"This part of Brazil offered the curious spectacle of a great evil, which has been long suffered to exist and is now advancing, gradually yet surely, to that state which must entail inevitable destruction on the existing Government of the country"

This quote by George Grey is referring to the political and social unrest in Brazil throughout the 19th century. Grey is highlighting the fantastic evil that has been enabled to exist in the nation for a long time, and is now reaching a point where it will inevitably result in the downfall of the government. He is cautioning of the consequences of allowing this unrest to continue, and the potential destruction it might trigger. This quote is a reminder of the importance of attending to social and political concerns in a prompt manner, as permitting them to fester can lead to disastrous outcomes. Grey's words are a cautioning to all federal governments to do something about it prior to it is too late.