CHURCH AND STATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 15 October 1931, Page 5

CHURCH AND STATE

SEPARATION IN SPAIN DECISION OF CORTES JESUIT ORDER TO BE DISSOLVED (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 15th October, 9.20 a.in.) MADRID, 14th October. While youths were demonstrating outsido, shouting “Down with the Clergy,” the Cortes, by 287 votes to 45, approved of the separation of Church and State, while religious orders whose activities ■are considered to endanger the State are to be disbanded and others submitted to severe regulation. The Cortes later decided to dissolve the Jesuit Order and hand over its properties to charitable institutions. Senor Madariaga, a Catholic Basque, declared that the army would lie needed to expel Jesuits from the north. Police fired on Granada strikers who overturned and burned tram cars and motor lorries. Several were wounded. CABINET RESIGNS FOLLOWING PARLIAMENT’S DECISION (Received 15th October, 11.30 a.in.) MADRID. 14th October. Consequent upon the decision of Parliament to expel Jesuits and adopt other anti clerical measures, Cabinet has resigned, creating a first class crisis, over the question of Stale religion. The War Minister, Senor Manuel Azana, is forming a new Cabinet. Anti-Jesuit demonstrations are proceeding in the streets. NEW CABINET COMPLETED (Received 15th October, 1.10 p.m.) MADRID, 14th October. The new Cabinet has been completed. Senor Azana replaces Senor Zamora; Senor Quiroya, ex-Minister of DJarino, replaces Senor Maura; Senor Giralt succeeds Senor Quiroga. Stormy scenes marked the Cortes debate leading to the final separation of Church and State. A new article in the Constitution provides for the dissolution of religious bodies whose activities are a menace to the State, prohibits religious orders embarking in commercial undertakings, and requiting an annual statement of their financial dealings. Pro-ehurchites said Spain was next to Russia and Mexico for anti-religious spirit, and predicted that it would lead to civil war. The adoption of the article led to Premier Zamora’s resignation.