THE ORIGINS of the military revolt

Madrid, September 15. — I can give you today some information on the beginnings of the coup d'état in Spain. Here we spent two days of anguish; the sedition having started in Barcelona. The newspapers were snatched up, even though they barely gave any news. Now we are definitely settled. We know that the reactionary and militarist pack is sweeping over us with the pride and vanity typical of those who only win battles over unarmed people. Since the day when the government of Mr. Garcia Prieto appointed commander of the forces of Melilla General Martinès Anido, imposed by the king, we could see the weakness of the government. But events are stronger than men. Under the pressure of public opinion, the government refused General Martinès Anido what he requested to undertake a major offensive, with a view to conquering Albucemas, whereupon the commander of Melilla left his post without giving prior and fair notice , when the Moroccans attacked the Spanish troops.
This alone should have been enough to bring this singular general before a War Council, for abandonment of post. This did not happen, which encouraged the militarist clique and increased its opposition to the government behind the scenes at the Royal Palace. Eager to disarm this opposition, Mr. Garcia Prieto wanted to disembark the ministers who were seen as opponents of the continuation of the war in Morocco. But, to everyone's surprise, Mr. Alba kept the Foreign Affairs portfolio after the ministerial reshuffle, even though he was considered the staunchest supporter of peaceful action.
Also the warriors in the king's entourage increase their fury...

The beginning of the sedition
Mr. Garcia Prieto, knowing what Primo de Rivera was planning, asked him for his resignation on Tuesday. For any response. the latter, through an abuse of authority, took his troops out into the streets of Barcelona, proclaiming a state of siege throughout the region. The general of Zaragoza did the same. At the same time, General Primo de Rivera ordered the generals of other regions to replace the civil authorities and take their place.
The king who was in San Sebastian with Mr. Alba was informed of all these events - which he was undoubtedly aware of - by the Minister of Foreign Affairs who informed him at the same time that he had sent to the head of government his resignation. That the king was in cahoots with the factious generals is not in doubt since, despite the seriousness of the events, only on Thursday evening did he take the train to Madrid, where he arrived yesterday, Friday, at ten o'clock in the morning.
Leaving the Royal Palace, Mr. Garcia Prieto declared to journalists that he had reported to the king everything that had happened since Tuesday, and that in agreement with the Council of Ministers he proposed to the king to decree the dismissal of the captains general of Catalonia and Saragossa, replace all those who had participated in the movement, and summon the Cortes for next Tuesday in order to make them judges of the situation. Upon the refusal of Alfonso XII, Mr. Garcia Prieto handed over to him the resignation of the cabinet.

In full dictatorship
What is the point of following events after this abdication of men of power? The arrival this morning in Madrid of General Primo de Rivera was marked by absolute indifference. The public was conspicuous by its absence. No civilian figures at all, except the governor of Madrid, who still remains in office. On the other hand, many generals and Jesuits went to the station. So here we are under a state of siege and with censorship of the press. Defense, to talk about the war in Morocco. It is forbidden to make the slightest criticism of the current situation. The seditious movement is therefore clearly directed against the socialists who alone are turning public opinion against the ruinous war in Morocco and who alone, with the General Union of Workers, have until now demonstrated their feeling by publishing yesterday, before the establishment of censorship, a vigorous manifesto of which I will send you the text.
Let us say, to be fair, that the Human Rights League met and after deliberation on current events decided to ensure by all legal means the defense of human and citizen rights.
Floréal.

AGAINST CATALAN SEPARATISM

Perpignan, September 18. — Word from Barcelona: The governor general of Barcelona has dismissed the mayor of Sabadell, for his separatist campaign. He ordered, for the same reason, the closure of the Catalan Center in the same city. The governor ordered the police to exercise surveillance over morality and good morals in theaters and cinemas.

The Spanish and Italian dictators get along well...
Rome, September 18. — Word came from Madrid to the Corriere Italiano that General Primo de Rivera visited the Italian ambassador to whom he declared that the trip of King Alfonso XIII next November was already an agreed affair .
General Primo de Rivera expressed his desire to see Spain and Italy conclude a commercial treaty; Negotiations on this subject will begin on October 1.