THE KING OF SPAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20964, 1 March 1930, Page 13

THE KING OF SPAIN

BLAMED FOR DICTATORSHIP. FORMER PREMIER’S CRITICISM. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) MADRID, February 27. “ The King no longer enjoys the people’s confidence,” declared Senor Sanchez Guerra, the Conservative exPremier, in a speech at a local theatre. “ I am not a Republican, but if the people want a Republic, they have the right to have it.” Senor Guerra also attacked the Dictator, whose rule was not sanguinary, but humiliating. The speech was awaited with extraordinary interest throughout the country. Thousands tried vainly to secure admittance to the theatre, while the throng outside sang the “ Marseillaise,” and shouted “ Down with the King! ” The mob became so unruly that the police drew their sabres and charged. Later cavalry broke up the gathering, with numerous casualties. . KING COMPARED WITH CORPSE. LONDON, February 27. (Received Feb. 28, at 10 p.m.) Tlie Madrid correspondent of The Times states that Senor Guerra blamed King Alfonso for establishing the Dictatorship, and “he cannot hide behind constitutional irresponsibility.” Speaking for himself, Senor Guerra declared that he would no longer serve the King, which he compared with a decaying corpse. Senor Guerra’s audience was disappointed because he did not declare for a Republic. While the meeting was in progress aeroplanes and motors scattered pamphlets in Madrid, which read as follows: —“Hurrah for the King. Politicians of all colours keep a cowardly silence or attempt to blame the King for tlie Dictatorship, which their own'misdeeds and mnddiing produced. Let everyone respecting justice join in tlie cry, ‘ Long Live the King.’