SPAIN: Nearly Perfect

The story of James of Campostella, Patron Saint of Spain, was recently cited in connection with Spanish politics. It relates how, when the Saint died and went to Heaven, the Almighty, wishing to express appreciation of his apostle’s conduct on earth, offered to grant any petition that he might make. St. James began by invoking the Divine blessing upon his beloved country and then entreated that Spain might always be known as possessing the bravest men, the loveliest women, the healthiest climate, the most fertile soil and, last, the most perfect government. ” Stop,” exclaimed the Almighty, ” all your wishes shall be granted with the exception of the last. For were I to accord to you that one also, all my angels would leave heaven and take up their abode in Spain.”

The story is told many times a day in connection with Dictator Primo Rivera. They say he is contending against Heaven in endeavoring to en-dow Spain with a perfect government.