Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1889-11-28

The empire of Brazil has turned itsel
into free and independent republic
the United States of Brazil-without fir
ing gun or shedding drop of blood
and what has occurred in Brazil is likely
to occur elsewhere under the same ol
even less favorable conditions. The
progress of popular education and the
extension of suffrage in liberal mon
arches, together with the persistent agi-
tation of home rule, have familiarized
the people the world over with the idea
of self-government. The masses no
longer believe that the classes have
any just claims to exceptional privileges,
and they no longer believe in the divine
! right of kings, queens or emperors.
The signs of the times point to the
disintegration of the British monarchy.
In Canada many leading politicians and
newspapers openly advocate Canadian
republic. They believe that their decla-
ration of independence would not be
followed by an attempt to re-establish
British rule. The proximity of the
American republic, with its moral and
perhaps material support, would cause
the mother country to be exceedingly
cautious about resorting to coercive
measures.
In Australia, too, the leaven is work
ing. The Australians, like the Canadi-
ans, are thousands of miles away from
their present capital. They are practic-
ally a new nation. They have grown
up under American conditions, and
have enjoyed so much independence
that they naturally thirst for more. AL
ready they are formulating a separation
scheme, which will be submitted in due
time for the Endorsement of the crown.
The action of Brazil will give a new
impetus to these republican revolution
lists. They will be tempted to try their
fate without any unnecessary delay.
Their revolt may be as sudden as it was
in Dom Pedro's empire, yet not as un-
expected. One of these days in Canada
and in Australia the recognized leaders
will give the signal and the people will
establish their own government. And
on that day will come the opportunity
that has been waited for so many years
the opportunity to strike one telling
and decisive blow for Ireland's freedom
-peacibly if possible, forcibly if neces-
sary.
By acting in harmony the three coun-
tries can accomplish their aims more
rapidly than by working separately
Such movement would not be, from
any point of view, half as startling as
the Brazilian upheaval, though its re-
suits would be far more beneficial to the
civilized world. The opinion is gaining
ground that when the critical hour
comes the mother country will not re-
sort to force to restrain any of her colo
nies. She tried that policy with the
Americans and was beaten, and will
meet the same fate again if she pursues
severe measures to tarne the spirit OF
independence. The crown is not SC
firmly established now as to make it the
| part of wisdom to send soldiers thous
ands of miles over the seas to subdue
powerful commonwealths determined tc
be free, and it is the knowledge of this
that emboldens the lovers of liberty il
Australia and Canada to rest at ease
confident of the success of the comm,
movement.
Should this trio form a mutual combi
nation and join funds and fortunes th,
overthrow of the greatest and most op
pressive monarchial institution on eartl
would be accomplished with less troubl,
than was witnessed in Brazil. HON,
Rule would then become real fact, anc
not the fanciful sop that Tory govern
ment may possibly give to Ireland
The British government has its hand
full in maintaining peace and orde
under the shadow of its home parlia
ment and has no time or money t
spend i'll trying to resist the inevitable
Let it come.