qualities which constitute a good sovereign. He is a statesman... he is a man of generous nature, he desires to promote the happiness of his people, and he comprehends the embarrassments that sur-
round his government.[1]
The deposition of the aged Emperor in 1889 gave occa-
sion for the fullest expression of American sentiment re-
garding him. If the utterances of the press may be taken
as sincere, a good portion of the editors of the country seem
to have been in doubt for a moment whether to congratulate
Brazil for having set up a republic or to condole with the
country on having deprived itself of the services and pres-
ence of so great a ruler and man. This attitude may be
clearly seen in the following quotations taken from the lead-
ing contemporary newspapers:
It is a matter of great regret that the aged Em-
peror should be driven forth at this last hour of his life. The republic would have come naturally upon his death as a protest against the beliefs and projects of his daughter and her profligate hus-
band; but now it seems almost like a cruel antici-
pation. The Liberals of Brazil, however, if it shall prove to be the fact that they have overthrown the Government to gain a just freedom, can cer-
tainly not be denied our sympathy and applause; and still, with Dom Pedro before us, it is with only half our heart that we can cry "A long life to the republic."[2]
While the world regards Dom Pedro with affec-
tionate admiration, it can not help admitting that the inevitable has come to pass. All will regret, however, that the hour of the Brazilian Republic has struck during the life-time of the noble, pro-
gressive, and lovable Dom Pedro.[3]
The people of this country can not regard with disfavor any movement of the people of another
—3—
