832.00 Revolutions/441
The Ambassador in Brazil (Morgan) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the Brazilian political scene is free from new difficulties, and that those which have been inherited from the São Paulo revolt are not disturbing the situation. A further group of men implicated in the said revolt—nine of whom are military [Page 429] officers and twelve civilians—were embarked for Lisbon yesterday on a vessel of the Lloyd Brasileiro Line. None of them are of outstanding importance. Dr. Pedro [de] Toledo, the most culpable of the traitors, who was Federal Interventor in São Paulo, but deserted to the rebels and became civil head of the revolutionary government, as a private individual, has embarked for Europe, to which Arthur Bernardes, a former president of the Republic and under detention since a short time before the revolt collapsed, within a few days will also be travelling as an ordinary passenger. The only outstanding politician who remains to be disposed of is Borges de Medeiros, who, having never been abroad, is unwilling to leave the country. As he enjoys much political prestige in Rio Grande do Sul he may be allowed to remain in Brazil if he so desires. The principal leaders have therefore all been disposed of and although they are now numerous in Paris and in Portugal they will be unable to influence the Brazilian situation at home.
The draft of a constitution to be presented for examination by a constitutional assembly summoned to meet in the first week of next May is making progress under the direction of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and some of his ministerial colleagues. The large commission, which was found to be too cumbersome, has been reduced in size. The most notable alteration in the constitution of 1891, in force since the republic was founded, is the proposed elimination of the Senate and the substitution of a body which shall represent professions, public employees, laborers, etc. Nothing has been decided regarding this important matter although several projects have been presented. The Lower House, as at present, will be elected by universal suffrage. It has also been suggested that congressional districts shall not necessarily be comprised within one State but shall be formed of masses of contiguous populations. All these suggestions are nebulous and should not be accepted as a promise of things to be. The interesting fact is this, that plans for the return to constitutional government are proceeding toward fulfillment in accordance with the promise which the Provisional Government announced six months ago but in which the São Paulo revolutionists have declined to believe.
The new constitution will be unsatisfactory because it will contain provisions that should be left to legislative action, and in its attempts to cure all the political ills from which Brazil has suffered new difficulties will be created which can only be eliminated after the constitution has come into effect and has been amended as the result of experience.
Respectfully yours,