The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1919-06-12


very prominent place in our
affections during the approach
ing years, and many likable and ad-
mirable qualities and characteristics
of her ingenious people are little I'M
derstood and even less appreciated by
the vast majority of North Americans,
writer in the Brooklyn Eagle OBJ
serves.
OF all the Latin-American republics
on the great South American continent
Brazil alone has positively and active
ly cast her lot with ours. She alone
Of all the South American republics
actually declared war against Ger
many. This step was taken not only
on account of grievous or belligerent
acts committed against the people Of
Brazil by Germany, but also because
the people of Brazil, like ourselves,
had declared themselves definitely and
permanently opposed In principle to
German practices and atrocities, and
so Brazil distinctly stands with us as
champion Of humanity and, therefore,
our complete ally, materially and spir-
itually. Brazilian tradition has also
considered the United States as her
best friend among all the nations, and
now we are allies, and in the con-
structive future that awaits us after
the war the United States of Brazil
and the United States of America will
inevitably assume the leadership of
the western world.
II should be, in the meantime, not
only the pleasure but the duty of every
North American TO learn all he can of
this new comrade who is to share our
destiny; of his personality and his
temperament at work and at play. 1t
will surprise many OF us when we
realize that we are not by any means
flattered by comparison.
Brazilian Innately Courteous.
When an American first sets foot
on Brazilian soil he is Immediately i'm
pressed by the Brazilian's innate cour-
tesy, evidenced on every side among
all classes Of people without regard
to race, color or previous condition Of
servitude." Possibly one of the most
conspicuous examples Of this, at least
one that is especially noticeable 70 a
North American, is experienced In the
use Of public conveyances. In tram
car or an omnibus one Is absolutely
astounded when he sees persons al
ready seated making way for new
conner at a great personal inconven-
fence, and again when the courtesy is
acknowledged by the action of the new
arrival in tipping his hat and In a
friendly smile Of good fellowship, In.
stead Of the kick and scowl which are
too frequently manifested In the street
cars of our own large cities. Such
rule, and extreme consideration Is
shown ON all occasions. II soon be-
comes contagious. and once acquired
or regenerated, ones good nature can
not long be curtailed, and II is no time
before the stranger becomes fondly at
tached TO his affable Brazilian host.
One cannot wander about the streets
and shops even for day before he re-
marks that nearly every one he meets
can converse not only In Portuguese,
the native language. but usually also In
English or French. II is the exception
In Brazilian family Of even moderate
circumstances when the members can
not speak well and correctly two or
three languages. How many Ameri-
cans Of ones acquaintance can intelli-
gently and freely converse In any other
tongue than his native Americana
Then, too, the Brazilian shows much
greater familiarity with and apprecia-
ton OF the arts and literature OF other
nations than does his North American
neighbor. The Brazilian truly recog-
nizes and estimates good art, whether
In music, literature, painting or sculp-
ture, and the recitals, concerts and
exhibitions are always well attended
and conspicuous TO North Americans
because OF the large inclusion OF the
poorer people In attendance on such
occasions. Possibly the best evidence
Of this may be observed In the char
scter OF the audiences assembled at the
moderate priced opera houses.
Opera Instead Of 6urlesque.
Opera In Brazil Is a national institu-
tion. Even the mediocre companies are
well supported and during the season,