INKY HOSTILITIES

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1925, Page 4

INKY HOSTILITIES

While Spaniard • fights Riff in Morocco a different kind of campaign proceeds on the home front. It is a War of ink with a king conducting hostilities on the one side and a distinguished author making ; amazing assertions on the other. Sd far, neither party has scored a lasting- victory. 111-feeling arose' years ago; Vicente Ibanez brought it to a head by publishing a scathing indictment against the present Spanish Government, and against the actions of King Alfonso during the Great War. Alfonso, as a counter move, attempted to secure the return of Ibanez to Madrid from Paris under an extradition warrant. The plan failed, and the author has since resumed with added zest his criticism of the conduct of the war in MoroccoHe alleges that. Spain's misfortunes date from Alfonso's acceptance of the Protectorate of the Riff, an action that was due to overwhelming ambition — ( the King wished to become a species of KJaiser. The perpetual defeats of ; Spain in Morocco, are explained, it is said, by the fact that Alfonso XIII directs operations from his palace in Madrid. The King of Spain's levity on occasion may be condemned, but there can be no question about the dignity of his answer to the defamatory campaign. "I have always done my duty," he said, "and that is a deep satisfaction for my conscience. 11 count on my people, and assure them that the King will die at his post, but j that the mud will not soil him." Having made that statement, he proceeds to carry war into the critic's camp with a vengeance. He claims that his officers have been calumniated when the cemeteries of Morocco are full of those who have gloriously shed their blood and given their lives. Such calumnies would not remain unpunished. "He who so speaks outside Spain, and who has on no occasion risked his life for her, is an enemy to his flag. May God be pleased to enlighten this bad patriot, and pardon him the wrong done to Spain.'* Ibanez, showing no sign of remorse) reads these declarations with a smiie. He predicts with a biting pen, fresh disasters in Morocco and the early extinction of the Spanish monarchy. Of his prescience it is too early to judg'e. The drama is still being unfolded on the battlefields of Northern Africa. "