t agitation among the Liberal party. Imagining himself
sure of a brilliant destiny in Europe if he lost his Brazilian crown,
the emperor attempted to risk a decisive attack against the Liberals,
and to form a new ministry composed of men favourable to absolutism.
This step caused excited public meetings in the capital, which were
joined in by the troops, and deputations went to ask the emperor to
dismiss the unpopular ministry. He replied by dissolving the ministry
without naming another, and by abdicating the crown in favour of the
heir apparent, then only five years of age. Dom Pedro immediately
embarked in an English ship, leaving the new emperor Dom Pedro II. and
the princesses Januaria, Francisca and Paula. The subsequent career of
this unfortunate prince belongs to the history of Portugal.

A provisional and afterwards a permanent regency, composed of three
members, was now formed in Brazil, but scenes of disorder succeeded, and
discussions and struggles between the republican party and the
government, and a reactionary third party in favour of the restoration
of Dom Pedro, occupied the succeeding years. In 1834 a reform which was
well received consisted in the alteration of the regency, from that of
three members elected by the legislative chambers, to one regent chosen
by the whole of the electors in the same manner as the deputies; and the
councils of the provinces were replaced by legislative provincial
assemblies. Virtually, this was a republican government like that of the
United States, for no difference existed in the mode of election of the
regent from that of a president. The ex-minister Feijoo was chosen for
this office. With the exception of Para and Rio Grande the provinces
were at peace, but these were in open rebellion; the former was reduced
to obedience, but in the latter, though the imperial troops occupied the
town, the country was ravaged by its warlike inhabitants. The regent was
now accused of conniving at this rebellion, and the opposition of the
chamber of deputies became so violent as to necessitate his resignation.
Araujo Lima, minister of the home department, who strove to give his
government the character of a monarchical reaction against the
principles of democracy, was chosen by a large majority in his stead.
The experiment of republican government had proved so discreditable, and
had so wearied the country of cabals, that men hitherto known for their
sympathy with democratic principle