Mr. Thompson to Mr. Gresham.
Petropolis, March 6, 1894. (Recieved March 31.)
Sir: The elections held on the 1st of March, I am glad to report, passed off quietly throughout the country, as far as heard from, resulting in the overwhelming election of Dr. Prudente de Moraes (a civilian), President of the Republic, and Dr. Manoel Victorina Periera (a civilian), Vice-President of the Republic. The newly elected President is now the presiding officer of the National Senate and a resident of the State of São Paulo. The newly elected Vice-President is a member of the National Congress and a resident of the State of Bahia.
The vote reported so far is about 100,000 for Dr. Prudente de Moraes (President) and 75,000 for Dr. Manoel Victorina Periera (Vice-President) and appears to be practically unanimous. The result can not be officially proclaimed until the meeting of Congress in May. This being the first popular vote for President there are no returns upon which to base a comparative estimate. The vote appears small but I understand by comparison it approximates closely to that of preceding congressional elections. The result is satisfactory to all supporters of the Government and seems to be generally acquiesced in by its opponents except those actually engaged in rebellion. It is believed this popular expression, through which civilians are placed at the head of the Government, will be potent in breaking the power of the revolutionists and that under the moral effect of its influence peace will soon be restored.
I have, etc.,