Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-09-18
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
NOTES OF TRAVEL.
Writen for the National htelligencer By Citizen
Of Washiagtoa.
THE cALIFoRNIANs IN RIO.

tons imposed by Government upon individual enterprise
Something also may be attributed TO their inst
tutons and the continual drain upon the Of the
people for the support of vast priesthood One cannot
look upon the noble harbor the fertile lands that sur
round it, the eemng verdure that the whole coun-
try, the scenery unequaed by any in the world with
out thinking of what that country might be- under wise
institutions and what it is under people whose grove
ling character is rapidly bringing them to state Of de-
generacy that end, at very remote PERIOD in the
utter extinction of the race
Rio de Janero the city of San Sebastian, is noted
throughout the world for its picturesque beauty as seen
from the surrounding mountains the bay. AT dis
the red tile roofs of the houses the white walls and
green shutters, the projecting cornces have very i'm
posing effect The churches and cathedrals, with their
elevated befrys the converts the surrounding emf
nence the imperial palace and range Of large buildings
known Pharoux, give fine appearance to the city
from the anchorage The effect is greatly heightened by
the rafting of DRUMS strains of music and clash
of heard throughout the day at the forts and militia
ry stations But landing and entering the town the
stranger is much disappointed The principal square,
imperial palace is spacious but dry and dusty
and devoid of any attraction. Fronting it is the palace
which scarcely deserves notice. being nothing than
large building white washed and rudely ornamented
with windows opening on balconies, for the accommoda
ton Of the Emperor and suite parade days public
celebrations On the right Of this plaza is long dap
dated of buildings, occupied in part stores and
partly hotel called the Hotel dUnversea fayorite
haunt of the Californans during stay The Rue De-
reita parallel with the from the public square
The grand chapel of Mount Carmel and the Emperors
own chapel situated between the Palace de Largo and
the head of the Rue Derea The great fountain in the
middle of the plaza of the Palace de Largo presents
very during all hours of the day tits
srant led Inv who he
by carrying the water in kegs to the doors. The
wild and uncouh noises made by these negroes novel
and entertaining all who visit Rio for the first time
Throughout the the houses have runous and d.
lapdated appearance. The architecture is clumsy, and
the style of ornament false and fimsy. The walls
composed of small stones grouted together with sand and
lime, and covered with plaster The roofs of furrow
ed tile, placed in rafters of hard wood Each
house has balcony used by the occupants all public
occasions place of observation The stores small
dark and nconvenient the streets narrow and badly
paved Only the principal streets sufficiently wide
admit of two vehicles passing time. The municipal
authorities attempt remedy this Inconvenience by
guatiOn prohibiting vehicles drawn by horses mules
from going in any but one direction in each street
Down about the boat-landings the stencil of decayed
vegetable and animal matter is very oensve aud it did
surprise that many epidemics prevail in RE
The best streets however washed daily by slaves and
the and filth swept away in the cutters. While this
operation going behooyes the TO seek
fuge in the shops Caeches and cabriolets dash fu
rous rate through these streets with one wheel
in the gutter and the other the sidewalk greatly the
annoyance Of persons on foot.
Sauntering about town, my attention attracted by
the Wild cries Of the peders the chants Of the coffee
carriers the dttes Of the slaves engaged
on the public works There is also much novelty the
costumes and Of the lower classes and their
cuar customs mingled with many Of disgusting
character The unyarying warmth Of the climate produ-
ces diseases Of revolving and unsighty character recu
liar TO tropical regions Beggars the steps
the chapes and public buildings who make exhibition
Of the ouest dstempers for the purpose of arousing sym
patty Many Of them covered with ulcers and de-
priyed Of all semblance human creatures by natural
and pretended deformtes Others expose their and
legs which swollen the size Of large keg with that
loathsome disease, the eephantiasis.
The city market fronts the Largo Palace and is en-
tered by massive gateway. The interior is large
square, with ranges of shops stalls around the Sides
and stands scattered throughout for vegetables pre-
sents busy and interesting spectacle the stranger du-
ring the morning and forenoon Stalls filed with meat
FISH, and fruit surrounded by customers whose GEES
ticulaons and noisy jargon quite astounding The
square is paved with stones and flags and is occupied by
market women Chiefly negresses poorer classes Of Por
tuguese who stha naked their launches surrounded
by their little stock ofuts and vegetables such oranges
bananas pine-apple paintains, and potatoes These
groups scattered rreguay around the square tina
il is difficult get through them without stepping into
pile of oranges destroying choice bunch of pantans
misfortune that beel or three occasions and
brought down torrent Of abuse from the women that
altogether alarming. Shops containing earthenware
brOoms, mating, and rude toys kept in the market
place
surprised to find city Of the extent and populs
ton Of Rio poorly supplied with meat and vegetables
Fruit abundant and fine any in South America
the proper season. but late to enjoy it in
perfection. The oranges inferior to some ! had
eaten in Zanzibar Butter scarce and little is 10 be
had except at an exorbant price The hotels prn-
cipaly supplied by American vessels with key butter
Butchers shambes scattered throughout the town
in New York, but the is disgustingly mutated
No good beef is to be had at any price, the best is lean
tough, and dry This rather strange as few de-
grees the southwark the pampas Of Buenos Ayres
found the finest cattle in the world and good beef not
exceeding three cents pound The mutton and
pork Of Rio Of toerably good quality Potatoes arr
bad, especially sweet potatoes.
The horses and cattle Of Rio are poor The best bree,
degenerates in few years Nothing Of the animal kin,
lean and unthrfy and the horses meager and aded
looking either from the heat Of prope
care. Mules and donkeys the principal beasts 0
burden.
The same remarks may be applied TO the human popu
lation. The men puny and slender, with but It'll
vigor Of mind body None Of the Brarilians, excep