New-York tribune., 1908-02-07
PORTUGAL PROGRAMME
L4W. and ORDER PL4NS.
Confidence IN Nesc Ministry Grosc-
Elections To Be Held.

Lisbon Feb. "a good impression has been
created among the people by the DEGREES issued
Nv the new government nullifyng the dictato-
rial repressive measures that still were in force
from the Franco regime. and the confidence OF
,bc rress and the public II, the new Ministry is
growing This attitude of the government was
exen1plified ia the release from prison to-day of
l-nree Deputies. ali prominent Republicans. who
were incarcerated in the latter part of January,
charged with plotting against the state When
rbe three Deputies were released there was no
e-7e-1p1 in any way 10 make q demonstration.
The new governments programme is enunci-
.+ad ,v Premier Ferrera in his declaration that
h. intends 10 enforce respect for the laws and
,,,hlic order, fer which the present constitution
is amply sufficient Nothing could be more di-
-ac- than his plan for restoring normal condi-
lions The government in making an appeal to
-be country 10 obey the laws. sets an example
,v removing as far as possible ali traces Of the
exceptional regime Of Franco. annulling the pow
e-s concentrated in the hands of the Cabinet re-
storing the liberty Of the press and parliament
-s-r immunity. rcvoking the municipal boards
.,-oin-ed l7v the former Premier and abolshing
-be exceptional powers conferred upon police
,-5,unaIs 1t does not grant amnesty, but polit-
,osl r,risoners may now go before the courts TO
bo tried IN accordance with the law. The cleo
WI be
raorle will make their response.
Thu .-Seculo" an independent newspaper, ex-
,rssses the opinion il its issue Of to-day that
-be DEGREES promulgated by King Manuel are
+,s- hut that they are an insufficient response
- the demands of public sentiment. "One must
dsl,-e deeply into the national SOUL the paper
sszs TO understand this outrage the King
.n5 Crown Prince-the agitation which preceded
:, snd the causes which explain it. Calm viii
co-,e 10 the country only when liberty is sus-
rsiped by high moral forces
Various foreign missions TO attend the
funerals OF the late King and the Crown Prince
are nov on their way 10 Lisbon. They include
CONSERVATIVES Of the governments Of Italy,
Belgium and Servia. well as the German mis-
sisn. headed by Prince EiteI Frederick. third
san of Emperor William. and the English mis-
sen headed by the Duke Of Connaught.
The Minister OF the Argentine Republic 10
Portugal has been made z special ambassador
70 represent his government a. the funerals
L Is related here to-day that when Premier
Franco visited King Carlos 10 procure his sig
nature 10 the decree Of January 81, which gave
The Cabinet unlimited powers to suppress agija-
ton. his majesty said: = have a presentment
that II signing this decree am signing my own
death warrant. but il is Of little consequence"
Il is reported in court circles that Queen Anne
liz is considering going on a visit to Spain or
England soon as the Improvement in the
home situation warrants her absence. The de-
Tar-u7e Of the Queen. it Is stated would give
70 the beginning Of King Manuel's reign q char
acter Of much desired neutrality.
Il is said that the Dowager Queen Maria Pia,
utterly unstrung by the overwhelming blow
which has fallen upon her, viii seek quiet re-
treat in I-alv