SPAIN: Bourbon & Eczema

Because eczema of the foot confined Prime Minister Damaso Berenguer to his quarters in the War Ministry, King Alfonso XIII broke last week the rule that a king never calls on a minister. His Majesty called for a long, earnest talk with footsore General Berenguer. Spain has been on the brink of revolution for months. Dare His Majesty keep his promise to order elections held—the first parliamentary elections Spain has had in seven years?

Six days after the bedside visit, the latest ruling Bourbon screwed his courage to the sticking point, signed the momentous decree. A new Chamber will be elected March 1, a new Senate March 15 and the decree states that on March 25 the Sovereign will personally open the new Cortes (Parliament).

Also under the decree, press censorship was lifted and all constitutional guarantees resumed their force. Spain was declared a republic in 1873, but two years later the House of Bourbon was restored. Last week Spanish Republicans and Spanish Monarchists squared off for the most exciting electoral battle of the Century in Spain. If the Republicans win the Bourbons may fall again—may of course pick themselves up again too. Their friends will control the polls.