A Century of Brazilian Independence

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 40, 12 October 1922, Page 7

A Century of Brazilian Independence

. “Independence or-Death,” the cry of Dom Pedro Pnmeiro on the hanks of the Ypiranga, was the Brazilian declaration of independence; and in commemoration of tlie-centennial anniversary of this event, distinguished representatives of all the principal nations will meet in Rio de . Janeiro on . the seventh of September of this year to extend felicitations to Brazil, and to inaugurate, an international exposition (writes John F. O’Hara, C.S.G., in the September Catholic World). - ■ - ■ ...., ; xi Napoleon was the “provoking cause” of independence throughout South America, x His invasion of Spain broke the hereditary succession to the Spanish throne, and the American colonies, which were crown property, felt that rebellion, cherished as a sweet, but wicked, thought, would, be stripped orbits sacrilegious character if directed, against a usurper. The general-movement for independence came or the protest of the cahildos , or local governments, against the recognition of Napoleonic rule. ■,„ Brazil, _ after a hundred years of independence, occupies an honored place, not only among the American republics, but in the family of nations. In Europe, where South| America better known than in the United States, the Brazilian is looked-upon as a man of refinement, a lover qf thd best in art, music, and literature, and- a suave diplomat. Brazil has. set a noble example in the; use of arbitration, by settling its numerous boundary (imputes by arbitral award in every case where- direct negotiation tailed of its » purpose. In such assemblies as the Hague tribunal, < the League of .Nations and the' Washington Conference, Brazil has stood. i for universal peace. - .In; Pan-American affairs it has welcomed the friendship of the United States, from the ’ fir§t recognition -of;■ its independence down -to the present time, and it can be said in all sincerity that : Brazil is : the most, loyal friend we hayeim South America to-day, s ’- • -