CANALEJAS, Don Jose, Spanish statesman: b. 1854; d. 12 Nov. 1912. The son of humble parents, he was originally trained for the law, but took to politics at an early age. Working his way up the political ladder he held several portfolios, including those of Finance and Justice, and was for a time President of the Chamber. In February 1910 he was called by King Alfonso to succeed Senor Moret, the Premier, whose administra tion had lasted only four months. Moret had bitterly attacked the Maura ministry on the campaign in Morocco and their strong action in suppressing the Barcelona riots. Maura was compelled to resign and Moret, a Liberal, assumed office, but was soon forced to resign owing to dissensions in his party. Canalejas was called to the helm and formed his Cabinet in one day, distributing the portfolios among the Democrats, of which party he was the leader. On 15 June 1910 he disclosed his policy in the King's speech, which, whilst containing expressions of filial consideration for the Pope, clearly indicated that the government in tended to take action against °unauthorized* religious orders and congregations. Canalejas speedily found himself in conflict with the Vati can when he canceled the prohibition, which was then in force, of the use of °any emblem, attribute, or lettering* on the exterior walls of Protestant places of worship. A number of prominent Carlists seized the occasion to send a testimony of their regard to Don Jaime of Bourbon, son of the late pretender, Don Car los. Don Jaime, however, wisely repudiated
any intention of disturbing the peace of Spain. The financial policy of Canalejas also ran counter to vested interests. Among his pro posals was a tax on sums bequeathed for masses for the souls of the dead. A grave po litical crisis shook his administration early in 1911, when the question of the execution of Ferrer was revived. The responsibility for that sentence, however, did not rest upon Canalejas, for he was not in office when Fer rer was shot. In a speech he stated that he would have been in favor of a reprieve — as a matter of policy— which offended the military authorities. The War Minister sided with the army, but the King and the Cortes supported the Premier. Barcelona was said to be the home of 10,000 anarchists. In September 1911 these malcontents broke out in fierce riots, which spread with alarming rapidity. Canalejas was equal to the occasion. He proclaimed martial law throughout the country, seized the ring leaders and broke up the menace in a few days. A democrat in sentiment, his sense of justice was strong,. if severe. He resigned twice because the king hal reprieved criminals condemned to death for atrocious murders. The king wished to bestow a title upon him, but the honor was refused by Canalejas, who said he preferred to remain associated with the proletariat from whom he was sprung. While looking in the window of a bookstore he was shot and killed by an anarchist.