The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-15
A POSSIBLE GERMAN REPUBLIC.

1t is difficult to determine which is the
cause and which the effect of our ignor-
ance and Indifference in regard to South
America. We know SO little about it
that we feel no interest in it: we have so
little interest in it that we take no pains
TO remove our ignorance. When German
newspapers and statesmen protest that
the Monroe doctrine is an arrogant outrage
that has been too long allowed to block the
wheels Of civilization and progress, we are
vaguely aware that they have a covetous
eye on South America, but what the con-
ditions and prospects of~German colonial
ton in that continent are, most of US do
not know
Mr.. George A Chamberlain, long a resi-
dent of southern Brazil, writes an interest
ing letter to the Independent about his OBJ
servations there. The four southern States
on the sea coast of Brazil, and one small
State just west of Them are dominated by
German colonies. These colonies began in
1875. They grew vigorously for time
and then their progress was checked until
1918. large number OF Germans, who
were In trouble at home on account of the
revolts of that memorable year, emierated
to southern. Brazil and many new colonies
were formed. Their growth was very rapid
for a time, but in 1859 Germans were for
hidden to emigrate to Brazil, law not
formally repealed until 1895, although it
was evaded to a considerable extent
Through most of this time the Brazilian
| government invited German immigrants
| and gave them many inducements The
Prince de Jonville, founder of the early
colonies in the State of Santa Catharina.
married the sister of the first Emperor of
Brazil.
These German colonies have not become
assimilated with the Brazilian people as
the Germans in the United States have
with the American people Germans here
become, in one generation. perfectly Amer
| icanizcd, and are only distinguishable by
their surnames from citizens of English
ancestry. In Brazil they have remained
| German in speech, education and ideals.
This is owing partly to the greater racial
difference, but principally TO the fact that
the German colonists are so much superior
in education. intelligence and energy to the
| Brazilians. If We wish TO realize the situa-
ton, says Mr.. Chamberlain, we may i'm
agine what it would be like if all the Ger
mans in the United States were massed in
the extreme southeast of the Union, if
this region were also fifty to a hundred
years in advance OF all the rest of the
country in civilization, wealth. military and
political predominance. and governmental
stability.
! In some OF these south Brazilian States
the political control is in the hands of the
Germans; the officials elected are German
! and the Portuguese-speaking Brazilian
republic receives official reports written in
German, from these States. In many of
! their cities Brazilian may walk for hours
/ before he finds a person who knows enough
Portuguese to direct him to the place he
wants to find.
Many of the Brazlians are beginning to
view with alarm the growth and power of
these unassimilated German colonies. They
believe them to receive support and en-
enlargement to remain German from the
home government. They point out that the
German government appropriates 10000
marks annually TO pay te the pastors in
these colonies TO induce them 10 teach Ger
man schools for the children in their par
ishes. The German government expressly
disclaims any aspirations for interference
or political power in Brazil; it desires the
Germans there to be loyal citizens OF Bra
| zil, retaining only a sentimental connection