The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-12-15
BRAZIL'S GREATNESS.
4 Country of Many Tribes and
Precious Stones.
NEATLY As LARGE AS EUROPE.
a Population Of Ten Millions-No Privi-
lodged Arisfceracy-A Proud. Hes
pitsbIe and Generous People.



In the extent OF territory Brazil is nearly
as large as Europe. comprising upward of
5000 English miles. The greatest river
OF the globe, the Amazon. affords with its
tributaries, over 5000 miles OF free navi-
CATION in Brazilian territory. The metallic
and mineral products OF the country are
various. Brazil has always been noted for
its richness in diamonds and other gems,
and the fields from which they are taken
are the most extensive known. Except on
the loftiest mountains the vegetation is
Iuxuriant beyond description. The forests
OF the country contain almost every species
Of useful and ornamental wood. The
varieties OF animated life are more numer-
Gus, perhaps. than in any other region Of
the world. Brazil was discovered in 1890
by Vincent Yanez Pineon, companion of
Columbus. He took possession of the
country in the name Of Spain, but
the next year the country was de-
clared an apanage of Portugal by
Pedro Alvarez Gabral. The Spanish
neglected the country, and the first at
tempt on the part Of the Portuguese at
colonization was the founding Of heredi-
tary csptaincy in the province Of Paulo.
Considerably later college was established
by Nabrega. The French and Dutch both
attempted TO make settlements, but with
poor success, and the Portuguese governed
almost undisturbed. Indirectly the fate OF
this isolated colony was decided by the
French revolution and Brazil is the only
instance Of a colony becoming the seat OF
government of the mother country. This
was brought about by Napoleon. who in
duced Dom Joas vi. 10 seek refuge there.
The population of Brazil is something over
100000. and presents a number of dis
tinct types. The aboriginal Indians of the
country have to q large extent become
amalgamated with the settled population
in the maritime provinces, but in the for
ests they remain still in . sa wage condition.
These tribes. scattered over the vast inte-
rior, are countless, and though they may
vary in language and customs, are all
of the original stock. the Tupi-Guarani.
The African negro, introduced IN
immense numbers, forms a large
part of the population. The Brazilian
Creolas, who call themselves Braxileiros.
are little inferior in capacity, strength or
intellect TO the pure race OF Portuguese.
An increase OF population being necessary
TO the growth OF the country has OF late
years induced wonderful immigration of
European colonists. In Brazil there is no
priyileged arlstocracy, but descent from
noble Portuguese family and length of SER
vice in the country give rise to claims
which are readily admitted. The Roman
Catholic is the established religion OF the
country. All others are tolerated, but must
be pTacticed privately. Primary and pub
lie schools, supported by the state, have
been established throughout the empire
Besides these there is a second or higher
grade Of schools, in which are taught
sciences, mathematics and German, French
and English. The Dom Pedro imperial
college has faculty of twenty-five profess
sors Extensive Libraries are attached 10
all the schools and collie ges. The Brazillans
are in general hospisable and generous. and
endowed with great pride. Brazil is not by