New-York tribune., 1908-04-06
FIERCE RIOTS In LISBON
TROOPS FIRE ON CROWDS.
WOHarchists Hin at POiIs-Repub-
HCaRs Charge Fraud.

Lisbon April 1.-The elections here to-day,
which were conducted peaceabIy with the ex-
ception OF minor disorders in some Of the dis
affected districts. were followed tonight By
serious rioting. which was put down only By
vigorous action on the part OF the police and
the troops. The rioting broke out in different
parts Of the city as If by a preconcerted plan.
Troops which had been patroHng and others
which had been held in reserve we're inrms-
dtately ordered into action. They repeatedly
charged the mobs. which in places filed the
streets. but without sffect. The rioters used
clubs stones and whatever other weapons we're
hand and finally the troops we're Obliged to
fire on them. killing and wounding many per-
sons
This determined action on the part OF the au-
thorities seemed 10 have the desired effect. and
soon afterward the mobs were dispersed At
late hour most Of the Republican voters had
gone TO their homes. but bands OF youths con-
tinued to make demonstrations before the
churches Thev confined their disorders. how
ever. to shouting, and a recurrence Of the dis
turbances during the remainder Of the night
seems unlikely.
With the exception Of minor disorders A. AMOS
and Alcantara. the elections passed of quietly
throughout the country. as far a. present advices
indicate In this city there were slight dis
turbances during the dsy in certain sections
owing to the numbers OF electors. who suspect
ed that unfair methods were being adopted
There was much hooting al the police but ths
latter did not hesitate TO scatter the crowds with
a strong arm.
Up 20 midnight counting had not begun IN
many Of the districts. Strong police guards
were assigned 10 watch the baIloring urns
throughout the night No trouble is reported
from Oporto
The ballot boxes according 20 custom. were
installed in the churches, and the voting due 70
the agitation throughout the country and the
active campaign OF the Republicans. probably
was the heaviest in PortugaTs history. The
large vote cast and the great number Of candi-
dates make the count slow, and because OF bad
communications in the provinces. IL Is unlikely
that the full returns will -oe in before Tuesday.
Nevertheless. large Nonarchist coalition ma
jority, composed OF the two old rotative parties,
the NationaIst-CIericaI and The Franco sroups
is assured. Nfnety-nine out Of 146 Deputies 70
be chosen, already reported eIeczed. are Non
archists
In general way the elections turned out "a
planned by the parties in control The Repub-
Iicans. who had only TWO seats in the dissolved
Parliament, increased their representation TO
possibly twenty. IN Lisbon they swept the pop
ulous sections OF the city. but gerrymanders in
the outside districts Offset in measure this ad-
vantage The Republican leaders are raising
the cry OF "F'raud." They say thar while gov
ernment pressure seemingly relaxed the old
electoral machinery was in full operation. be-
/ cause OF the fear the part OF The govern
I ment OF a great Republican movement. and that
/ therefore the elections do not represent in any
/ way the sentiment OF the country
/ As the suffrage is limited 10 those who can
read and write. who pay certain direct taxes.
the Republicans contend that II was an easy
matter for the authorities 70 manipulate the
registry list against the Republican partisans
among the masses. So per cent OF whom are
illiterate- Nevertheless. leaders like Machado.
Alrneida and Cunha say that the seats which
they won give them sufficient strength 70 wage
open against the old system as soon as
Parlia nent reassembIes.
The Monarchists apparently are satisfied with
the result OF the election. saying that the ex-
travagant claims Of the Republicans are utterly
disproved-