Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 3, 1888, Part I

No. 60.
Mr. Jarvis to Mr. Bayard.

Legation of the United States,
Petropolis, May 14, 1888. (Received June 8.)

No. 129.]

Sir: Referring to my No. 122, dated March 13, I have the honor to inform you that yesterday the general assembly of Brazil finally passed, and the Princess Imperial Regent approved, a law abolishing slavery in Brazil, and I herewith inclose a copy of the law, with a translation thereof.

While I expected the speedy enactment of such a law, I did not anticipate such unanimity in its passage. Every indication of public sentiment is in hearty accord with this action of the general assembly, and I may add that this sentiment has been well prepared for the changes to take place in the labor of the country, I therefore do not share in the fears expressed by some as to its immediate effect on the various industries.

The maturing coffee crop is exceptionally large, and some, either honestly or for purposes of speculation, have expressed the apprehension that the immediate effect of emancipation would be so to disorganize labor as to render it difficult, if not impossible, to save the crop. In my view, the country has been so well prepared for this action that its present effect will not be deleterious, and its future results will be most advantageous, as we all know it has proved in our own land, to the general prosperity of the country.

I have, etc.,

Thomas J. Jarvis.

[lnclosure in No. 129.—Translation.]

Text of the law which declares slavery abolished in Brazil, Rio, May 14.

law no. 3353, of may 13, 1888, declares slavery abolished in brazil.

The Princess Imperial Regent, in the name of His Majesty, the Emperor Don Pedro II, makes known to all subjects of the Empire that the general assembly has decreed and she has approved the following law:

Article I.

From the date of this law slavery is declared abolished in Brazil.

Article II.

All contrary provisions are revoked.

She orders, therefore, all the authorities to whom belong the knowledge and execution of the said law to execute it and cause it to be fully and exactly executed and observed.

The secretary of state for the affairs of agriculture, commerce, and public works and ad interim for foreign affairs, Bachelor Rodrigo Augusto da Silva, of the council of his Majesty the Emperor, will cause it to be printed, published, and circulated.

Given in the palace of Rio de Janeiro, May 13, 1888, the 67th (year) of Independence and of the Empire.

Princess Imperial Regent.

Countersigned:

Rodrigo Augusto da Silva.