BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DOM PEDRO II. 199 



of those who distinguish themselves iu their studies. More than one 

 thus noticed has afterward found in the Emperor a i^owerful protector.* 



Dom Pedro not only encourages letters and the arts, he also renders 

 important aid to industrial societies of general utility, either from his 

 own purse, by the purchase of shares, or by demanding subsidy for them 

 from the legislative bodies.t 



He presides twice a week at the council of state. The session com- 

 mences at 9 o'clock in the evening, and lasts sometimes until 1 in the 

 morning. Each minister gives an account in his presence of all the 

 matters in his department requiring the imperial signature ; the Em- 

 peror listens with attention, and occasionally asks for some explanation. 

 If the matter is of importance, especially if it touches the rights or the 

 l)urses of the citizens, he will not allow a decision on the same day, but 

 takes time to study the subject carefully, giving his opinion at the next 

 session. If it is a radical innovation he employs a longer time in exam- 

 ining all its details, consults the council of state, and adopts it at last 

 only if convinced that it is really and intelligently desired, and will be 

 of profit to the people; for his long experience in the government of 

 men has taught him that reform must be carefully considered, must be 

 opportune and very evidently beneficial before it is adopted, in order 

 that progress may be made. In this respect he is a liberal conservative, 

 as every head of a nation should be who desires to respect the laws and 

 at the same time advance civilization. 



One would suppose from this active interference of the Emperor in 

 the affairs of state, that the ministry exercises but little power. But 

 this is not the case, for the Emperor has for the constitution, and for the 

 public offices it creates, an almost religious respect. It is sufficient to 

 say that he has not once during his long reign made use of the veto 

 power given him by the constitution. He has never forced his own 

 wishes upon any of his ministers ; he leaves them entire freedom of 

 action. But this very respect for the laws of the nation, as well as his 

 own experience, has taught him the necessity of exercising his sover- 

 eign attributes, which he does, taking counsel only of his own conscience. 



This loyal conduct, this benevolent interference on the part of the 

 sovereign in the affairs of the country, has nevertheless been attacked 



* We are glad to give the following example : When M. Carlos Gomes, a Brazilian 

 composer, after completing his studies in the school of fine arts at Rio and at Rome 

 played for the first time, in the Brazilian capital, his beautiful opera Le Guarany, which 

 had been very successful in Italy and London, he was summoned to the imperial box 

 and warmly congratulated by the Emperor, who gave him at the same time the diploma. 

 and the badge of an officer of the order of the Rose set in diamonds. 



t There exist in Brazil not less than eighteen lines of steamboats, supplied by the 

 state, representing a value of 9,000,750 francs a year, without counting 568,000 francs 

 contributed annually to the United States and Brazil Mail Steamship Company, whose 

 vessels run every month between Rio and the United States, stopping at several Bra- 

 zilian ports. As to the railroad lines, we know they have nearly all a security of 7 per 

 cent. 



