No. 256.
Mr. Moran
to Mr. Fish.
Legation of
The United States,
Lisbon, January 3, 1877.
(Received January 30.)
No. 117.]
Sir: The Cortes were opened on the 2d instant, by
the King in person and I inclose herewith a printed copy of the speech
delivered by His Majesty on the occasion to both houses, together with a
translation thereof.
Portugal enjoyed comparative prosperity during the past year, but the
monetary crisis of August last, and the severe tempests which began early in
November and still continue with more or less force, hve caused not a little
suffering in the kingdom. But these misfortunes have been successfully met
by the King and his government, and quiet and contentment prevail throughout
the realm and provinces.
Affairs with Spain are friendly, and both nations are doing all they can to
maintain amicable relations. This is not such an easy task as might be
supposed, taking into consideration the historical prejudices of both
peoples and the narrow line of demarkation between the two countries; but it
has been wisely carried out during the past year. The escape and return of
persons accused of crime impose much trouble on both nations; but a
conciliatory disposition on both sides and an honest adherence to the letter
and spirit of treaty stipulations do much to enable the respective countries
to enforce their obligations in these matters.
There is a strong disposition on the part of the government to develop
ailways in Portugal, but the people are sluggish about this kind of
ommunication. Still, new lines have been projected in the north, and [Page 456] surveys are in progress for the
construction of a line called the Beira Alta Railway, which, when completed,
will open a much-needed direct railway communication between Northern
Portugal and many important towns in the north of Spain, and bring Lisbon
within fifty-one hours of Paris; whereas, by the present tedious route, via
Madid, it requires eighty-one hours, and that is often greatly exceeded.
When the existing and only line is in order, the run from this to the
Spanish capital, a distance of about 550 miles, takes thirty-six hours; but,
at the present time, with a road and bridges impaired by the floods, it is
impossible to make the trip in less than fifty hours, and the accommodations
are of a very poor character. Nobody who knows anything of the trials of the
journey will make the trip for mere pleasure.
The Beira Alta Railway will commence at the town of Coimbra, at a junction
with the Northern Railway of Portugal, follow the valley of the Mondego as
far as the junction of the River Dão; it will then take the high ground
between the Dao and the Mondego Pass, near Celorico, bend slightly to the
south, passing at the foot of the city of Guarda, and thence to the
frontier, crossing it at Villar Formosa, about ten miles south of Almeida.
It is proposed to extend the line through Spain, via Ciudad Bodrigo and
Salamanca, where it will join the line at present building from that town to
Medina del Campo (on the main line of the Northern of Spain Railroad
Company), half of which is already opened. The total length of the Beira
Alta will be 130½ miles. By this new route the distance from Paris to Lisbon
will be about 1,176 miles; whereas by the present route, via Madrid, the
distance is 1,449 miles. The difference, therefore, in favor of Beira Alta
will be about 273 miles,
and a great boon to travelers.
* * * * * * *
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Speech of the King at the opening of the Cortes,
January 2, 1877.
Worthy peers of the realm and deputies
of the Portuguese nations:
Following the constitutional precept, I have come to open the present
legislative session, and it is with pleasure I see around me the
representatives of the country.
Our relations of good amity continue uninterrupted with all foreign
powers.
Since the close of the last session I have received the visit of the
Prince of Wales, who remained a few days in this capital. It was
pleasant to me, and it has been so to all Portuguese, that the
illustrious son of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, who is allied
to me as well by his family as by ties of relationship and old
friendship, should have come to see for himself how deep and constant is
the sympathy which has for centuries existed between the two allied
nations.
A bank crisis which sensibly affected several of our principal houses of
credit, and which threatened to take alarming proportions, obliged my
government to use extraordinary measures, of which due account will be
given you. Some proposals of law, tending to avoid as much as possible
the renewal of such events, will also be placed before you.
I feel certain that all these papers will be examined with your usual
consideration, and I shall rejoice if they merit your approval.
The inundations produced by the last rains, if they on one hand will
benefit the lands, on the other have caused damages which it is urgent
to remedy quickly. In order to alleviate the evil of that particular
nature the spirit of charity was amply developed among all; but in order
to repair the damages and injuries sustained by public works and
edifices, my government will propose as indispensable the necessary
appropriation.
During the last legislative session some important proposals of law of
general interest remained pending your consideration; for these and for
others which my government [Page 457]
will present you through the different departments, I call your
enlightened attention, mentioning especially the reform of secondary
education, of recruiting, and the one which has for object to enable the
minister of public works to proceed in the construction of the Beira
Alta Railroad.
The colonies continue to deserve the attention of my government, and
through the competent ministry you will receive an account of the means
proposed to ameliorate the different branches of the service and develop
the prosperity of those vast possessions.
I am confident that you will examine everything maturely, and thus
promote, as much as possible, the improvements which the said colonies
so justly demand.
The situation of the finances claims, as usual, the most earnest
attention of the public powers, and my minister in that department will
present you the estimate of receipts and expenses of the state for the
fiscal year of 1877–1878, and other proposals of law which tend to
perfect the collection of revenue and accounts, and ameliorate
progressively the condition of the treasury without affecting the
tax-payers. I am satisfied that you will examine this all-important
matter with special care.
Worthy peers of the realm and deputies of the Portuguese nation:
Calling to your enlightened minds these many and important matters, I
count also on your zeal and patriotism, of which you have given so many
proofs, in fulfilling your high charges, and I feel confident that, with
the aid of divine Providence, we shall all continue in contributing to
public happiness.
This session is opened.
