New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-18

/ Should Brazil, the second largest republic
in the Western Hemisphere, enter into the
war; II will be due to intense sentiment as
well as strong economic interest She may
make war on Germany, not on account OF
serious damages caused 70 her merchant
navy By the Teutonic U-boats, as so far only
two Brazilian merchantmen were sunk by
German undersea craft, and the number Of
Brazilian lives lost is not comparable with
that OF American, Norwegian or Spanish
losses. Brazil's strong anti-German feeling
was manifested long before the resumption
Of reckless submarine warfare. It has a
deeper and stronger origin than n sudden
fare Of public indignation or fl Of belicose
agitation. 1t sprane. primarily, from the
close bonds existing between Portugal and
Brazil. which are the frmest that ever bound
two independent countries OF the same origin.
Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, was
once the seat Of the royal Portuguese gov
eminent. so that, instead Of Brazil being
ruled from Lisbon, it was Portugal that was
governed from Brazil. and the empire took
the name of the Kingdom of Portugal. Brazil
and the AlGarve. The independence Of Brazil
was accomplished through movement headed
by the Portuguese reigning family. who pre-
ferred TO stay in Brazil. Since that time
both countries have been spiritually united.
In spirit Portugal is the most French coun-
try in the world. Her literature, art social
and even political life are ofFsprings OF French
culture. wherein lies the reason why Port
ugal was so willing to fight for the Entente.
To both Portugal and Brazil France is the
standard bearer Of republcansm in Europe.
Il il 70 French influence that they attribute
the Russian revolution. in which they sec a
new impetus to the spread Of rcpublcanism.
The Economic Reasons
Besides the sentimental reasons that align
Brazil on the side Of the Entente Powers, the
economic troubles caused by the war have
affected her TO very large extent. Up 10
1914 Germany was the second largest buyer
Of Brazilian products. the United States being
first. and the second proyder for Brazilian
commerce, her exports to Brazil being sur
passed only by those of Great Britain. Prior
to the war Brazil's combined trade with the
present European bcllgerents was much
larger than that with the United States. The
war closed most European markets; England
placed an embargo on the imports Of coffee;
and Brazilian export trade was dependent al
most exclusively upon American markets.
II was therefore with the greatest con
Germ that Brazil watched the attitude of the
United States in the European conflict. Prob
ably in no other country OF the New World
could the attitude OF the United States pro-
duce stronger effect II was obvious that
brazil would shape her own attitude accord
ing to the course taken by the United States.
This was demonstrated on the occasion Of
the Latin Amercan conference, suggested by
Argentina early last March The confer
cnce, according to the Argentine press, was
called for the avowed purpose Of discussing
measures in defence Of the rights Of neu-
trails. but it was known that its real object
was to renew the peace movement unsuccess-