"Teremos sujeitos levados ao erro, crimes e vícios": a Lei do Ventre Livre e o debate sobre a educação dos ingênuos na imprensa Maranhense (1871-1883)

Abstract

This work analyzes the debate accomplish in Maranhão press (1871-1883) about the actions and reactions regarding the education of the naive ones, which were free children of enslaved women, according the Law 2040 of September 28, 1871. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the historical context of the debate and approval of the 1871 Law, emphasing the discussions in the Chamber and the transformations that occurred with the institution of legislation. This is a documentary research, throught the newspapers Diário do Maranhão, O Paiz and Publicador Maranhense and the legislation related to education then, nevertheless, the bliographical research is also included. The education of the naive ones raised a series of debates and discussions, as the case of the Agricultural Congresses of 1878, which took place in Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco, and revealed the concept of education designed for these people who have egressed from captivity. The education defended by the Maranhense press wasased on agricultural nature, which would serve as training for the transition from slavery to free labor, in addition, it worked as a preparation, since these people brought many "vices" from the captivity regime that could affect the public tranquility.