A HARSH REGIME

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16874, 11 February 1929, Page 7

A HARSH REGIME

NEW SPANISH ORDINANCE POLITICAL DISCUSSION BANNED (Australian and N.Z Press Association.) MADRID, Feb. 9. A new Royal ordinance in the first place orders the authorities to arrest anyone publicly predicting a calamitous end to the present reign, or speaking against Ministers or high authorities for the purpose of injuring their reputation or damaging their authority or prestige. The penalty is one of from one to 14 days' imprisonment and. ;i fine of 2fi to 2500 pesetas, independent of such fines as I lie i'inii'l may order. Secondly, clubs breaking tho rule ordering abstention from political discussion.*, or in the case of 'members breaking the first article of the ordinance, will he closed. Thirdly, a Ministerial department will open a register of officials giving an account of their ability, health, zeal and political discretion, specially referring to those who have shown themselves enemies to the regime. Fourtlily, administrative juntas employing ' obstructive or damaging methods will be suspended or, in the event of.a recurrence, will be dissolved. Fifthly, the Patriotic Union will open registers of persons likely to cause political trouble or public uneasiness. The Council of Ministers decides the penalities for infringements of articles 1, 3 and 4. The penalties will be irrevocable.