Islands in Revolt The Portuguese Government announced last week the
surrender of the rebels on four islands in the Azores, induced, apparently, by the use of that favourite Portu- guese weapon, the ultimatum. The Government added that the atmosphere at home was undisturbed by this archipelagic insubordination. Municipal elections and the publication of a new administrative code are steps shortly to be taken in Portugal on the return road to constitutionalism. Along this road General Carmona's voluntary progress is impeded, paradoxically enough, more by the enemies of dictatorship than by anything else. When we write, a punitive expedition, fresh from its triumphs in the Azores, is expected momentarily off Madeira. Defence measures are being pressed forward by the insurgents, and include the concentration of troops on the north coast of the island, where a landing is expected. The commander of the punitive force has informed the rebels that the island will be attacked by land, sea, and air unless they surrender. There is some cause for alarm, but—especially in view of the continued presence off Funchal of H.M.S. ' London '- we foresee a more protracted overture of ultimatums before the curtain is likely to rise on any hostilities proper. To bombard Madeira would be highly detri- mental to its revenue-producing attractions as a pleasure resort ; a wiser and indeed a more effective course would be to continue the creeping economic paralysis by means of a blockade,
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