The refusal of the King of Spain to accept the
resignation of Count Romanones, the Prime Minister who succeeded Senor Canalejas two months ago, and the consequent con- firmation of the Liberals in power, has bad a remarkable sequel. It was expected that the King would meet the crisis by consulting the leaders on both sides, and considering the claims of the Conservatives under Senor Mann- But in view of the unappeased resentment with which the repressive policy of Seilor Maura is still regarded by the Liberals, and his deliberate refusal on the eve of his fall in 1909 ever to co-operate again with the Liberals, whom be denounced as traitors and time-servers, the King has preferred to exercise the Royal prerogative rather than risk a Repub- lican revolt by following a course adopted on previous occasions. Senor Maura has accordingly announced his resolve to retire from public life, and fifty of his party including Senor La Cierva, are following his example. An appeal has been made to Senor Maura by a number of, Conservative senators and deputies, begging him to recon- sider his decision. Senor Maura, on the other hand, has addressed an open letter to his friends, vindicating his action and impeaching the Liberals for endeavouring to perpetuate a system which impedes the constitutional function of the parties, runs counter to the national will, and exercises an undue pressure on the decisions of the Crown.
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