[1] Public life began when he returned to Bahia and settled in Vila nova da Rainha, affiliated with the conservative party.

In the Republic, he held the position of state senator, concomitantly with that of governor, acting in the Federalist Republican Party, which he presided over, until he was removed by Luís Viana, as a result of his deposition.

Appointed to the post by President Deodoro da Fonseca, replacing his brother who became ill, he took over on November 16, 1890, with the main task of managing the administration while forming the state Constituent Assembly.

However, it was not the case of the Governor of Bahia: José Gonçalves, contrary to the opinion of everyone in the state, sends a message of support for the closing of the Congress that had then been rehearsed.

Urged by General Tude Soares Neiva, commander of the 13th Military District, however, he has no alternative: he delivers the post in order to avoid a major disaster.