DEATH IN EXILE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20493, 1 March 1941, Page 5

DEATH IN EXILE

EX-KING ALFONSO FATAL HEART SEIZURE LAST SPANISH MONARCH REIGN OF 46 YEARS (Eloe. T«l. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. March 1, 9 a.m.) ROME, Feb. 28. Ex-King Alfonso of Spain died at 11.50 a.m., following a severe heart attack at 10 a.m. Members of the Royal Family were at the bedside. The ex-King was 54 years of age.

The life of his most Catholic Majesty Don Alfonso XIII was one of the most tragic in the modern history of Europe. Heir of the historic dynasties of Bour-

bon and Hapsburg, he found himself a king in his cradle. Under the guidance of his widowed mother he learned the art of kingship and was taught the tradition of the “Divine right of kings” and the glorious abso-

lutism of monarchy that was to bring the Hapsburgs to the ground and sent Alfonso himself to exile. He grew up under the influence cf ecclesiastics and court officials whose political philosophy was ihat of themiddle ages, and who ignored the new currents of democratic thought that were beginning to sweep through the body politic of Europe. The disastrous Cuban War had dealt a rude blow at the stability of Alfonso’s kingdom, but Alfonso’s advisers turned a deaf ear to the shock. Alfonso early showed capacity and strength. He displayed an energy and activity rare and unusual in • the monarchs of Spain. He rode and shot; he became an enthusiast of speed. Alfonso’s reputation as a “sport” had spread to England. He had become a familiar figure on the racecourse, he was a dashing player on the polo field, he revelled in the thrill of the new motor-car. English Princess as Bride A chorus of delight greeted the announcement that “Alfonso the sport” was to wed an English princess. There was no more popular royal alliance than that with the lovely and gracious Ena of Battenberg on May 31, 1906. The joy bells of London and Madrid were echoing in the ears of the newlywedded royal pair when the crash of. an assassin’s bomb thundered in the streets of Madrid.

The bridal gown of the young queen was spattered with human blood. It was the dread note of tragedy that dogged the life of Alfonso and marked him as a man of supreme courage.

Five times assassins tried to destroy him; each time he had a miraculous escape. Alfonso seemed to bear a charmed life. *

Alfonso faced his political problems with the same calm courage. Corruption, decay, and unrest were eating the heart of political Spain. The Great War added to Alfonso’s troubles. The wave of democratic unrest that followed the end of hostilities surged over Spain. Economic disturbances hastened the tide of discontent. The star of monarchies was on the wane. Alfonso’s popularity was dwindling. His unrelenting belief in the strength and power of his dynasty was misunderstood. When the cause of Spain’s ills was sought, Spanish eyes turned to Alfonso. Moroccan War Climax The disastrous Moroccan war with the Riffs was the climax. Political chaos grew.rapidly, and Alfonso determined to show his strength in a fierce effort to restore order ard his prestige. He boldly sent a corrupt Parliament about, its business and sel up a dictatorship.

General Primo de Rivera was chosen to govern alone —with the King as the real ruler in the background. De Rivera announced that he would rule for a few months. He ruled for seven years. Opposition was silenced, but not suppressed. “The King must go” was the common creed of Liberals, Constitutionalists, Republicans, and Communists. General de Rivera fell, and in a few weeks was dead in Paris. Alfonso was alone among a kingdom of enemies. He stuck to his principles and his throne. He announced his determination to continue to govern, but yielded a step to the popular demand for an end to absolute Royal rule.

He called in a semi-dictator, General Berenguer. There was open revolt throughout Spain, which Alfonso quickly suppressed. But it was too late. General Berenguer fell, and a Cabinet was formed. Alfonso yielded to the cry for elections. On Sunday Spain gave its verdict: “Alfonso must go.” His 46 years’ rule was ended. The Royal couple became estranged after Alfonso left Spain in 1931. Prince Juan, the ex-king’s young surviving son is heir to the Spanish Throne. He is 28 years of age.