New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-30
BRAZ[L'S NEW PRESIDENT.
GENERAL FLORANO PEIXOTo AND HIS |
MINISTER'S.


Sir: The recent events in Brazil bring again
her political affairs into prominence in this coun-
try more than anywhere else in the world. The
reason is very clear We are to-day so closely
connected by ties of the warmest friendship that
any event in one of these countries is sure 10
interest the other. Our commercial relations are
increasing every day, in spite Of the cries of
jealousy of Others trying to make everybody be-
leye that Brazilians are the verge Of disgrace.
Every nation has its drawbacks, and / am sure
there is enough backbone In Brazil to tight our
case without needing inspiration from other
nations.
As Pompey Hill in Central New-York is re-
markable for raising the smartest men In TINS
State, so Is the little State of Alagoas In Brazil
noted in the honorable task OF raising some Oh
our best military men. Not only Deodoro ia
Fonseca with his conort of brother soldiers. but
the present chief magistrate OF Brazil is also
man from AlagOas Both are about the same age
and both very gallant soldiers. Both fought dur
ing the war that Brazil had to sustain five years
with the Republic of Paraguay, and both nave
been suffering from the same disease acquired IN
the service of their country. But, still, they
are very different in character and disposition.
Deodoro was frank, Outspoken, not wel-read
man, always willing TO sacrifice himself lOr
warm friend even at the cost OF his own polltlcai
position. He more a soldier than Civilian, II
| am not mistaken PeiXoto Is quiet, reserved
shrewd. dissimulating man, in fact more
civilian than q soldier. Like Talleyrand, he
would never commit himself TO anybody nor TO
the public When il became time to act he
would act, but cautiously, and In stralghI
forward way. Both, in my opinion. are men OF
high integrity. With the qualifications that ne
Possesses. / do not see why PeiXoto should noo
make a successful administration when at present
the most needed thing in Brazil is an honest ana
conservative government
When the revolution broke out In Brazll. IN
1889, Peixoto was holding the responsible place
of Adjutant-General Of the Army unoer Ihe
Viscount of Ouro PretO's Cabinet. AT that tme
the whole army controlled by benjamin
Constant, the soul of the revolution. and by
Deodoro Whether he did not wish to sacrifice
himself, or was at heart with his fellow-soiders'
the historical fact is that he promptly refused TO
fire ON Deodoro and his battalions when ordered by
Ouro preto TO do it, At the organization Of the
first Cabinet PeiXoto, being fresh man from
monarohical ranks was left out in the cold; Dut
the high respect and esteem in which ne was al
ways held by the army caused fonseca 10 give
him the portfolio of War, at that time held DS
BENJAMIN Constant who was transferred 10 ohe
portfolio of Public Instruction IL cannot DE
denied that his course as Minister was always
that of a diguifed and sensible man. While MS
colleagues of the Cabinet used TO get into rouole
among themselves, and sometimes with DeOdoro'
he only cared for peace and Cancellation. Wheh
Deodoro had to send away his Cabinet. Florlano
went also. He never uttered word of complaint.
and no hopes did he express to his TRENDS ABOUT
the possibility of dragging Deodoro out Of his
l. Ila lryant tlNaf
the hero of the day, and to him, and only to him.
belonged the spols Of victory.
When the time came for the election Of the
President, as the Constitution provided, by the
two branches Of Congress. he would not allow
himself to run against Deodoro in spite u the
persistent efforts of his friends and new adver-
saries of Deodoro. Without being a candidate for
either place he was elected by an almost unan-
nous vote of the Congress- While Congress was
in session he was sick all the time in Barbacena.
n health resort in the State Of MinasIGeraes, Pru-
dente de Moroes, strong man from Sac Paulo.
being the presiding officer Of the Senate. Being
the Vice. President Of the Republic. he was too
discreet to express any political opinions about the
proper course to be followed In the administra-
ton Of the country by Deodoro. Therefore his
superior in the hierarchy of the Administration
was given all chances of success so far as FlOrlano
was concerned
In the last conflict understand, he kept also
very neutral position. We oil know now, by
cable his course after he became the acting
President Of Brazil. His first act was to summon
Congress to reconvere by the eighteenth Of next
MONTH raise the state of siege established by
Deodoro and his advisers and restore full liberties
to every citizen of the country that under the
martial law.
Congress will soon finish up the work that was
almost done in the way of restricting the paper
money issue created by Borbosa, and unhappily
continued by Baron de Lucena bringing our paper
under a strong policy of retrenchment TO its
metallic basis. One year OF sound government is
time enough to bring Brazil 10 the proper fnan
cial condition. Our country is rich, our exports
are on the increase. and immigration flows 70 the
country.
Under these prospects, Photo steps into tn6
Administration Of Brazil. | have sanguine hopes
for his success, if he only lives TO see his work