The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1900-04-07
CHANGING GOVERNOR
Province of Amazonas, Brazil, Used
Odd Strategy
The Executive Signed Blank
Paper Before He Sailed, which
Later Became Res
ignntiOn.

"A recently returned traveller from
Brazil gave to Washington reporter
an interesting account OF some OF the
peculiar systems Of that country. lie
said that the people of the interior
states, especially along the upper Am
azon, were so far removed from the
central authority at Rio that they paid
little attention to the federal govern
ment and were almost independent
states or provinces. Politics in this re-
gion means simply contest between
the ''ins" and the outs" and as soon
as one set of politicians is installed in
Office all the others combine against
them to force them out of office. 1t is
a constant warfare, with Turn the
rascals out!" as battle cry.
Sometimes this procedure gives rise
to amusing complications, one OF which
came under his notice. The province OF
Amazonas recently had as governor
very enterprising and popular states
man. who lined his pockets with gold,
and by his business ability and acu-
men accumulated large fortune. His
political followers and associates, how
ever. did not share his fortunes to a
satisfactory extent, and limited at him,
rather broadly, perhaps, that he should
retire and give some of the others
chance.
''This did not appeal strongly to the
governor" said the traveller, who was
well satisfied with his corner on the
public crib, and did not intend to re-
linquish his place to anyone. Finding
their appeals of no avail, most in
genious plan was finally evolved, hav-
ing for its object the retirement of the
governor and the selection of the lieu
tenant governor as his successor.
"At a meeting of the legislature, or
congress, as it is called, of the state
of Amazonas bill was passed provid-
ing that the governor should make a
years tour of Europe for the purpose OF
interesting European capitalists in the
industrial and agricultural enterprises
OF Amazonas and to study the condi-
tions of commerce, banking, ETC., in
Europe.
'It was believed such a trip would
greatly benefit the state, and in order
to provide the governor with funds suf-
/ ficien5 for him to make suitable i'm
preston on the monarchs OF Europe a
fund OF $4,000 was allotted to him for
travelling expenses. So carefully did
the conspirators guard their plans that
the governor did net for moment sus-
pect their intention TO oust him, but
he did jear that IL he started out with
out his money they might forget to
hand over the $4,000.
"The conscientious scruples of the
| governor were overcome, however, by
his friends. who informed him that to
make certain be would receive his trav-
cling expenses they were prepared to
hand them over in advance. All objec-
tions to his departure being thus re
moved, the governor prepared to sail
without delay, and arrangements were
made for his departure amid pomp and
ceremony. Just before the sailing the
lieutenant governor rushed to the gov
crnor and pressed him to sign some i'm
I portant papers.
'eThe governor hastily scrawled hi
signature on the papers and was about
to rise, when the Lieutenant governor
betbought himself of one more docu
ment which it was absolutely necessary
the governor should sign, probably I
receipt for the 1000. he suggested
that the governor write his signature
at the bottom Of blank sheet. and h
would fiji in thepaper later. The schem'
met with the approval Of the govern
or. who wrote his name. as requested
at the bottom Of blank sheet Of paper
amid the wild huzzas of the admir-
ing populace. the governor set sail. an'
q few months afterward word was re
ceived Of his safe arrival in Europe. o.
receipt Of this information the lieuten
ant governor. who ives acting as chic
magistrate. summoned an extra session