Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-02-07
RUTLAND HERALD.
FRIDAY. FEBRUARY /, 1867.
Prospects of Freed m i'm Brazil.

There are at present two countries In the
world claiming the designation OF chris
uan, In which slavery still exists. Forty
years since, England freed herself from
this leprosy In l84s France followed
ihs example; the United States and
Holland have now done the same so that
Spain and Brazil are the only slayehold-
ing nations. The institution is now so
universally reprobated in all civilized
countries, that the two referred to must
ere long yield to the current OF freedom,
and proclaim emancipation. Present
appearances indicate that Brazil will
take the lead in the movement, as a
strong feeling is expressed in that d.
rection.
Two propositions of Importance have
been made already in the Brazilian SEN
ate. One is that all foreigners shall be
interdicted from purchasing or selling
slaves, or having any in their posses
sion, such decision being in conform
ity with the law prevailing in foreign
countries, all the States of Europe ex-
cept Spain prohibiting slavery. This
proposition is received with great favor
and has a chance Of success. The other
proposes a series of enactments that all
negroes enrolled in the army shall be
proclaimed free that slaves shall not be
bequeathed by will; that in every case
of collateral succession or OF intestacy
the slave shall be liberated and that in
ten years every slave aged twenty-five
years shall recover his liberty, and
slavery shall cease to exist in the coun-
try after fifteen years. We cannot enter
into any examination Of the value of the
propositions, but gladly hail them as
indications that some effectual measures
will soon be resolved on, to free that
government from the institution and
give us a hope of the future of that rich
region.
An immense progress has been real
lied in that empire within the last forty
years there has been a great advance
not only in national wealth, but in gen
eral intelligence. There are many men
OF distinction connected with the gov
eminent who are conversant with the
ideas embraced in European civiliza-
tions, accustomed to political life and
competent to solve the problem of eman
cipation. Don Pedro, the Emperor, is
man of cultivated intellect, possessing
all the qualities of high rank, among the
first poets of his own time and the pat
ron of science and art, and in whom con-
fdence can be placed, for his talents and
tastes indicate humane heart and lib
eral mind.
His enlightenment brings him to con-
slider the necessity Of abolishing slavery
If he wishes TO maintain Brazil at its
rank incivilization he is too liberal and
kind not to be conscious that the times
are demanding this, and that every day Of
delay is one of suffering, misery and deg
radiation for thousands of his fellowmen,
who place all their hopes in him. All
Europe is watching him. 1t is in
his power to confer Unreasonable benefit
on his people and place himself in the
front rank OF rulers who have made
themselves illustrious by their good
works, and an opportunity is now Of
fered of completing the work which
Northern America has commenced.
1t is row nearly century since Clark
son and Benzet demanded the abolition
of the slave trade. Wilberforce gave
them the support Of his eloquence, and
by enlightening and arousing public
opinion gained the cause they so nobly
advocated, Notwithstanding all the pro-
tests Of private interests. These voices
In latter years have been Joined by
Brougham, Claiming, Parker, De Gas
parrin, and a host Of others, but they
were for time unheeded in America
and what has been the result? Fou
years Of war and heavy outlay o
money and life. Spain and Brazi
d. should profit by our lessons, and max
haste to constitute freedom their universe
rallying cry, until oppression shall b.
driven from their borders.