Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-15
MARTIAL LAW ESTABLISHED
Decree Issued BY President Moraes of
Brazil.
No O0cfal Information Here, hut the
Report Is Credited fn Diplo-
matte Circles.

dispatch to the London Times from
Rio Janeiro says that President Moraes has
issued q decree establishing martial law for
a period of thirty days The evidence of a
political conspiracy in connection with the
recent attempt to assassinate the president
Is increasing. The city, however, is quiet
and public opinion supports the course OF
the executive. The project of police has
resigned The police prohibit the gathering
of people in the streets. All things consid-
cred. the situation is improving.
No official Information has been received
here confirmatory of the report cabled
from Rio Janeiro via London to the effect
that President Moraes has issued a decree
declaring martial law for a period of thirty
days. Nevertheless the report is credited
in diplomatic circles. If there was evil
dence of the existence of a political con-
spiracy in connection with the recent at
tempt on the life Of the president of the
Brazilian republic, as the cable states. a
suspension of civil rights, it is pointed out.
would be necessary to accomplish the ar
rest OF any members of the house of dele
gates or the senate VINO might be impli-
cate0 In. me conspiracy. The constitution
oil Brazil gives the members of congress
immunity from arrest during the sessions,
except by the direction Of the branch of
the LEGISLATURE OF which they may be men,
from congress would be a long process,
and, in addition. inf1ame popular excite
raent by the precipitation of bitter and
acrimonious debate.
This being the case, IL there was reason
able ground for the belief that any of the
radical members Of Congress were involved
In the conspiracy, the only way in which
they could be summarily dealt with would
be to declare martial law. This would not
only place in the hands of the government
the weapons necessary to bring the con-
spirators to Justice. but the very assump-
ton of this exceptional authority would.
In itself, tend to crush the conspiracy and
'allay the ez element That the conspiracy
Is directly traceable to the existing politi-
cal divisions in Brazil, it is said, is further
evidenced by the reported resignation OF
the project of police, who is prominent
radical
The political excitement in Brazil dates
back to last May, when the republicans in
both brenches of congress split into two
factions. Previous to that time there had
been practically but one party in Brazil,
known as the federal republicans.
The cid monarchists, or reactionists.
were not formidable and made no preten-
sions to the dignity of a party. The line
OF cleavage in the republican party sepl-
rated the radicals from the conservatives.
The former, who are known as the Jacob
ms, but also cling to the name of federal
republicans. desired to exclude all the old
monarchists from any participation in the
government Their slogan was THE re-
public for republics ans"
The conservatives, on the other hand
(and they were in the majority in both
houses of congress), believed in conciiat-
ing the old monarcnists, and, under the
leadership of President Moraes, announced
the policy of republic for all Brazilans
The two wings of the republican party
also opposed each other on the financial
question, although the proclaimed purpose
of each was to establish a retrenchment
policy which would balance the expendi-
lures and receipts of the republic
Last month the two parties nominated
their respective candidates for president
ard vice president, who are to be chosen at
the general elections next March. There
was naturally much excitement which was
intensified by the stirring debates in con-
gress, which was in session. These le-
bates were occasionally of very personal
character. and Were marked by sensational
attacks on the leaders of the respe Give
sides.
Campos SALES. governor of one of the
Brazilian states, was nominated for presi-
dent by the conservative republicans and
Eauro Sodre, senator from Para by the
radical republicans. BY the constitution of
Brazil. the president is ineligible for re-
election, SO that the failure TO renominate
President Moraes in no wise involved dis
satisfaction with his administration.