The President of the Portuguese Republic, Senhor Arriaga, having stated
that he would like to consult the leaders of the various parties with a view to forming a non-party Cabinet, Dr. Affonso Costa, the Prime Minister, and his Ministry have resigned. President Arriaga belongs to the Moderate Republicans, and is believed to favour a political amnesty on broad lines and a modification of the existing law controlling public worship and the Church. Unfortunately, as the Parliament supports Dr. Costa, his resignation cannot be regarded in the light of a concession to moderating influences. His action may possibly be only a case of reculer pour m /cum saltier, as a non-party Cabinet, even if it be formed, is unlikely to secure the confidence of Parlia- ment, and in the caseof a General Election, Dr. Costa and the Carbonaria may still dominate the situation.
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