The New York herald., 1872-02-12
Q BIT U A r Y.
viscondc do Itaborahy. Prime Minister Of
Brazil.


Brazil.
RIO JANEIRo, Brazil, Jan. II, 1872. r
That ''Death loves SHINING mark" has been within
few days strkingly exemplifed here in this Bra
xihan metropolis. The visconde do Itaborahy, who
not long ago was driving about these streets IN MS
carriage. and attending to matters personal and
affairs OF State as well, to which he still held in-
formal and non-onicla relation, has passed away
from earth He had been suffering but short time
with an illness which itself did not threaten death,
but variety Of causes, prominent among which
was undoubtedly body and mind worn by excas-
sive and continual public service conspred to snap
the thread OF life. and on the afternoon of Monday
January g. he closed his eyes upon the things OF lie
and passed 10 "that bourne from which traveller
returns" In later days no name has been
more prominent In the political affairs OF
Brazil than that Of Itaborahy He has been
universally acknowledged a man OF ability and
mark; and II his talents mad been directed into an
other OF the political channels he certainly would
have secured greater popularity, and, In all proDa
bllity have accomplished more for the nation. and
MS deaLn been more deeply lamented anu his loss
Deea more sincerely mourned. But he became from
the first conservative, and during his career has
been, as 1t were, the Idol exponent and mouth
piece OF the party OF which he was so prominent
member. His late administration as a conservative
Prime Minister, which ceased TO exist IN August,
1870, was marked by its adherence to party lines
and by the completeness OF It's conservative mea--
spirit OF tolerance ana cOncllatiOn which man in
the eminent position he occupied gnt to have been
strong enough or generous enough to display he
would have prolonged his term but his unbendng
spirit could brook no opposition and grant no con.
became again private citizen not, however, as !
have minated, without being frequently consulted
his opinions AS citizen and friend he stood IN an
envable position, aud probably no man IN the EN-.
Joaquin Jose Rodrgues Torres, Visconde do ita-
borahy was born ON tine 18th OF December, 1903, In
Manuel Jose Rodrieues Torres and Donna Emer-
encianna Mathllde Torres He was placed In early
life under the charge OF devoted tutors and then
passed 10 the seminary OF San Jose, where ne was
known as dihgent student. From mere he entered
the University OF COim6a, in Portugal, where he
took high rank In the studies and at his graduation
received high hOnOrs and the degrees IN science
and mathematics. He returned TO Brazil and was
soon nominated and appointed to q professor.
snip in the Military school here, where he renamed
until 1873, an appointment which did not interfere
with his duties as magistrate which latter post he
held Tor TWO years. He then went TO Paris to per-
feet himself In the studies TO which he was so de-
voted. He returned again to ms native land, and,
ag lin in 1882 In OOtn Instances being appointed by
the government OF the Regency. consisting 81 Fran
with these the young lawyer, whose increasing
fame made his adherence u valuable acquisition,
the revolution OF the 7th OF April. He was ap-
pointed Deputy to the new Assembled General In
1858, and made first President OF the province Of
Rio JanelrO, and, with his zeal continually leading
him into felas OF activity, he gave himself
no time for rest bur was always to
be found in the foremost rank and the
thickest OF the conflict IL may be
stated here that he undoubtedly trying to ride
two political horses at thus time, each running ia
opposite ways-a feat which never yet has Deen
successfully performed, even by the later and more
agile pOllGcal equestrlans OIL pAnter'iQte du Nord
The young asplrant, who had an unauencnable
ambition, seemed seized upon with the fever or
conservatism. Becoming an advocate and disciple
OF this party he was In It's Interest taken into the
Cabinet on the 1yLh OF September, 1887, where he
had before occupied the post OF Minister OF Marine
He afterwards and always In the conservative inter-
este, became member OF several MINISTRIES as in
1S40. 1S43 and 184S He was President 0f the Council
in 1858 ant again IN 1868. AS Grand Senator OF the
Empire, as Counsellor Of State, as Prime Minister
in 1S6970 the VlscOnde do ItabOrany more than any
other man, held influential and prominent positions
In the State At the helm Of the empire he was bold
and vigorous, and he became the centre and power
OF the conservative party, and a source from which
they received n0urshment support and strength.
II his principles had been more In unison with the
wants VI the nation and the growing demands OF the
people, his influence aud power might nave pro-
duced results OF lasting benefit to Brazil, but ne
seemed with all his perception unable to &C.
cept the political changes OF the time and hence
lesser tnan the power ne opposed, he was pushed
faults ne was undoubtedly q man destined by his
own Inherent power, acting in combination With
the circumstances surrounding him. to ascend 10
the highest round OF the ladder Of political faIae,
from which he mas now descended to the grave.