The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-11-20
Prospects Of the New REPUBLIC.


Now that it is fully understood that Bra
I'll has become a republic, az least in name,
! the question arises. VIII she remain repub-
| lie, and will she have at once peace and
prosperity! When it is remembered that
/ the change from monarchy to a republic
was made BY comparatively few persons,
and that the people know nothing about
republican form Of government and are, in
large measure. totally untitled for it,
there are reasons to apprehend that Brazil
has entered upon troublous times.
The man who has been chosen president
was the general Of the army, and plotted
for the overthrow of the monarchy even
while pretending to serve it. He induced
the other officers of the army to join him in
establishing the republic, by pointing out
that they were poorly paid and did not get
their pay regularly. He also promised that
their pay should be greatly increased if
new government were established. He
does not appear to be patriot having in
view only the good of his country, but
rather an ambitious schemer seeking mis-
own advancement. How long VIII the
army remain true 10 such a manl
If what is said of the army is true, it is
composed largely Of men VINO have been
convicts, or who have left civil life to avoid
punishment for their crimes. Such men
cannot be depended upon, if the emergency
should arise, 70 prevent anarchy and main
tain peace and order. If trouble comes
they will support. doubtless, the party that
promises them the most plumber Indeed,
Of 10 At Ill -
could be induced very easily to support the
pretensions of dictator.
Brazil is an immense region of coun try,
and the greater part of it is very thinly popu-
lated. There are about 5000, 900 freedmen
out of a total population of less, probably,
than Il, 100000. Only a small percentage
of the people is sufficiently well-informed
to understand what is meant by republic.
At the present time only about 201, 900 enjoy
the elective franchise, and the greater part
Of this number does not know how to
read and write. It is evident, there
fore, that the conditions are favorable
for disturbed state of affairs In the dis
tant provinces ambitious men may revolt
against the authority Of the general gov
eminent, and may seek to establish indie
pendent states. The army being small, and
the powers of the new government not be-
ing as yet clearly defined, they might not
have much difficulty in doing this. The
ignorant masses could be easily led into
repudiating the new government.
As there is no strong public opinion to
hold ambitious leaders in check and compel
them to act the part of patriots rather than
that of adventures, how long will those
who are at present in power be able to work
in harmony! Is it not probable that there
will soon be quarrels among them, and that
each will seek to acquire power by the ruin
Of othersl OF course there would not be
much reason in specializing about
Brazilian affairs in this way if the people
were awake to their own interests, and were
sufficiently intelligent to know what ought
to be done to make the republic a success
No doubt there are plenty of intelligent and
patriotic men in Brazil, but the masses do
not know them sufficiently well to follow
them. The bad men, pretending to have
only the good of the country in view, are
just as likely TO have following as the men
who are honest and able. 1t will be re-
markable If the republic becomes firmly
established without any further resort to
force