No. 30.
Mr. Partridge to Mr. Fish.
[Extract.]
United States
Legation,
(Petropolis,) Rio de Janeiro, Dec.
20, 1872. (Rec’d Feb. 24, 1873.)
No. 89.]
Sir: Appendix A to No. 84 (Mr. Shannon’s) contains the bases of the treaty
between Brazil and the Argentine Republic on the 19th November, which has
since been ratified by both parties. General Mitre still remains in Rio, but
informed me that, having finished everything, he would shortly return to
Buenos Ayres,
In that treaty it was stipulated that the Oriental Republic (Uruguay) should
be invited to accede to the provisions therein stipulated as to the
relations of the allies to Paraguay. This invitation has been accepted by
Uruguay, and that government records its adhesion in a note of the minister
of foreign relations, at Montevideo, of the 9th December, 1872, addressed to
the Brazilian minister of foreign affairs, which has been published
here.
The members of the chambers having been in preparatory “junta” since the 1st
of December, during which time they have been engaged in verifying the
elections of the members returned, and in endeavoring to ascertain
(depending upon the result) to which party they belong, announced a quorum in each house on the 18th, and on the 21st the
session was formally opened by the Emperor in a speech from the throne, of
which a translation (abstract) is annexed with a copy.
It will be seen that nothing is really recommended; certain subjects and
matters are mentioned, and the attention of the chambers is invited
thereto.
* * * * * * *
Until this great point is settled, nothing will really be done. The Emperor
and court are expected up here in few days. Most of the foreign ministers
have been here some time.
I am, &c.,
[Appendix No. 1.—Translation.]
Abstract of the speech from the throne, at the
opening of ths Brazilian chambers, December 21, 1872.
- 1.
- Expresses satisfaction at re-assembly of the chambers.
- 2.
- Empire at peace within and without; good health of the
country.
- 3.
- Peace with all nations, which is a guarantee of our commercial
relations.
- 4.
- Misunderstanding between Brazil and Argentine Republic arranged by
a joint convention, signed 19th November.
- 5.
- Extradition treaties made with the Argentine Republic, Portugal,
Italy, and Great Britain.
- 6.
- Increase of public revenue; excess of receipts over
expenses.
- 7.
- Permitting the continuance of improvements, public education, and
colonization.
- 8.
- Contract jointly with Portugal for laying telegraphic cable
between Europe and Brazil; urging importance of constructing a coast
line to connect with it.
- 9.
- Reforms demanded in laws touching the elections, the national
guard, and the system of recruiting.
- 10.
- Regrets the abuses under the existing election laws, which,
however, are due to national habits which time will remove.
- 11.
- This removal to be secured by strict observance of law regulating
polling-places, and which is not only important to majorities, but
to minorities, who are deprived of any actual representation.
- 12.
- National guard, as auxiliary to army, has rendered important
services, often as police force. This, however, is inconsistent with
its character and ordinary obligations, and cannot be continued
without prejudice to the institution.
- 13.
- The law of recruitment causes continued complaints. This could not
be different under its unequal operation and hard consequences, and
as long as a proper enlistment law, designating those citizens
liable to bear arms, is wanting. Since there is sensitiveness on the
subject of personal liberty, and Since the inconveniences of the
present system of military organization are severely felt, you will
doubtless consider its reform most urgent.
- 14.
- Formal conclusion.
