Political power and favoritism in the “Governicho”: analyzing some documents of the João de Barros Cassal Collection

Abstract

The historical archives of Rio Grande do Sul (AHRGS) holds important documental files, among them, the private file of João de Barros Cassal, journalist from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, director of the journal The Federation, chief of police in Rio Grande do Sul between 1889 and 1892 and member of the “Provisory Government”, in the so called “Governicho”. In this period, the archive was assembled, containing only registries of actions linked directly to Barros Cassal activities in the vice-governance of the State and no personal files. Here, the operations of the new arrangement of the private files of João de Barros Cassal are described, after it was received by the AHRGS, and a reflection is made from some documents about the harmful, current and frequent attempt to fix foundations to reinforce and/or perpetuate structures of power through the formation or a network of support based on the concessions of public office positions.