EX-DICTATOR ARRESTED.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 962, 1 November 1910, Page 5

EX-DICTATOR ARRESTED.

A PORTUGUESE PROSECUTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Oopyriffht. Lisbon, October 30. Senhor Franco has bcon arrested on a charge of abuse of pewer .during his dictatorship. He was bailed; qut. . BAIL FOR £40,000. (Rec. October'3l, 11,25 p.m.) Lisbon, October 31. Senhor Franco has been allowed bail for

In 1001 Senhor Joao Franco founded a party of Liberal-Rogeneradores, with a policy of social and economic . reform; and efficient party control of the administration. In May, 1906, Senhor Franco was appointed Prime Minister, but at tho elections in August he failed to obtain an absolute majority in the Chamber, while four Bepublican members were returned. Obstruction was manifested directly he tried to carry out his projected reforms, and in May, 1907, the Chamber was dissolved, and a' virtual dictatorship was established, with the result that all parties organised themselves solidly against the Government. The situation at the beginning of December, 1907, was very threatening. Senhor Julio Vilhena was elected leader of the Regeneradores, and he declared in his organ that the dictatorship must end in revolution or a crime. In 1908 tho King and Crown Prince were assassinated, and Senhor Franco Bhortly afterwards resigned.