If his power were equal to his will, slavery would vanish from the Empire with a single strike. - Pedro II of Brazil

In early half a century ago a little boy was walking with his father and mother in a park of a city in Southern France. Toward them came a distinguished-looking elderly couple—Dom Pedro II and his Empress. That occasion was my first introduction to Brazil. In the years that have passed since that day—years measured by the splendid history of the Republic of Brazil—I have had the pleasure of meeting many of your statesmen and of becoming increasingly familiar with the problems which mutually affect our two Nations.

I swore to the Constitution, but even if I had not sworn to it, it would be to me a second religion.

Politics is to me the harsh fulfilment of duty.