Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward
Sir: The ministry of the Marquis de Sa da Bandeira resigned office on the 2d instant without any formal expression on the part of the Cortes. After a close contest for the choice of presidents of the chamber of deputies, in which the ministry barely succeeded, it became evident that a sure working majority could not be relied upon, and that to prolong the struggle would only involve additional embarrassments. Under these circumstances it was considered proper to withdraw from an irksome and thankless responsibility, and to leave to an opposition of mixed materials, which had united for a given purpose, the task of administering the government in the difficult circumstances which it had brought about.
His Majesty the King then summoned Mr. de Aguiar and the Duke de Loulé, the two chiefs of the coalesced opposition, and committed to them the duty of organizing a cabinet. After various conferences the interest represented by the Duke de Loulé confided the organization exclusively to Mr. de Aguiar, and he announced to the chambers yesterday the new ministry, composed as follows:
President of council and minister of interior, J A. de Aguiar; minister of foreign affairs and public works, Conde de Castro; minister of finance, Pontes Pereira de Mello; minister of justice and worship, Barjona de Freitas; minister of war, Conde Torres Novas; minister of marine and colonies, Visconde Praia Grande.
No confidence is entertained that this ministry will succeed any better than the one which it succeeded in ousting from office; and so far as respects the practical conduct of affairs, and especially the diplomatic relations, it is less acceptable that its predecessor.
It was announced in the chambers to-day that the Cortes would be adjourned till November. This recess may enable the new cabinet to recruit some additional strength, but there are certain elemants of discord which cannot be easily reconciled, and chronic causes of complaint which a mere change of ministers will not remedy.
The public men, generally, have either neglected or failed in the courage to apply the stern treatment which the situation demands, or, in other words, to confront the necessity, as it presents itself to every careful observer.
In compliance with the terms of the constitutional charter the King has obtained leave from the Cortes to absent himself temporarily from the country, and intends to make a voyage with the Queen, soon after the opening of the exposition, at Porto, on the 16th instant, to include visits to England, Prance, and Italy, travelling in comparative incognito under the title of Duke and Duchess of Braganza.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.