CHAPTER III. 



RIO JANEIRO. 



1838. 



The city of San Sebastian, better known as Rio de Janeiro, has 

 been often described. At the time of our visit a great change 

 appeared to have taken place within a few years, as well in its 

 outward appearance as in its government and institutions, thus giv- 

 ing to the whole a different aspect from that it formerly wore. Under 

 its former monarch, Don Pedro the First, it had all the aspect of a 

 court residence ; now it is the very reverse. I shall, therefore, give 

 my own impressions, and sketch a picture of its state as we found it 

 in the latter part of the year 1838. 



Republican forms, habits, and customs, are gradually creeping in 

 under its new and reformed constitution. It is not to be denied that 

 the people now appear to be much better off than formerly, and more 

 at liberty to carry on their lawful pursuits. Commerce, and inter- 

 course with foreigners are every day making liberal advances. 

 Every one, on his first landing at Rio, will be struck with the 

 indiscriminate mingling of all classes, in every place, all appearing 

 on terms of the utmost equality ; — officers, soldiers, and priests, both 

 black and white, mixing and performing their respective duties, 

 without regard to colour or appearance. The only distinction seems 

 to be that of freedom and slavery. There are many wealthy free 

 blacks, highly respectable, who amalgamate with the white families, 

 and are apparently received on a footing of perfect equality. The 

 police, too, consisting of a national guard, has taken away those forms 

 of military parade that formerly existed. An air of independence is 

 creeping in even among the working-classes. Any little service that 

 is required, and for which they are well paid, they appear to consider 

 as a favour done you. The mechanical arts are at least half a century 



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