Santa Cruz Estate, Rio de Janiero, January 10th, 1852 · Springtime of the Peoples
The prince that was
January 1852 - It is with great lament that the Jornal can report the death of Dom Pedro's eldest son. The infant, Alfonso, was carried off by a fever from the Imperial Family's summer residence in Rio in the second week of January, 1852. The child was, as we are told, a boy of excellent promise. The union that produced him, Emperor Pedro and a minor Bavarian noble, secured a lineage for generations to come. Now, that's all dissolved, what's been left in its place you ask?
The princess that can be
We have not been able to obtain commentary direct from the royal family, but what we do know is that, legally, the death of the prince has placed the infant Isabel next in line to the throne of Brazil, she stands to become Brazil's first queen-empress, should the stability of the Monarchy hold.
The Emperor's wisdom carried us through the Platine War unscathed. His judgment is sound. Why would his daughter's be any less so? - Manuel Ramalho, Minister of Domestic Affairs
The streets of Rio tell a different story, one that may not be ready for an idea as radical as a woman leading the country. We were not able to get a direct quote, but we hear their sentiment and concerns. Questions arise about authority, recognition, and respect on the world stage. Will a foreign power recognize Isabel's claim? Will the great trading houses accept a woman's signature and seal of the Empire? How will the Catholic church seek to ordain our Empress as a legitimate leader?
The curious fact remains, the Emperor has been quiet on the matter. The feeling on the ground is apprehension, if a bit muted, but amidst the opposition the discourse as crystallized into direct opposition.
The Emperor does not yet speak because it does not know what to say! If his daughter inherits the throne, it would represent all that is wrong with the Monarchy. We maintain our composure, I'm sure Dom Pedro will do the right thing and simply produce a male heir to swap for Isabel, it's what I would do!
- Juvenal de Morais, Leader of the Brazilian opposition
Despite Juvenal's rhetoric, it is clear that Dom Pedro has a taste for reform. Our analysts have concluded that the goodwill built up by the Emperor will likely be wielded to legitimize Isabel's position as the heir. So long as the issue of Slavery isn't touched by the Emperor, the landowners may see to allowing the succession to happen. Dom Pedro has a difficult dilemma on his hands, abolish slavery or secure his daughter's line to the throne.
What will he do?
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