Politics and Social Changes 



In this strange country the comic and the 

 tragic ever tread on each other's heels. To 

 this tragedy the comic element was supplied by 

 the cruiser Dojn Carlos, which immediately 

 after the murders came at full speed from 

 Lisbon to Madeira — for the second time within 

 two years. But on this occasion there was no 

 question of quelling disorder here ; and the 

 wags suggested, perhaps not wholly without 

 foundation, that the new Government, hastily 

 formed to meet the emergency, felt happier 

 with Funchal and not Lisbon lying at the 

 mercy of her guns. The mere suspicion of 

 a disaffected navy must be a perfect nightmare 

 to shaky governments in seaside capitals. 



As regards the future much will depend on 

 the personal character and conduct of the 

 young King ; whether as he feels his feet he 

 will have the judgment to take the right 

 course, and the courage to face all risks in 

 pursuing it. The body of opinion which 

 Franco represented is not dead, and will, as 

 time goes on, probably gather fresh strength. 

 Some of the most considerable forces in the 

 country hold themselves aloof from present 

 politics, and when the "Young Portugal" 



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