Today -100: October 6, 1910: Of republics and swackhammers

The revolutionaries in Portugal have declared a republic, with a new flag and everything. Britain, bound by treaty with Portugal, may have to go in to protect 21-year-old King Manuel II, who has fled Lisbon. The NYT declares Manuel an “amiable king” despite “very vague rumors” of affairs with actresses and foolish extravagance.” For the record, he was totally fucking actresses.

Portugal would never have a king again. Fascist dictator yes, king no.

Name of the Day -100: a Woodrow Wilson campaign speech was chaired by one Austin H. Swackhammer.