KEPUBLICAN SPAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 117, 18 April 1931, Page 9

KEPUBLICAN SPAIN

THE NEW REGIME. ORDERS TO POLICE. EX-MINISTER IN PORTUGAL. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 18, 9.45 a.m. MADRID, April 17. Fearing that they would be arrested, four ex-Monarchist Ministers fled to Portugal. The new Republican police have been ordered not to exercise violence against the pacific manifestations of citizens, and, above all, to respect individual liberty, property and religious beliefs. The Government is taking an inventory of the Royal Palace with a view to handing over the personal belongings of Alfonso. STORMING OF THE PALACE. A hitherto unconfirmed report stated that after Alfonso’s departure a redcapped mob tried to force the palace gates. An account now given by one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting shows that the uncontrolled crowd shouted insults and demanded admittance. Finally a heavy motor lorry tried to batter the main gates, but precautions had been taken in time and so the situation was saved. The lady pays a high tribute to the Queen. She says that Her Majesty alone of the entourage was tearless and calm. The first woman to occupy an important political position in Spain is Senorita Victoria Kent—she is an AngloSpanish barrister—who has been appointed Director General of Prisons. Noisy, hilarious crowds continue to perambulate the streets. Tire first bull fight of the new regime was attended mostly by the working class. The aristocrats were absent. The matadors and picadors saluted in front of the Royal box, which was vacant and draped in the Republican colours. A number of wealthy clients demanded that the banks transfer their deposits abroad, but the Government has issued a decree forbidding it. There were riotous scenes at the State Savings Bank. Thousands attempted to break down the closed doors following a report that there were insufficient funds to meet the liabilities. The personal property of Alfonso, whose fortune is estimated at £2,000,000, will be safeguarded and handed over to his representatives. TRANSFER OF CAPITAL. In future the soldiers will not be compelled to attend Mass on Sundays. Despite their efforts to reassure the Monarchists and aristocrats of the safety of their property and rights, the general exodus is causing concern, especially the transfer of capital to the detriment of the peseta exchange. Prince Juan, the King’s second son, has arrived at Gibraltar and has boarded an Italian liner for Naples. INCOGNITO TITLE. A mesasge from Paris says that Alfonso lias adopted the incognito title of Duke of Toledo. Alfonso arrived at Paris at 11 o’clock on Thursday evening and descended from the train into a maelstrom. Probably no monarch was ever in such a predicament unless when going to his execution. As the train steamed in there was a terrific roar —“Vive le Roi! Viva el Revl” which nearly lifted the glass roof from the Gare du Lyon. Thousands surged and toward the last coach, where the King was known to be travelling. Cinematograph machines were operating, and the King, who was looking haggard, went on smiling like tho sportsman he is, and kept his head. If any reception by the Government had been contemplated it was completely shortcircuited by the tumult. It took His Majesty a quarter of an hour to push his way to the car in which were the Duko of Miranda and Senor Leon. Then followed the journey., through a crowd delirious with enthusiasm, to tho Hotel Meurice. Later the King and Queen appeared on tho balcony of tho hotel and were acclaimed by thousands. STATE OF CATALONIA. LONDON, April 16. A correspondent at Barcelona reports that General Macia has reached an agreement with Madrid. This provides that the title of tho Republic of Catalonia be dropped and that the region under his control be known as the State of Catalonia in the Republic of Spain. According to the Times’s correspondent, General Macia, formerly a Separatist proclaimed a Republic and appointed his own Government. He insisted that the country’s dealings with Madrid should be those of ono Power with another.