One gathers that in Spain that they are somewhat regretful that they were in such a hurry to get rid of the Jesuits. From Barcelona, which was one of the principal centres of Jesuit educational work, it is reported that the dissolution the Order and the departure of its members from the newest of Europe’s republics has caused an educational crisis.
One of the first things that the Government of President Zamora did after taking over the reins of power from the ancient Spanish monarchy was to warn the Jesuits that they had better stick on the job, as it was realized that there would be a crisis if the schools maintained by the Order were closed. In December the Government adopted its new constitution, which contained, among other things of a revolutionary character for Spain, provisions for the dissolution of the Jesuit Order. It was thought then that the Government would give plenty of time before the expulsion was ordered, time enough, at least, for the Government to reorganize the schools.
But the extreme anti-clerical factions got busy [ilegible]. They got what they wanted and the Jesuits were ordered to pack up and depart. The decree came suddenly.
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At colleges and other schools which have been taken over by the various State educational authorities their efforts to carry on have been futile because a majority of former students refuse to attend the re-organized classes.
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For one thing the students that were attending were there for specialized instruction, largely along scientific lines, that the Jesuits were prepared to give. With the Jesuits gone, there was nobody to do it.
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In Barcelona the Chemical Institute has been closed. Its founder and director, Father Eduardo Vitoria, is the author of numerous books on chemistry that are quoted in scientific circles everywhere. The Institute maintained one of the stiffest possible courses in chemistry and the certificates it gave graduates were preferred by Spanish employers to the diplomas given in the State scientific schools.