Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-04
AFT AIRS IN PORTUGAL
The New Portuguese Minister Talks In
terestingly of His Country.
The Head of the Foreign Affairs Of
ple-The Money Problem.

Senior de Seguira Thadieu, the new Port
uguese minister, presented his credentials
to the State Department late yesterday to
Acting Secretary Uhl, who took occasion
to refer to the cordial relations which had
so long been maintained between the Unit
ed States and Portugal. The minister talk
ed interestin gly today concerning the pub
lie men and current political events in his
country.
"Our legislative body was dissolved last
December said he, "and we are to have
an election before 1t reassembles, in Janu-
airy. Before the dissolution occurred the
ministry wes harassed by the obstructive
tactics Of the minority, made up of pro-
gressists end two republicans. The minis
try, which is conservative, stands for mon
archal institutions, and has had large
majority of the house of deputies to sup
port it. But the turmoil of the minority
was such that the dissolution was well
coined The two republican deputies rep
resent the Insignificant element favorable
to republic. Before 1 left Lisbon there
was some talk that the progressists would
coalesce with the republicans, but as the
former are rooted in monai chism it is not
likely that a coalition will be made which
will increase the republican strength in the
next house of deputies. Indeed, the pros
poets are that the republicans will have
even less in the next house than in the
last.
Head of the Foreign Office.
"At the head of our foreign office,' con-
tinued the minister, Portugal has a man
in whom she is justly proud. He is still
very young-in his thirty-fCUrth year-but
he is recognized for his ability as states
man and one of the first orators in the
country. He graduated at the National
University. which is the principal seat of
learning in Portugal, and at the age of
W n fl emf fha nf n tias
His success was immediate, and within fif-
teen days he was conceded to be one of the
first leaders and orators. Two years ago
he beca me minister of the interior, and a
year later became minister of foreign af-
fairs. His policy combines q concifiatory
course toward foreign neighbors and a pa
triotic spirit for all that is dear to Porta-
gal All countries have their Gladstones,
Blaines and Bismarcks. and it is, perhaps,
rot too much to say that he represents
this national character in Portugal
Royalty MinE1es With the People.
Senor de Seguira speaks with enthusiasm
as to the manner in which the king and
queen mingle with the people, and thus
keep in touch with popular feeling.
THE king moves freely about the public
places and streets" said he. Every day
he may be seen on the boulevards, some
times on horseback, sometimes walking or
driving. He goes unattended by military
escort or guards. He mingles with the peo-
pie, finds companions among them and
talks with them. He goes TO the theaters
and to public entertainments, and there is
an entire absence of that exclusiveness
which is popularity supposed to be charac-
teristic of royalty He is fond of athletics,
Is a perfect horseman, a capable yachts
man and enjoys tennis"
Referring again to public affairs. Senior de
Seguita said that while Portugal had
passed through some financial depression,
the present 1curishing condition of the
country and colonies promised to bring
financial prosperity and quiet Portugal
now uses gold. silver and paper currency
The gold is the standard of value, and the
silver ratio is adjusted to gold.
The Money Problem.
Senior de Seguira feels, however that the
International problem of bimetallism and
monometallism is still an open one, and
that there are many difficulties to be recon-
ciled before the subject can be taken out of
the realm of abstract discussion and be
given to practical solution Whether Por-
tugal will take part in an international
monetary conference the minister is in
doubt as the subject has not as yet at
tracted much attention in Portugal pending
the issuance Of invitations for the confer