The sun., 1890-01-26
DOM PEDRO INTERVIEWED.
HIs HOPES AND FEARS FOR THE EU-
TURE OF HIS COUNTRY.

EAeNOIuNlon-ItO
60 Return Even a. n Private Citizen 20
Die Among His People-A History OF His
Life IL Now EagnEing His Time.
PARIS, Jan. 25.--The ex-Emperor OF Brazil,
having preserved absolute silence on the sub
ject OF tho revolution since his arrival In Eu-
rope, and 1t having been reported In tho public
prints that his health Of mind and body had
broken down since the death Of the Empress,
the agent Of the Press News Association ap-
Piled TO persons In diplomatic position here
who were in communication with the ex- En-
peror to ascertain If the latter would belwilling
to grant him an interview on these subjects.
Your agent was coon after assured that he
would be received. and, by the courtesy Of q
gentleman In tho Diplomatic service Of Portu-
gal. o letter ol introduction was given to him.
and he went to Cannes early this week. He
called upon the ex-Emperor, was kindly and
courteously received. and had most interest
ing conversation with him. the illustrious exile
calmly but freely speaking his mind on recent
painful events for the first time.
His voice was q little husky but otherwise
his enunciation was distinct his word meas
ured. and his mind appeared to be perfectly
clear. He seemed to be In fairly good health
for one OF his age He said with the exception
Of slight cold, which he had contracted while
driving In tho country around Cannes. that he
felt quite we'll, although he was not as strong
as he wished.
The consolation and solnce OF his present life
is derived from literary pursuits; he reads a
great deal. and enjoys literary work. He is
engaged In the composition Of memoirs Of his
life and reign. not to be published until after
his deathr 1t is his principal occupation at
present.
Questioned as to why he had so long main
tained silence on the subject OF the revolution.
Dom Pedro said he had abstained from speak,
ing OF Brazilian affairs because neither remon-
STRANGE nor discussion could help matters.
The work Of revolution was accomplished. He
preferred to let his enemies have o full hear
ing and leave the world to Judge.
believe" said the ex-Emperor. what has
happened will be permanent unless an attempt
Is made to set up dictatorship. Even an un-
popular sovereign is to be preferred to
military dictator. whose rule would be fatal to
any country. Although dethroned and cruelty
exiled. 1 am deeply interested in the progress
and prosperity OF the people OF Brazil. God
knows did all In my power to give them a sat-
isfactory Government; but at last vaulting
ambition took flight above reason, and seemed
to compel obedience to its behests, whether
right or wrong"
The Emperor was asked. What do you con-
side: the direct cause Of the revolution Z" and
without hesitation replied:
Tho abolition OF slavery; the slavery ques-
ton had been the disturbing element in poll.
tics for long time. Bills In many forms
had been presented dealing with the
question. which was defeated because
the Ministerial Council was composed OF
slave owners 1 approved every measure deal
ing directly with abolition, and made personal
efforts to save the bill which provided for
otE.t~ rt.iz
the crown and augmented the ranks Of the
When the decree granting imme-
diate freedom was presented for my signature
to prevent any mistake 1 tried to ascertain
what the public sentiment was The slave
owners threatened to resign from the Cabinet
II signed the decree and the Republicans
threatened disruption II did not.
The decree was signed. True to their
word. the slaveowners resigned. These and
others Joined the Republican party out OF re-
venge. I experienced difficulty in forming
Cabinet. The Republicans demanded what
I could not safely grant Encouraged
by the landowners the Republicans became
aggressive. and took every occasion to provoke
opposition to the Government. They sue
ceeded in corrupting many men without whose
aid there would have been no revolution.
To avert what l forsaw. I consented
the Republicans; even advised the formation
Of Republican Cabinet inviting Gen. de Fon-
SEGA to O seat in 1t. This l did that there |
should be no pretext for what did take place.
II was informed at Petropolis of the de- |
,ision OF the Republicans too late. / sent q |
despatch begging Fonseca to submit the Ques-
ion of revolution to the people, saying that II
he majority wished 1t / would yield. l got an |
Indirect reply: The revolution is accom-
olished.' fastened to Rio. only to be made |
prisoner"
Here the Emperor was overcome by emotion. |
After a pause he was asked If antpathy to the
religion OF the Princess his daughter. had any
hing to do with the revolution.
He replied, No" 1T was true" he ad-
nitted, that the Princess did not enjoy the
Of the masses. namely. because her
husband. the Count d'Eu. was foreigner;
till. he was respected by the whole nation"
rs the report true that before the revolution
,roke out you had intended to ajdfcate on
Dec. 2 In favor OF the Princess"
NO. The story was invented by the Re-
,ublicans to arouse the army and give a pre-
ext for revolt II was only intended to review
he troops on that day.
Q.-Do you think OF abdicating nowP Al
AVE no such intention.
Q.-Who would you name to succeed the
'rincessp A.-That prefer not to discuss.
Q.-WhRt do you think OF the future OF Bra
il2 Al fear there will be division Internal
y, as the North and South were never on good
erms.
OFF you should be elected President OF the
epublic. as some OF your friencs propose to
fier your name. would you return to Brazil 2
With all my heart. No matter whatever as
,mperor. President, or private citizen. would
lady return to die among my people.
With these words tho interview ended.
The Count dEu was seen q few moments.
10 said. had the Emperor listened to counsel,
onseca would now be prisoner In Fernando
Q Naronha. tho st. Helena Of Brazil. and the
nrono would be SECURE. AS for himself, he
eclsred he was ready to return and take pos
ession OF tho throne In the name OF the Prln-
ess Isabella
The Princess was present but had nothing
D say. Dom Pedro says he will not sell his
roperty In Brazil.