Efforts to introduce toreign Labour . 169 



organize associations that have for their olycct the settlement 

 of industrious labourers in the country, and to support colonies 

 already in existence, till they are in a position to maintain 

 themselves. In Brazil, the conviction is pretty general, that 

 only an emigration en masse of white labour can save this 

 splendid country from ruin, thougb there are individuals who 

 entertain a different opinion, and think — perhaps not alto, 

 gether without reason — that the energy and industry of Euro- 

 pean settlers might eventually — considering the indolent and 

 careless disposition of their countrymen — prove destruc- 

 tive to the national element I 



The most striking proof of how thoroughly in earnest the 

 leading members of the Brazilian Government are in their 

 efforts to procure an immigration of foreign labour, may be 

 found in the report of the Commission upon the new tariff, in 

 which the following passage occurs, illustrative of the advan- 

 tages which may be expected to be reaped from European 

 emigation on a large scale : — " * These foreign labourers arrive 

 here"poor, and depart from the country laden with our gold and 

 • silver, and, like blood-suckers, absorb our natural riches !* 

 is the remark of those who are ignorant of the true interests 

 of Brazil. For to whom are we indebted for our capital, 

 for the industry and commerce which we have ? To whom 

 belong those manufactories which the people want to pro- 

 tect, and in whose favour so much is said? Why, to 

 foreigners ! Foreign hands and foreign capital cultivate our 

 soil, expand our trade and commerce, and promote the arts. 



