The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-11-06
DrAzrL INITIATES chill.

BRAZIL INITIATES CHILL
The prospect OF another revolution in Bra
zil. for the proposed dictatorship amounts .
nothing more or lees. is all that Is needed U
give tho last touch to the dscouragemen
which contemplation Of republican govern
ment in South America is so well calculated
20 cause.
When Dom Pedro was deposed bya genera
expression Of Brazilian public sentiment. pub
lie opinion in the United States heartily ap
proved Of the change although the ex- Emperor
was known TO have performed the duties Of
/ the high position which he occupied with
undoubted patriotism and conscientiousness
/ The fact that the movement which led &c
/ the establishment OF republican institutions
in Brazil was unattended by disorder and
bloodshed the usual accompaniment OF such
| q movement everywhere, but especially in the
South American States, seemed to be suth-
Gent ground in itself 10 justify tho belief that
the Brazilian people were fitted TO govern
themselves. owing TO the liberal spirit Of the
imperial regime which had conferred upon
the masses all the more important privileges
Of republican citizenship.
The excellent influence of the education in
the principles Of free government which the
people Of Brazil had thus received was shown,
not only in the peaceable and dignifed man.
ner in which the empire was converted into q
republic. but also in the whole course Of the
provisional administration which was immedi-
ately formed. This administration was CON-
posed Of men who had wide reputation for
capacity and experience and who enjoyed tho
full confidence OF the people at large. In
their hands the public affairs reposed in per-
feet safety.
After a stated interval had elapsed, con-
stltution was drawn up by the properly dele
gated authorities. submitted TO the suffrage
Of the people and adopted with substantial
unanimity. Under the provisions of this con-
sttuhon, which was closely modelled upon
that Of the United States, popular vote was
taken and the present incumbent Of the presi-
denHal Office in Brazil was duly elected. He
has occupied the position for some time, and
has until recently given satisfaction in his adj
mnistratiOn.
A short time ago. however. lie was brought
into direct conflict with the Brazilian Con-
gress. the members of that body taking occa-
sion to obstruct his wishes in connection with
measures which they were disposed TO think
enlarged the powers Of the presidency TO a
point which was not favorable to the stability
Of the republic, and in this view so far as
our present information extends, .hey were
entirely right.
The career Of Balmaceda is characteristic of
the South American rulers. The most en-
liehtened and patriotic among them begin
with what is no doubt sincere devotion 70
the public good, but the possession Of power
gradually ntoxicates them and they become
aggressive aud determined in their encroach-
ments on the rights and Liberties of the peo-
pie. This leads to opposition and finally TO
revolt. which is taken as ample justification
on the part of the President to proclaim a
dictatorship. This was the story of Balma-
ceda. and it seems to be equally true Of Fon-
SEGA, the head Of the Brazilian Government
nNbDlh4hs 10 lAp laot lcpVlts l4dItiu Jaw In,
been declared by him throughout the Bra
lillian States as a result of his conflict with
Congress. The next step will be the announce
ment Of his absolute dictatorship
What will follow con be predicted with only
too much accuracy. There will be a wide !
spread revolt against the tyranny Of Fonseca.
but whether it will have as earnest support
from the masses of the Brazilian people as
the revolt against Balmaceda had in Chill
from the masses Of that country is question
which only the future can decide. Upon
this the destinies Of Fonseca and Brazil are
dependent. If the new dictator shall put
down the threatened uprising, free govern
ment in the Brazilian States is gone, and gone
for an indefinite time. II. on the other hand,
the insurrectionsts shall haye the success
of their eXempars In Chill the Government
of Brazil will remain free until tyrant in
the person Of president shall arise who
will conquer all opposition and establish
himself as a permanent dictator
As it is. it is not improbable that the peo-
pie Of Brazil already look back with regret
TO the mild and stable government of the
empire.