The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-18

Balzm.-We have recently had the pleasure OF con-
versing with gentleman who has spent time IN
Branl and have been much instructed by the intelli
gence he has given of that country. More recently
have been favored with letter from Rio Janeiro,
containing facts which viii undoubtedly be read
with interest
RIO DE JasEIRo, 18th March. .
This is a vast empire said 10 be as large as the
United States and lis territories, endowed with the
richest and most abundant natural resources whether
animal, vegetable, or mineral and having population
ihiniy spread Of nearly five millions. There are i'm
tracts in the interior which the foot Of civilized
man has never yet marked and consequently il
mains unknown how many and how extensive may
be the native tribes OF wild which inhabit ,kem
The northern and southern portions oft aie, and have
been for several years. state ofcivil war by which
they filing the earth with human blood, and the
air with the cries Of helpless women made widows,
and children made faiheress. Hopes have been from
time to time entertained. but often disappointed
that the desolaiing scouSge might its ravsges
and peace again prevail wish could say there
eyen now prospect OF its speedy termination.
IL Is melancholy fact that Wild spirit of unregu-
lated liberty, with graceless and hopeless nfdeiy,
Is sPreadin. like Ore through all parts and among all
classes seriously threatening overiun all social order
and the throne Already the government has but
lille money, few men, and less patriotism, at its com
mand
II is also slave-holdng country and slavery ne
fails TO drag after il train Of evils both moral
Many anticipating the time as not very distant
when the blacks and colored people, who compose the
largest part Of the population will rise and take pos
session of the whole country. Although the traffic
u by the laws of the land piracy, and punishable
with DEATH and also in direct violation oil lis treaties
yet it is carried on with boldness and in degree
truly amazing. IL is however stated that the pre-
sent government opposed To il, and that they
dong something TO prevent it, The English have
yera menof-war constantly cruising up and down
this coast, as we'll the coas, Of Africa which fire.
quenty seize and bring In prizes greatly to the annoy
ance Of the tIafhckers themselves.
II Is fact that they have eng htcBed and liberal
constitution with excellent code of laws but
happily, fraud caprice and bribery them quite at
defiance. Justice is bought and sold like any article
OF trade The consequence is that little confidence is
placed in their legal proceedings and many take the
sword into their own hands.
The piess is also legally free, but natural con-
sequence IN all countries under the religious in
nuence the popular prejudice education and interest
all one side
The government very favorable toward common
school education. Their measures 10 promote it APP
pear well paper, and would do credit any people
but every where there is great deficiency compe-
tent instructors elementary books school houses and
academies.
You will, perhaps wish to hear something about
the moral and religious state Of the country. can
not give correctly than in the language Of
OF the acting presidents Of of the principal pro-
vinces OF the empire To The clergy, calling them To
arse 10 tnciI 10 tneF ministers OF
Christ !" The Christian religion says he, the
only cvilizer, and the only firm basis Of justice with
on, which no people, no ofganized government, can
sonous doctIne OF 'hifJ In ptEsl yeaaGeA4 Rat
spread among the people by the mpous books of those
politicians, who, seeking liberty justice and equity out
OF the gospel are leading them TO the government Of
terror and TO the despotsm Of the sword Our priests
are out poorly qualified TO resist the mpetuous torrent
OF these new and subversive ideas The puIpits re-
nam vacant and the masters of the law fall under the
anathema OF lsaiah-because they are silent The
morality OF the gospel-which the divine redeemer
taught to make men better and happer-has fallen
INTO dIsuse Part Of the people, fallen into religious
ignorance have lost themselves the chaos of ali the
cnrruptIons OF bad customs-preservng scarcely any
OF the forms OF Christianity vesiges of the ancient
iaith. Another popular writer recently remarked in
one OF the government journals Of this city, speaking
oil the state of things in this country, that Our
youih with very few exceptions, disciples Of Vol
iaire, Rousseau, and other infdels and with such
masters, what can be expected bot the most decided
hatred to every thing like religion ?"