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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 8 May 5, 1938

Break-Up

Break-Up.

In 1898, Spain lost Cuba and the Philippine Islands, last remnants of that great empire, the exploitation of which had provided her with her means or subsistence For 300 years, while her own territory had lain undeveloped in the hands of a few grandees. The economic and political situation was impossible, and from 1898 onwards, every Spanish man of letters (except the few who took refuge in mysticism) has striven for social, political and economic reorganization so as to bring Spain into line with her European neighbors.

In 1898, no fewer than 30.000 intellectuals and artists formed themselves into a league of progress called "At the Service of the Republic."

As might be expected the writings of this first generation of Reformers were characterized by a spirit of powerful but rather vague and sentimental idealism—the kind whose chief merit is its ability to rouse enthusiasm. The younger writers have shown themselves more definite and realistic into their attitude to Spanish problems, but they are really In the same literary tradition.