Smyrna times., 1859-02-03
MIS- CELL A n EOU u S.
PARAGUAY & THE PARAGUAYANs.

REv. GOLDSMITH d. CARROw, late Mission
AIRY to Buenos Ayres, delivered highly in-
structive and interesting Lecture, on the above
subject, in the town of Smyrna, on "Wednesday
evening" the 26th ult., for the benefit of the
Library Association. The lecturer presented
comprehensive view of the geography, political
history, resources, social habits and manners of
Paraguay and its people.
The interest we feel in Paraguay, at this
time, is heightened from the fact that fleet of
armed vessels from the United States have but
lately sailed thither, and are now supposed to
be very near the point of their destination. with
power to demand repa ration for insults TO our
flag and injuries done our citizens, and instruc.
tions TO enfurce compliance with these demands
with the use of all the weapons of modern war
fare.
SYNOPSIS OF THE LECTURE.
Paraguay is central in its position. and the
lecturer thought it would in time be absorbed
by the surrounding governments. In resources
he said nature has lavished upon Paraguay her
richest treasures. Il is naturally one Of the
most beautiful and might be made one of the
most productive countries on the face of the
globe. The central Snd northern portions have
high and rolling surface southwark it street.
ches away in level or slightly undulating sa-
vsnnas, dotted with trees and intersected by
gentle brooks of pure and sweet water. The
banks Of the rivers and numerous streams en-
the sOurIhern portion slope gradually to the
wsser, and are fringed with grass and flowers,
as though they had known the refined taste Of
the gardeners eye, and the practical culture of
his hand. In the north the springs that rise in
the mountains How out between high precipi-
tous banks, and augmented by the rains OF
autumn and winter 60 whirlng rapidly over
rocky beds and forming in laundering cataracts
to Join, through it's tributaries, the great Rio de
Ia Plata, which bears them in majesty TO the
bosom of the South Atlantic. The stately
trees, the dense underground, the clamberng
vines of the Tropics displaying all their glores
Of foliage and of flowers, rear to the Creator =
forest temple, grand, glorious aud all-inspiring
while extensive prairies clothed with perpetual
verdure, resembling the northern fields of head
ing wheat aud decked with flower gardens
formed by natures own skilful hand. imPart az
endless variety and fadeless charm to the land
scape, offer rich rewards to the laborer's toll
and proclaim in beauty's silent strains the
praise of Him who lifted the solid continent ou
Of the depth of universal sea. The beauty o
she country's face is equalled only by the kind
neus of her heart and the munificence Of he
hand. But little attention comparatively ha
Been maid to the natural resources. Coal ant
iron are supposed to exist in large quantities
The country is distinguished for her vegetable
productions-woods equalIing IN hneness
texturs and beauty of color the famed rose en-
mshogany; and the Sapacho is more imperv
ous TO the action Of the elements than the Inv
oak or any other tree Of northern climes. hic'
sugar, tobacco, Indian corn, cotton, and u
the msndioca, similar TO our potato, are foun
in every field aud garden. The lime. banann
orange, guava, and all the tropical fruits gro
without planting or cultivation. Rice produces
tvto crops year cotton natures from the SEE
in ak months, and does not require replantiu
annually as it does with as. Mate, or Par
g,iayan tea, decoction made from small lie,
is TO the Inhabitants what coffee is to the Tur
wine to the Frenchman and German, beer
the EngIishman. and all kinds of pleasant drin
20 Americans With small draugbt OF mat
the South American laborer goes to his toll
sunrise and posipoaes his breakfast until q
sun Ia high in midday heavens. The clima
iswsrm but agreeable. The atmosphereis pu