Emperor, has given rise to a variety of rumours, most
of them doubtless without foundation. It is certain, however, that Portugal is again in financial difficulties, which must press as heavily upon the King as upon his Ministers, and we fancy that he can make inquiries, and even arrangements, which would imperil a Minister's position. Portugal has no assets to sell except her colonies, and out of a pride which, her his- tory being considered, is rather creditable to her, refuses to sell those; but we fancy she would not refuse to a wealthy company large rights of trading, mining, and railway construction. We shall soon see, however, what compromise has seemed feasible ; and meanwhile the King is royally entertained, and if he does not kill as many birds as the German Emperor, it is not for want of opportunity. Nobody could kill as many rabbits, if it is true, as reported, that his Imperial Majesty near Lowther Castle shot sixty in twenty minutes.
