The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-11-06
BRAZIL'S DICTATOR,
President Da FOnSeCa Assumes
Supreme Power.
His Trouble With the Congress Leads to
BlOOdShed.
Sustained by The Army and the Navy He
ProGIaims Martial LaW-The De-
cree Of Dictatorship.
Erecial &c THE MORNING CALL

u6 ukul, 81 lOIS lUdluldlUcu U6lW0bu SOu-
gress on the one side and President Da
Fonseca and the Government on the other.
has reached its elimination. For quite
time their differences were over financial
affairs. The measures passed by the Legis-
lature were vetoed by the Chief Magistrate
and changes advocated by the President
were voted down by Congress. Recently an
attempt was made to curb the power of the
Chief Executive.
The fact that Da Fonseea is a military
man led many TO fear or pretend to fear that
he might proclaim himself Dictator. To
prevent any such contingency, Congress
short while ago passed a law fixing a pro-
cess for the impeachment of the President.
Da FOnseca vetoed the measure, and his
veto was overridden by Congress. AS soon
as this action was made known to Da Fon-
SEGA he became very much excited and
thereupon dissolved Congress. Martial law
was then proclaimed throughout Rio
Janeiro and the other States forming the
cpnfederacy.
What the upshot will be no one can tell.
The feeling here is one of great fear of
what may follow The dissolution of Con-
gress may result in the choice of another
President. Da Fonseca was not chosen by
the people, but by Congress. In the case of
an uprising Da Fouseca would have the
army and navy solidly at his back. The op-
position to military rulers continues very
marked. AL cable and telegraph messages
are subjected to censorship. The same is
true of the news agencies.
The intelligence of trouble in Brazil was
received with much surprise by the Brazil
ian Consul-General here, De Mend onca. He
had no previous intimation of trouble there.
and could assign no reason for it unless it
was because Congress and Da Fonseca
could not pull together.
DICTATORSHIP DECLARED.
The Herald Valparaiso special says: Ad-
vices by wire from Rio JaneIro, Brazil,
give further details of the causes that have
led 10 the trouble between Congress and
President da FOnSeca. 1t seems that it had
its origin in a row that broke out in the
Legislative Chamber. The Senate passed a
bill to establish the responsibility of
the President for his different
acts. This act met with Da Fonseca's
violent disapprobation, and he refused to
accept what he termed any such dictation
as to his rights and duties from the Con-
k1fe-+ IlG DlOetesi Llle LEOOpS uD0ST arms
throughout Rio on November 4th. and this
led to intense excitement among the popu-
lace. Bands of the opponents Of the Gov
ernment, including old Republicans and
Monarchsts. assembled and shouted
out their disapproval Between these
people and the soldiery many
fights took place. Riots broke out In the
streets all over the city. Troops were then
given orders to FIRE upon the rioters, which
they did. Many rebels were killed. Rio
was now practically in a state of siege. II
was not safe TO stir out of doors. Soldiers
patrolled the streets. Martial law was
proclaimed. As in previous cases strict
censorship Of the press was established,
all communication by telegraph was stopped,
and spirit Of revolt manifested itself in
the army. When Da Fonseca was informed
of this fact he went at once to the troops
and made them stirring address, promls-
ing TO guard their interests and protect them
In all their rights. His words had good
effect. The unruly spirits were completely
brought around TO his side and
at tie end of his address they lcudly
cheered him. The chiefs of the army
then requested Da Fonseca to resume the
function. of Dictator, saying that the
emergency demanded it. He appeared to
demur for time, but at length gave his
consent. He then issued a decree, reciting
the causes of the disagreement between
him and Congress, and defending his posi-
tion. At the same time he declared that
Congress had gone SO far in its attempts to
interfere with his prerogatives that he
. thereby dissolved it.
SUSTAINED BY THE TROOPS.
1t had NJ longer any excuse for existing.
he said. since 1t was passing laws that were
contrary to the Constitution. The troops
yesterday morning marched to the
palace where Da Fonseca was hold
ing a conference with his milit ary
commanders A conference of Ministers
was also in progress. At 9 o'clock this
morning Da Fonseca's decree was made
public He said that the dictatorship wa:
TO last until the political revolutions were
at an end and the Lawmakers learned
to keep In progress with republican ideas.
The dictatorship, he added, was the very
best thing for the distracted country. HI
discaimed any intention of proonging il
after peace had been restored throughout
the country.
THE DICTATOR NOT RECOGNIZED.
kilograms received from Porto Allegro
In the State of Rio Grande do Sui, declare
that the authority of the Dictator is not
recognized there. Allegro has population
of some $4,000. Rio Grande do Su
is one of the most prosperous ant
independent OF all the States. 1t has
population Of nearly 100000 RepuDli
cans IN 1t say that they will not tolerate 6
dictatorship, and are demanding armed op
position to Da Fonseca. They SAY
that he wished to restore the i'm
perial rule with himself a.
Emu eror, and that he has grown tired of a
republican government. The navy has pro-
nounced in favor of Da Fonseca Rio is
now quiet 1t is believed that the revolu-
ton will be put down aud that peace vii
be restored at an early date.
ABLE TO MAINTAIN ORDER
The Brazilian Minister, De Mendonca, TO-
night received from Senior Chermont Min
lister Of Foreign Relations OF Brazil, the fol
lowing cablegram: "The army and nav,
are with the Government. There is per
feet tranquility here (Rlol and in the States
The Government will maintain 1t with firm
ness. The Federal Constitution will b,
respected, as well as all national com
promises"
THE NEWS CONFIRMED.
WASHINGTON, Now 5.-The State De
partment mas recelVeu caOlegram ir0I
Minister Conger confirming the report o
the dissolution of Congress and the declar
ing OF martial law in Brazil. This dis
turbed state of affairs is viewed with deel
concern here in view of the Importance o.
American interests in that country and Ou
close trade relations withit. There is re a
son to believe the revolutionary movemeD
Is being fomented by a considerable part,
which seeks to re-establish the monarchica
form Of Government in Brazil. The move
ment will probably lead to the ordering o
some OF our naval vessels TO points wher.
trouble threatens
THE PRESIDENT AS ARBITRATOR.
The Congress Of Brazil having refused u
ratlfy the plan for the settlement of tn,
hnunaarY dlknuia 18th H. A d..