The Brazilian Slave Question.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 75, 8 November 1884, Page 5

The Brazilian Slave Question.

Ix consequence of the rejection by the Biazilian Parliament of the measure for the emancipation of slaves throughout the empire, a dissolution took place, and the matter is now before the country. Under the scheme for which the approval of the nation is asked, emancipation will become effective when the slave attains sixty years of age, in case of non-registry, though the emancipation fund, by change of_ the slave's legal domicilo, and by other dispositions. All slaves sixty years of age are ipso facto free. ISuch freedmen remaining with their ex-masters are entitled to food and shelter, but payment of services is left optional with the latter. In case such freedmen leave their ex-masters, however, the Government will provide for their support. A new regi&try of all slaves must be mado within one year, based on that of 1871-73, giving name, age, colour, State, nationality, descent, physical capacity, occupation and value. All slaves not thus registered become freo. The registry fee will be $1 for each slave. The valuations of slaves will be based upon their age, and cannot exceed frSOO for those under 30 years, $700 for those from 30 to 40, 8600 tor those 40 to 50, and $400 for thoso from 50 to 60. Emancipation by the fund will be based on these values, and will bo adjudged according to the lowest offers made. A tax of 5 per cent on these values will be levied in Rio de Janeiro and the seven largest provincial capitals, 3 per cent in other cities and towns, and 1 per cent in country districts. A tax of 10 per cent to 50 per cent will be levied on the transmission of slaves by inheritance, 5 per cent to 25 per cent on legacies inter vivos, and 10 per cent on sales. A tax of 20 per cent on^ the income of religious orders from apolices, after conversion of their estates, will go to the fund. Present taxes on slaves are to be superseded by the foregoing. The domicile of slaves is fixed in the province where they beside at the date of the law, except those accompanying their masteis. All slaves emancipated by the fund will be required to remain in the municipality for five years in

regular employment. Non-employment will be punishable by fines and imprison • ment, and by compulsory service on public works. Labour contracts must be duly registered, and in the country cannot exceed a term of three years. The minimum rate of wages will be fixed at an annual meeting of certain judical officers and councilmen. Unjustifiable absence on part of the freedtnen will be punished by a fine of double his wages, or double the time lost. The business of buying and selling slaves is prohibited under a penalty of $s,ooo.— "London Telegraph."