' The first great secession has occurred in Brazil, and
in a rather unlikely quarter. The people of Matto Grosso, the vast province which occupies the whole interior towards Bolivia, have declared themselves independent, proclaiming their terri- tory a Republic, under the title Republica Transatlantica, with Colonel Barbozo as head of the Provisional Government. The province is so little explored that its very size is differently stated in books of geography, though it certainly contains more than twice the area of France, and its popula- tion is hardly a hundred thousand, chiefly Indians belonging to unsubdued tribes. The movement may, however, prove serious, as it is headed by the garrison, supported by the Portuguese owners of mines and plantations, and can hardly be subdued, the Dictator, General Peixoto, having no force to spare for a dangerous expedition through interminable forests. It is supposed that the new rulers may seek allies and an exit towards the sea through the side which touches Bolivia; but the real danger of their rebellion arises from the example to other provinces, and from the blow 'inflicted on the traditional sense of unity in Brazil. General Peixoto is not popular with the whole of the Army, and a revolutionary movement is said to be on foot in Rio, amidst which the Monarchists may regain the upper hand. There is always the chance of their being supported by the Negroes, who form a clear majority of the population, and who are quite aware that their freedom was due to the exertions of the Emperor in their favour. At present the revolutionary party declare only for Marshal da Fonseca, but he lies sick unto death, and his name is only a rallying cry.
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