Year: 1876

The Emperor of Brazil, while here,
was engaged in other matters than mere
sightseeing. 1t is a matter of not0riety
that for several years he has been anxious
to divert portion of the emigration from
the United States into his own vast terri
tories. Now, during the past three years
between fifteen and twenty thousand
Russians have taken up their abode in
the United States. They have come
fairly supplied with means, are liberal in
their religious views, hard working, sober
and honest. All this was familiar to the
Emperor. He had previously tried to
attract German immigrants to Brazil, but
with small success. The reports from
those best able to speak have been unfa-
vorable. 1t appears now that he has also
made an effort to prevail upon the Men
nonites to try their luck in his dominions
In view of this fact reporter was sent to
Castle Garden to inquire of those who
have given special attention 20 Russian
immigration there what was known of
the Brazilian Emperor's effort in the
direction named. Arrived there the re-
porter found Mr.. Otto Heinzman, chief
clerk of the department, and from him,
with the assistance of others, whose
duties have made them familiar with the
entire scheme, the following was obtained:
So many thousand Russians have arrived
within the past three years, and SO well
have their interests been cared for here
after their arrival that they have written
to their friends in Russia concerning
their kind treatment, and the result is
| that whenever anything of interest or
doubt concerning their desired emigra-
tiOn occurs to them they write to the
known friend in Castle Garden for infor-
nation and advice as to what course to
pursue. Following the course pursued
by the people in Hamburg and Bremen
when the agents of the Emperor of Bra
zil appeared in those cities, those of
Russia sent on their inquiries as soon as
the agents appeared there, and that, too,
Notwithstanding the fact that one of
their own ministers of the gospel had
been placed in the management OF the
movement. Acting on the authority
reposed in him he is now offering to these
people, fully one hundred thousand of
whom are anxious to find home abroad,
the following:


He pledges himself to give to every
family one hundred and sixty acres of
land, supply for one year Of all the
necessaries of life and free passage to
the property they are to occupy. They
are requested to send on deputation to
"spy out the land and see that 1t is good"
Following the definite declaration of
this offer by the Minister, who represents
the Emperor and his agents there, there
were according to the letters received
yesterday at Castle Garden, forty colonies,
formerly designing to come to the United
States, that have united in the selection
Of representive delegation to Brazil to
visit the section of Brazil which the
Emperor offers to deed to them, and
report as to its desirability as compared
with lands in the United States.


The feeling among the old time friends
of this class of immigrants at Castle Gar
den, concerning this new movement, is
very strong. They declare that the Rus
slams who are desiring to seek homes
abroad are like the thousands who are In
this country now, hardy northern race
of men who will soon become enervated
and debilitated by residence in Brazil,
while here they would retain their hardi-
hood and independence, and that all the
promise Of freedom they can depend on
in Brazil lies with the present Emperor,
who cannot fix conditions for his sue
cessor. They are, therefore, strongly
opposed to the new movement, and, as
the friends of the Russians, will do all
they can to continue their immigration to
the United States.