New-York tribune., 1891-05-17
JEAN BRATIANO.

Bucharest, May 16.-Jean Bratlanc, the Humanian
statesman, Is dead.
NJ Bratano was born at Bucharest In 1922. He
entered the army when sixteen years OF age but lett
the service after for politics. Educated In Pars
where he followed the OF studies Of the Foly
technlc School, he was a prominent mover with his
brother Dcmette Bratan, in the French Revolution OF
1s45, and was exlled upon It's suppression. He pub
lishcd several political tracts, Of which was re-
marlable pamphlet 1S55) upon the influence OF Aus
tra In the Eastern question lie was imprisoned In
1853 at Paris, and fined 1900 francs for having
In his house Unauthorized printing press, and not rs
has been stated for participation in the orsln affair
He returned to Rumans in 1887, and for nearly
quarter OF century by turns Minister and Deputy
at times high In favor with his sovereign and at others
in disgrace for his liberal opinions. When Alexander
CouSa (who regned over Rumania from 1889 to 1869
was deposed for his disagreement, corruption and ex
cesses Of all kinds, the Democratic party, guided by
Bratano and his equally eminent colleague, Constan
tine Roet advocated the adoption OF direct succession
to the sovereignty In the person OF foreign princes as
the only means OF avertng the dangers to which the
reign Of native princes exposed the country, through
the Jealousy OF rival families. This principle was
finally adopted. and, after some difficulty, by the
advice Of Napoleon ILL., Prince Charles of Hohenzolern
was chosen. He brought into the country In the
Disguise Of o servant, and was at once proclaimed
Prince Of Rumana N1ay 10, 1861. In 1881 the
Prince assumed the title Of King, which was recog
njzed By the Powers. Bratano and Rosetti were
Ministers under the sovereign until 1870, when
their avowed sympathes with France during the
sian war led to their overthrow. Prussian
influence led to the organization Of the Catargi
Ministry and renewal Of the errors aud corruptions
OF tho worst days OF the relgns OF the Hospodars
followed But in 1875 the Opposition triumphed, the
Liberals again to power, aud their predecessors
were impeached. The outbreak of the Russo'Turksh
war in 1877 found Rumania recovering from prostra-
ton, but the turn Of events forced the Liberals TO
abandon the policy Of passive neutrality which they
had adopted. The wanton aggression OF the TURKS
soon gave the long expected opportunity OF declaring
the absolute independence OF the country, which was
fairly earned by the heroic achievements OF tho
numanian army during the war. Brauano was at the
head of the Rumanian Ministry throughout the war;
and nv his energy and devotion contributed largely
to the crcdable record which the Prncpalty made In
that memorable struggle After the close Of the war
he bent all his energies TO securing for MS country
the full fruits OF the contest and he remained at the
head of affairs until Rumanla was raised from tho
rank Of q dependent princpality TO that OF an in
dependent kingdom QSsl), when he retired TO private
life and was succeeded as Premier by his younger
brother who had held the post of Envoy at Con-
stantInople since November, 1873. In 1883 he again
returned to public life and served some time at the
head Of the Cabinet
During his long public career there was only one
question on Wnlcn BtdlldHo uoL ldhc u huOlu "iH
enlightened course. The Congress of Berlin before
which he was allowed to present Rlmanias claims,
but was not permitted 10 have deloerauve voice.
demanded, condition precedent 70 the recognition
OF Rumanan independence the emancipation OF The
Jews The part that Bratano had TO play In carry.
Ing out tho directions Of the Congress wa: rendered
very difficult by his being brought face TO face
with an excited populace, who opposed any attempt
to revise the Consultation, and who were quite capable
not only OF upsetting Ministry, but Of shaking the
throne when their stupid prejudces we're anagonlzed
Moreover in coming before the country as an enanc
paor OF the Jews Bratiano was unhapplly forced to
present himself In the light OF political turncoat
His Radical friends outside the Chamber could not for
get that he in Office in 1866 in company with
Rosetti and Coganceano. when the hottest persecu-
ton ragged against that unfortunate people while there
were many abollhonists who did not hesitate 70 ac-
cuse him Of having made use OF the unpopularity OF
the Jews as means Of keeping himself in power
But Bratiano took up the difficult and delicate task
with MS accustomed sincerity and energy, and success
fully carried II through In the face OF bitter oppo
stion, 70 the satisfaction OF the European Powers
Braano deservedy ranked as the ablest statesman IN
Rumania and throughout his public earee. he showed
sincere devotion TO the best interests OF his country
for whose social and political regeneration he made te
sacrifice Of every personal confederation he pub
nshed several books relating 70 Rumanlan anairs.