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Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1927, Page 2

i Portugal seems to lie building up a . reputation for revolutionary activity 1 which may ultimately rival the records ; of the Latin-American republics in their palmiest days. In July last, General Carmona conducted to a successful conclusion the third revolution which had occurred at Lisbon within the space of three months. He arrested and exiled General da Costa—who had himself overthrown the Cabocedas Government about three weeks before—and then proceeded to reorganise the Administration on something like liberal lines. But apparently, whether ho has secured the confidence of the general public or not. he seems to lack the power or the resolution to hold his ground against the formidable opposition arrayed against him. Tt. must, of course, be borne in mind that none of the.se recent movements in Portugal have represented any desire on the part of any eonsideralde section of the people to restore the monarchy. The Portuguese are apparently satisfied with a republic, controlled by a President, nominally on constitutional lines. UIU. like most of the Southern Europeans, they seem to prefer a ruler who has the power to express his own will in a

somewhat irresponsible fashion. The tendency towards democratic methods, though it is operating even in the Mediterranean States, is not there, as in Northern Europe, based upon instinct and tradition. This difference may serve at the present time to account for the popularity of Mussolini in Italy, and Prime da Rivera in Spain. When last year da Costa set himself up as virtual military dictator of Portugal, he had good prospects of maintaining his position for some time to come. But he was too arbitrary and intolerant even for Hie army, and lie was deposed as a result of a conspracy amongst the chief officers who hoped to find a more satisfactory leader in General Carmona. But Carmona, with the best of intentions, seems in have made the mistake of inviting a number of liis old opponents to share power with him. Moreover, ill his anxiety to introduce constitutional methods of Government, he lias annoyed the soldiers and alarmed the conservative section of the middle and

upper classes, who appear to be supporting this new “army plot” lo get rid of Carmona in turn.