Baptist Courier

For The Baptist Courier.

"MONARCHISTS IN BRAZIL."

One of the things that most occupy the minds of all that love Brazil is the attitude lately assumed by the monarchists, who are organizing parties and seem to prove themselves strong enough to reconquer the public opinion in favor of the re-establishment of the imperial throne shattered to the ground on November the 15th, 1889.

In the Portuguese history exists a legend about one of their kings who went to explore in Africa, but never returned. They still believe that this king will one day return and regain the glory of ancient Lusitania. A foolish idea, you will say, but one that finds a shelter in many a heart. And if you examine well the current history of Brazil, you will recognize that those monarchists are suffering from the same weakness.

The military dictatorship did much to make the people disbelieve in the republican government. There were many abuses, many clandestine assassinations and many injustices. All these things, and add to it the ignorance of republican principles, made many of the Brazilians lose their hopes of ever seeing a republican government in condition to permit the land to expand freely and its citizens to prosper.

There is no doubt that all that love Brazil were not satisfied with the government it had after the proclamation of the republic. But few will acknowledge that this evil was an inheritance from of old and that these will have to disappear and Brazil will yet enter in the enjoyment of all its liberties and guarantees granted by its constitution, one of the most liberal the world possesses.

To us evangelicals, republican government was not that of the President Deodoro and his unhappy successor, Floriano Peixoto. These incarnated the worst of all governments—military despotism. For us would be sufficient that the constitution would but work regularly to see Brazil enjoy what she so much needs, viz: a government of serious people inspired only by public interest. If Brazilians would only avail themselves of the free ballot box they would see things in better order, for they would choose men that are worthy of their votes, and who would prove their worthiness by the work done for the public interest and not, as now unfortunately happens, work for their own private interest.

The position of every patriotic Brazilian to day is, therefore, not to work against the republic, but do his utmost to make it a real republican government.

One of the most prominent monarchists, writing lately in one of the dailies published in Rio de Janeiro, says: A comparison of the past with the present, of what we were with what we are, grieves me but does not shake my faith and confidence in the future of Brazil. Prudente de Morais has judgment, patriotism and honesty; if he will be disinterestedly and faithfully helped, it is possible that to him will belong the glory of having evaded the disgraceful finishing up that so many have announced for the present difficulties."

If all Brazil thought like the one above, what a difference it would make. After all, what is it they wish re-established? A shadow that has disappeared from its place, a monarchy with all its paraphernalia, its state religion, its priesthood, its privileged classes, and constant abuses.

Let them try it! They will find it a difficulty. The people love liberty and hate tyranny! The liberal spirit of the gospel is being accepted gladly; the liberal principles of the Baptist host are being engrafted. Let them try it. Methinks they have delayed too long. The republic has come to stay.

Pray for the United States of Brazil, and your missionary.

SOLOMON L. GINSBURG.

Campos, Brazil.