No. 70.
Mr. Shannon to Mr. Fish.
Rio de Janeiro, August 25, 1872. (Received September 21.)
Sir: Public interest in Brazil is now wholly absorbed by the election of members to the new chamber of deputies, to convene next December.
The voting for members of the different electoral colleges began on the 18th instant. It was generally supposed that the liberals everywhere would hold themselves aloof and take no part in the struggle. [Page 107] Complete abstention, they argued, was the only proper course for them to pursue.
On the very eve of the election, however, their plan seems to have been changed, at least in the province of Rio de Janeiro, and through the morning journals liberal candidates were announced for the several districts of the capital.
Although the voting for electors began on the 18th, it was not concluded till the 22d, and in some districts not till the 23d instant. This was due as well to the unusual disturbances that occurred as to the inherent slowness of the process. According to the system in vogue here the names of the voters of the district are called over in turn, and each voter must wait till his name is reached before he can vote. The law also requires that there shall be at least three calls of the whole list before the polls are closed.
Generally the elections here in Rio de Janeiro pass off quietly, but during the past week they have been attended with considerable disorder and excitement. On the 18th there were signs of trouble, and near several of the parish churches (in which the voting is always carried on) detachments of infantry and cavalry were stationed. On that day the troops were employed only in a few cases; but during the following days they frequently marched into the churches and drove out the people at the point of the bayonet. Among those severely wounded by bayonet thrusts is Dr. Dias da Cruz, a prominent member of the liberal party, a professor of the medical school, and formerly a member of the house of deputies.
The liberals have unexpectedly triumphed in several districts, and it is now well understood that this has been accomplished by their union with the disaffected conservatives and the republicans.
The electoral colleges will assemble some time next month for the choice of deputies to the new chamber; and until then the journals will be filled with modest offers of service on the part of would-be deputies, accompanied by impressive and eloquent testimonials.
General Mitre, the Argentine envoy, is still here, though the progress of his negotiations remains a profound secret to the public.
M. Noel, the new French minister, arrived on the 15th instant. He has not yet been received at court.
Senor Gregorio Benitez, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the republic of Paraguay, sailed from this port on the 23d instant for Europe, where he goes on a special mission to France and England. During a conversation with him I learned that he expected to visit the United States as well. He hoped to be in Washington by next December.
I have, &c,