Evening star., 1924-07-18
IN TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT
BY PAUL Y. COLLINS

rived from tariffs on both exports
and imports, this explanation of un-
fairness is open to question.
The constitution of the United
States of Brazil differs materially
from that of our country. 1t more
nearly resembles that of our original
Confederation of States, with much
greater looseness of union than we
have now. Therein lies it's present
weakness, for, it is said, some of the
states are threatening to secede.
While the population is predominant
~ Portuguese, there is an important
element of Germans, and these citi-
zenS are strongly opposed to the
federal government, owing to It's dec
laration of war against Germany,
October, 1917, after the torpedolng of
three Brazilian merchant ships. 1t is
charged that the Germans are at
tempting to separate the states of
Rio Grands do Sui and Parana. and
to establish an Independent republic.
These states lie just south of Sac
Paulo, where the present inSurrection
is centered.
Brazil was discovered in 1900 by
centuries the possession by Portugal
was disputed by France, England and
Holland, each undertaking to estab-
lish colonies. Portugal ultimately
drove out the invaders and estab-
lished her rights, which were con-
firmed by the Pope.
In 1907 the Regent Of Portugal,
with the Queen and many of the
courtiers, fled from Portugal, in fear
of an invading French army, under
the reign of the aggre ssive Napoleon.
The royal fugitiVeS arrived safely in
Brazil where the regent assumed the
direct government, opening the ports
TO world commerce, especially favor
ing the British. He devoted attention
also to building up the schools AND
encouraging education, not only OF
all citizens but even of the negro
slaves. In 1915 the regent proclaimed
himself King of the United Kingdom
of Portugal, Brazil and AlgarNe. Al
CARVE is the smallest province OF Por-
tugal. and it's being named separately,
alongside of expansive Brazil. as
unit of the United Kingdom was
groteSque.
In 1921 the Cortes of Portugal
urged the king to return home. Ma
poleon's era had passed and peace
ureyailed but the reason assigned
King was d fear of another French
attack.
Before returning to Portugal. the
king assisted in constructing con-
stitutiou for the government or
Brazil and the son of King Joao,
Dom Pedro /. sworn to govern the
country according to that coHslltu-
ton.
When King Joao reached Portugal
he found that the CorteS had adopted
a new constitution for Portugal and
Brazil, under which Brazil would be
come Il mere colony. governed from
Europe, and measures were under
way to recall the prince. Dom Pc
dro l. however. refused to return, and
proclaimed the independence OF
Brazil. with himself as Emperor Pc
dro L. which he maintained without
war with Portugal, where his father
reigned, though throughout his reign
there were many local revoltS.
In 1881. he abdicated in favor Of
his young son. and returned to Portu
gal Pedro ii then reigned until
republic was declared in 1889. he
also fighting many rebellions. Even
under the republic there has never
been great stability. owing to the al
most feudal Independence Of the
20 state presidents" and the mill
tary ambitions of many factions. In
1922. there was serious insurrection,
which was described as a military re
volt-as if that description character
lied its Importance.
Copyright, 1924. by Paul V. Collius.l