The demonstrations witnessed to-day in Rio show an utter disregard for the solemnity of the Sabbath. A large body of volunteers in holiday uniform, with a band of thirty musicians, were encountered early this morning upon one of the principal streets. In the next place, quite a number of soldiers, with their guns, badges, and flags, were seen assembled in a most gorgeous church, for the celebration of high mass. This ceremony was conducted with great pomp by the priest, and a large number of dignitaries held lighted candles of most enormous proportions, forming a concourse around the altar, which again was lighted up by hundreds of candles, though it was in open day, with a clear bright sun shedding its rays on all who would enjoy the light which God has given.
As we went in search of the English church this evening, we found a large assemblage of persons in a public garden, drinking in groups at tables arranged for the purpose, while a band was entertaining the party with music, from a stand erected for their special accommodation.
Immediately adjoining this garden was a building, in which a circus was performing, and we could hear the applause and laughter, such as might be expected at a farce or comic exhibition.
The day seems to be regarded rather as a holiday for amusement, and yet many of the business houses are kept open during the Sabbath, and there is no law of the country requiring its observance as a day of rest from labor, or to be kept holy to the Lord.
A great many of the people attend mass in the forenoon of Sunday, and then join in any recreation that may be presented. It seems that the theatres and opera houses regard Sunday evening as specially suited to attract a large number of persons, and usually have their most attractive pieces on such occasions.
In returning to-night from preaching, a large assemblage of negroes was observed immediately upon the side of the street, and, upon entering the building, we found it was a church for the exclusive use of the black people. Here many were kneeling in front of the altar, while some service was held by one of their own color; and, at a side stand, there was another black personage, who furnished applicants with a small printed paper, upon the payment of two coppers of the value of four cents. Mr. Mallory said these were no doubt indulgences for some sin committed, and the trade seemed to be going on prosperously. There were no seats in this building, and those who did not kneel sat flat upon the floor, as I have observed to be the case in all the services, when they did not stand. The churches do not have seats, and perhaps there is no regular discourse delivered to the congregations in this country.
So far as I am able to infer any thing of the spirit manifested in their acts, I should regard the religion of the people in Rio as having very little of the holy unction, and the natural tendency of a State establishment is that of formality.
Monday, September 18, 1865.
Immediately after breakfast this morning we called upon Dr. Bosworth, who had been at our quarters on Saturday without seeing us. He desired to apprise us of an appointment; that Major Pedro Latão da Cunha would accompany us to-day at 12 o’clock to visit the Minister of State. Of this we had already been apprised by the gentleman in person, and at the hour specified we proceeded with him to the large public buildings where this minister receives audience.
Captain Buhlaw having also an application for public service, accompanied Mr. Mallory and myself, and was included with us in the kind offices of presentation to Conselheiro Saraiva, the Minister of State for the empire of Brazil. Next to the Emperor, he is the highest dignitary of the land, and in his absence at the seat of war, this official takes charge of matters that are intended for the special consideration of the Emperor. We were received by him with every mark of attention and consideration; and the interview terminated with an assurance that each of us would receive the appointments as desired.[[8]] He said, farther, that our applications were favorably considered, not so much from any demand for our services, as that the empire of Brazil wished to extend this recognition and appreciation of our motives, in coming to this country as a place of residence.