No. 42.
Mr. Partridge to Mr. Fish.
Bio de Janeiro, October 31, 1876. (Received Dec. 2.)
Sir: There was an occurrence in this city the other day which has oaused much stir among all classes, and, from what appears in the papers, has given cause for reflection to both the ultramontane and the ultraliberal parties.
This was nothing less than the throwing of (two or three) stones, in the church of Santa Rita, at the Bishop of Rio, as he ascended the pulpit there to preach.
The bishop had presence of mind, and as soon as the first stone was thrown, descended, and immediately went to the altar, upon which the congregation, in some confusion, departed.
So very unusual an outrage, in a country like this especially, was of course the theme of conversation everywhere, and of newspaper comment. By the ultramontanes it was declared to be a proof of the impious wickedness and designs of the radical and atheistical republicans. By the ultraliberals it was declared to be “a trick of the Jesuits,” gotten up by them to bring discredit on the liberal cause. The police are still said to be investigating the matter; but the probability is that we shall never know the real truth.
Either party is capable of either committing or getting up the affair, which is another proof of the condition of this question and the tamper and feeling on either side.
Beyond this all is quiet, and the situation of affairs is said to be satisfactory.
I am, &c.,