1831.] 
Rio DE JATfEiRO. 
49 
, address to remove these impressions, and again to establish him- 
self in favour. 
He now, however, went with the people, and declared himself 
in favour of the disaffected Brazilians. The yoke of provincial- 
ism was shaken off ; Brazil was declared free and independent. 
A new form of government was established, under the title of 
" Empire of Brazil," of which Don Pedro was declared emperor 
and perpetual defender; the country became quiet; commerce 
flourished; emigration increased; good faith was restored ; and 
every thing seemed to promise a bright and prosperous future. 
Unfortunately, this state of things was not allowed to continue. 
A war broke out about this time, between Brazil and Buenos 
Ayres. The question in dispute was that tract of coiuitry bor- 
dering on the La Plata, and known by the name of Banda Ori- 
ental. A war of three years was the consequence, which reduced 
and deranged the finances of the country, and added nothing to the 
credit of the BraziUan arms ; but, on the contrary, had the ten- 
dency to betray her weakness, and the folly of her ruler. Fi- 
nally, the war was terminated by a treaty, declaring the Banda 
Oriental an independent province for the term of five years, after 
which the inhabitants should be left free to unite with either of the 
contending powers. 
This termination of the war displeased the Brazilians, and 
doubtless gave inipulse to the dislike which at this time began to 
manifest itself towards the emperor. But no one could have 
supposed that, in the short space of two years, Don Pedro would 
be compelled to abdicate his throne in favour of his infant 
son. Such, however, was the case. The ministry became unpop- 
ular, and the emperor was requested to change it. This he re- 
fused to do; when the bold language was used, that "the minis- 
ti:y must be changed, or himself leave the throne." 
It was now evident that the imperial days of Brazil were num- 
bered ; and as he daily saw the royal authority falling into disre- 
pute, he determined to abdicate the throne in favour of his infant 
son, only five years of age. This happened in the year 1831; and 
he immediately embarked in an English seventy-four, bearing with 
him the whole resources of the treasury, and all the moveable 
wealth of the country, together with the hatred and curses of his 
former subjects. 
