It was reported on Saturday, on the strength of a
Times' telegram from Zanzibar, that Major Serpa Pinto, the Portu- guese explorer now commanding troops in Mozambique, had committed a distinct aggression on the British. He had attacked the Makololo, who are under our protection, in the Shire highlands, had slaughtered "hundreds" of them with gatling guns, had seized two British flags recently presented to them; an had deoliitedYhiS infention-,ot conquering -the whole country up 'toNyaiisa. Thea4 thinks, if approved by the Portuguese 'Government, would mean war ; but it: is not certain that they are approved. The Portuguese' Foreign Office denies the facts," declaring that Major Pinto was attacked by the .Makololo; and only slaughtered them in self-defence. The Foreign Minister; however, from motives' explained else- Where, indulges in much tall-talk about the resolve of For- tugal to maintain her rights; and the Poakuguese Press is EiriOus, declaring that Consul John:stone, One of the Most direct of men, had instigated the Mako101o to a treacherous attack, that British, raison:ma:ries had authorised two, murders, and that the British Government was an overbearing tyranny which Portugal, with the help of her allies, should reeisttp the last. Lord Salisbury awaits a faller statement of the -facts,- and will then present British demands to Lisbon in the clearest way, and with an explanation: of the obvious conse- quences of refusing justice. The public, meanwhile, should support him, but avoid getting an.gry.at the hot words of a Southern people thrown off. its balance by sympathy with, or horror at, the overturn in Brazil.
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