The Empire of Brazil has made great strides in the last few years, not only in all branches of material progress, but also in the enlightened policy which has found such strenuous supporters in Dom Pedro Segundo and his minister, Viscount Paranhos do Rio Branco. The Emancipation law of 1871 is now being followed up by an extensive programme of English and German immigration, and a great effort to diffuse instruction among the lower orders of the people.