The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-11-16
BRAZIL UNDtRMARTIAL Ian.
ssADary Measures Necessary to
Check the Conspirafors Against
the Presiaent's Life-Great Pelitt-
cal Excitenent 1T Rio Janeiro.

WASHINGTON. Nov. i5.-No cfYicial In
formation has been received here con-
nrmAfory OF the report cabied from Rio
de Janearo, via London, TO the effect tina,
President Moraes has issued q decree de-
ciartng martial law for a period OF thirty
days Nevertheless. the report is credited
IN diplomatic circles II there was evidences
OF the existence OF q political conspiracy in
connection with the recent attempt on the
life OF the president of the Brazilian re-
pubic. N the cable states, q suspension OF
civil rights. II is pointed out. would be
necessary TO accomplish the arrest OF any
member CT the house OF deputies or the
senate who might be implicated in the con-
spiracy.
The Brazilian constitution gives the men,
bers' OF congress Immunity from arrest
during the sessions. except by the diree-
ton OF the branch of the legislature of
which they may be members. To procure
such an order Of arrest from congress
would De long process, and in addition
would inf1ame popular excitement by the
precipitation Of a bitter and acrimonious
debate.
This being the case, If there was reason
aba 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 summariy dealt with would
be to declare martial law. This would not
only place in the hands OF the government
the weapons necessary 10 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 excitement. That the conspir-
acy 10 directly traceable to the existing
political divisions in Brazil. 1t is said. is
further evidenced by the reported resigna-
ton OF the project of police, who is prom
inent Radical. or Jaeobin.
The political excitement In Brazil dates
hoax TO last May. when the Republicans in
both branches 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
old monarchists. or Reactionists, were not
formidable. and made no pretens!ons to the
dignity OF party. The line of cleavage in
the Republican party separated the Rad
icals from the Conservatives. The for
mer. who are known as the Jacobins, but
also cling To the name of Federal Repub-
leans. desired to exclude all the mon
archists from any participation in the gov
eminent. Their slogan was 1.-The republic
for Republicans" The Conservatives, on
the other hand (and they were in the ma
tOrity in both houses Of congress, believed
In conciliating the old monarchists, and
under the leadership of President Moraes
announced the policy of republic for all
Braziiians. The two wings of the Repub-
lican party also opposed each other on the
financial question. although the proclaimed
purpose OF each was to establish re-
trenchment policy. which would balance
the expenditures and receipts Of the re-
public.
Last month the two parties named their
respective candidates for president and
vice president, who are to be chosen at the
general elections next month. There was
naturally much excitement, which was in
tensified by the stirring debates In congress,
then In session. The debates were neces-
sarily Of q very personal character and
were marked by sensational attacks on the
leaders Of the respective sides. Campos
Sales, governor Of one of the Brazilian
states, was nominated for president by
the Conservative Republicans. and Lauro
Sodre. senator from Para. by the Radical
Republicans. By the constitution of Bra
zil. the president is ineligible for re-elec-
ton. so that the failure to renominate
Moraes In no wise shows dissatisfaction
with his administration,