GREETING TO BRAZIL
BRAZIL celebrates her one hundredth anniversary of independence on September 7. The nations of the world will join with her on that date in making the occasion worthy of such a historic event. The United States, which has always enjoyed a close and growing friendship with the great Republic of South America, will be ably represented at the opening of the Centenary commemoration by a special mission headed by Secretary of State Hughes. When the United States celebrated its Centennial in 1876, Brazil sent her Emperor Dom Pedro II to convey her message of good will and congratulations. He was the only chief of state present on that occasion and this Government and people have not forgotten the high tribute which it implied. President Harding expressed a desire to return in person the visit of Dom Pedro, but was unable to leave the country at this time; and so sent his chief Cabinet adviser to express for him the interest which this country feels in all that pertains to the welfare of this Republic of the South.
Along with the Brazilian centenary exercises there will open also in Rio de Janeiro on September 7 an international exposition, at which the principal countries of the world will have extensive governmental as well as industrial displays. This Exposition will continue until March 31 next, and possibly for some months longer. It is believed that this will be one of the most interesting and most attractive world expositions which has ever been held.
With wonderful natural opportunities to start with, located in what is concede by all travelers to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where a spacious bay of unsurpassed grandeur with a surrounding wealth of tropical color and richness of verdure adds greatly to the setting, the Brazilian Government has done everything possible to make the coming Centenary Exposition one that will be unique and worthy of lasting remembrance. In the generous preparations which she has made for celebrating her hundredth anniversary she deserves the praise of the world. In making these plans she has shown an energy, a determination, and a progressiveness which must call forth highest commendation.
To all that nature has given Rio de Janeiro as a show place par excellence for exposition purposes, there will be added magnificent lighting effects, the latest that electrical artists can supply; and for this purpose alone the Brazilian Government has made a large appropriation. Those who recall what was done at San Francisco and at some of the previous world fairs in this country in the way of brilliant illumination may be prepared to see new and even more striking results at the Brazilian Exposition. Reduced steamship rates, which have been put into effect by the United States Shipping Board vessels, have made it possible for thousands of persons from the United States to make the trip to Brazil, and there seems to be no doubt but that those who make the voyage will be well repaid.
Source: The Outlook, 13 September 1922