The Guardian And Evening Star, with winch is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1939. REVOLUTION IN BRAZIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with winch is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1939. REVOLUTION IN BRAZIL.

In spite of the statement made only a month ago by the then President of Brazil that the country was in “the most perfect economical political and financial order,”' events in the largest of the South’ American republic in recent weeks have given, h.ts assurance a most emphatic denial, A revolutionary movement of an uncertain character had been in progress in parts of Brazil for two years or more, says an exchange, and early in September it suddenly gathered momentum. The army in the south went over to the rebels, following their firstfsuccesses, and in preceding weeks the revolutionaries carried all before them on their northward march only their States putting up a show of resistance. The capital, Rio de Janeiro, was surrounded, and latest messages (suggest that President Luis, practically forsaken by all his friends, chose unwillingly to resign rather than be ignominiously seized and imprisoned. The president of any South American republic who values his life has to be prepared to make prompt decision in such emergencies. The causes of the revolt are difficult to determine. Indeed, so vague are usually well-informed authorities on the subject that it is permissible to conclude that, as in Argentina, the people were restless on account of economic depression and welcomed action against the administration as a means of relieving their feelings. The financial position of Brazil was gravely affected by the war, when the country was virtually cut off from Europe, and small progress has been made since that time. Coffee and rubber prices have been depressed and new trade outlets difficult to obtain. Early in 1924 a mission of British financial experts visited the republic by invitation to report on Brazil’s finances, It recommended drastic economies, a greater development of national industry, the freeing of industry from State control and the need for foreign capital. While the Government welcomed these proposals the Brazilian people did not. In the same year a revolt of a fairly serious nature had to he dealt with, and alter its collapse discontent continued. -\t the last presidential election 1 eoling, ran high. Dr Julio Prestes was nominated by the “Conservative Republicans” as Dr Luis could not, under the Constitution, stand for reelection, and defeated the Liberal nominee, Dr Vargas. In the ordinary course of event Dr Prestes would have been installed next month, but that prospect would appear to have contributed to the upheaval, and meanwhile the military junta has seized the reins of Government. The rapid change in the administration appears to have been welcomed bv the people of Brazil as an excuse lor a gigantic carnival. They do not seem to be disposed to treat the matter very seriously for the present. Whether the change will prove beneficial it is not easy to determine, but it was shown in the recent Argentina revolution that a successful coup d’etat need not necessarily have far-reach-

ing effects one way or the other upon

the economic life of a Latin American republic. The Prince of Wales, when he travels to Buenos Aires next March to open a British indutflrial fair, is, if no nttcraltion in his itinerary is made, to visit Brazil during the following month. It will he interesting to observe whether his visit will have to be cancelled or whether as is quite possible, a significant revolution will by that time have been forgotten even by the resilient Brazilians themselves and their country be perfectly at peace once more.