CivilistaCampaign

In 1909, a presidential election year, the political temperature in the young Republic was running high. On one side, the militarists (or "hermistas"), supporters of Marshal Hermes da Fonseca, the government's candidate. On the other, the civilistas, in favor of the "restoration of civil order." Their candidate was the Bahian senator Rui Barbosa – jurist, diplomat, and co-author of the first republican constitution. Backed by the Partido Republicano Paulista (PRP), he was chosen at a convention that packed the auditorium of the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.

Charge, the magazine O Malho – which supported the candidacy of Hermes da Fonseca. – 1910 Hemeroteca da Biblioteca Nacional

Image description: The image is a black-and-white illustration presenting two sequences of events. In the first sequence, three men dressed in suits and hats are arguing with a man in a white robe and black trousers, who appears to be a hermit. They are in an urban setting with trees and a monument in the background. In the second sequence, the same three men are leaving, looking back at the hermit, who stands still, now with his hands crossed. The text below highlights the phrase "Quem tem razão e certeza d'uma cousa não precisa de barulho" ("He who is right and certain of something has no need for noise") and mentions that the three civilistas are talking about changing their minds and criticizing the dictatorship.

A respected intellectual and historic liberal, Rui Barbosa led the first presidential campaign in Brazil's history. With an anti-oligarchic rhetoric that appealed to urban sectors, the civilian candidate toured cities, met with local leaders, and made promises to voters in the streets.

Image description: This is a black and white photograph of a large crowd gathered in an indoor location, possibly a train station or a public hall. The image shows a large gathering of people filling the entire space, with particular concentration in the central and right portions of the photo. The people are standing, many of them wearing hats and formal clothing, suggesting an important event or ceremony. In the background, we see metal structures and light fixtures illuminating the space.

It was the first time the country witnessed an electoral dispute between competing political projects. From the heated debates in the cafés of Rua do Ouvidor to the great marches and rallies -- the meetings -- the press set the tone of public debate. For 'Hermista' newspapers, Rui Barbosa was a sort of Bahian Luther, the agent provocateur behind that whole schism in what had once been a peaceful national political scene.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a crowd gathered on a pier. The image shows people wearing formal attire from the early 20th century, with straw hats and hats. On the left, there is a ship with its chimney visible. In the background, there are more boats and a mountainous landscape. At the top of the image, there are decorative lanterns and banners with text. On the right, there is a sign with the name "Ruy Barbosa."

Despite all the efforts of the Campanha Civilista, the vote on March 1, 1910 proved the strength of the federal machine and elected Hermes da Fonseca, the third military man among Brazil's first six presidents. But the vote margin was the closest since the beginning of the Republic. In Rio de Janeiro, Rui Barbosa won with 67% of the votes. The shock to the opposition caused a notable crack in the foundation of the oligarchic conciliation. After that, the political arrangement of the First Republic would never be the same again.

Image description: The image is a black-and-white engraving. It shows two figures in a watery setting. On the left, a man in military uniform holds a whip and is mounted on a two-wheeled cart. On the right, another man, wearing a suit and hat, is seated in the cart, apparently trying to keep his balance. The cart is partially submerged in water. In the background, there is a landscape with mountains and a clear sky. At the bottom of the image, there is text in Portuguese.