The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-22
Rio DE JANEIao, l4th M arch.

Rio DE JANEIRo, 18th March.
This is vast empire, said to be as large as the
United States and its territories, endowed with the
richest and most abundant natural resources whether
animal, vegetable, mineral, and having population
ihinly spread Of nearly five millions There are i'm
mense tracts in the interior which the foot of civilized
man has never yet marked, and consequently it re-
mains unknown how many and how extensive may
be the native tribes of wild which inhabit them
he northern and southern portions Oft are and have
been, for several years in state ofciy war by which
they filing the earth with human blood and the
air with the cries of helpless women made widows
and children made fatherless Hopes have been from
time to time entertained, but often disappointed
that the desoating scourge might its ravaees,
and peace again prevail wish could say there was
even now prospect of its speedy termination
It's melancholy fact that avid spirit of unregu-
lated liberty with graceless and hopeless in6delity,
is spreading like FIRE through al parts and among all
classes seriously threatening overturn all social order
and the throne. Already the government has but
lle money, few men, and less patriotism, at its
mand
Il is also a slave-holding country and slavery ne
yer fails to drag after it train Of evils both moral
and physical, which tongue pen describe
Many are 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
il by the laws Of the land piracy, and punishable
with DEATH and also in direct violation of its treaties
yet it is carried on with boldness and in degree
truly amazing 1t is, however, stated that the pre-
sent government are opposed to il and that they are
doing something to prevent it, The English have Sc
yeral men-ofwar constantly cruising up and down
this coast well the of Africa which fire.
quenty seize and bring in prizes, greatly othe annoy
ance of the trafhckers themselves.
II is fact that they have enlightened and liberal
constitution, with excellent code of laws but un
happily, fraud, caprice, and bribery them quite at
defiance. Justice is bought and sold like any article
Of trade The consequences is that little confidence is
placed IN their legal proceedings and many take the
sword into their own hands
The press is also legally free, but as natural con-
sequence in all countries under the religious in
fuence, the popular prejudice, education and interest
all on side.
Tbs government are very favorable toward common
school education Their measures to promote it APP
pear well on paper and would do credit any people
but every where there is great deficiency in 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 one
of the acting presidents of Of the principal pro-
yinces Of the empire TO the clergy, calling on them to
70 their duties and to their work ministers Of
Christ The Christian religion" says he, "the
only cvilizer and the only firm basis of justice with
out which no people, no organized government can
sustain ITSELF appears to be entirely eaced The poi
doctrine of ipfdelity has been preached and
spread among the people by the mpous books those
politicians who, seeking liberty justice and equity out
Of the gospel leading them to the government Of
terror and to the desposm Of the sword Our priests
but poorly qualified TO resist the mpetuous torrent
Of these new and subverslve ideas. The pupits re-
main vacant and the masters Of the law fall under the
anathema Of Isaiah because they are silent. The
morality of the gospel-which the divine redeemer
taught TO make men better and happier-has fallen
into disuse. Part of the people, fallen into religious
ignorance have lost themselves in the chaos of ali the
corruptions Of bad customs preserving scarcely any
of the forms of Christianity vestges of the ancient
faith" Another popular writer recently remarked in
one Of the government journals Of this city speaking
youth, with very few exceptions, disciples Of Vol
taire, Rousseau, and other infidels; and with such
masters what can be expected but The most decided
hatred to every thing like religion2"