New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-11-20
DOM PEDRO'S PRIVATE LIFE.
HIS EDUCATION AND HABITS AND HOW HE
PASSED HIS TINE.

Much has been said In the last few days about
the political and historical side OF the lie OF Emperor
Dom Pedro II Of Brazil. now an eAio' but MS
private life is less known to Americans "hom ne
visited, however in 1876. Al that uc' "ho4i nc was
not scritinizng with deep interest the marves ex-
hibited at the Centennial Exhibition or when he was
not travelling through the United States. which he
admired and lauded so warmly and frankly, he liked
TO stay in NewYork, whore he lived al the BucKihg-
ham Hotel. Here in Paris where he oiten rooe
on the top of omnibuses, Dom Pedro was fond OF
entering a horse car and having chat with his
neighbors in the public vehicle which was an easy
thing for him AS he spoke perfect English.
The knowledge Of many languages was but small
part of the scholarly requirements OF the Brazilian
monarch who was as much Of savant as Of an
Emperor and who had been received, not on account
of his tito. but as reward Tor
his numerous scientific works. as member
of the famous institute Of France and OF most
Of the European academies. His education was be
gun by the venerable Bishop of Chrysopolis. and by
the famous Liberal leader Andrada sylvia who had
been recalled from exile. where he sent again by
his ungrateful party. Dom Pedro, when one year
old lost his mother, LeopOdine, an Austrian Arch
duchess and sister Of Marie Louise the second wife
Of Napoleon I. He only five years old when,
I'm 1881. his father Dom Pedro J. abdicated in his
favor, and left Brazil. The poor boy was thus left
quite alone in the world. and he felt himself still
moro isolated when. al ten years of age, he heard
of his fathers death in Portugal.
No wonder then that his character predisposed
to serious and a sad view OF life; that he
was meditative and grave young man. His intelli-
gence became precocOus he was anxious 10 work
and 10 study; so much so that he got up at night
sometimes and relghted the lamp which had been
carefully put out by the worthy Bishop, his imme-
diate tutor The qualities and strength Of mind he
acquired caused the regents, tired OF exercising
power amidst the difficulties Of that time in Brazil
to advance the epoch of his majority and TO proclaim
Dom Pedro II Emperor three years before the age
fixed by law for declaring that minority has ceased
for Brazilian citizens. lie only fifteen when
his reign began practically for him.
Dom Pedro is TALL robust and Of splendid bearing :;
his hair and beard have grown white premaurely HIS
blue eyes have deep look; his face frank and open
Inspires a great sympathy at the first glance. lie
speaks easily and listens with polite interest. HIS
residence at Rio Janeiro, which is his own property
as is his castle OF Petropols Is called San Chrst0vao
The Imperial palace, former residence OF the Portu-
guese vlceroys, in dllapidated condition, ana
the Parliament intended to rebuild It for the use OF
Dom Pedro who declined saying: How can we think
Of building palace when we have not enough SCHOOLS
and useful establishments" During the summer,
which IN the Southern hemisphere corresponds 10
Northern winter the Court resided al the casue OF
Petropols, situated northwsrd Of Rio Janelro hst
days journey. This Is a charming place, when re
minds one Of Saratoga, Ems in Europe. 1t IS 0ut
on tho side of a mountain, and surrounded with
real village composed Of villas belonging to the hlgh
society Of Rio Janeiro, to the members Of the Diplo
matte Corps and Of the arisocracy OF the BRAZILIAN
provinces.
Dom Pedro liked Petropons so mucn that he
used 10 leave it only on saturdays
10 20 to Rio 10 preside at the Ministers Councils
which were held y. N. ON account OF the hcat
in that tropical climate. The LnlSfOr got up AZ
6 O'Clock though he retired very lac al night us
first occupation In tho morning consisted III rcallh5
newspaper, AT no breaAfa3ted IN iahkee ld95
ION as he used 10 say after his sOJOnfn mere ho
ate 50 rapidly that his guests, anxious 10 answer
the erabe questions he tntIy pro- ouu u 10
thcm often left the table hungry. once he was 10
open a railroad and he had taken along with hln te
Ambassador of great European Power. Inc altSI.
invited 10 tr ,akfast with the Emperor at the DuIet
OF the station, Dom Pedro getting up after rev
minutes during which the diplomat had Kept answer
ing the questions asked by His MAJ ,sty. Inc An
bassador had 10 follow His Imperial host WIN an
empty stomach and with a long journey yet 10 ao-
com plisL But before leaving the table and follow
ing the Emperor, who had air aady turned hi back
and was moving in the direction Of the train. the
famshed guest rapidly seized upon cakes spread
on the table forced them into hi pocket ana MANAGED
to eat them, without being seen, during the remainder
OF the trip. 800, ,,..
and listen 10 everybody who chose TO present HIM 4
request Aside from these audiences daily given 70
,avants artist. merchants, etc, Dom PEDRO recover
oncs week in the palace yard the lower classes or
rather the poor and III Jse in want, to whOm ne
distributed money from big bags held by two cham
herains After the audience he entered his carriage
and paid visits to schools, hospitals. naval ships
barracks. etc. In the evenings tn Emperor worried
I'm his library or went 20 the theatre always WIN
ONE member OF his family. HIS Life has been
ratrarchal one and he has won universal esteem Tor
his public and private qualities