SITUATION IN SPAIN

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4876, 28 July 1936, Page 5

SITUATION IN SPAIN

INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS. Apropos of the present civil war in Spain, Mr. Walter Baxter, of Christchurch, recalls an interesting observation during his tour of that country last year (states the Press). While in Seville he visited the favourite palace of the former King, Alfonso. He found to his amazement that the palace had been left practically undisturbed since Alfonso fled the country. The Republican Government had not allowed a single article of furniture or any personal belongings to be disturbed, so much so that the rooms in that vast building gave the impression that Alfonso had but recently left on a visit, from which he expected to return shortly. A typical instance was the desk in the study, which, years after the change-over to the republic, still bore writing materials partially used by the dethroned King. Moreover, although the palace would doubtless provide excellent suites for State sub-department offices, or the residence for some high republican official, it had been left entirely untenanted, save for the necessary caretaking staff. In Madrid, Mr. Baxter visited another of Alfonso’s palaces, and found it likewise untenanted and undisturbed. Chatting with the Spanish peasantry, Mr. Baxter gathered that many people in Spain held the opinion that the reverence and care bestowed on these Royal residences presaged the ultimate return of the monarchy. Whatever the significance, the whole affair was very strange to a foreign visitor to the country, commented Mr. Baxter.