The Spanish Cortes was opened by King Alfonso on Wednesday.
The Speech from the Throne began by allusions to the satisfactory state of Spain's foreign relations. It then proceeded to a review of the various domestic reforms that are necessary, and especially of the situation caused by the excessive multiplication of the Religious Orders. The Government would try to regularise the rights of association without attacking the spiritual 'independence of the Orders. The Speech went on to describe the negotiations with Rome which are pending with a view to the suppression of convents unnecessary for the needs of the dioceses, and announced finally the enactment of a new law of associations. The attempt to relieve Spain from the evils involved in what we may term the inflation of monasticism will be watched with sympathy and interest here and wherever the welfare of the Spanish nation is understood and desired.
Previous page
