Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-09-18

The difficulty Of procuring mechanical laoorls severely
felt by shpmasters and others who are compelled 10 put
into the port of Rio for repairs II the laoorer ana not
the employer who confers the obligation for it not
garded here mutual obligation The awkwardness
and want Of skill in all mechanical pursuits occasions
much delay and constant trouble with American captains
Sunday is observed in Rio by than the ordinary
amount of professions The market public stores, and
shops are open usual Music Is heard in all parts OF
the city; the military bands parade in the plaza the
streetcrers continue their noises usual and the ca
broets mules and donkeys catter the rough pave
ments without reference TO the day The chapels have
their mathis and vespers, but scarcely than on or
binary days Sunday is rather day of festivy than
otherwise 1t is hoyday for the slaves and those classes
who obliged to labor and is of taken advan
tage of by them recreation In the suburbs of the
city the merry Of the horn and violin and the lively
tramp of the fandango heard throughout the day,
but particularly in the afternoon, when, mass and dinner
being over all classes give themselves up enjoyment
This is the in Spain, Portugal and all Catholic coun
tries Bedford in his Letters from Italy and Portugal
describes the religious observances with great accuracy
In Brazil the obseryances are much the same Nc re
than third of the year is taken up in holydays. On
these occasions no can compel his slave ork
They are days devoted to the Saints of whom the Bra
zans have inexhaustibe supply 1t may be set down
axiom that no nation can prosper where so nuch
time wasted in expensive and Improbable celeb ions
Sometimes for weeks the people do nothing bu march
through the streets after the priests, prostratI
selves before various of images Fully third of their
time is taken up in professions of this kind and nearly
| the other two-thirds in frivolous amusements.
Begging is allowed by law week but the stranger
is exempt from the annoyance during the interval
Monksin strange go about the stree al times
calling upon the passer in the name OF all the saints
throw in few dumps These lazy fellow in general
progate pretenders who do gres deal for
themselves than for the church Many the most noted
crpples who beg for livelihood, reside: in good style
Praya Grande the opposite side of III bay When the
days begging they retire to their Villas throw
down their cruches and spend the vening dancing the
| fandango.
All citizens of distinction in Rio h ave in their employ
large number of servants, whom the dress in livery 1t
is wonderful and striking the handy legs of the
negroes encased blue breeches hitting close to skim
with pair of tremendous mtar boots reaching to the
knees and purred the heels short jacket profusey
ornamened with brass buttons cap decorated conspi-
cuousy with gold lace, and all the nameess rappings
that supposed to give dazzling effect TO high life.
The cabrolets drawn sonnet lines by mules but chiefly
by horses The drivers is behind but very HIGH so
overlook the body of the vehicle Public drivers as
well as private, wear the prevailing livery
1t appeared that than half the inhabitants
of Rio, of every condition, badge of Office
Laced coats and military caps are all sides Boys
of ten fifteen years of age about in the uni
form of ful-g grown officers. Some Of these believe are
cadets belonging to the Emperor's military school
The burdens, such coffee, -four, baskets &C.. are
carried from place place the heads of the negroes
1t is astonishing what immense weights these carriers
transport in this manner An instance was related to me
of negro who carried barrel Of rum on his head from
extremity Of the city the other distance of seye
raj miles This is well authenticated having been tested
by wager made by American resident with vsiter
to Rio BOTH Of whom were personally interested in the
result Frequently these negroes carry at brisk
| trot mach four five hundred pounds on their
heads. gentleman Of my acquaintance said he saw
eight hundred pounds carried distance in
this way. also told of feat performed by negro
belonging Mr. Rudge, who lives up in the mountains
Of Teuca, that quite surprised me- knew by personal
experience the difficulty Of walking there without any
burden This in the habit Of carrying up on his
head every week barrel of -four did he make
practice Of resting the way except once, and then
only for few minutes The distance Mr.. Ridges is
at least eight or ten miles over very steep and rugged
road have frequently negro bearing along at
brisk bureau sofa his head and this too with
as much apparent if he had nothing on but his
hat. The peders carry large filed with stock of
all Of fancy their heads shouting the price
as pass eacn mouse. One OF these met the
top of the Corcovado whittier he had carried his wares to
sell to the country people
Upwards of thousand Caifornans we're in Rio when
arrived The harbor full ofAmerican vessels and
the town completely in the hands Of Americans At
first there good deal Of CONSERVATION among the
Brazan at the sudden appearance Of many bearded
adventurers they unable to understand the
motive Of this extraordinary movement by whole people
It seemed to them highly improbable that
Of the existence Of gold mines in California should so
followed by the appearance their shores Of so many
vessels containing thousands of North Americans
Orders were given to prevent the carrying ashore of
armsa very necessary and reasonable regulation In
creased guards stationed at the forts and public
landing places and various measures Of safety adopted
by the Provincial Assembly Their recent instruction
in the province Of Pernambuco had drawn of large
portion Of the military forces and il was thought
this movement might have had its origin in the weakened
condition Of the port Of Rio Mr. Tod our able and in
defatgabe Minister at the Court Of Brazil lost no time
in putting the matter upon its true basis and not only
Quoted all apprehensons the score Of an invasion
but succeeded in obtaining for the accommodation Of the
American vessels bound to California and their passen
gers, many privileges and exemptions by which their OBJ
ect Of touching for refreshments greatly facilitated
Passengers permitted land without quarantine
passports obstruction Of any kind except such as arose
from the Of the general port regulations
Mr. Parks Consul likewise interested hmsefto the ex-
tent Of his power in bringing about proper understand
ing Of the matter and in the preservation Of peace when
these privileges and mmunities were abused Nothing
could be irving than the positon occued hv hot