File No. 11513/1.
The Portuguese Minister to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 2, 1908.
Sir: It is my painful duty to inform you that I received last night from my Government a cable, of which the following is a translation:
This afternoon, shortly after 5 o’clock, as their Majesties, on their return from Villa Viçosa, were crossing the Terreiro do Paço, in an open carriage, in which were also their royal highnesses, they were in a dastardly and barbarous manner shot at with guns and revolvers, His Majesty the King and the Crown Prince being killed. Three of the assassins were immediately destroyed and three others were captured. The greatest consternation prevails in the city. The maintenance of public order is absolutely assured. To-morrow the Official Gazette will publish the proclamation acclaiming Prince Dom Manuel King of Portugal.
I avail, etc.,