NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



583 



for days and weeks, but even months, under the bare-faced avowal that 

 there is no money in the coffers. And when the Treasurer condescends 

 to part with the cash, he deducts a heavy premium, as the reward of 

 favouritism, which, in one instance at least, amounted to seventeen per cent. 

 These things are not countenanced by the Sovereign, and, I am aware, 

 are generally unknown to him, and within a very short period Royal 

 authority has interfered, in one or two cases ; but it is difficult to gain 

 such an order, and as expensive, in most instances, as the more direct 

 mode of proceeding. Hence the Treasurer goes on in his usual manner, 

 adding frequently personal insults to the common insolence of office. 



Something of the same nature takes place in purchases for the public 

 service; preference not only exists, but must be paid for, and he, of 

 course, who pays highest, has most of it. I make no assertions which 

 I am unable to support. In a case where a vessel was wanted by the 

 Government, a bargain was made with the heads of the naval depart- 

 ment, but the money must come from the Treasury ; here two agents 

 interposed, each of whom claimed a commf^sion on the sale, although 

 neither of them had been employed, and so effectually barred the pay. 

 ment for her, that it was absolutely necessary to renounce the bargain ; 

 which both of them had previously declared would be the issue of the 

 negociation, unless their demands were satisfied. 



It may be said, indeed, that such charges as these are always calcu- 

 lated by the seller, and that he receives the full value of his goods ; — so 

 he does, but the country pays for them at too high a rate. Such tran- 

 sactions are not concealed, — there is no attempt to cover them ; the 

 Brokers act as openly as in any other business whatever, and what they 

 do is known to every one who has an establishment in Rio. It is this 

 which makes the name of the Brazilian Treasury to be despised on the 

 Exchanges of Britain. It may be asked, where do these perquisites and 

 fees of office go ? Does the Treasury, as it ought, receive the benefit of 

 Ihem ? I answer, No. 



Silver is the only description of bullion which the Treasury finds 

 itself obliged to purchase. Formerly the Royal fifths upon gold were 



