The Portland daily press., 1873-09-26
Brazil.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE EMPERoR-STo-
RIES OF YANKEES.

A writer about Brazil, in the Springfield
Union, speaking of a visit to the Emperor.
says: The palace. intended for the tiansac-
tion OF public business, was built and present.
ed to the Government by Snr. Gonclaves, a
wealthy Rivan banker. 1t is not the imperial
suburb of ''San Christovao," about three
miles from the city proper.
passed the two lines of sentries, drawn up
in bold array for no discernible purpose, and
meeting the Grand Chamberlain, who quiz
zed us narrowly from head to loot, aching for
an opportunity to reprehend sone careless
ness in drt IS, / was ushered into the impeli
al presence, and despit the wonted Ameri-
can contempt for rank. 1 felt just little
abashed-not by Don Pedro's title, but by
his magnificent bearing.
He was at that time in the prime of his
glorious manhood, and was the gr&ndest,
noblest looking man upon whom my eyes
ever tell. Sta'd ding six feet and four inches
in height, with colossal frame, formed in
perfect symmetry, he lowered above ordinary
humanity, giant among pigmies. The
broad, square shoulders supported massive
head. that bore the impress of intellect upon
every Inch of its surface. A large, dark blue
eye beamed from beneath an expansive fore
head, and lent an expression of beniguty to
his face. Yet the firm-set, clear-cul mouth,
told of a rare energy and resolution. | can
no more describe the Emperor, as he appe L
ed that night, than can forget him.
We were presented with due ceremony, by
Colonel Flores, who, as the son OF the Presi-
dent of Uruguay, enjoyed high position at
Court. Great was my suipri,e to hear issue
from that resolute mouth voice OF childish
treble.
Don Pedro's voice is his great misfortune
the utterances If giant pipe forth in the
shrl treble ofintancy. In years past this
was source of de- p modification to the EnI-
peror, and now tie refers to the deficiency in
conversation without embarrassment. He
addressed us in English, and his sa,utation
ran thus: $50 l am to enjoy the pleasure of
welcoming tw more Americans to Brazil. l
love the Americans they know how to edll-
cate their youth L long to see the United
States. What are your first impressions OF
our country?" The Emperor is very rapid
and fluent talker, and when interested talks
all over. He ushereJ us into private room,
and invited us to take wine. Raising his
glass, be proposed 1.-The health of the United
States, her free institu tions, and of ourselves
and our families" We offered ''the health Of
Brazil, her Cabinet, and her royal 4amiy."
Don Pedro then entered into general con-
versation, ard evinced much better ac
quaintarce with the policy and commercial
affairs of foreign nations, and OF the United
States in particular, than l could boast OF.
He then introduced me to his wife and the
Imperial Princess. Don Pedro detests osten-
tation, but to please the popuace, Nho are
passionately fond of pomp, on such occasions,
he presents himself to their aimiriag gaze, ar
rayed in tie robes OF state. yet when lett to
his own fancy, he dons simple civilians
suit, an d strolls unattended about the streets,
always re pondng politely to the many sau-
tations he encounters.
A good story is told of a Yankee sea cap
tain, who went to Rio for cargo of coffee.
While there, he made up his mind that he
would see ana speak with the Emperor, or
die. So he hau uted the street in front of the
reception palace, until, one fine day, Don Pc
dro drove up and allghled. Our national
friend, seeing his opportunity, pushed eou-
pie of the body guard aside, and rushing up
to the Emperor, extended a brawny hand,
hand, exclaming, ''How are yer, Peter?
I've always said I'd have talk with you. 1
told the woman before left Cape Cod, that |
meant to see you. Give Us your honest old
fist!::' The soldiers stood amazed, though
they couldn't understand word; but the
Emoeror smiled pleasantly, and quietly shook
hands with our nduticus (no pun intended),
Tnen he lnvited him to enter the palace, and
in they marched arm in arm.
After amusing himself with the honest
mariners eccentricities for a while, he pluck
ed leaf in the palace yard, and requested
the old salt to ''present it to The WON N with
Peters compliments" The Captain thought
it very singular that, ever after that. when
ever he passed the Palace he sh )uld receive a
field officers salute from the sentries.
Before the reception 1as over, we received
from Don Pedro a cordial invitation to visit
him at San Christovao and hint that If at
any time it lay in his power to aid onr inter-
ests, he should be pleased to hear from us.
Before. we left we had lost all thought that we
were talking with a sovereign, but it seemed as
if our en tertainer was a highly educated, ,anaS-
suming fellow cit zen. By his simplicity of
demeanor, and natural kindness OF heart, he
has won the nations lasting regard, and b7
the extraordinary skill which he has shown in
conducting the affairs of state, he comm Inds
the respect OF all foreign nations.
Morse euogized the Emperor when we re
turned TO the hotel His encomiums were as
sincere as they were ocular, and savored
strongly of the language of bis native State.
.sB''. quoth he. Don Pedro is rattler IL
back him to open an oyster for him Ell,
against any maSuate ~ NnlstenuOu. by
George! I'd like him for a partner-that
calm face of his would never go back on two
pair"
A few days later, most ridiculous affair
happened iD the harbor. An ice ship from
Boston entered the bay, commanded by Cap
tain Green in the Soutl. Ameri all trade Fort
Santa Cruz, not recognizing his house flag,
hailed him, and ordered him to ''heave to-.
ut the worthy skipper didn't sneak Portu-
Suese, and the simple statemeI of the name
of his vessel, which he hurled at the fort, was
not at all satisfactory, so blank shot was fir
ed as mild suggestion for HIM to stop. Bur
he called for his revolver, and pointing it sky
warJ, fire six successive shots. Then
solid shot from the fort skipped across bis
bow, and another, better al ned, passed
through his foresa. The fort and two shore
batteries opened fire upon him, ami several