Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-05
ALLABOUT PORTUGAL
ruE NEW MINISTER TO THIS COuN-
TRY TALKS INTERESTINGLY.
The Head of the Foreign once mt
LiSbon-How Royalty There MIN
Giles with the Pcopic-Thc Money
Problem.
1'roEleiu.
washington Evening starr

Senior de Seguira Thadieu. the new
Portuguese Minister. presented his creden-
tails TO the State Department late yester-
day TO Acting Secretary uhl. who took
occasion to refer to the cordial relations
which have 80 long been maintained be-
tween the United States and Portugal
The Minister talked interestingly con-
corning the public men and current pollti-
cal events In his country
"Our legislative body was dissolved last
December" said he. land we are TO have
an election before 1t reassembles. in Janu-
airy. Before the dissolution occurred the
ministry was harassed by the obstructive
tactics Of the minority, made up OF Pro-
gresslsts and two Republicans. The minis
try. which Is conservative, stands for
monarchial institutions. and has had
large majority OF the House OF Deputies
10 support it, But the turmoil OF Inc
minority was such that the dissolution
was welcomed. The two Republican depu-
ties represent the insignificant element
favorable TO a republic. Before 1 leit LIS
bon there was some talk that the ITO
gressIsts would coalesce with the Repubh-
monarchlsm, 1t is not likely that a coali-
ton will be made which viii increase the
Republican strength in the next House
of Deputies. Indeed. the prospects are
that the Republicans will have even Tess
in the next House than in the last.
HEAD OF FOREIGN OFFICE.
at the head of our Foreign once
continued the Minister Portugal has a
f- e.
Is still very yOung-in his 3ith year-but
he is recognized for his ability as n
statesman. and as one OF the first ora
tors in the country. He graduated 81
the National University, which Is the
principal seat Of learning IN Portugal
and at the age of a entered the House
of Deputies. His success was immedi-
ate. and within fifteen days he was con-
coded to be one OF the first leaders and
orators. Two years ago he became Min
ister OF the Interior. and a year later be-
came Minister OF Foreign Affairs. His
policy combines a conciliatory course to-
ward foreign neighbors and u patriotic
spirit for all that is dear 10 Portugal.
All countries have their Gladstones
Baines. and Bismarcks, and It T.. per-
haps, not too much TO say that he repre-
sents this national character in Portu-
gal"
kO1 ALI 7 AND GGptl.f.
Senior de Seguira speaks with enthusi-
asm as 20 the manner IN which the
King and Queen minge with the peo-
pie. and thus keeps in touch with popu-
lar feeling.
THE king moves freely about the public
places and Streets" said he. Every day
he may be seen on the bOUleyards. some
times on horseback, sometimes walking.
or driving He goes unattended by mill
tary escort or guards. lie mngles with
the people, finds companions among them,
and talks with them. He goes 10 the
theatre. and to public entertainments. ana
there Is an entire absence OF That cN-
clusiveness which is popularity suppos j
to be characteristic Of royalty. He is fond
of athletics. is q perfect horseman,
capable yachtsman. and enjoys tennis
Referring again TO public affairs. Senior
de Seguira said that while Portugal has
pasesd through some financial depression.
the present .lourishing condition OF the
country and colonies promised 70 bring
financial prosperity and quiet. Portugal
now uses gold. silver. and paper cur
rency The gold is the standard Of value,
and the silver ratio Il adjusted TO gold.
MONEY PROBLEM.
Senior De Seguira feels. however. that
the International problem OF bimetalllsm
anu iIpuDtl' td-l4TNi - sum ~ 'ANi pttNf
ard that there are many difficulties TO be
reconciled before the subject can be taken
out Of the realm Of abstract discussion,
and be given to practical solution.
Whether Portugal will take part I'm an
international monetary conference, the
Minister is i'm doubt. az the subject has not
as yet attracted much attention I'm Portu-
gal, pending the issuance OF invitations
for the conference.