War in Spain

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 11, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 31.

MENTION was made last week of difficulty to keep order on the Riff Coast of the Mediterranean, west of Gibraltar. The reigning sultan of Morocco has been too weak to keep order, and Spain took it in hand. As a result there has been bloody war between the Moors and the Spaniards. The fighting has been mainly in Melilla and vicinity. The Moors have shown themselves desperate fighters. It was supposed that Spain had the advantage in numbers and efficiency of artillery, but the latest reports show that the Moors have had decidedly the best of the situation. They are entrenched on the heights of Mount Guruga, at Melilla, and their position is said to be impregnable. The latest battle reported up to the time this note is written, that of July 27, gives the Spanish losses in the battle to be 3,000 killed and wounded. Spanish troops are being rushed to the scene of activity. All reservists are being called into service.

At the same time Spain is being torn internally by rebellion. At Barcelona there was a terrible uprising of the people. The revolutionists are using bombs, and havoc is being waged. Insurrectionary outbreaks are reported from many points in Spain. There are reports that the Cabinet will resign to be succeeded by a military dictator, and in this connection General Weyler’s name is prominently mentioned. Thursday and Friday court martials condemned and shot 120 revolutionists. About 3,000 more were killed or wounded by machine gun or rifle fire. The revolutionary movement is taking advantage of the situation to foment trouble, and only strong measures will be able to bring order to the nation. How quickly is the world these days called upon to note serious trouble. It rises as in a day.