St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-05-16
BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL.

uG pOlIliCdl IuuuCHCG vi VI luSol
in South America seems in danger.
on account of the course pursued
by the Portuguese during the re-
cent rebellion in Brazil. 1t was all
open secret in diplomatic circles
that Portugal sympaJhized with the
movement to overthrow the republic.
That government had furnished
refuge 10 the Brazilian royal family on
its exile. and sprig of Portuguese
royalty had been united to the only
daughter of Dom Pedro, Brazil's ex-
emperor. and the son born of this union
was the legitimate neir to the throne
which his grandfather had been forced
to abdicate.
1t is natural that, in view of these cir
cumstances, the supporters of the
South American republic should have
no overweening affection for the Portu-
guese. This has been aggravated since
the close of the war by the rather I'M
pudent conduct of the minister from the
government at Lisbon. He has per-
mitted no opportunity to pass unim-
proved for casting indignity upon the
republic. He has been naughty and die.
tatorial, and on occasions insulting to
the Brazilian officials, and has in addi-
ton been Extensively conspicuous Ill
predicting the overthrow of the re-
public. and furnishing aid and comfort
to its enemies. At the recent election
his emlssaries were active in opposition
to the Republican party, and sought by
every means in their power to bring
about an electoral revolt against the
ably, for the result of the elections
showed an Astounding public confidence
in the stability of the republican gov
eminent, and an overwhelming senti-
ment in favor of the maintenance of the
republic. 1t was natural that he should
be chagrined at the ill success of his
conspiracy, but he was exceedingly UNI
wise in making no attempt to conceal
his feelings. His insults to the govern
until at last official cognizance of his
conduct has been taken. lie has been
given his passports, and the government
at Lisbon has been informed that he is
persona non grata-in other words, that
his room is better than his company.
And now there is a war impending in
consequence.
1t is not unusual for governments to
refuse to accept the diplomatic repre-
sentatives of foreign powers or to de-
mand the recall of those previously
recognized. 1t will be remembered that
a few years ago President Cleveland
sent an intimation to the British gov
ernment that Lord SackvilIe West, the
ambassador at Washington, was dis
tasteful to him. Her maiesty's gov
eminent promptly named his successor,
and the relations Of the two powers
continued along the old lines. Presi-
dent Cleveland named Mr.. Kelly as
minister to Austria, but owing to race
prejudice the government at Vienna
refused to receive him. A successor
was at once appointed, and there has
been no interruption of diplomatic rela-
tons. President Harrison named ex-
Senator Blair as minister to China, but
the emperor sent back word that the
New Hampshire Chinaphobist would be
permitted to commit hari-karl it he
ever landed in the Celestial kingdom,
and Blair wisely concluded to remain
upon American soil.
1t is not mortal Uffense in these DAYS
for one government to demand of an
other the recall OF its diplomatic repre-
sentative. But in Portugal different
view is taken. That government is not
modern one, or controlled by the ideas
and usages of the nineteenth century.
1t belongs to the days when any indig-
nifty. however trivial. was regarded as a
challenge to mortal combat. And this,
it seems, will be the case as TO the dip
lomatic difficulty with Brazil. 1t is said
that great Indignation prevails at Lis.
bon. and that war ships may be sent to
avenge the indignity. But Brazil will
not be browbeaten. She is IN admir-
able condition for foreign war. The
national troops have but recently had
their baptism Of fire. and are in excel
lent fighting trim. The navy is stronger
than ever before, and in many respects
is superior to that of Portugal; and
the outcome of war between the two
powers would undoubtedly be the utter
oAIiHClioA VI IOILuRucSe luuuoHCc Ou
the South American continent.
In such conflict as the one that is
now threatened Brazil would be sure of
the sympathy of the United States. We
have nothing in common with Portugal,
while the bond of union between the
two great republics of the Western
hemisphere is strong. While Brazil
would scarcely require material assist.
ance in the work of overcoming he,