A number of years ago, when the Conservatives were in power and Dato was
President of the Ministry, Azorín brought me word that Sánchez Guerra,
then Minister of the Interior, wished to see me and to have a little
talk, as perhaps some way might be arranged by which I might be made
deputy. During the afternoon, I accompanied Azorín to the Ministry, and
we saw the Minister.
He informed me that he would like to have me enter the Congress.
"I should like to myself," I replied, "but it would appear to me rather
difficult."
"But is there not some town where you are well known, and where you have
influence?"
"No, none whatever."
"How would you like then to be deputy to represent the Government?"
"As a regular?"
"Yes."
"As a Conservative?"
"Yes."
I thought a moment and said: "No, I can never be a Conservative, however
it might suit my interest to be so. Try as hard as I might, I should
never succeed."
"That is the only way in which we can make you deputy."
"Well, it cannot be helped! I must resign myself then to amount to
nothing."
Thanking the Minister for his kindness. Azorín and I walked out of the
Ministry of the Interior.