Mr. Thompson to Mr.
Gresham.
Legation of
the United States,
Petropolis, December 31, 1893.
(Received February 3, 1894.)
No. 123.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a copy of a
translation of Rear-Admiral Saldanha da Gama’s second proclamation, bearing
date of
[Page 97]
December 20; also copy and
translation of an anonymous circular distributed on the streets of Rio in
aid of the insurgents’ cause. It was impossible to obtain a copy of the
original manifesto, but can assure you of its correctness.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No.
123.—Translation.]
proclamation of rear-admiral da gama.
To the nation:
The people, not only of this capital, hut of all Brazil, are well
informed and know perfectly that the manifesto and other documents
attributed to me were and are unworthily falsified in the printed
copies, with the perfidious and miserable intention of displacing
(changing) artificially the noble object of the revolution and also the
dictatorial Government which shames us before the civilized world. The
people ought to know that the idea of a plebiscite is precisely the same
for which they are fighting in Rio Grande do Sul, and means only to
consult the people as to the form of republican government which it
prefers to carry out its glorious destinies. Being sure that all kinds
of infamies have been used against this revolution, the people of Rio de
Janeiro, notwithstanding the reign of terror in which they live, may be
tranquil and expect the victory of revolution, and may be sure that with
said victory will come the institution (establishment) of a civil
government for the Republic, and military domination and Jacobinism
which oppress the nation will be forever banished. It is for this end
that the revolution fights victoriously, let the Government’s paid
faction say what it will. They are now paid by a false emission of paper
money of the late monarchy which has been put in circulation.
Live the civil republic! Death to Jacobinism! Live the revolution.
Luis Felippe de Saldanha da
Gama.
Fort Ilha
das Cobras, 20 December,
1893.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
123.—Translation.]
special attention.
Know Brazilians who truly love your country that the crews of the ships
now expected from the United States are made up almost wholly of
mercenaries. Minister Salvador de Mendonca, with the help of the
commercial house of Flint & Co., (companions with him in the
shameful speculations of 1889–90) has bought and armed the ships at a
cost greater than 5,000 contos. This squadron comprises the Cid (Nictheroy), the Britannia (America), the Destroyer, and
two small steam launches turned into torpedo boats.
Both the officers and crew are foreigners enlisted in the United States
and paid at an exorbitant rate. The superior officers receive $5,000 for
three months’ service, or about $100,000 a year; the ordinary sailors
get $100 a month, or nearly 16.500 milreis a day. And all these
mercenaries have demanded three months wages in advance. About to fight
for the Brazilian Republic they will do nothing until they receive
beforehand their money in an amount much greater than a Brazilian sailor
would earn under the same circumstances.
More, they insist on having the absolute command of the ships! They have
come to sink Brazilian ships, to slay Brazilian sailors, and all that to
earn money. They know nothing of our. Republic, they have no Concern,
with it, and they do not even trust the Government to whose help they
have come.
What a wretched sight—what goodly allies! Look how Sr. Floriano Peixoto
fights against his fellow-countrymen! Look at the patriotism of which we
have heard so much praise! The Federalists of Rio Grande were condemned
because they allowed a few Uruguayans to fight in their ranks without
pay; but here Ave have the President of a nation of 13,0000,000 souls,
the President of Brazil engaged in procuring the foreign mercenary; and
to what end? The destruction of his own fellow-countrymen and national
property. Does it show that the country is with him when he is obliged
to resort to such means? And what worth will the Brazilian people give
to such a victory won by paid foreigners over the dead bodies
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of their own brothers? Is it
necessary that the military dictatorship should be saved at such a price
and with such humiliation?
Rather will it not be better that we die sooner than consent to this
national disgrace, for the victory can only be won with dishonor to
Brazilian arms and to the nation. We are threatened by slavery and shame
for all time! Is this what our people want and our soldiers?
To your arms for the true Republic and down with tyranny!
