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Evening Star, Issue 14119, 23 July 1909, Page 4

When* the subject, of cheaper Press cables

was under discussion at Spain and the Imperial l'rese Ccnthe Moors, ference stress was laid mi the necessity—in the interests of those at. both ends of the linethat existed for supplying wore detailed information. Condensation has its advantages, but when its practical application is to make a man say what he did not say. or a-i incident of international importance to appear without beginning or apparent reason, then condensation is the reverse of cheap. We are 'tempted to make this ob serration after a perusal of the messages now being sent from Morocco and Madrid. Why is there something very like a deliberate and ordered attempt to oust the Spaniards from Morocco ? And why are the parents, relatives, and soldiers of Spain who have been ordered to the front bo angered that mutiny and forcible intervention havij followed? The first intimation of any trouble between the Moors and the Spaniards (who are in Morocco by virtue of the powers given them under the. Act of Algeciras, and confirmed by Mulai Hafid, the new Sultan) was about twelve days ago, when the bald statement came through that owing to Moorish aggression the Spanish forces at Melilla, a Spanish presidio on the north coast, had bombarded the tribesmen's encampments, razed them to the ground, and inflicted heavy loeans. Similar unsatisfactory messages have since trickled through, culminating in those of to-day, which, in spite of reported Spanish victories, disclose a somewhat alarming state of affairs. The Arabs liave renewed their attacks on the Spaniards' communications, and have Bhown all their historic dash, daring, and defiance of death in doing so. They are said to have been beaten back with heavy loss, but as the further information is given that the Government are hastening forward the shipping of reinforcements, the position is probably more serious than is stated. The most surprising feature, however, is the nature of the hostility shown against the order to embark by the friends of the departing troops and by some of the men themselves. It ia here, we think, that there is prima facie cause for complaint. The facts as known are doubtless accurately stated, but the reason, of this latest Moorish rising and the causes of popular antipathy in Spain to the continuance of the campaign are lacking.