The news from Eastern Africa is still confused. A. message
has been received from Nyassa stating that Major Serpa Pinto has searched a British steamer on the lake, and palled down her flag; but this is supposed to be an expansion of the original account of that officer's proceedings. Lord Salisbury, however, on his recovery from his illness, addressed a despatch to Lisbon which, though "not minatory," demanded a distinct disavowal of Major Pinto, and implied in courteous language that if this were not complied with, negotiations must cease. The Portuguese Government, in reply, gave the required assurance, and the Dia, which is almost directly official, states that the Government will make any concession which is not one of rights, in order to avoid " affronts from England which we cannot ourselves avenge, and from which it would be degrading to count upon foreigners to defend-us. The first point of honour of the weak is prudence." Portugal will not retire, lest her prestige in Africa should be weakened, and if pressed beyond bearing, will invoke an International Con- vention. She, however, "trusts in the moderation of England." There is rather too much verbiage about all these declarations ; but it is said that Major Pinto's troops have already evacuated Shire, and if so, it may be possible to maintain the status quo till final arrangements can be made, for which purpose Lord Salisbury, though advised to visit Dieppe, will remain near London until a settlement is arrived at.
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