New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-09
MAJOR SERPA PINTO.
HAILED AS THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE
PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC.
,yRox AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBUNE.

man who now reigns in Portugal Here in Lis
bon at Oporto, Mgarvo, Villareal, and, indeed IN
all the other cities and towns, almost the whole
of the inhabitants ardent Republicans; the
tobacconists the wine-dealers and the BARRIERS be-
ing especially active in the anti-dynastc agitation
There are some 1870 influential Republican clubs
scattered throughout the Kingdom, with roll OF
members numbering some 100000 There are,
moreover, twelve Republican newspapers, with
LARGE circulation, and number of avowed anti
monarchists figure in the municipality, at the
bar and even in the army Prominent among
these is Dr. Braga, the most popular and able
lawyer i'm Portugal, whose eloquence exercises
great influence over the youth of the Nation, and
whose pen has done much to diffuse democratic
teachings throughout the country. Another is Cen
eral Garcia of the artillery, recognized as the
principal military engineer Of the Peninsula, who
holds a professorshp at the military academy
4 third is Latino Coelho, the accomplished secre-
tarv of the National Academy of Sciences. Nor
must the name of Magelhaes Lima. Alderman of
this city and Editor of the Seculo," be omitted.
Indeed almost every Portuguese of recognized
intellect and enlightenment processes republican
opinions. The country people and agricultural
population, who are still STEPPED in Grass lgno-
rance, though at heart democratic, are more in
taking an active part in the overthrow of the
monarchy they WILL however, accept with per
feet equanimity and even satisfaction the results
of revolution, if successful. Indeed, the sub
iects of King Carlos are nearly all at heart Re
publican, ard in Portugal one never hears the
cry of Long live the King" but only that OF
Long live our Fatherland.7 Intensely patriotic
and sensitive on the score Of national dignity.
they bitterly resent the surrender of the Govern
ment 10 Great Britain in the dispute concerning
the African Lake District and extol TO the
skies Major Serpa Pinto, the man whose aggreS-
sive dongs in Africa have led TO the unfortunate
difficulty with England.
Serpa Pinto is the idol of the hour, and con-
stitutes the most serious peril TO the Braganza
dynasty The most positive instructions have
been sent to him, not only TO withdraw from the
Shire and Zamhesi districts but even to leave
Mozambique for Benguela. on the West Coast OF
Africa. The authorities at home are aware of his
impulsve character, and realize that as long as
he remains at Mozambique he will he unable to
refrain from fresh efforts 10 extend Portuguese
domination in every direction. Like the valiant
doscobridores of the sixteenth century he aims at
planting his country'S flag on all the richest land
Of Africa totally Indifferent to whether il may
have been pre-empted by some other Power, such
as Great Britain or Germany. The danger Of his
becoming guilty of some new act Of hostility
toward England is intensified by the knowledge
that in defyng the orders of his sovereign in the
matter he has the whole country at his back.
1t was therefore considered necessary at all costs
to get him away from the East Coast before fresh
complications ensued.
II is, however, exceedingly doubtful il he will
comply with the orders which he has received to
proceed 20 Benguela, and it is far more probable
that he will throw up his commission in disgust
and return home with the object of resuming his
seat in the Cortcz Geracs, as the National Porila-
ment is called If he does come home, and allows
his bitterness against the Government TO lead him
70 Join the Republican movement, the death-1Eell
of the Braganza dynasty will have sounded in
Portugal Serpa Pinto is intensely active, rest
less and ambitious Should he join the anti
monarclists-and it stands TO reason that he viii
10 so-he will become the leader of the party
ard of the revolution, and before the year las
come to an end we may see a President Serpa
Pinto governing the Portuguese in the place OF
King Carlos.
The personality Of Serpa Pinto is a curious
one. and is well worth few passing words. He
is small Of stature. but exceedingly 1.-the and
muscular His beard and his hair are long and
silky His feet and hands small and shopcly.
Although shortsghted, the look Of his eyes IS eX-
c~o,linrly oaoroetic vivacious and bold. II light
eus up face which has been rendered very yeliO"
hy disease of the liver, contracted during tie
course Of his African explorations. He is. some
what Of a fop with regard 70 his personal appear
arcc but the impression caused thereby disappears
IS soon as he begins TO speak. lie IS extremely
cloouent-onc moment moduloting his voice, and
apparently seeking TO charm ana persuade WIN
tLe most soft and insdous of speeches, while a
.fr ,,ffl 10 fhTQmOl the
with tones that vibrate and seem TO carry every
thing before them. Ills character is similar 70 his
soecch. namely, brusquc and gentle, imperious and
i.sinuatiog all at the same time. y thorough
n,on OF the world. he is much at home III the
boudoir OF duchess as in the wilds of Africa, ana,
while Ae is open-hearted, generous and even some
wat of a spendthrift, ne conceals under his devil
uay-care attitude exceedingly astute, AMBITIOUS
ami cunning nature.
Born Oh the banks of the river Douro in 1876
he was educated at the Royal Military College
i'm TIN, city. ana entered the army as ensign
some i've and twenty years ago IL loO0 ne U9Ch
part in the war on the Zambesl and greatly as
tinguished himself. His principal feat, ana the
one which brought him lasting fame ana hOnof'
was his Journey across Africa, from Beng uela' on
the West Coast, 10 Durham, on the East coast IN
Is17-1S7g The country between these TWO
points while nomin0lly under Portuguese author-
inv had never been explored, ana slthOugh FEVER
stricken robbed of his supplies, deserted py his
portcrs and absolutely alone, he nevertheless sue
ceeded in mapping out the entire breadth Oh I W
continent along the 9TH degree OF latitude. On
lbs return TO Portugal, where he was welcomed
with great popular reoicinss, he was appointed
aidede-caGnp of the King, and received hohoiS
and distinctions from all the governments and
learned societies of Europe. Court life was not.
however, to his taste. and about eighteen months
later he was dispatched to Brazil on secret ms
sion TO Dom Pedro. On his return he was elected
member of the Chamber OF Deputies but dId not
retain his seat very long For, becoming involved
In several scrapes in which the fair sex and finance
PLAYED an exceedingly prominent part, II was
deemed prudent 10 find preteXt for sending HIM
out of the country for time. lie was according ~
appointed Consul-General at Zanzibar. There,
however he soon became embrOiled with both the
German and English authorizes and at length
actually declared war on some frivolous prcteAt
against the Sultan, an act which was promptly
disayowed by the Cabinet at Lisbon. Realizing
tho danger of entrusting him with any kind OF