Gallantry to Rebels

Every tenet of the Spanish code of honor was carefully observed, last week, by Dictator Don Miguel Primo de Rivera as, with practiced hand, he suppressed--or seemed to suppress--another of Spain's semi-annual revolutions.

There were no blatant, undignified press stories of the revolt. In Madrid not a single paper dared to mention it at all until Don Miguel was ready with his own version. Suddenly members of the so- called National Assembly--which has no parliamentary powers--heard the click of the Dictator's silver spurs and beheld him mounting the Tribune in full regalia. They saw a beefy, self-indulgent man, but withal keen-eyed and striking despite his paunch.

Mightily rumbled the deep voice of General Don Miguel Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja, Marques d' Estella, Duque de Ajdir and Grandee of Spain.

"The Government informs the National Assembly that it was the intention of certain malcontents to cause a rising which was to have taken place simultaneously through the whole of Spain during last night.

"The effort was completely frustrated except at Ciudad Real, where a regiment of light artillery rebelled and occupied the small barracks of the Bienmerita. They placed artillery in commanding positions sweeping the avenues and roadways, and detained all trains. . . .

"It is unnecessary to make any announcement as to the rigorous punishment which will be meted out, since the attempt is clearly an act of criminal madness against Spain."

Without comment or elaboration Don Miguel's words were published. Meanwhile bombing planes were sent to circle above the revolting garrison. They dropped no explosives but courteous, imperative leaflets reading: "Surrender immediately, and return to your barracks. If you do not, you will be bombed tomorrow." Presently Lieutenant-Colonel Annibal Molto, commanding the rebels, drew his pistol, turned it upon himself, died like a gentleman and a Spaniard. His soldiers quietly awaited the arrival of an army corps from Madrid, then whooped up a hearty cheer for Dictator and King.

All this while the Government serenely concealed the major news that there had been arrested in Valencia, as a chief conspirator, the potent Conservative leader, Senor Jose Sanchez Guerra, who was Prime Minister of Spain shortly before sword-handy Don Miguel seized power by a coup d'etat (TIME, Sept. 24, 1923).

Senor Sanchez Guerra has been living in Paris for some years, and, last week, he reached Valencia from France on a small especially chartered steamer--two days late. The delay--occasioned by a breakdown of the steamer--necessitated a circular telegram to revolt leaders throughout Spain, ordering postponement. Apparently the garrison at Ciudad failed to receive the order, went off halfcocked, and thus revealed the plot to the government.

When the steamer finally reached Valencia, Senor Sanchez Guerra rushed to General Girona, Captain-General of the district, and urged that the revolution be instantly launched, since one garrison had already revolted. General Girona hesitated, asked three hours in which to consider. Meanwhile Senor Sanchez Guerra addressed the garrison:

"Soldiers! in judging the present regime remember that since September, 1923, 22 former Ministers of the old regime died all poor men, of the Dictatorship one Minister died leaving a recently acquired fortune. .

" Interrupted a Colonel: "Who is in command here?"

Cried a Lieutenant, stepping forward: "The Ideal! wearing the Spanish uniform we can only serve the Ideal! let us march--on to Madrid!"

"Not so fast," cautioned Senor Sanchez Guerra, "I have not come here to lead a riot but to lead a movement," and he returned to the Captain-General's office. Curtly he was informed that General Girona was surprised to learn of his presence in Valencia, and certainly could have no dealings with him.

"I know what that means!" exclaimed Senor Sanchez Guerra bitterly, and a few hours later he submitted quietly to arrest, saying blandly "I returned to my country simply as a traveler." At once General Girona offered his prisoner fruit, cakes and sherry, after which he saw him with all honor to a cell.