Mr. Munro to Mr.
Seward.
No. 471.]
Legation of the United States,
Lisbon,
April 17, 1868.
Sir: In my dispatch No. 467, of March 24, I had
the honor of alluding to the trouble caused to the government of this
country by the large number of operatives out of work, and much
annoyance has been created in the town of Lisbon by demonstrations got
up by certain parties here, who, under the guise of sympathy for the
distressed workmen, have tried to induce disorder and confusion, causing
a good deal of agitation and alarm among the population of this town. On
Sunday, the 12th instant, a public political club, whose chiefs and
directors have not hesitated in openly discussing the propriety of
calling for a change in the ruling charter, in adopting the so-called
constitution of 1838, which establishes the national guard, and insuring
more extended popular liberties, got up a demonstration by collecting a
mob of so-called operatives out of work, who were led to the department
of the interior, and being admitted to the respective secretary of
state, vociferously and in a menacing manner demanded work and relief.
The military and police were called out, and about 20 of the ringleaders
were arrested. The remainder broke up into small bands, and on that and
the next day began demanding, and in some cases enforcing, alms from
shopkeepers, the banks, and principal private banking houses. These
proceedings naturally alarmed the population, as in some cases threats
were not spared that forcible means would be had recourse to for
obtaining relief. For a couple of days all business was stopped, stores
and offices were shut up, and were it not for the energetic and
efficient measures adopted by the government, serious consequences might
have resulted. For the present order appears to have been established,
but the government has thought proper to convene the Cortes at once,
instead of waiting for the day previously fixed on, the 27th instant,
and on the 15th his Majesty the King opened the session in person. I
have the honor of inclosing a translation of his Majesty’s speech on the
occasion.
The circumstances alluded to therein, of her Majesty the Queen’s
departure for Italy, took place on the 12th instant. Besides intending
to be present at the marriage ceremony of her brother, it is believed
that her Majesty’s health requires her temporary absence abroad.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient
servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Untitled]
Most worthy peers of the realm and messieurs
deputies of the Portuguese nation:
It is always with, great pleasure that I comply with, the duty
imposed on me by the constitutional charter of the monarchy by
coming in person to open the legislative session, and to find myself
in the midst of the representatives of the nation.
In virtue of an invitation from my august father-in-law, her Majesty,
my esteemed spouse, has departed for Italy, there to be present at a
family ceremony which is to be attended by all the princes of the
royal house of Savoy.
I feel assured that the Queen’s visit will afford an efficient means
of binding in a still closer manner the relations of friendship now
existing between the two countries, and that her Majesty’s return to
the kingdom will not be long delayed.
The amicable relations between my government and all foreign powers
continue to exist in an unaltered form.
The extraordinary circumstances which supervened at the commencement
of the year obliged me to consult the national suffrage, which
responded to my appeal in complete tranquillity, at the same time
that they induced my government to adopt certain measures [Page 95] which were beyond the
ordinary limits of executive power, but urgently called for by the
exigency of the moment.
I feel convinced that, in taking cognizance of these acts, you will
discuss them with that impartial spirit which your enlightened
judgment will naturally suggest. I consider it my duty to direct
your care and attention to public instruction, especially primary
education, to high roads and locomotion, and to the army and public
force in general, which by its discipline and obedience has proved
itself a sure guarantee of tranquillity; but, among all the subjects
of public administration, the question of our finances is doubtless
that which ought more particularly to call for your attention.
The secretary of the treasury will lay before you the budget of
public receipts and expenditures, accompanied by a faithful account
of the state of the treasury, together with the necessary proposals
for an efficient administration and recovery of the revenue, for the
improvement of the public, credit, and for the organizing of the
state finances.
Most worthy peers of the realm and messieurs deputies of the
Portuguese nation, the noble mission which you are called upon to
develop is worthy of you and of the confidence which the nation and
I intrust to your care.
The aspirations of our country, my earnest hope and cordial desires,
are that you may fully realize this confidence.
The session is opened.
