Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-06-21

less In the sincere oeuet that the thing was i'm
possible. We rather guess that whatever other
changes be may deny, he will admit that in his
own opinions relative 10 that matter some
change has takensplace
We wilffrantiy admit tina, six months ago NJ
large Administration meeting in the state, and
out Of this cit5i could have been go, up.
From The Baltimore Patriot
NOTES ON RIO DE JANEIRo, taken during resi-.
dence in that city IN the months of January februa.
ry and March, 1897, by young gentleman of Bat.
more. No2.
The entrance Of the harbor Of Rio de janet.
70, as before observed,is quite narrow, say
about threefourlhs Of mile, and strongly pro-
tectcd by a fort on each side, with several other
Notifications within its mouth, which would
seem 10 render it impossible for an enemy TO
force an entrance, as there is continued chain
OF forresses entirely up TO the city; distance
Of about four miles. It's pronounced to be one
Of the first harbors IN the world, affording fine
depth Of water for &he largest class Of shipping,
and perfect security against the effects Of siorms
being surrounded on all sides by high noun.
tains. It is large bay of an oblong shape, of
about fifteen or.tweniy miles in circumference
but il is only that part between the mouth Of
the harbor and the city, which is occupied by
the shipping. There are three beautiful bays
which make into the land from the large one;
and Immediately opposite the city called Praya
Grandc, and two others between the city and
fort-Praya Famingus and Bofa Fago, the latter
being situated near The sca--rhey form semi
circle, and have row Of neat white houses
built Immediately on the beach, flanked by high
mountains which produce grass and vegetables,
and on which are situated beautiful country re-
sidences, forming scene highly picturesque.
The bay Of Bota Fago is occupied principally
by English merchants and foreign Minister'S
The manners and customs OF the natives here
being such as not 10 admit Of any social liner
course or exchange Of visits Of foreigners, they
find it an object TO locate themselves as near
together as possible, that they may enjoy that
sociabihty among themselves which they are
deprived OF among the Brazilians, and thereby
form circle of their own
Although the harbor Of Rio is possessed of
! so many natural advantages, there is still much
room for the work Of art; for instance, there
are no wharves for the shipping, which is con-
sequently obliged TO lie out in the stream to un-
load and receive cargo, which is done by means
OF lighters, and is very tedious and expensive
mode. Merchandise, except that which is TO
be retailea, is not generally carried from the
lCustom-i1ouse. 10 the warehouses Of the MGR
chants 10 whom ii belongs, but is taken to the
ipublic warehouse attached TO The Custom House
lHhich is a-cenfused~pic OF buildings, whc,e it
| Is examined by the invoice with much scrutiny,
and il found 10 be correct has the Custom
| House mark attached TO it. They do not de-
pend upon the manifest for the correctness Of
the contents Of packages, but every thing is
opened, after which they are permitted 10 be
taken away on the duties being paid; but should
the owner desire il, he has the privilege Of let
| ting his goods remain in the warehouse by pay
ing the CUSTOMARY storage. This plan is gene
rally pursued by The wholesale merchants, as il
is in these buildings thew assemble during Gus
| tom House hours TO effect sales Of Hour and
| other heavy articles.
| The eve of a stranger on approaching Rio is
| first struck with the number OF steeples, and
general uniformity in the color Of the buildings,
they being all built Of stone and plas,ered with
white mortar There is no regularity as to the
height Of the houses, varying from one TO four
stories. The basement rooms are invariably
occupied as stores Of different kinds. which are
generally without windows, FOR which they sub
stitute one or more folding doors which afford
| light and air as wei, as expose the interior Of
the store; the same arrangement is made with
the second story, an3 they are generally kept
|
would be indispensable They open into small
wooden or iron palisades, where you will see in
the afternoon, the inmates Of the house seeking
share of the sea breeze. The houses are all
covered with red tile, made in the country
which greatly adds to the already intense heat
Of the city.
The ci,y is very compactly built; so much so
tina, do not recollect TO have seen a single va
can't lot in all my rambles There are no alleys
leading to the back part Of the buildings-hors-
es, carriages, slaves and masters. all enter by
the same door; and the entrance TO the houses
of the grea, is still worse for you actually have
TO pass through, and encounter the periumes OF
filthy stable, which occupies the first Hoor,
and is paved with stone, from whichyo ascend
large flight Of stairs, the cieanly condition oi
which may be more easily imagined than de-
scribet, particularly as the use OF the scrubbIng
1 brush is no, generally known in these parts,
and you will never see carpet In the mouse OF
BRAZILIAN, which would seem TO render the use
of the brush indispensable.
ITO be Continued.
TO Merchants.