundamental aspects, and in the meanwhile some of its. prescriptions are in suspense, others ignored. The Administration has given no proof of higher efficiency than in the past. The economic situation is bad, the financial situation is * worse than four years ago, and there is a chronic budgetary deficit. Democracy, as the fundamental institution of the new State, is functioning under a great strain. Its path is no smoother to-day than was that of Alfonso XIII., when the throne was tottering. In view of the important part taken by th© Socialists in the making of the republic and of the fact that they were the mainstay of the Azana Cabinet for two years, it is strange to find_ the Model Prison now full of Socialists and the first president of the restored Generalitat locked in -with them. To be betrayed by its' progenitors because th© first General Election held under republican laws proved adverse to them was enough to make any.republic reel. The peaceful advent that secured such widespread sympathy for the new regime has been marred by severe bloodshed. Class war, instead of being allayed, has been aggravated. Although the police forces have been doubled, respect-for law and order is more apEarent_ than before, and there is dire ardship among the poorer classes. DANGER OF CLASS STRIFE. In some quarters it is represented that Spain is in danger of sinking as did Russia in 1917. This does not seem likely, but there is danger that the continuation of faction and class strife may further damage both the Governmental machine and public spirit. The fourth anniversary, which is celebrated with the Cortes closed to enforce a brief truce on partisans, is a favourable opportunity to take steck of the situation. Although the legitimacy of the republic’s coming in on a municipal vote which was only favourable in the principal towns and not throughout the country, is still contested by the monarchists, it may be assumed that they, offer no pressing threat to the republic. When King Alfonso was told the result of the’ elections, he said calmly: “.I will prove that I am the greatest democrat of them all,” and, although, as he confessed later, lie found it more difficult to submit and depart quietly than, to lead a charge of cavalry, he did what he- considered to be liis duty. 1 The King had no part in the Sanjurjo rising, and his instructions to his followers have been consistent with his proved patriotism: not to create difficulties for the Government, and to give full support for measures of law and order.

As if to correspond to this trait of hidalguia on the part of Don Alfonso, the Constitution provided for its own reform on a majority vote basis that might quite well result eventually in a second peaceful change of regime, with the one important proviso of good faith. All Republicans should be ready to abide by the result of a fair application of the system provided by their Cortes Constituyentes. Then only will the early Republican boast that the regime arouses admiration abroad acquire substance, for a peaceful rule by majority following a bloodless revolution would command universal respect. THE SOCIALIST BETRAYAL. Unfortunately the betrayal of the republic last October has made it apparent that for the Socialists and the Catalan Esquerra (Left) the republic comes only second to party interests. The rebellion was the greatest crime that could have been committed against the peace of the republic directly and by implication. It came at a moment when the large section of Catholic opinion which had been offended ,by the anti-clerical legislation «ef the early years of the republic was slowly rallying to the. new regime under the constant exhortations of their leaders to remain strictly within the bounds of legality. The disturbance caused might well have proved fatal but for the energy of the oldest Republican, Senor Lerroux, whose proud message, “ We shall continue the glorious history of Spain,” rang so true, and for the loyalty of the young leader of Accion Popular, the latest recruit from the monarchy. They undoubtedly saved the republic , from sinking into anarchy or reverting to dictatorship. But the liquidation is in itself a new and grave problem! These pages from recent history are sufficient to cause anxiety to Spain’s friends who would like to see peace and prosperity reigning throughout the Peninsula. They should not cause undue alarm, because Spain’s troubles are due in part to her immense vitality. _ Those who have lived' in the Peninsula know that her peoples are inherently sound, but, it is tinie that a constituent period which opened with the Cortes de Cadiz in 1812 should give some definite result. There is .agreement on this point at least among all jesponsible leaders One them, Don Salvador de Madanagn, in a recent book, takes the opportunity to examine the reasons for the dissatisfaction with the Constitution, of 1931 and to outline a new Constitution. He does not attempt to impose his views. As becomes a prominent supporter of the League of Nations, he aspires only to their acceptance by agreement. He enunciates, indeed, one solemn truth: that any hope for a renaissance of Spamwill be vain unless a greatei spirit of mutual tolerance prevail* among Spaniards. To secure this should be the first aim of Spanish statesmanship. No nobler or more useful watchword could be announced on the fourth anniversary of the Second Republic. Things have come to such a pass that not only the future of the republic but the fate of Spain seems to depend upon it.