Lopez has fallen. General Camara, at the head of a
few hundred Brazilians, overtook him and about as many Paraguayans on the Aquidaban, in Matto Grosso, on 1st March. The Paraguayans were defeated, and Lopez summoned to surrender. He refused, and was killed, fighting to the last. His followers were taken prisoners, and Paraguay, now completely subdued, will probably be added to the Empire of Brazil. It is entirely garrisoned by Brazilian troops, the Argentines having retired, and the Emperor will be reluctant to give up such a position as Humaita, which commands the confluence of the Paraguay and Parana. With an ironclad fleet snugly hidden above that point he will hold the riverine cities of the Plate at his mercy, and compel them with a word to restore any slaves who may escape from the cruel disci- pline of Brazil. As for the Confederation, it gains nothing from the war except the satisfaction of having removed a barrier to the progress of its only dangerous enemy. However, 1,000 Italians a week enter the Republic, and in a few years it may be able, with a proclamation of freedom to the slaves, to break up Brazil.
