Mr. Adams to Mr. Blaine.

[Extract.]
No. 21.]

Sir: I have the honor to continue my report on the recent revolution. Before the departure of the ex-Emperor, the continuance of his present income from the state was guarantied to him by the provisional government, at least until the meeting of the new assembly, and further in consideration of his immediate and peaceful departure, $500,000 was offered to him, and upon its acceptance, the grant was confirmed by decree No. 2, a translation of which is inclosed.

It is proper to state that on the morning of the 16th my colleagues proposed that the diplomatic corps should make a demonstration on behalf of the Emperor, by going in a body to the palace and demanding to see him. This proposition was politely but firmly declined by me, in which position I was sustained by the French chargé d’affaires. Later we both separately called at the palace but were refused admittance by the guards, although I stated my official position and requested my card to be sent to the Emperor.

On Monday, 18th instant, Rio resumed its usual avocations. The military patrol was withdrawn. The provisional government was completed as follows: “Chefe,” Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca; minister of interior, Aristides da Silva Lobo; war, Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Constant; finance, Ruy Barbosa; navy, Eduardo Wandenkolk; foreign affairs, Quintino Bocayuva; agriculture, José de Mirandá Ribeiro; justice, Manoel Ferros de Campos Salles.

On November 19 the several legations received from the foreign office a circular (translation inclosed) whereupon I immediately cabled the Department for instructions. On the 20th instant the Department’s [Page 64] cable, dated November 19, was received. The mail and train for the day having left Petropolis, a telegram was sent to the minister of exterior relations as follows:

I am instructed by my Government, by cable, you will maintain diplomatic relations with the provisional government of Brazil.

Robert Adams, Jr.,
United States Minister.

To which an acknowledgment was received same day by telegraph. On the same day a letter was addressed to the foreign office conveying the same intelligence.

A letter was addressed to the consul-general communicating the instructions of the Department and requesting him to inform the several consuls thereof by telegraph.

A copy of the translation of decree No. 4, relating to the adoption of the new national colors, is inclosed. This completes the record to date.

The provisional government continues to perfect its organization, and so far perfect order reigns in the provinces. The former presidents of the provinces have all been removed and new ones appointed with absolute powers, chosen chiefly from the military class. The provincial assemblies have also been abolished and no word is heard of an election for a national congress to adopt a constitution. Many of the men formerly prominent in public affairs, both Imperialists and Liberals, while accepting the present order of things, stand aloof and seem to be waiting. The future is not assured, and no one can predict for this country of the unexpected.

In conclusion, allow me to express my appreciation of the confidence the Department reposed in my judgment and its prompt action on my suggestions. Fully conscious of the responsible position, I have endeavored to act most conservatively, and have reported nothing but verified facts to the Department. Of course the air was charged with rumors. On the 17th instant, when the ex-Emperor had accepted the payment of money, thereby acknowledging the new government, and sailed away, I felt justified in advising the Government to recognize the Republic, fully assured it would redound to our future advantage. The frequent allusions in ail demonstrations here to our country, and the numerous telegrams and congratulations received at this legation, tend to confirm this opinion.

All of which I trust will meet with the approbation of the President and the Department.

I am, etc.,

Robert Adams, Jr.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 21.—Translation.]

The Emperor’s abdication.

In view of the representation which was delivered to me to-day at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, I resolve, yielding to the power of circumstances, to depart with all my family for Europe to-morrow, leaving this country, beloved by us all, and for which I have exerted myself to give constant proofs of deeply seated love, and dedication for almost half a century, during which I filled the position of chief of the state. In departing, therefore I with all the persons of my family, shall always retain the most tender remembrances of Brazil in offering ardent prayer for its greatness and prosperity.

D. Pedro de Alcantara.

[Page 65]
[Inclosure 2 in No. 21.—Translation.]

Mr. Bocayuva to Mr. Adams.

Circular.]

It has been impossible up to the present date to send the necessary communication I regarding the political events of the three days just passed to Robert Adams, jr., envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America. These in short are as follows: The army, the navy, and the people have decreed the deposition of the imperial dynasty and consequently the extinction of the representative monarchical system; a provisional government has been established, which has already entered upon the exercise of it’s functions and will continue to exercise them until the sovereign people shall choose definitely, by means of competent organs; this Government has manifested to Senhor D. Pedro de Alcantara the hope that he would make the sacrifice of leaving Brazil, together with his family, and this intimation has been attended to; a federative republic has been provisionally proclaimed and decreed as the form of government of the Brazilian nation, the former provinces constituting the United States of Brazil.

The Provisional Government, as declared in its proclamation of the 15th current month, recognizes and will respect all national compromises and obligations contracted during the rule of previous governments, treaties subsisting with foreign powers, the public debt, whether external or internal, contracts in vigor, and all other obligations legally contracted.

In the Provisional Government, whose chief is Marshal Manoel Deodoro da Fonseca, I am charged with the portfolio of foreign affairs, and it is for this reason that I have the honor to address Mr. Adams, jr., assuring him, in conclusion, that the provisional government is ardently desirous of maintaining the relations of friendship which have hitherto existed between the United States of America and Brazil.

I take advantage, etc.

Q. Bocayuva.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 21.]

Mr. Adams to Mr. Bocayuva.

I have the great honor and happy satisfaction to inform your excellency that I am instructed by my Government by cable, “You will maintain diplomatic relations with the provisional government of Brazil.”

In transmitting this information allow me to express the hope that the cordial relations which have hitherto existed between my country and Brazil maybe augmented by her adoption of a republican form of government.

If your excellency will be pleased to name a day and hour, I shall be happy to call upon and pay my respects to you, and also be presented to His Excellency Manoel Deodoro da Fonseca, chefe do Governo Provisorio.

I avail, etc.,

Robert Adams, Jr.
[Inclosure 4 in No. 21.—Translation.]

Decree relative to the flag and escutcheon of Brazil.

The Provisional Government of the Republic of the United States of Brazil:

Whereas the colors of our former flag remind us of glorious struggles and victories both of the array and of the navy in the defense of the fatherland;

Whereas those colors, independent of the form of government, symbolize the perpetuity and integrity of our country among nations; it is hereby decreed:

  • Article I. The banner adopted by the Republic shall continue the tradition of the former national colors, green and yellow, in the following manner: A yellow lozenge on a green field, having in the center a sky-blue spheroid, crossed by a white circular zone running obliquely, and falling from the left towards the right, bearing the legend, “order and progress,” with twenty-one stars, amongst them those of the “Southern Cross,” all placed in their proper astronomical position as to distance and [Page 66] relative size, representing the twenty States of the Republic and federal district. (See annexed Drawings No. 1.)*
  • Article II. The National Arms (escutcheon) will be according to, Drawing No. 2.*
  • Article III. The seal (stamps and insignia) of the Republic will be the heavenly sphere symbolically represented on the center of the flag, having the words “Republic of the United States of Brazil” around it.
  • Article IV. All provisions to the contrary are hereby revoked.


  • Manoel Deodoro da Fonseca.
  • Aristides da Silveira Lobo.
  • Ruy Barbosa.
  • Quintino Bocayuva.
  • Manoel Ferros de Campos Salles.
  • Benjamin Constant Boteliio de Magathoes.
  • Eduardo Wandenkolk.
[Inclosure No. 5 in No. 21.—Translation.]

Decree No. 2 of November 16, 1889.

The Provisional Government of the Republic of the United States of Brazil, desirous of providing for the proper maintenance of the position of the family that has just occupied the throne of the country, and for the requirements of its establishment in a foreign land, resolves:

  • Article I. The sum of 5,000 contos of reis is hereby granted to the imperial family.
  • Article II. This grant in nowise destroys any of the advantages secured to the chief of the deposed dynasty and his family in the message of the Provisional Government of even date.
  • Article III. Contrary provisions revoked.

By the President of the Republic:

  • Aristides da Silveira Lobo.
  • Ruy Barbosa.
  • Q. Bocayuva.
  • Benjamin Constant.
  • Eduardo Wandenkolk.
  1. Not printed herewith.
  2. Not printed herewith.