SOUTH AMERICA.
Brazil and La Plata.—On the southern part of the American continent events also occurred of some interest to England. During the previous year a united British and French force operated successfully against the dictator Rosas, who, in spite of the remonstrances of England, France, and Brazil, persisted in hostile operations against the republic of Monte Video. Notwithstanding the chastisement inflicted by the European navies, Rosas continued his hostility to Monte Video during the year. The measures taken against the tyrant by the governments of England and France were half measures. The Earl of Aberdeen and M. Guizot seemed to be associated in wondrous harmony of action, or rather inaction, when the joint interests of the two powers were concerned.
Differences arose between Great Britain and the Brazils in connexion with the slave-trade. A convention had existed between the two countries for its suppression on the coasts of Brazil; the period for which the convention existed expired early in the year, and the government of the Brazilian emperor notified to that of her Britannic majesty that it should not be renewed. This gave great umbrage to the latter government, which saw that the design of the Brazilians was to continue the infamous traffic. The British parliament consequently passed an act for subjecting Brazilian vessels, suspected of being engaged in the trade, to the jurisdiction of the English tribunals. Against this the Brazilian government protested, and sent a circular note conveying a copy of the protest to all other powers. On the 3rd of May the emperor delivered an address to the representatives of the nation, stating that he would support the dignity of his crown against the interference of Great Britain, and calling upon the assembly to support him. He at the same time, however, declared that he would be faithful to his engagements in putting an end to the trade in Africans. This was so vaguely expressed, and the desire of the Brazilian government was so evidently to foster that illicit commerce, and, if possible, involve England in a quarrel with some of the other maritime powers, that the English government was much incensed, and resolved upon stringent measures. In this they were opposed by the Manchester party, even by some among them who had taken a most active part in anti-slavery movements. The persons thus inconsistent were chiefly among the Society of Friends, who, while on the one hand they hated oppression, on the other hated war, even when waged to succour the oppressed. The chief movers in the Manchester agitation against the government policy towards Brazil, were, however, neither anti-slavery men, nor members of the Peace Society, but certain merchants engaged largely in the Brazilian trade, and whose political principles were very accommodating, always, somehow, being on the side of their interests, or supposed interests, in commercial matters. No war ensued, but the firm attitude taken by the English government prevented the renewal of the slave-trade by Brazilian merchants.