POLITICAL STATE OF BRAZIL. 83 



work harmoniously with the general government. Great stress is, 

 however, laid upon the character of the Brazilians, who are disin- 

 clined to change, and upon their habits of obedience to the laws and 

 constituted authority. This gives a well-grounded hope for the 

 peaceful and onward march of the public prosperity under the new 

 constitution. 



Every exertion is making to give the young Emperor a good 

 education, and his talents are well spoken of. 



The regulation of the currency has continued to claim the attention 

 of the government, as involving the most important questions, and 

 those likely to bring about difficulties. Some apprehensions are 

 entertained that the local governments may apply a remedy them- 

 selves. In the Chamber of Deputies, all money-bills originate, but the 

 Senate may amend them. All laws must be sanctioned by the 

 Emperor after having passed both branches of the legislature. In 

 case of disagreement between the two houses, the members unite in 

 the Senate chamber, and the question is decided by a majority of 

 votes. There are no doubt many sources of discord, but they are not 

 fully known by any, except the principal actors, and few are aware 

 how the affairs of the kingdom are going on. At this time (1838 and 

 '39) all those acquainted with the people and government considered 

 the whole kingdom in a precarious state : the administration at Rio 

 Janeiro was believed to be unpopular, while some of the provinces 

 evinced a strong disposition to join with that of Rio Grande in 

 revolution. But this cannot succeed. Rio, with its situation and 

 commercial advantages, must and always will have the ascendency in 

 one way or other, will control its resources, and must be the seat of 

 government of this empire. 



The administration of justice is confided to two high tribunals, 

 which are open to the public, and where causes are decided on appeal 

 by a majority of the judges. 



These tribunals are, first, the Relacao, of which there are two 

 branches, one at Rio and the other at Bahia, each composed of eight 

 judges. Second, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, of twelve judges. 

 The inferior courts are those for the trial of civil and criminal cases, 

 an Orphans' Court, and a Court and Judge of Findings and Losings, 

 the last of which is not yet abolished, however obsolete it may have 

 become. Great corruption exists in them all, and no class of people 

 are so unpopular as the judges. It is generally believed, and the 

 belief is acted upon, that to obtain justice, all classes, including priests 

 and laymen, lawyer and client, legislators and people, regents and 

 ministers, must submit to great imposition ; that it is next to impossible 



