Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-18
Tho BIRTH OF A NATION.
First Inaugural Ceremonies Of the United
States Of Brazil.

First Inaugural Ceremonies Of the United
States Of Brasil.
The Inauguration of the first constitutional
president Of Brazil was q very simple cere-
mony, but it was an impressive one. The
newspapers Of Rio arriving by the latest mail
contain an interesting description Of the oc-
casion On the oath of February three printed
copies Of the new constitution we're brought
into the chamber Of deputies and signed by
the 226 senator's and deputies present. The
document was then read to the assembled au-
dience and after reading 1t the president said:
The constitution Of the republic Of the United
States OF Brazil is now promulgated, and after
fifteen months Of revolutionary government our
country from this moment enters into legal
status (Applauss.l 1t must be acknowledged
that, thanks to the patriotic e1ertions Of this
congress, the nations legitimate representa-
tive lapplausel, which, received at first with
dlstrust BY public opinion, has overcome
pre1udice and ended its labors amid public
esteem and confidence. Brazil, our country,
mas henceforth Q free and democratic constitu-
ton. founded on a system amply federative in
It's character (applausel, the only system that
can preserve our country united. promote its
prosperity and cause it to correspond in South
America to Its model in North America. Jap
plause.l Fellow citizens all hail Brazil, our
country the Brazilian republic! Long live
the Brazilian nation! Loud and continued
applause from the representatives and from the
galleries..
AWAITING THE TEST OF TINE.
Deputy Serzedello said that to the constitu-
ton must now be applied the test of time. At
present they must respect it and defend it even
at the risk Of their lives
de presented the following motion, which,
AFTER q Few words from Deputy Cesar Zans,
was unanimously adopted: The national con-
gress here assembled, now the sole sovereign
In whose presence the revolution and dictator
ship cease to exist, hereby DEGREES that this
day, the oath Of February the most important
cate In the history Of our country, shall be .
day OF national festivity."
ELECTION OF PRESIDENT.
The congress then proceeded to the election
OF president Of the republic with the fol-
lowing result: Manoal Deodoro da Fonueca,
l29; Prudento Jose de Moraes Barros, 81;
Floriano Peixto, 8; Joaquin Saldanha Marine,
2: Jose Hygino Duarte Pereira, 1; blank, g.
For vice president the vote was as follows:
florlano PeiXoto, 1853; Eduardo Wandenkolk,
81; Prudente Jose de Moraes Barros, IL; Col
Pirigibe. 4; Custodio Jose de Mello, l.
On the 26th the president and vice president
OF the republic were introduced into the legis-
iatiye hall by the committees appointed to re-
right and the latter on the left of the president
Of the congress, who then said:
The president and vice president Of the re-
public are here for the purpose of making, in
the presence OF the constituent congress- the
promise required Of them by the constitution
promulgated" lApplause.l
TAKING THE REQUIRED AFFIRMATION.
The president and vice president then made
the following affirmation, required by article
"A Of the constitution:
II promise to maintain and observe with per-
feet loyalty the federal constitution, to promote
the general welfare of the republic, to obey its
laws and preserve its union. integrity and in
dependence"
The presiden: Of the congress then said:
''The two highest magistrates Of the nation,
elected in conformity with the constitution
promulgated, are now inaugurated. In this
solemn moment, interpreting the sentiment Of
the national congress-. the nations legitimate
representative, express an earnest desire for
the welfare OF our country Of the highest magis-
trates Of the nation, feeling assured that they
will do their duty and seek to lead the country
to the high destiny that awaits it. Applause
l request the committees to accompany the
president and vice president Of the republic"
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
The president and vice president then re-
tired with the same formalities observed on en-
tering. The sitting was suspended for the pur-
pose Of writing the official journal Of the
house, and on its being resumed the president
made the following address, my colleagues,
on separating We leave promulgated the con-
stitution Of the United States Of Brazil. This
constitution, prepared in a little over three
months Of assiduous labor, is probably defec-
tive, for no human work is perfect. 1t must,
however, be admitted that the Brazilian con-
gress has successfully sought to engraft in the
fundamental compact which it has be-
slowed upon the country all the cardinal prin-
ciples Of federative republic. There they are
clearly delineated; experience may develop
them and give our country the happiness and
prosperity that it deserves. We have done our
duty. We may now be content to return to
our homes, since, as have already had occa-
sion to say in this place, received with preju-
dice and distrust by public opinion, congress
has 80 acted as to destroy or at least to COM
bat this prejudice and to gain prestige and to
acquire the public esteem and confidence which
surround it at the close Of its labors Jap
plause
However, there is still much to be done. 1t
is necessary that all the powers established by
the constitution which congress has promui-
gated shall rise to the level of their duties seek
to perform them faithfully and religiously SO
that the cardinal principles therein engrafted
may be practically observed, as is necessary for
the happiness Of the nation. [Applause.l
These, my colleagues, are the wishes which,
in the name of congress, l express on closing
our labor. For my part must once more ten
der you my warmest thanks for the honor of
which, at your hands, am the undeserving re-
cipient General dissent and cries of sdesery-
ing recipient You have conferred honor on
the place."l
''As l said on taking this chair, it had never
occurred to me, in my widest dreams as a
proselyter, that should ever have the extra
ordinary honor Of presiding over the con-
stituent congress Of the Brazilian republic,
and, if accepted the post, notwithstanding
my consciousness Of its being far above nv
ability (''you have filled it honorably,"l It
was, az I then said, relying on your support
and assistance, which, fortunately, during the
whole session has never failed me. I'.It was
our duty."l Once more thank you for this
token Of esteem and regard. If at any time 1
have made use Of any expression that seemed
harsh or uncalled for, beg your pardon; it
was prompted by o sense of duty; by an earnest
desire that congress should not deviate from
the line Of conduct that BELTS it; that it should
labor calmly and quietly for the object which
it has accomplished of bestowing upon the
country a constitution that will bear favorable
comparison with those Of the most advanced
countries. Applause Thus, repeating my
thanks in this chair with which your Kindness
has honored me, have the honor to declare
that congress has concluded its labors in q
constituent capacity. The session is closed
Ska<chau~ In