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Show CHURCH AND STATE MAY BE DIVIDED Madrid Feb. 14 The prevailing opinion hero Is that tho situation in Spain is almost identical with that In France preceding tho separation of church and state. Prime Minister Canalejas, regarded us the last hope of the Liberals, considers con-siders the abridgements of the influence in-fluence of the Catholic church aud the inauguration of a broad system of public education as the foundation of national progress and Is committed to tbo executlou of this program. On tho other hand there are many evidences that the clerical party connived con-nived at the advent of Canalejas In the belief that he would fall quickly before the combined assaults of his enemies and so permit the return to power of former Premier Maura. .Should Premier Canalejas fall and reaction again gain the upper hand, it is considered probable that the opposition op-position will assume the form of a fight for tbe overthrowing of the monarchy, mon-archy, the first phase of which will be a series of political assassinations. Large meetings of Catholics are being be-ing held throughout Spain to protest against the reopening of lay schools, tbree of which were opened today at Sau Sebastian, Santiago, and Manros. At Santiago a letter received from Pope Plus was read. Pablo Igleslas, tho Socialist leader, at a meeting here today In Tavor or granting amnesty to 600 Barcelona prisoners, predicted the assassination of former Premier Antonio Maura It ho were returned to power. The Her-aldo Her-aldo claims to possess information showing that several prelates, notably the bishop of Madrid, knew In advance ad-vance of the downfall of tho Morot ministry. |