The Crisis in Spain by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

The Crisis in Spain

By F. M. W.

SPAIN is now passing through one of the greatest crises in all her national history. Internal strife, involving, as in this case, vital differences of opinion over questions of religion and of church-and-state polity, is more dangerous to a nation's welfare than foreign war. Unfortunately, however, Spain has both foreign and domestic foes, which are plotting together to accomplish her downfall. The struggle is between the progressive elements in the Spanish government on the one hand, with the Vatican of Rome and the clerical party of Spain on the other. Two main questions are involved in the controversy. One is the revision of the concordat, or agreement between the Vatican and the Spanish government, made in 1851; and the other is the promulgation of certain laws which the government claims are entirely separate from the question of revision, but which the Vatican contends are involved in the provisions of the concordat.

An agreement between the government and the Vatican permitted the establishment of two specified religious orders in Spain, and the establishment of another order, which should be named later by the Vatican. It was understood at first that this provided for one additional order for the entire country. The Vatican, however, in later years construed this to mean the establishment of any third order in each diocese. Formerly the Spanish government acquiesced in this interpretation on the part of the Vatican. In consequence, thousands of monks flocked to Spain. According to recent statistics there are now more than three thousand monasteries, and one hundred thousand monks and nuns in that country. Madrid and Barcelona alone have one hundred sixty-nine convents. All this church property has been exempt from taxation. In addition the government paid out last year for the support of church establishments a sum in excess of eight million dollars.

The abuses which have grown out of this liberal interpretation of the terms of the concordat have become a cause of vital concern to the government.

Another leading question involved in the present controversy is that of the freedom of public worship by non-Romanists. The constitution, which was adopted in 1876, provides that “no one shall be hindered by reason of his religious opinions, nor in the exercise of his cult, except with regard to the respect due to Christian morals. Nevertheless, no other manifestations or public ceremonies will be permitted than those of the religion of the state.”

In the past Protestants have been prohibited from erecting churches in the style of church architecture, and from placing public notices of their meetings. Of late there has been a marked disposition to disregard these prohibitions. This, perhaps, is due to the Protestant education of Victoria, the present queen. Although professing Roman Catholicism at the time of her marriage, it is considered that she still has a strong leaning toward her former church connection. In taking up her residence in Spain, she brought with her a number of English relatives and a considerable retinue of English servants. For these a Church of England service is maintained in Madrid. This no doubt accounts in part for the liberal spirit of King Alphonso in the favor which he has shown to Protestant churches in permitting them recently to display on their places of worship the cross and other symbols of worship.

These conditions have prepared the way for the present premier, Canalejas, a Progressive of marked type, aided and sustained by the young king, to propose such measures and issue such decrees as have precipitated the present crisis. The premier proposes to abolish old forms of the judicial oath, in order to meet the objections of the secularists, likewise to secure the secularization of the cemeteries. All non-Catholic religionists are authorized to mark their chapels, synagogues, and places of worship with distinctive emblems.

But the most far-reaching measure which the premier proposes, and one which is incurring for him the most bitter hostility from Rome, is the “restriction of the growth of the numerous associations among the monks and nuns.” This last measure has been quite generally demanded, especially by the tradespeople. Exempt from taxation, the monks have employed their wealth in building up trades and industries which have come into lively competition with the same industries carried on by others, upon whom heavy taxes have been levied.

The government is supported in its position by many loyal Catholics, who consider that the questions involved are not ones which affect the integrity of the Catholic faith, but such as seek only to check the abuses named.

On the other hand, there are several strong elements arrayed against these proposed measures. The center of these, of course, is the Vatican, which commands the support of the bishops and ecclesiastics

throughout Spain. Arrayed likewise on the side of the Vatican are the Carlists, also the Conservatives, who, however, constitute a minority of the parliament.

The Carlists are a political party dating from 1833. At that time the reigning king, Ferdinand VII, set aside the law against female succession, making his daughter his successor. The king's brother, Carlos, claimed the throne. The contention led to civil war, in which Carlos was defeated. His successors, however, have continued to maintain their right to the succession. Don Jamie, the present claimant, who resides in Austria, sees in the present controversy an opportunity to reassert his claims. He and his sympathizers side strongly with the Vatican, hoping for the downfall of the present reigning house and the elevation of the Carlist line.

Thus far in the conflict Canalejas has shown marked ability in uniting many otherwise conflicting elements, and opposing so strong a force against the demands of the Vatican. King Alphonso has unmistakably demonstrated his leaning toward a more liberal policy, and seems disposed to give his minister a free hand in bringing about better conditions. Spain's representative at the Vatican has been ordered home. A spirit of unrest prevails throughout the country, and it is feared that the agitation may lead to serious consequences, if not to civil war.

What the outcome will be, or what new questions may be injected into the controversy, we can not predict. The whole world will watch with interest this struggle in the “most Catholic country” of Europe toward greater light and liberty. Cursed for centuries with ignorance and superstition, bound about by iron creeds and customs, crushed by the grasp of the Papacy, Spain seems awakening from its slumber. This struggle for greater freedom is a cry on the part of some at least for greater soul liberty, for a greater measure of gospel light and truth. Doubtless this struggle may be attended by abuses, by unwise and even unchristian methods, with which we may not sympathize; but let us pray that the result of it all may be to open Spain up to gospel evangelization, and that through the open doors created may go many heralds of the cross to carry the glad tidings of the coming kingdom. The gospel message is due the world. Before the end it will be preached to all nations. It is interesting to watch the course of events in the history of men by which this is being made possible. Barriers are being broken down, and the doors of the nations are being opened, preparatory to the work of the last message.

F. M. W.