“His arms, suggestion.
“His target, the cry of Ipiranga.
“The work that he is then accomplishing is too intense not to sweep aside all obstacles thrust in his path; his power of suggestion is too strong not to conquer the Prince Regent; his look too firm for the shot not to hit the bull’s eye.
“He conquered.
“The fatherland went into housekeeping for itself and it was he who ordered the arrangement of all the furniture and the standards of a free life.
“This is José Bonifacio’s zenith. He is the Washington of the South.[1]
“Less fortunate, however, than Washington, he afterwards sees the country take a direction that he foresaw was mistaken.
“He starts a struggle against the radical currents and against evil men.
“He loses the contest.…
“Brought to trial as a conspirator, he was absolved.