31 JANUARY 1925, Page 2

The real question seems to be : will these latter

measures prove sufficient to arouse a real public life in Spain ? The lack of it, as has been often pointed out, is the real reason why no reform goes more than skin deep. If the Directory could do this and could stop the Moroccan leak through which Spain is bleeding to death, then indeed it would deserve the gratitude of all Spaniards. But then there would be no need for the Directory, for Spain would be in a position to govern herself ! This is the fatal dilemma of all absolute Governments. Any real success must mean the end of the necessity which created them.