The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-23
From the Hartford C6,rant.
Buen0s Ayres.

Extract from letter received by gentleman in
this city, from a friend in Buenos Ayres, dated
NovEmBER IA, lS49
The population Of the city is from 80 10 loo, 900.
The public buildings being numerous, mostly
churches, and all having towers and domes, give
the city very imposing appearance when seen from
the water
The appearance Of the people. variety ofcostumcs
buildings, vehicles, &c, all showed me that had
stepped into strange country. The city il laid
out with great regularity, but the streets rather
narrow, and those that paved could not be worse
done. The houses are one and two stories IN height
mostly Of the former built of brick, succeed, and
in the old Spanish style. wide hall, on level
with the street. opens into paved court, around
which various rooms, usually only one fronting
on the streets. The houses are all built on line
with the side walk, which is very narrow, not
three feet The roofs fiat, which the inmates
walk towards evening. All the windows are heav-
lily grated with ron which, In addition TO the dingy
appearance Of the buildings, gives them prison
like look The public buildings have most an
cent appearance, especially the churches. Many
of them have been built hundreds OF years, and no
repairs have ever been put ON the exterior since; and
though wearing most diIapidated look, they will
last many years being OF solid masonry, having no
wood work. They are generally large structures,
and connected with them are buildings OF equal
sizc though different IN form, which were formerly
Monastic Embellishments, bat these have been sup
pressed The interiors of many Of the churches arc
very good. Some have paintings as portion OF
their decorations, but they are miserable efforts
rtdDlfut
carving, gliding, &c. There is some particular
celebration every day and evening, in one or more
churches and frequently visit them, but many OF
their ceremonies appear, 20 me, very absurd.
As TO the character Of those tho minister in holy
things the priests grieve TO say that their morals
not of diamond purity, or Pisgah excellence
IL may believe general report. All religions arc
tolerated. and there are four Protestant churches,
an American, Scotch, English, and German.
usually attend the FIRST, which is a Methodist
church
Sunday ia rather a quiet day, all business being
suspended, though by the macs of the people u u
considered day OF pleasure, and in the afternoon
and evening, amusemcnts are INDUCED In oy all
classes. a..tf .ti i...
The street next the water Is very wide, and The
Governor i filing tout making walk, luke, Like t soS
all ranks on Sunday afternoon, either on foot
horseback, or in carriages. Bands Of music, OF
fry sixty performers in each, are stationed at
.vs so% nS playing s sns e SfOsss as
and opera house are open.
Al tho display on the river bank arc great
many ladies ON Horseback, and they appear exceed.
riders. And here may as well, perhaps, say
word about the fair Of this country, knowing you
TO be something Of amateur. There are some
fine looking women. but have not seen one that
| could be called beautiful. They have generally
dark complexions and low forchcads. and in no in
| stance have sccn the features combined 20 make
handsome face according 10 our standard. You will
see sparkling eyes, beautiful busts ana me ngures
with good heads of hair, which they dress with great
taste have not the ssssu Spanish foot expect
| ed. Upon the whole. I"re-olvcd unsnu6usy' that
the North American ladies far exceed their sisters
of the South in personal attractions. The married
portion OF them almost invariably stout in per.
son. when the ladies walk the streets, they do so
with their heads uncovered, or light silk band
kerchief veil thrown over the bead but the latter
never covering the face This custom struck me
rather oddly when first arrived here, but, upon
Ithc whole, Hike IL, sfording Il docs, tos lover
of the fine arts, better opportunity for obscrva-
ton. Hats are not worn except by European or
American ladies.
I attended short time since soirec at The gov
ernor's palace, given by his daughter, scncrita
Msnueiis4 He, Che governor, never appears in
public. She is a fine girl, not handsome, but has
good face and fine figure. She ASSISTS her father
in State sfAirs, and Il Il said has great influence
over him, rncdersting or arrcsting many OF his sc
| vcrc decisions. The ladies dressed and appeared
much A. they do at similar parties in our country
bat iookcd in vain for the handsome fsces. sis.
ter Of thc governor and wife Of Gen Msnsilia, who
was present, is, however. very fine looking
woman. There were present foreign ministers,
consuls. officers, &C. Dancing was kept up during
the time ] stayed, giving me an opportunity OF