The Conspiracy of Minas: An Episode in the History of Brazil

The Portuguese government, apprised by the Visconde de Barbacena in Minas and the Viceroy in Rio de Janeiro of the sedition which was being planned, at first sent orders for the prosecution of the trial and for the observance of all the usual forms of justice. But, as time passed, and a closer examination of the evidence in the case brought to light the spread of the sedition, the government became apprehensive. The people of Brazil, they at last decided, were restive under the burdens of taxation - not, however, that the government intended to do anything about that - and they were likely to pay more attention than they ought to this mischievous talk of a rebellion. The assurance with which several of the conspirators had spoken of taking advantage of unrest in parts of Brazil ether than Minas alarmed the government. Something, it decided with considerable sagacity, had to be done.