Chapter III: Part 3

St. Lucia pleases you to see for several reasons. You like a day in port. You like to know what this one of the West Indies is like. You enjoy the negroes diving under the ship for coins you throw in the water as you did before at St. Vincent, and, on the whole, though you have had a rarely charming summer, you are glad to cable that you are well and leaving your last port before your arrival home.

The cool October days of the North Atlantic demand again the rugs and warmer wraps which have been needed now and then since the journey was begun. As the fresh air blows in your face you are delighted to find yourself so rested and so easily challenged to an expenditure of energy.

But there are other passengers whose residence in Brazil numbers years of work instead of weeks of pleasure. They have found themselves unable to conquer some attack of disease without the bracing and stimulating aid of a more rigorous climate. They are longing for cold and snow. The Brazilian air which has relaxed and rested you has become enervating to them. Foreign merchants and Bank managers expect six months’ furlough once in three years. Missionaries get a year’s recruiting once in eight years. Anxious relatives were notified before these workers left Brazil that the wrecks were going home. Who would believe that twenty-four days of sea-voyage could make such different looking beings of these invalids! The prospect of home and old familiar scenes and foods seems happiness enough to put new life into anyone, one thinks, in watching these returning exiles.

Familiar faces are waiting on the dock. Good-by. _Ate logo._

APPENDIX.

AN AMERICAN SYSTEM OF SCHOOLS IN BRAZIL.

Nearly thirty years ago an attempt was made to adapt the American system of schools to Brazil, South America, where social conditions and political aspirations are somewhat analogous to our own, and we set about to find out what the American system really was. We sought it in the official courses, which usually cover the whole domain of knowledge; in the voluminous reports of Superintendents, reeking with erudition and statistics; in the schools and colleges of the different States, which we visited and studied, and in the great educational conventions. We found such a lack of uniformity of thought, of organization, and even of purpose and principles, as to leave us in doubt as to whether we had as yet a distinctively American system. In some places there was genuine education, in others they were simply drilling for examination, and not a whit better than the Chinese. We made an extended tour of European institutions for a comparative study, and found many special processes and devices that could be engrafted, and singularly enough, that some of the German methods had their best development in the United States, but no complete system that could be profitably taken over _en bloc_. The great problem of how best to influence the heterogeneous masses which flock to the shores of both Americas and make them into good citizens is not touched by the European systems. The problem is not exactly how to teach this or that special branch, but how to co-ordinate the work and relate all branches to the rapidly changing conditions of American society. The problem is the same in both Americas.

We found it difficult to follow the vertiginous activity of American educators along all lines or to wade through the voluminous literature which accompanies it, brought from the ends of the earth; but, believing that there was a truly American system in process of development, we tried to catch the trend of thought and anticipate the results. Entirely free, unhampered by politics or precedent; with no fads or need of seeking favor of governments or patrons, but at liberty to select what was best from all sources, it will be readily conceded that we had a decided advantage over the educational reformer of our own country.

The following, in brief outline, has been in operation for the fourteen years in the American schools at S. Paulo, Brazil, as a result of our study, and has been eminently satisfactory.

1. A primary school of five years, with a minimum of 100 school days of five hours each per annum, for the ungraded country schools, and 210 (a full school year) for the graded city schools. This course embraces Reading, Writing and the four operations of Arithmetic. Arithmetic is made the test of advancement, but great attention is also paid to Expression and Language, and, very early, small vocabularies of the _two modern languages_, that are to be studied systematically later, are introduced by the “natural method” (French and English by French and English teachers), with pleasure and profit to the pupils; thus in the very beginning of school life the habit of comparing modes of expression is cultivated, which later will be applied to processes. Through Geography the study of nature is begun and our relations to the world in which we live are studied; through Manual training, and the drawing preliminary to it, _things_ and their relations are studied and the child is taught to _do_ and _see_ as well as to think. This is that part of education which society, for its own safety, _must demand_ for every girl and boy in the land. It is all that can be given to the masses, the very poor, the wage-earner’s children, who must go to work early in life. Very bright pupils, with intellectual surroundings, may complete this course easily in four years, as many have done far better than others in five.

2. A Secondary course of six years divided into two periods of three years each. This is an expansion of the primary, extending mathematics to meet all requirements of practical life; cultivating carefully the mother tongue, giving some notions of the two modern languages; thorough training in Brazilian Geography and History, with outlines of General History and Geography; Manual training and mechanical drawing, etc. This first section embraces that part of an education essential to GOOD citizenship, within reach of all, but not compulsory--a short Grammar school course. The second section is a preparation for College, without, however, special reference to a college course. In it the two modern languages are finished; Algebra and Geometry are studied, Latin begun, etc., going about a year further than the average High-school course of the United States. This completes the common school system and prepares the pupil for the highest duties of citizenship.

The bright pupil who has finished the primary course in four years may complete this in five. This has been frequently done, and is the rule for those preparing for College.

The student who does this is ready for College at fifteen.

We believe the tendency of American education is to return somewhat to the _Humanities_, enrich the secondary school with studies heretofore included in the advanced courses, and thus shorten the College course. This is the language period of life, and fourteen years’ experience has shown us that the two modern languages can be easily carried parallel to the mother tongue, with benefit to the pupil. It furnishes excellent mental discipline and has the advantage of awakening the habit of comparison earlier. There is a slight sacrifice of the mathematical or scientific side, which is pushed into the next division where it logically belongs.

The first division in this system aims to reach the great mass of society and force it up to the level of _safe_ and intelligent citizenship. The second reaches after the great middle class and purposes to fit its members for the highest duties of citizenship, as well as equip them for trade, manufactures and all legitimate activities, at public expense. It gives a sufficient amount of formulated knowledge and mental training to enable them to continue their studies independently through the opportunities afforded by the Press, public libraries and lectures.

The next step embraces three years of a _culture_ course for that comparatively small class who desire to take a profession, or wish a _liberal education_ in literature, art and sciences, as a stepping-stone to still more advanced studies. Entrance to this class ought to be guarded by severe tests in order to exclude the weak-brained who want a degree simply as an ornament and because they can pay for it. The brainy, poor young man can always find means. This is the College, reduced to three years. It lies between the public school system and the specialized University courses,--not absolutely necessary but highly advisable. It is where the student is thrown into the larger current of independent action and takes on the responsibilities as well as the privileges of manhood, either to prepare for entrance into the higher spheres of active life or to enter upon other studies.

This gives a minimum of school life, at public expense, of four years and a maximum of eleven years.

Education will, therefore, be finished at these ages: The large class of children of the very poor, at ten or eleven years. Another class will go out at the end of the first period of the secondary (the old Grammar course) and enter society fairly well equipped for the ordinary pursuits of life at twelve or thirteen. The second class completes school life, at the end of the public school course, at the age of fourteen or fifteen, well educated; a still smaller class completes the liberal College course at seventeen or eighteen, while the winnowing of all classes produces the comparatively small group of scholars and professionals who are able to enter life fully equipped, with such knowledge as can be obtained from books, at twenty-one to twenty-two. The student who skips the College and short-circuits from the High School to the University may graduate from his professional course with honor at nineteen or twenty, but will always lack that something that enables the man with the wider culture and discipline to win in the race of life.

The points in which the foregoing differs from the plan commonly adopted in United States are: the introduction of two modern languages at the language period of life, for their own value, to improve the study of the mother tongue and to develop earlier the comparative process as mental discipline; the shortening of the College course to three years and reducing school life by at least two and possibly three years, leaving some of the enthusiasm of youth for the first years of independent self-supporting life, also shortening the period of parental support.

No attempt is made here to indicate the exact organization of the various courses; the purpose and logical distribution is what is sought to show. We have been able to see the finished product of the system and feel sure it is an improvement upon the old plan. This is the system of schools known as “Mackenzie College” and the “Eschola Americana” at S. Paulo, Brazil, and is intended to serve, in a modest way, as a model of American education for Brazil.--_Dr. H. M. Lane, in The Brazilian Bulletin._

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS.

There is much vague talk about religious teaching, its relation to other branches, the time that can be given to it, its character, etc.

In order to show what we think about it, we venture to give extracts from our last annual circular to the teachers of the American schools at S. Paulo on the subject.

General considerations to which the attention of young teachers is called:

1.--The opening of school is not a religious ceremony, but a _devotional_ exercise. If arranged with skill it may be made so attractive to children that none will want to miss it (thus tardiness may be diminished); if it holds attention, it cannot fail to teach the lesson.

2.--We may easily overestimate the value of perfunctory religious exercises, as we may also overestimate the capacity of children to understand formulated religious truth. The child’s perceptions are duller in this than in other branches of knowledge, where his senses are engaged, hence the necessity of grading it more carefully and watching its effects more closely.

3.--Schools are not chiefly, nor primarily, to teach religion, i. e., to instruct in creeds. Considered in its relation to courses of study, religious instruction is a _means_ for the development of character and for giving a sure foundation for moral training; but, in its relation to the pupil, it is an absolute _end_; giving to him, as he can comprehend it, the saving truths of Christianity.

The first is directly related to courses of study and from it definite results may be expected; the other depends upon the subtle and immeasurable spiritual power of the Christian teacher, and no definite results can be demanded. The first has a recognizable, educational value and its correlates are easily found; the other has no appreciable relation to hours of recitation or quantity of matter and cannot enter into any plan of correlation of studies. It touches all studies and permeates all methods, the greatest result often coming from the least matter; its educational value, therefore, cannot be measured.

4.--We may not safely assume that the child has received from parents or church proper religious instruction, but we may suppose, in nominally Christian lands, that it has some ideas, however vague and erroneous, of God. It is the duty of the teacher to adjust these ideas to the truth, and so relate them to the child that he may _feel sure_ that _there is a God_,--though he cannot see Him,--Who is All-wise, All-seeing, All-powerful: who is everywhere and who loves him, the child, personally; that God is his Heavenly Father; that the Bible is God’s Word, sent to him, the child, and to everybody else; that God sent His Son to save the world; that Christ is God and God is Christ; that God made everything,--even we ourselves are the work of His hand. These are fundamentals, and must precede all other instruction. The clearness with which the children perceive these truths will depend largely upon the skill and spiritual power of the teacher.

5.--The teacher should carefully avoid lecturing little children on religious subjects. Do not let the idea that the Bible is a Protestant book get a foothold in the school. The three things essential to religious teaching are: 1.--The Holy Bible, God’s Word. 2.--Sacred Song. 3.--With very small pupils, in fact with any pupils, the most important factor is the _Christian teacher_, who works through personal influence, contact, example of Christian living and doing--(slow to anger and quick to forgive). Every child must be made to feel that the teacher is interested _in him personally_; and the teacher must watch closely the child’s growing power to appreciate spiritual things.

6.--The Bible furnishes abundant material for all grades of religious instruction, from the kindergarten to the college. It abounds in romantic and intensely interesting episodes calculated to excite the imagination, interest the young and fix the attention,--if the teacher have the skill to adapt it to the demands of the child, as he is obliged to adapt other branches of school work.

7.--Every Christian teacher should be a diligent student of the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Very little formal instruction can be given in religion in the lower primary grades, much, however, is taught by _seeing_ the conduct and _feeling_ the touch of the teacher who has heard the “follow Me” spoken to Andrew and Simon.

8.--No revival or pulpit methods, no pressure of an emotional kind is to be made in any department of the school to induce children to become Protestants. Protestantism is not to be lauded nor Romanism attacked. The Word of God is a cure for all false beliefs and a sure guide to right living.

The above precedes the specific directions for the organization of the work in the different grades,--selections of Scripture, hymns, Bible narrative, etc., and is enough to show the principles on which we proceed.--_Dr. H. M. Lane._

FACTS ABOUT BRAZIL.

Brazil is one-fifteenth of the habitable world, one-fifth of both Americas, three-sevenths of South America. It is larger than the United States and her territories (leaving out Alaska), and fourteen times as large as France. It has a coast-line of nearly five thousand miles and possesses forty-two seaports, among which are the largest and best of the world. Within these limits are found the unexplored and almost boundless _selvas_ of the great Amazonian basin in the north, a large slice of the rich _pampas_ in the south, and by far the largest of the three great elevated masses that constitute the bulk of the continent, in the center. These table lands, well watered, well timbered and possessing a climate unparalleled in the tropic regions of the earth, represent about four-sevenths of the whole country. As a rule the high plateaus are of exceptional salubrity. These broad areas of fertile farming land, rich pastures and almost inexhaustible supplies of timber and minerals are rendered easily accessible through the natural highways furnished by the three great river systems--the Amazon on the north, the La Plata on the south, the San Francisco in the center. The Amazon, among its numerous affluents and tributaries, numbers twenty rivers larger than the Rhine, and it holds in its mouth an island larger than Switzerland, almost as large as England.

The material resources of Brazil are almost incalculable. The range of its productions embraces the products of both the temperate and torrid zones--the cereals, cattle, sheep, horses, cotton, sugar, coffee, rice, rubber, drugs, dye-stuffs, precious metals, iron and other minerals.

The climate of Brazil is varied, and on the whole very favorable. Being on the eastern side of the continent, it is milder and more healthful, even on the coast, than the corresponding latitudes on the west coast of Africa, which lies just opposite, across the South Atlantic ocean. The northern parts are always warm; yet the natives there prefer their own climate to that of even Rio de Janeiro, where the variation is quite sensible, though not very great. The part which lies in the south temperate zone enjoys a delightful climate, will produce the grains, fruits, etc., of the north temperate zone, and is well suited for emigrants from the north of Europe.

The mineral resources of Brazil are unquestionally very great, but so far unimproved to any useful extent, save precious stones and gold. The conditions for sustaining an immense population everywhere abound, when once properly developed and improved.

Brazil was discovered about A. D. 1500, and was soon after taken possession of by the Portuguese, and continued to be a colony of Portugal till 1822, when it was declared independent, under the title of the Empire of Brazil. In 1889 it revolted and became a republic, adopting a constitution and system of government similar to our own. It is divided into twenty States and a neutral district, where its capital, Rio de Janeiro, is situated.

The white population of Brazil is chiefly of Portuguese extraction; and hence the Portuguese element prevails in the institutions of the country, in the customs and habits of the people, and in every department of life. The civilization, though in general less advanced than in the more favored portions of Europe and the United States, is still European.

The language of the country is the Portuguese, a sister language to the Spanish, but clearly a distinct language. It is a beautiful language, and has been appropriately styled the eldest daughter of the Latin. It is compact, expressive, flexible, and well adapted for oratory and literature.

THE SAMARITAN HOSPITAL AT S. PAULO.

A more homelike or comfortable looking refuge for sick humanity than this pretty red-brick building, built on the edge of one of the deep ravines that make S. Paulo so picturesque, it is difficult to imagine. It must be almost a pleasure to be a guest at such a place and be looked after by the pleasant, sympathetic English nurses. The hospital is a cosmopolitan undertaking, built and supported chiefly by English, American and German residents of S. Paulo and Santos under the direction and management of Dr. Strain and a staff of competent professional English nurses, who make life within its walls something to be looked back to with a positive pleasure instead of horror. The hospital, when completed, will consist of large wards for men, women and children, private rooms for patients, bath rooms handsomely tiled and fitted with the most approved sanitary appliances.

The new ward will be styled the “Victoria” Ward, and its cost be entirely defrayed by the subscription raised on the occasion of the Queen’s Jubilee.--_Brazilian Review._ 1898.

The hospital had its origin in the Presbyterian Mission of S. Paulo. The first contribution to its funds was from an humble but devout Chinese member of the church who, besides leaving in his will a small sum of money for the founding of a Protestant hospital, bequeathed to it a house and lot. Under the laws of the Empire the government confiscated the house, but the money was held by the Mission and finally turned over to the committee organized to build the hospital.

The hospital has enlarged its borders and widened its work to embrace all who need its services, of whatever nation or creed.--_Brazilian Bulletin._

BRAZILIAN NAVAL REVOLT ENDED BY UNITED STATES PROTECTION OF HER OWN MERCHANT-SHIPS.

THAT FAMOUS SCENE AT RIO, WHEN THE DETROIT THREATENED TO SINK TWO OF GAMA’s SHIPS.

Rio de Janeiro, Feb. 8, 1894.--The first gun fired with warlike intent by an American war ship at another ship within thirty years was fired from the Detroit early on the morning of January 29 at the insurgent Brazilian ship Trajano in this harbor. A second shot was fired a few minutes later at the Guanabara, another insurgent Brazilian lying not far from the one first assaulted. Some of the facts of this incident were told in _The Sun_ on the next day after they occurred, but the whole story will be found of interest even at the date when this can be published after transmission to New York by mail.

The trouble which made the firing necessary arose unexpectedly early in the last week of January. For some time before that date Admiral Gama, the insurgent leader, had been in communication with Admiral Benham with a view of enlisting the services of the American Admiral as a mediator in compromising the fight that had been wasting the substance of the nation for more than four months. So far as any one could see, Gama was sincere in saying that he desired peace and would make all honorable concessions to obtain it. Peixoto’s Government was notified of these negotiations, and in answer a promise to submit propositions for peace was obtained. But before the Government had had sufficient time for deliberation in the matter several Captains of American merchant vessels made application to Admiral Benham for protection from the fire of the insurgents while en route to the piers to discharge cargoes. The insurgents had notified the merchantmen that if they attempted to go to the piers to discharge cargo they would be fired upon.

This matter was brought to the attention of Gama when, as a private citizen, he called on Benham to talk over the propositions for compromise. Gama explained his position at length. He did not wish, he said, to prevent the American ships from discharging their cargoes; he wanted only that they discharge into lighters while moored in the bay in order that he might inspect their cargoes and search for munitions of war destined for the Government. He added that this right had been conceded to him by all the foreign naval commanders theretofore--Captain Lang, the British senior officer, Captain Picking, the American senior officer before Benham’s arrival, and others, had united in prohibiting the landing of even a search-light intended for Government use, and the machine had in consequence been sent around to Santos and landed. Gama, in short, claimed the right to blockade the port of Rio on the ground that he was the Brazilian master afloat--that the Government could not function to any extent whatever on the waters of the bay.

To this position Benham at once objected. He piled up all the laws and decisions in Admiralty bearing on the subject, and proved that an insurgent to whom belligerent rights had not been accorded could not lawfully interfere with the movements of foreign ships within any harbor. It was not intended that the American ships should cross any line of fire, or serve as a bulwark for Government troops. It was stated that they would assume the risk of damage from fire when at the piers if Government troops took refuge behind them, and all risk of damage from stray shot. The contention was for freedom of movement and freedom from search at the hands of an unrecognized insurgent, no matter what their cargoes.

To the plain statements of authorities, to the bearings of Admiralty decisions, and to the friendly arguments of the American Admiral the insurgent Admiral remained impervious. It therefore became necessary for Admiral Benham to say plainly that the American merchant-ships should go freely about the harbor as their Captains might wish them to do, and that any interference with such movements would be resisted with force. Because Benham was affable and courteous, as it now appears, Gama did not believe force would be used, and so reiterated the threat to fire on the first American ship that tried to go to the piers.

It was on Sunday, Jan. 28, that the issue was joined verbally. Admiral Benham acted decisively and at once. The Captains of the various American naval ships in the harbor were called on board the flagship “San Francisco” and were instructed immediately to prepare their ships for action at daylight the next morning, that being the hour when the American merchant-ships wanted to start for the piers.

At 5 o’clock that evening the work of stripping ship began on the white squadron. The transformation thus wrought was remarkable. With their awnings spread, their boats at the davits, and their bunting aloft, they had seemed to tower out of the water, and the English officers had jocosely remarked that more beautiful targets could scarcely be found. And so they seemed as the sun went down. But with the break of day not an awning or a stanchion or a boat davit was in sight to obstruct the view or the sweep of the long black guns, and the wall-sided ships had shrunk down into the semblance of tigers ready to spring.

Apparently the insurgents had anticipated and were ready to fight. The white steam was hissing from the safety valve pipes on the “Aquidaban” and the “Tamandare,” lying well up the bay above Vianna Island, and the chains of their anchors had been hove short, ready for tripping on an instant’s warning. The crews of the “Trajano,” the “Guanabara,” and the fleet of armed tugs had been augmented by almost the entire force garrisoning Cobras and Villegaignon. The “Liberdade,” with her little blue ensign fluttering from the flag halliards on the main, showing that Admiral Gama was on board, was also under steam and, with the “Trajano” and the “Guanabara,” was lying just north of Enchados Island and within pistol shot of the trim Yankee bark “Amy,” one of the number that wished to go to the piers to discharge.

Away to the north of these lay the Yankee barkentine “Good News,” a handsome craft, too, but not alone, for one of the swift Brazilian coasters, the “Parahyba,” which Mello had seized and armed, was at anchor not far away with steam up and crew at the guns; so, too, the bark “Agate” was guarded by one of these armed steamers as she lay at anchor in the merchant fleet. With the American fleet stripped for battle, with the American merchant-ships under the guns of the insurgent fleet, and with the crews of all on deck and ready for action, the picture on the bay as daylight came was one to thrill every spectator.

At 6 o’clock sharp the “Detroit,” with Capt. W. H. Brownson on the bridge, got up her anchor and steamed slowly in toward the city, heading through between Enchados and Cobras islands. As if this had been a signal prearranged for the occasion, two of the insurgent tugs left the vicinity of the “Liberdade,” Gama’s flagship, and started in toward the north part of the city, where shipping piers are. They at once opened fire on the soldiers stationed at intervals behind sand bags on the bulkheads. It had been and still is the custom of these tugs to so assault the north littoral of the city, but on that morning they were making a live line of fire against the piers, which the American ships had no right to cross.

Fortunately, as it appeared, the “Detroit” on getting her anchor to the hawse pipe found it badly fouled, and here was an ample excuse for proceeding slowly. She did so. She did not want to go with the Yankee clippers to the piers at a time when the act would interfere with a legitimate, if useless fight. For about half an hour the tugs swept up and down the beach, pouring a hail of Nordenfeldt projectiles on the piers, and then a bullet from a soldier’s rifle struck and killed the nephew of Admiral Gama, a young officer on one of the tugs, and both drew off though the fire was kept up until they were a mile away, among the merchant-ships.

Then when the last shot had been fired and the smoke of the fight was still hanging low over the smooth water of the bay, the “Detroit” came slowly around Enchados Island and ranged up starboardside to starboard and within sixty yards of the “Trajano” as she lay at anchor. Every man was at his post on the Yankee cruiser, the gunners standing behind their shotted guns, now glancing over the sights and then up toward the bridge at Captain Brownson in anticipation of an order to fire. Without a word or move on either ship the “Detroit” passed on, while the sailors on the “Amy” started away in a yawl to carry a line to a ship at anchor, that they might warp their ship on its way to the piers. As these sailors pulled away a marine on the “Trajano” leveled his musket and fired a shot over their heads. Then two of the heaviest insurgent tugs began to get into position for ramming the white Yankee.

At that moment a tiny blood-red roll of bunting hung just beneath the San Francisco’s truck--the signal for all the American fleet to begin the battle--and a Yankee quartermaster with a strong hand held the halliards, eager to fling the signal to the breeze. The moment the shot was fired Captain Brownson turned to the gunner, who stood at a six-pounder, and ordered him to fire into the “Trajano,” striking her at the water line six feet abaft the stern. The gunner misunderstood the order and fired across the “Trajano’s” bow. Thereat Captain Brownson hailed the insurgent vessel.

““Trajano,” ahoy!” he shouted. “If you fire again I will return the fire, and if you persist I will sink you.”

It was a critical moment. The accidental discharge of one of the “Trajano’s” guns by the excited crews that stood behind them would have left Captain Brownson no alternative. The “Trajano’s” guns were modern rifles, and they were aimed at the Yankee. The shot would have gone clean through the “Detroit,” and the “Detroit” would have replied with a broadside at a range of but sixty yards; and then, with helm hard aport, she would have run in between the “Trajano” and the “Guanabara,” out of range of their guns and where she could have riddled their hulls with her rapid-fire guns and swept their unprotected decks with the wicked man-killers called the secondary battery.

Happily, as is known, the shot was not fired, although the insurgents were still ugly. Instead a blank shot was fired to leeward as a protest. To this no attention was paid.

Turning to the bark “Amy.” Captain Brownson saw that her sailors had been intimidated somewhat by the shot fired over them.

“You go ahead,” he shouted to them, “and I’ll protect you.”

So the sailors rowed on with the warp line, while the “Detroit” steamed slowly ahead until she began to lap the hull of the “Guanabara.” Here, as on the “Trajano,” the crew stood ready at their guns--four six-inch rifles.

“Aim at the “Guanabara,” ordered Captain Brownson, and at the word the “Detroit’s” four broadside and two pivot rifles swung around from the “Trajano” as though moved by one man and pointed their muzzles at the old insurgent cruiser. Then turning to the insurgent crew, Captain Brownson told them to be right careful what they did, for even an accidental shot would be considered as intentional. He finished his warning by waving his hand at a gun’s crew that showed exceptional nervousness and told them they had better get away from the gun entirely.

The crew of the “Guanabara” were Brazilians to a man, and they did not understand English. But they were looking at short taw into the muzzles of guns that were eloquent in appearance, if silent, and when Brownson’s hand was waved they didn’t stop to argue or even shrug their shoulders; they went away.

The “Detroit” steamed on until clear of the “Guanabara” and then turned square across her stern and stopped. She now had the two insurgent ships that threatened the “Amy” where she could rake them fore and aft and sink them in five minutes. The “Liberdade” with three small rifles was near by, and the tugs had their noses well pointed, but should the insurgent Admiral still wish to fight, the “Detroit” would not need any help. The other members of the white squadron could look after the monitor “Aquidaban” and the armed merchant ships.

Although Admiral Gama did not want to fight, he was like a boy who was sulky enough to need a whipping. Seeing the sailors of the “Amy” carrying out the wharf line he ordered a blank shot from a cannon fired at them from the “Guanabara.” As this was plainly only a matter of form, Captain Brownson replied with a musket. A member of the crew fired a bullet into the “Guanabara’s” stern.

Then a launch was lowered and a junior officer sent to Admiral Gama to say that while there was no wish to take active steps, the American merchant ships would be protected in going to the piers, that any shots fired at them would be returned, and that if shooting were persisted in the insurgent ships would be sunk. In reply Gama sent word that if he was fired on by the American ship he would instantly surrender the whole fleet to the American Admiral. On hearing this Captain Brownson sent the cadet back to say that the “Guanabara” had been fired on and hit. The haste with which the cadet was sent on this mission makes the American colony here think that the Yankee naval sailors were to a man willing to have Gama surrender, that they might get away from the yellow fever port. But, as was cabled to _The Sun_, Gama did not surrender. He would have been glad to do so, but his enthusiastic youngsters and his British backers would not let him.

Of the British backers more will be told at another time, but there was one man mentioned in the cable of whom something should be said now. This is G. M. Rollins of New York. Rollins has been a mystery to the English-speaking people of the port. He came here on the steamer “Wordsworth” about December 1. He lived on the “Wordsworth” for a time, and then moved to the “Vandyke,” a hulk owned by the Lamport & Holt line, and used as a warehouse. Here he lived with “the manager off shore” of the line. In some way he got acquainted with Gama and the two became good friends. It was on this account that Gama opened negotiations for a compromise with the Government through Admiral Benham. When people learned this, there were many wild conjectures about Rollins. These conjectures were the wilder because Rollins did not choose to tell people why he came here, and, further, because he said he was authorized by Mr. Taylor of the New York _Herald_ to send letters to that paper, while the _Herald’s_ special representative published a note in _O Paiz_ saying that Rollins was a fraud.

Rollins tried to get the American barks to remain out in the bay, and promised them the free use of a tug and lighters if they would do so. At first they agreed to this, but afterward went to the piers. Rollins would have supplied Lamport & Holt lighters and tugs had they remained, and it is guessed that Gama would have paid the bill through Rollins.

To fully understand the result of Admiral Benham’s action it should be said that until the “Detroit” opened the way the port was practically blockaded to all commerce save that of the regular liners. Ships had been lying in port four months, waiting opportunity to discharge and load. Gama had all of the tugs of the harbor, save two belonging to the Lamport & Holt line, one to Wilson, Sons & Co., one under the German flag, and one that was captured by the British naval fleet when Boyton tried to blow up the “Aquidaban” with it. This last was used as a British war-ship tender, but occasionally towed a merchant ship. The line’s tugs were naturally to be had by other ships, but rarely and at high prices. Lighters were equally scarce. Gama would not let the ships go to the piers, and was in this supported by the foreign war ships so long as Captain Lang of the British ship “Sirius” dominated the foreign fleet.

The coming of Benham changed all this. The Yankee barks led the way to the piers--led at the head of a great procession. The ships of other nations locked yardarms and crushed fenders that they might get into the line. Time has been when the American flag and the American naval fleet have been jeered and scoffed at in foreign ports, and American citizens insulted because they were Americans. I have seen that done myself, but the next day after the “Detroit” ranged up along the insurgent fleet to demonstrate that the American ships could not be fired on with impunity, I saw the flag of Great Britain dragged in the dirt of the Praça “Harmonia” and denounced as “the red rag of Brazilian rebels.” I saw British ship captains look on, and I heard one say, while others applauded:

“That’s right. By God, if you want protection after this you must apply to the Yankees.”

JOHN R. SPEARS,

Special Correspondent of the _N. Y. Sun_.

The official report of the U. S. Navy Department states that the cruiser “New York,” under command of Captain J. W. Phillip, cleared for action to sustain the “Detroit” if necessary.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
IN BRAZIL AS A STATE CHURCH
AND AS RELATED TO PROTESTANTISM.

(From the _New York Tribune’s Special Correspondent_
at the establishment of the Republic in 1889.)

Rio, December 29. The church bells of Rio make a great clangor on Sundays. If religion were a thing of sounding brass, this great city would have cause to be known as one of the centers of Christianity. There is a jangling chime in the Lapa dos Mercadores, and there are bells great and small, harsh and shrill, resounding from hill to hill and echoing back from the outermost mountains. The Church is the oldest of Brazilian institutions. On the Castello there is a church, once the cathedral, with a portion of its walls as old as 1567. The cornerstone of the Capella Imperial, now the cathedral, was laid as far back as 1761. The Candelaria, the largest and most costly church in Rio, has been under construction since 1775. The crumbling church of the Franciscan friars on San Antonio was begun in 1700, the Gloria, overlooking the harbor, was built in 1714, and the Rosario about the same time. Many of the monasteries and convents, which are now practically abandoned under the operation of Imperial laws, date back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The churches are not only of great antiquity, but they have been built in the main by lay brotherhoods employed in works of mercy. No other South American city has so many hospitals and asylums in active operation. The Misericordia alone cost $1,750,000 and accommodates 1,200 patients. The lay confraternities have done and are still doing a magnificent work of mercy in Rio, and are imparting to religion elements of practical philanthropy which command respect and admiration. But old and useful as the Church is, and loud as is the summons to the faithful from belfry and tower this summer morning, religion seems to have little vitality in the Brazilian capital. It has lost its hold upon the intelligent and educated classes. An American who contrasts the listless and perfunctory celebration of mass in the churches here with the same religious service in New-York churches of that faith is shocked and amazed. What is devotional there is the most mechanical mummery here. The priests have the appearance of worldly men earning a good living in religious trade. The very altar-boys, as I have watched them here, seem to be cutting up pranks with unseemly levity in the holy places.

A single Sunday in Rio will go far toward convincing any thoughtful observer that one of the best things that could happen for the Church in Brazil would be the same rough shaking-up which political institutions are receiving. I write in no spirit of intolerance or hostility to Roman Catholicism. It is the comparison which I have made here and in other coast towns between the Church as it is found in the United States and in Brazil that compels the conclusion that the abrogation of the establishment as a State religion would be of inestimable benefit to Christianity. If the country has required thorough-going processes of revolution, so has the Church. The separation of Church and State would tend powerfully to promote a revival of religion. Roman Catholicism is purest, strongest and more active as a religious force where it is separated from the State, and where Protestantism is arrayed against it, as in the United States. It is corrupt, weak and least useful where it is a State establishment, as in Brazil, and where Protestantism does not come into serious rivalry with it. The most sincere Catholic here would have reason for rejoicing if the Provisional Government were to proclaim a separation of Church and State. There would then be signs of resurrection among these gilded tombs of religion.

What has impaired the influence of the Church in Brazil has been the corrupt and scandalous life of many of the clergy. This is not a wanton Protestant charge. It is the sorrowful admission of faithful Catholics themselves. The evil has been one of long standing. When Dom Pedro II. was in his infancy, Antonio Diogo Feijo was Regent of the Empire. He proposed as a good Catholic a measure for sanctioning the marriage of the clergy, and compelling the Papal authorities under menace of disestablishment to allow its enforcement. When the measure failed, he wrote a book entitled _Celibao Clerical_ or _Clerical Celibacy_ in defense of his position, with many detailed statements of fact. The book was burned by order of the ecclesiastical authorities, but a copy of it was found in a village of San Paulo not long ago, and an edition of 5,000 copies was immediately reprinted. The immorality which this devout Catholic Regent denounced in his day still defiles the influence of the Church in Brazil. Some of the most active politicians here are known to be the sons of priests. Celibacy is too often only a cloak for immorality here. Good Catholics frankly tell you that this is one of the open scandals of their Church.

This is a time when there is real educational work to be done in Brazil. A nation is to be trained for self-government and citizenship. Old things have passed away. New social and political conditions are to be created. The Church should have a great part in this work of making a nation. It should be breaking the bonds of superstition, ignorance and medievalism. It should be teaching men and women by the example of its own clergy to lead pure and incorrupt lives. It should be leavening the whole lump of Brazilian republicanism. If the Church were disestablished and the clergy purified and reformed, it would be one of the grandest and most useful results of the revolution. For, in the long run, no nation in its political life and aspirations can get above the level of the religion which it believes or affects to despise.

1864 AND 1900.

“There is much that is discouraging in the aspect of Brazil, even for those who hope and believe as I do that she has before her an honorable and powerful career.

“There is much also that is very cheering, that leads me to believe that her life as a nation will not belie her great gifts as a country. Should her moral and intellectual endowments grow into harmony with her wonderful natural beauty and wealth the world will not have seen a fairer land.

“Every friend of Brazil must wish to see its present priesthood replaced by a more vigorous, intelligent, and laborious clergy.”--PROF. LOUIS AGASSIZ, 1864.

Eleven years of self-government and a disestablishment of the Church have brought the Brazilian nation out of an imperialism politically and a greater imperialism religiously. Within two years part of the priesthood has been “replaced by a more vigorous, intelligent and laborious clergy” in the State of São Paulo. A. R. H.

JOHN T. MACKENZIE.

JOHN THERON MACKENZIE, the founder of Mackenzie College at S. Paulo, Brazil, was born in the town of Phelps, Oswego County, N. Y., July 27, 1818.

He traveled extensively in the Old World and his attention was constantly attracted to the ignorance, superstition and poverty of the masses in Italy, and the lack of Christian culture in what should have been the most Christian of all countries. This spectacle of a lapsed Christianity affected him deeply, and he determined to honor his father’s memory and satisfy his own convictions by establishing, somewhere, a College where the Bible should be the foundation of education. After at least one unsuccessful attempt to carry out his idea in Europe, he heard of the work that was being done by the Protestant College at S. Paulo, Brazil, shortly after the fall of the Empire; a staunch American, his heart went out to the youngest of American Republics, and he saw, at once, the value to the nascent Republic of having its youth grounded in a knowledge of God’s Word. Without special solicitations on the part of the College, he offered spontaneously to the Trustees of the Protestant College the sum of $50,000 with which to erect a building “to be known as Mackenzie College,” and to be maintained as an institution of “learning based on the Protestant Bible, where in each department shall be daily and properly taught the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Apostles as recorded in said Bible.” Of this sum only $42,000 was received. While the College was in course of construction, its founder was stricken by apoplexy and died September 17, 1892.

Transcriber's Notes:

Italics are shown thus: _sloping_.

Variations in spelling and hyphenation are retained.

Perceived typographical errors have been changed.