Year: 1870




ter as appears from the letter Of the ex-Bshop OF
Paraguay to Lopez himself written in 1855, trans
lated copy of which forward, with leading article
upon 1t taken from the Re}ormd of this city, 1t Is
not to be wondered at that the American press are so
much in the dark regarding the Paraguayan war
for the subject has certainly been most grossly mis-
represented Neither party, perhaps, can be wholly
absolved from the exaggerations in the reports OF
battles which are incidental TO all wars. But as to
the origin of the war; the objects Of the alliance, and
the ultimate purposes and aims of Brazil feel con-


dent there has been much said on both sides OF the
Atlantic that is not only unfair but false The cause
of no country merits our esteem or sympathy unless
it be at the time the of truth and this is
none the less so when the country happens to be
called republic.


Take for example the extraordinary article which
appeared in the French journal La Pdtiie OF the 9TH
ult and which, Ipresume the active agents OF Lopez
have had reprinted in all the European journals OF
any account. This article is not only false in its ten
dencies but false in its statement of bare facts 1t
calls Paraguay the American Switzerland; and when
they have considered the general Ignorance and
superstition which prevails among the Paraguayans,
as well as that spirit Of blind servitude which the
reign Of three successive despots has developed the
independent Cantons of free Switzerland will doubt
less feel themselves honored by the comparison.
Passing over the unauthorized statement that Gen.
Grant has officially expressed his sympathy for Lo-
pez will only direct attention to the closing state
ments of this curious article TO the effect that Camara
had been attacked by corps of 1000 Paraguayans,
and that Lopez was still occupying impregnable ro-
stions with force of 10000 PaTaguayans and 5000
Indians. Twenty y-three days after the publication
Of these falsehOOds, Lopez was oyertaken and his
whole force found not to number above 1000 men,
and in all the dispatches received before and snce
the conflict there is nothing to show that a single
Indian had ever joined the Dictator. On the con-
trary, though solicited by him so to do, they had
again and again refused.


The Independence Beige a short time since made a
queer statement which has been repubshed by the
press of all Europe, to the effect that the Emperor of
Brazil had nominated Conde d'Eu heir to the Brazil
ian throne. 1t also stated that the French Cabinet
had already received official notice of the fact
Now the Independence Beige, after the Memorial Dplo-
mdtiquo is said to be the best-inforned sheet upon
diplomatic events in Europe; and it is therefore
pTising that journal Of such standing should put
into circulation absurd and preposterous state
ment-absurd and preposterous, because in the face
of Articles H. 49, and 1l9 Of the Brazilian Constitu
ton, such nomination of COnde dEu is utterly i'm
possible. Nevertheless the Brazilians will long hold
the Count in grateful remembrance for the eminent
services he has lately rendered the country and
when the Princess Isabel succeeds to power, the
Prince ConsoIt will doubtless exert something more
than nominal influence in the affairs of the nation.


The tenacity of the Emperor in the late struggle is
eXultinely recognized by the people They wished
TO erect to him equestrian statue in the principal
park of the Capital, and hardly was the idea sug
pested before a subscription list opened, and
large sum obtained. So soon, however, as the news
reached the Emperor, he Immediately placed his veto
on il in the most emphatic manner by directing the
following letter to the Minister Of the Empire which
was promptly published in all the Gaily journals of
the capital:


read in the Diario that is proposed to open sub
scrptOn for the purpose of erecting an equestrian statue
In my honor You my sentiments, and wish TO say
at once TO the commission appointed for this purpose
that if they perpctuate the remembrance of how
much have conded in the patriotism OF Brazillans to
vndicate the national honor and the prestige of the
Brazilian NAME in such way will not conflict with
the satisfaction have OF having served my country only
from dictates of duty would he very glad TO see them
EMPLOYING energies In efforts to obtain funds neces
sary the construction OF buildings appropriate to the
teaching OF the primary schools and for the improvement
of those establishments Of public instruction already ex
isting You and your predecessors know how have
always spoken about the pressing necessity of seriously
caring for public instruction. and nothing would please
me SO much the era OF peace strengthened
by great initiative act the part Of the people looking
to the advancement Of public instruction. Thanking tho
Commission for the honor they would do me by the
ton OF statue am certain that shall not be forced to
decline it, dom PEDRO IL"


This letter docs the Emperor honor. and has ex-
cited the greatest admiration among all parties
question whether at this moment, there is more
popular man in the Empire than Dom Pedro himself