3-075-048 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Dispute with Portugal: seizure of the Delagoa Bay Railway by the Portuguese, June 29, 1889, (1890). 'Mr. Wallis Mackay furnishes our Sketches of the affair: "...the railway was to be taken by the Portuguese...Mr. Philip Knee, the general manager...received notice from the Governor of Delagoa Bay that, if necessary, military force would be used, in seizing the train and line...The manager had replied to the Governor's ultimatum: 'Excellency, - I will continue to work the railway until you tear the lines up.' In consequence, two soldiers were dispatched to the railway tanks, and, with small wood-cutting axes, endeavoured to cut through the metals...the driver, Rigby, got his train ready. With a beautiful disregard to their own safety, a truck with a large iron case of dynamite destined for the mines at Barberton was coupled on in front of the engine...the whistle of the engine was set shrieking in a most unearthly manner...The next move on the part of the driver was to open simultaneously all the steam vents of his engine; and, amid seething, hissing volumes of steam, the Portuguese soldiers beat a retreat in considerable confusion... The train steadily moved away on its journey to Barberton, with its precious freight of dynamite in front'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.