gcls_WFP_369

Spain.

Spain is a country which it is difficult for an English-American type
of person to understand. If we could only see each other from the point
of view of the other fellow how different we would be perhaps. But yet
friendliness when expressed in deeds will overcome customs, superficial
differences, and racial antagonisms which separate the different nations
of the earth.

In Spain to-day bull-fighting is still a popular sport. To us it
seems to be a cruel, unsportsmanlike affair. Yet professional wrestling,
prize fighting, or even football may appear to them to be just as cruel
as bull-fighting.

Yet Spain is an interesting nation with a great past. At this writing
it has become a republic. We hope its future will be as brilliant as its
past. It is the land where Columbus finally secured the necessary help
by which America was discovered. It is the land of the great painters
Murillo and Velazquez. It is the land of song and dance. It is the land
of Cervantes who wrote Don Quijote which a Harvard professor pronounced
"the greatest novel in the history of the world's literature." It is
great enough. It is the land of the Alhambra.

We also know Spain in this lodge as the land of friendly folks. Be
sure to read the letters from the District Governor, and the Rotary
Club of Madrid. The beautiful piece of polished serpentine which was
sent by the Rotary Club of Madrid is one of the most beautiful rocks we
have, but the spirit of the letter which accompanied it makes us appre-
ciate as well as admire and enjoy the wonders of Spain and its people.

To the Rotary Club of Madrid we wish to express our thanks and app-
reciation.

[a photograph of a building, a park and a statue]
[caption reads:]
THE MEMORY OF SPAIN'S GREATEST WRITER IS ENSHRINED HERE

A nook in the Maria Luisa Park, Seville, is dedicated to Cervantes. The tiles of the
benches depict scenes from the adventures of his famous character, Don Quixote, and the bronze
statuette represents the redoubtable Sancho Panza. Several similar open-air "libraries," each
devoted to one of Spain's famous authors, are a delightful feature of the park.