Mr. Bryan to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Petropolis, Brazil, May 2,
1901.
No. 318.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the
night of April 14, at Nictheroy, a suburb of the Federal capital
opposite the city and on the harbor of Rio de Janeiro, a mob sacked a
Baptist Mission Church. The organ, chairs, and Bibles belonging to the
American Baptist Missionary Association were carried into the street and
there covered with kerosene, which the populace ignited, making a
bonfire of the association’s property. This and other violence against
the Protestant missions is said to have been occasioned by the
bitterness aroused against an ex-priest whose denunciation and exposé of
former clerical associates greatly incensed the Catholics of Nictheroy.
They attributed to the effects of the ex-priest’s arraignment some
alleged sacrilege of an altar in one of their chapels. Then, in revenge,
followed attacks by a Roman Catholic mob on the Protestant missions,
culminating in the violence already referred to. The American pastor,
Rev. W. E. Entzminger, called on me to solicit my official aid in his
efforts to recover damages for the property destroyed. I told him that
before making any statement to Washington or diplomatic representations
here I would have an unofficial talk with Gen. Quintino Bocayuva,
President of the State in which Nictheroy lies. I first exacted a
promise from the missionary that no publicity through the press be given
by him or his associates prior to my intervention with the State
authorities.
The President assured me that he had ordered the Protestant missions well
guarded and that they would continue under police protection. He
promptly asked that I direct my countryman to make a statement to him
personally of the losses incurred by this American Missionary Society,
and promised that after careful examination full redress would be made.
President Bocayuva expressed thankfulness that this legation had
endeavored to allay further excitement in this religious conflict by the
quiet procedure of an unofficial appeal to him, who had always advocated
entire religious liberty in Brazil.
[Page 29]
I have the honor to inclose herewith, with a copy of his answer, a copy
of my letter to Rev. Mr. Entzminger exhorting him and his religious
coworkers to avoid intemperate language against those who differ with
them in religious belief.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Bryan to
Rev. Entzminger.
Legation of the United States of America,
Petropolis, Brazil, April 26, 1901.
Dear Sir: Complying with my promise to you,
I called yesterday on Gen. Quintino Bocayuva and I believe
accomplished what we desire. Reviewing the facts related in your
written and verbal communications regarding the attack on your
church and the destruction of the property of the American Baptist
Society, I stated that I had come unofficially to him as President
of the State of Rio de Janeiro before making any diplomatic
representations on behalf of my country people. He expressed
gratification at this considerate method of procedure and promised
that, if you would send him a statement of the losses incurred by
your society, he would give the same careful attention. President
Bocayuva said that he had ordered prompt police protection for the
other missions, and I inferred that he wishes that full atonement be
made for the outrageous attack on your church. He, however,
expressed indignation at the tone of the ex-priest’s utterances in
regard to his former religious associates. This violent talk the
President regarded as having provoked the lamentable attack of which
you and your congregation were the innocent victims.
I can not too strongly exhort my countrymen in Brazil to use
moderation of speech regarding the religion and institutions of the
land where they are living. They likewise would do well to counsel
their colaborers of other nationalities to pursue a like course of
Christian charity. I feel sure this is the policy you yourself have
been following.
Hoping all will come right for you, I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Entzminger
to Mr. Bryan.
Rio
de Janeiro, April 27,
1901.
My Very Dear Sir: Your kind and considerate
favor of the 26th instant received and contents carefully noted.
Please accept my hearty thanks for the service rendered, which
promises to end well. I am glad to say that I am in full agreement
with your observations about prudence in attacking the religion and
institutions of the country. So far as I am acquainted with the work
in general this is the policy in vogue, with possibly some
exceptions. The list you request to be sent to the President of the
State will be attended to promptly. For the present our services are
entirely suspended in Nictheroy from the lack of a house and the
necessary furniture. I can do nothing toward the equipment of
another hall until remunerated for the property destroyed.
Wishing you every happiness, etc.,
