The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-11-24
The Significant Feature Of the War in
Brazil.


To an observer OF the war In Brazil. the
thing Of chief interest and significance lie
that the naval revolt has never obtained
any support from any rebellious force on
the land. For very nearly three months
the insurgent Admiral has carried on hos
Titles against the Government: yet there
has not. during that time. been popular up
rising against it. or In his favor, in any Of the
twenty States OF the vast republic. He has
turned the guns OF his Heet upon Rio de
Janeiro: he has made spollatory excursions
TO various places along the seaboard; he
has striven to stir up instruction south
ward in Paraha. and northward In Pernam-
buco: he has tried to get the aid OF the
malcontents in Rio Grande do Sui: he has
seized the unprotected little city Of Des-
terro, declaredit to be the seat Of his Gov
eminent. and asked the help of the inhabi-
tants OF the State in which 1t Is situated;
yet, not In n single instance. has he got
any backing whatever from any body Of
the people in any part OF the country.
There Is another fact OF curious signif-
canoe bearing upon this point. 1t is that
the rebellion which broke out last year
against President PEIxoTo In the State OF
ress up to the time OF Admiral MEILo's re-
volt, came to an end almost rs soon as
that revolt was declared at the opening
OF September. The rebels who had so
long been under arms there. instead
Of joining with MELLo to overthrow
the Government. laid down their arms.
and have refrained from any further
disturbance OF the public peace. Had they
remained in the field. and kept up the war.
there is every probability that PEIxoTo's
power would have been broken by this time.
It has become evident that. though they
were dissatisfied with the policy Of the Ad-
ministration. they did not desire to bring
about revolution.
A comprehension Of these facts is essential
to proper understanding OF the situation
in Brazil.
All this time. the insurgent Admiral has
pretended that the people OF Brazil we're
on his side; that he was the representative
Of their cause; and that he was contendinR
for popular rights against n usurping and
tyrannical President. How false and foolish
Is such a pretence. has been made known
by the events Of the past three months
All Brazil has refused to take part in MEL
Los revolt. Every State, with a single ex-
ception. declared its loyalty to the Govern
ment on the 18th OF this month. when the
fourth anniversary OF the proclamation OF
the republic was celebrated; and the one
State which failed to make this declaration.
was Santa Catharina, whose capital. Des-
terro. had just been seized by MELLo's
fleet.
Since. then. the naval revolt has not any
support from the Brazilian people or army.
1t would seem that the only thing needed
for the restoration OF peace Is the capture
or destruction Of the fleet under MELLo's
command. Whether there Is good pros
pect that this result will be brought about
to the full by the Brazilian batteries or
by the power OF the fighting ships which
the Brazilian Government has purchased
in this country and in Europe. we are I'M
able to say. We cannot foretell what will
happen In case the Aquidaban and her
Nictheroy and her consorts. II MELLo
should be able to dispose OF hs'several adj
versaries. and II he could procure the means
needed for the support Of his feet in revolt.
the war might be prolonged and clrcum-
stances might turn in his favor. II his flag
ship should be seized or should be sunk as
the monitor Javary has been. the chances
are that the revolt would be brought to an
end at once. and that President PENoTo
would be elected to office for another term
We wish for the freedom. the peace. the
prosperity. and the happiness OF the repub-
lie Of Brazil. Long life to 1t!