country to set up a republican form of government upon the ruins of a monarchical one. But this Brazilian movement is as yet incomplete; it is not even known whether the people or their self-consti-
tuted leaders, supported by the army, have effected the change of government. Even if, however, the revolution was [sic] wholly popular, and an in-
spiration of the entire people, here in the United States, in this city, where the Emperor was so well known and honored, there will still be regrets that he was forced to resign his great office.”[1]
It now belongs to the Brazilians to show them-
selves equal to the responsibilities of their new sit-
uation. What they will make of their opportuni-
ties time will determine. Meanwhile the rank in history of their late monarch, as a patriot and statesman, is secure, and Dom Pedro carries with him into his retirement the regrets and good wishes of the civilized world.[2]
Somewhat different in tone but none the less laudatory
are the following expressions:
Dom Pedro was one of the best, most liberal, and most progressive emperors that ever ruled. But the system of which he was the head was wrong, and it had to go before the advance of liberty and republicanism.[3]
Among all the “monarchs retired from busi-
ness,” Dom Pedro, of Brazil, is one of the best ... He was not so much a strong man as a kindly man, seeking more the good of his people than the protection of his throne. . .[4]
The New York Tribune saw in the proposed compensa-
tion to the Emperor not only a wise political move but an
act of justice to a well deserving ruler:
—4—
