We hardly understand the seriousness attached to the Moorish attack
upon the Spanish port of Melilla. The Moors in question are not the agents of the Sultan, but are tribes of the Riff, almost independent. They have been irritated lately by the construction of a fort outside Melilla ; and on the 2nd inst. attacked it, driving in some outposts and labourers. It is expected that the attack will be renewed, and reinforce- ments are urgently required. All this is in the regular course of things ; but the Spanish Ministry have been holding Cabinet Councils, have ordered three thousand men to the threatened settlement, and have elaborately explained to all Governments concerned that Spanish honour is involved, and that they must fight. They have also suspended all leave throughout the Army. It is possible that all this is done in order to warn Europe that Spain has not abandoned her reversionary claim to Morocco ; but it looks as if the Spanish Government were aware that the Sultan would give no reparation, and that a war with Morocco itself might result from the affair. The incident is of little importance in itself ; but two years ago it was said, in very well-informed quarters, that if the Great War ever began, the first signal would be given by some proceeding about Morocco.
Previous page
