The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-24
CONSPIRACY IS
 WIPED IN THE BUD Attempt Is Made to Wake Re-
 public of Portugal FORTY MEN ARE ARRESTED Police Discover the Plot and Raid a House, Finding RevoIvers and
 Bombs, With Full Evil
 dence of Plans.
FORTY MEN ARE ARRESTED

Lisbon, Portugal. January 23-By cou- rier to Badajos, Spain, January 2S--An
 ortive attempt to overthrow the mon archy and proclaim Portugal a republic was nipped in the bud last night by the prompt action of the government. The plot organized by a small group Of advanced republicans. As near as can be ascertained the plan was to assassinate Premier Franco and then depend for suc- cess upon street risings, supported by se- cret, republican and labor organizations armed with bombs and revolvers
 The conspirators intended to take ad- vantage of various festivities to carry out their plans. The royal family were at Villa Vices, entertaining the Duke of Abruzzi. Most of the army and navy of fcers who were in the city were attending gala performance at the theatre while many of the chief functionares of state were present at a magnificent ball at one of the legations.
 The police discovered what was in the wind early in the evening and surround ed and raided a house where the ring leaders in the plot were conferring. When they broke in the doors the lights were extinguished and in the confusion that followed, most of the conspirators man. aged to make their escape Several of them, however, were captured. including the leader, Joao Chagras, a republican journalist who was prominent in the re- publican revolt of 1881; Franca Borger, editor of Omundo, and a merchant by the name of Grendella.
 Explosives Found.
 A case of revolvers and bombs was found in the cellar. A general alarm was immediately sent out and while the pris- oners were being taken to jail troops be- gan to appear from all directions squadron of cavalry was placed around Premier Franco's house and the night passed without further incident
 From papers captured it was evident that the conspiracy was badly organized and premature. Chagras, the leader, has always been an active reYolutionist Af- ter the revolt in 1891 he escaped to Brazil and subsequently, being pardoned by am- nesty, returned to Portugal.
 The details of the plot are in the hands of the police and further arrests are ex- pected.
 a orous- censorship so that details of the conspiracy may not be learned abroad
 Outside of Lisbon no disturbances are reported.
 The peaceful section of the republicans, headed by Bernandlno Machiado, appar- ently is in no way implicated in the af- fair.
 The government organ, Diario Illustrao, today printed a warning that agitators against public order would be treated as criminals and the enemies of society
 Forty Men Arrested.
 By tonight forty consprators had been arrested. The police have secured evi- dence of another revolt planned to take place January 3l, the anniversary of the republican revolt at Oporto, if last nights plans failed.
 The general political situation is marked by increasing activity on the part of the republicans and Miguelites. Senor Miguel has announced that his programme in- cludes the recognition of parliaments, right of assembly, abolition of the death penalty and all excesses of absolutism. Owing to the political situation, the pre- mium on gold is rapidly rising.
 The Dario Popular prints a sensational article to the effect that many officers in the Lisbon garrison are under suspicion of being implicated in the conspiracy to overthrow the government.