Page:Brazil, Its Conditions and Prospects.djvu/351

Rh sometimes aided in the building of religions meeting-houses for Protestant German colonies. As the ministries are frequently changed, however, to meet the shifting majorities of the legislature, it is of the most absolute importance that any set of immigrants or colonists who purpose coming to Brazil, on any understanding with the Government, should have their contract most explicitly written, and signed by the proper officer before they start, or make any sacrifice with a view to starting. Since the beginning of the civil war probably three thousand Americans emigrated from the Southern States to Brazil, of whom many were experienced agriculturists, and possessed means; but four fifths of them have returned to the United States, and many others look forward to doing the same. Why? Not because Brazil is a bad country, but because they prefer the United States.