No. 74.
Mr. Hilliard to Mr. Evarts.
Rio de Janeiro, November 3, 1879. (Received November 28.)
Sir: On the 30th of last month His Majesty the Emperor proceeded in his usual style on such occasions to close the second session of the seventeenth legislature, and to open the extraordinary session which had been convened by imperial decree. The ceremony took place in the Senate chamber, and the state observed on the occasion was such as I have heretofore described.
Most of the important measures had been matured and adopted before the close of the late session of the General Assembly. The budget had been carried successfully through both houses, to the great satisfaction of the ministry. But one great measure, the electoral reform bill, which had been carried through the Chamber of Deputies, had not been acted upon by the Senate. It is to secure the adoption of this important reform that the extraordinary session has been called. But its fate is doubtful. I had a conversation with a leading member of the Chamber a day or two since, and I learn from him that the success of the measure is doubtful. It is his opinion that the Senate will not adopt it. If the Senate should reject the measure without making any amendment to the bill as it came from the Chamber, the result would be a dissolution of the legislature.
But still the measure may not be accomplished by an appeal to the the people. It is probable that the liberals will still control the new Chamber of Deputies by a large majority. The measure will again be brought forward by the ministry and it will be adopted. But in the Senate it may encounter the same opposition. It is impossible to foresee what will then occur. The ministry will be brought into direct conflict with the Senate. One or the other must recede. The Senate is a permanent body; its members hold their places for life. In the course of a few weeks we shall probably see the measure disposed of by the Senate for the present.
There is not much of importance in the speech from the throne. The [Page 89] Emperor speaks with satisfaction of the peaceful and friendly relations which Brazil enjoys with other nations. He speaks of war between the republics on the Pacific coasts, and states that the Empire of Brazil is strictly neutral. He expresses an earnest wish to see peace restored.
I have, &c.,