The progress., 1890-06-21
PEDRO'S PRIVATE LIFE,
1he Education and Habits of the Ex-Em-
peror, and How lie Passed His Time.

W
he visited. however, in 1876. At that
time, when he was not scrutinizino
with deep interest the marvels exhib-
tied at'the Centennial Exhibition. or
when he was not travelling through the
United States, which he admired and
lauded so warmly y and frankly he liked to
stay in New York, where he lived at the
buckingham Hotel. Here as in Paris,
where he often rode On the top of omni-
buses, Dom Pedro was fond of entering
horse car and having a 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 Il small part of the scholarly
requirements of the Brazilian monarch,
VINO was as much of a savant as of an
Emperor, and who has been received,
not on account of his title, but as :: re-
ward for his numerous scientific works,
as Il member of the famous Institute of
France and of most of the European
academies. His education was begun
by the venerable Bishop of Chrvso-
polls and by the famous Liberal leader.
Andrada Sylvia, who had been recalled
from exile, where he was sent bv his
ungrateful party. Dom Pedro, when l
year old, lost his mother, Leopoldine,
an Austrian Archduchess and sister
of Marie Louise, the second wife of Ma
poleon |. He was only 5 years old
when, in 1881, his father, Dom Pedro
l., abdicated in his favor and left
Brazil. The poor boy was thus left
quite alone in the world, and he felt
himself still more isolated when at 10
years of age. he heard of his fathers
death in Portugal.
No wonder then that his character
was predisposed to IL serious and even
a sad view of life; that he was a medi-
tative and grave young man. His in
telligence became prccOciOus; he was
a:xious to work and to study; so much
so that he got up at night sometimes
and relighted the lamp which had been
carefully put out by the worthy Bishop.
his immediate tutor. The qualities aud
strength of mind he acquired caused the
regents, tired of exercising power
amidst the difficulties of the time in
Brazil, TO advance the epoch of his
ajority, and to proclaim Dom Pedro
H., Emperor three years before the age
fixed by law for declaring that minor
ity has ceased for Brazilian citizens.
He was only II when his reign began
for him.
Dom Pedro is tall, robust and of
splendid bearing; his hair and beard
have grown white prcmaturly. His
h'uc eyes have Il deep look; his face,
frank and open, inspires Il great SYM
pathy at the first glance. He speaks
easily, and listens with polite interest.
His residence at Rio Janeiro, which is
his own property, as is his castle of
Petropolis, is called San Christoyo.
The Imperial palace, former residence
OF the Portuguese Viceroys, was in
condition, and the Parlia-
ment intended to rebuild it for the use
1f Dom Pedro, who dec lined saving:
''IlOw can we think of building a
palace, when we have not enough
schools and useful establishments.
During the Summer, which in the
southern hemisphere corresponds to
! Northern Winter, the Court resided at
he castle of Petropolis situated north
ward of Rio Jeneiro a half dav's
clrney. This is a charming place,
which reminds me of Saratoga, or Ems
Il Europe. 1t is built on the side of A
mountain, and surrounded with a real
'illage, composed of villas belonging
o the high society of Rio Janeiro, to |
he members of the diplomatic Corps
nd of the aristocracy of the Brazilian
'royinces.
Dom Pedro liked Petropolis so much
hat he used to leave it only on Satur-
ays to go to Rio to preside at the Min
'ters Councils, which were held at
p. m. on account of the heat in that
roplcal climate. The Emperor got up
t O'clock though he retired very late
t night. His first occupation in the
lorning consisted in reading news
apers. AT 9 he breakfasted in
Yankee fashion," as he used to say
fter his sojourn here. He ate SO
lpidfy that his guests, anxious to an
wcr the innumerable questions he con-
-antly propounded to them often left
he table hungry. Once he was to open
railroad, and he had taken along with
i'm the Ambassador of Il great
uropean power. The latter invited to
reakfast with the Emperor at the
uffet of the station, saw Dom Pedro
citing up after few minutes, during
hich the diplomat had kept answer
g the questions asked by His Majesty.
he Ambassador had to follow His I'M
erial host with an empty stomach, and
ith long journey yet to accomplish.
ut before leaving the table and fol-
wing the Emperor. who had already
rned his back. and was moving in
e direction of the train, the furnished
lest rapidly seized upon cakes spread +
| the table. forced them into his ,
'ckct and managed to eat them, with
It being seen, during the remainder
the trip.
Every morning the Emperor used to
Id audiences and listen to everybody
10 chose to present him a request.
'ide from these audiences daily given a
savants, artists. merchants. etc, ,
IN Pedro received once a week in the
lace yard the lower classes, or rather
2 poor and those in want, to whom =