Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1882-12-16
DOM PEDRO's KINGDOM.

Brazil, and it was whispered of hin
that he had a grievance against the
country in the shape of a broken
contract, an unpaid claim, or some
thing of that sort. Near by him sat
young compatriot they were both
Americans whose expression. though
haggard. was not lnkind
Live here as long / have the old
man was saying, "and you yourself
will be confirmed malcontent.
was as ht-hearted boy as ever
you saw when | first came to this
country to make my fortune Look
at me now. I've lost contcntment,
health. ambition, and character"
/ You don't seem to like Brazil -
said the young man.
Il never attempt to disguise my
/ dislikes." was the reply.
But it's rich and beautiful land, y
continued the young man, leading
his companion adroitly on.
YES" the cynic said, las Florida
and Louisiana are rich and beauti-
rul bnt it is not rich in men, and
never can be. The upper classes of
Brazil are shiftless. proud and poor
All of these yarns which you read at
home about immense Brazilian
wealth, diamond kings, barons living
in palaces, and planters rolling in
luxury. are the work of enterpising
novelists and journalists. This is a
poverty stricken country, if ever
there was one. They tax both i'm
ports and exports, and yet they can't
pay their debts, or even the interest
on them. The aristocracy are too
proud to go into business, and SO
they scheme for employment under
the government. The fathers per-
suade the government to buy up the
railroads and take control of the tel
egraphs, in order that they may make
easy and respectable positions for
their idle Sons. First, the young
men are educated under the auspices
of the empire, and then, when they
are graduated. they Immediately
clamor for Official positions of honor
and emolument If they secure the
coveted places, ard are requested to
do some work, they shrug their
shoulders, and are indignant at the
very idea of such a degradation"
The young man mentioned the
case OF the French physician who
had come over from Paris to attend
the emperor's daughter through the
perils of childbirth. He got a
twenty five thousand dollar fee and
expenses paid" added he.
But said his companion. cynical
rs ever, ''sce how he was received by
his professional fraternity in this
country. The jealous native physi-
clans descended to sculrilous abuse,
and even published doggerel poetry
against him in their medical journals.
And in those discussions of theirs
even the person of their sovereign
princess was not treated with that
sacred respect which is due from all
gentlemen to the woman in affiiction,
for whom we, in our litany, especially
pray the innermost secrets OF her
sick room being banded from one
column to another of the daily pa
pers."
Il say, Mr.. - exclaimed the
young man, abruptly changing the
subject. II want to ask You ques-
ton"
Fire away"
AT the ball which we had in tn,
skating rink, the other night. [ was
introduced to the pretty Donna
Tagarella, and had dance with her
What do you think she said to me?'
She probably remarked that tn,
weather was warm, or inquired i
You had heard Fricci sing, or if yor
liked .feUodo."
No; she asked me at what hotel
was staying"
Not surprising question"
Then she asked me if l haG
brought my omigu with me. Now,
want to know Just what omigt
means"
What does amiga meani' re
peated the cynic. "What does th
French umante mean? Or in plail
words, what does mistress mean
That's what amiga means
II thought and feared as much
and l blushed and stammered when
attempted to reply. She laughe,
quietly, seemed to enjoy my con
fusion, and turned the conversation
by asking me if l was a married man
Now, may be just from the coun
try, and little green, but it doe
seem to me that that question was
very outspoken one. Either tn
young American gentlemen VIII
have been here before me have no
led the most blameless of lives, o
else there is a remarkable freedom
of action and speech in the bes
Brazilian society, for Madame Tag
arella is assuredly in the first rank.
1T does sound rather free" sait
the ungallant cynic; but then, a
far as l can learn, these young Bra
lillian matrons are not over prudisl
when their husbands are out O
sight a position in which the dis
Greet spouse rarely places himsel
when there are handsome young me
around. Nothing personal intended.
Sure enough" said the young ma
thoughtfully. Now l understan
and appreciate at its true value til
distinguished courtesy extended t
me yesterday afternoon by the hus
band in question. l met him on tn
street, and casually remarked to hii
that was on the way to call on hi
wife, and he kindly volunteered t
oconnnany n,ar