Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-04-24

lY all nations, contributing, III theiT luIcf-
course with the city, to it's continuation a.
an existence; as well rs realizing from the
high custom duties here imposed, a splendid
revenue for the crown of Portugal The
city is we'll fortified; with its harbor en-
trance under the guns Of San Pedro; and
nearer, on the left of its approach, is erected
San Francisco Il handsome and we'll order
ed defence; while on the bluff OF a proml-
nence to the right Of the city, and command
ing It's every approach, stands San Miguel,
with It's black battery looking Immediately
down upon the town, harbor and Sea. These
offences rs well AS the police arrangements
Of ST. Paul, are in the hands Of convicts
sent from Portugal, and strange though it
may seem, the rights Of the community are
effectively preserved TO them by these men,
who likewise make good soldiers
Ii has n Cathedral and several churches
which, together with the barracks and some
apparently spacious and substantial houses
standing on q high ominence facing the
harbor, give to the place rather an impress
siye appearance. On closer inspection, the
\ Old dilapidatcd state q most OF the buildings,
the hot, sandy streets, and filthy condition
of the greater portion Of its inhabitants, de-
stroys this effect, and produces desire to
tread again the clean, polished decks Of the
old Marion"
The ruins of finely designed Jesuit Col
\ lege, the deserted walls Of large convent,
and other decayed evidences Of former mag
niticencc, are plainly significant Of ts early
promise, and rapid downfall.
a peculiar feature Of St. PauPs is the
market place and | wasmuch amused at the
glowing and attractive picture, which a cor
respondent of tho New York Times made
OF it, That we differ about ia "orien II
romance" the following correct description
plainly proves:
Arranged round public square, and form
4 iug circles about twelve feet apart, that fill
the intermediate space, are negroes, gene
rally women squatting on the heated sand
under the rays ii Il scorching sen with mats,
containing the different marketable articles,
spread before them: over and around which,
flies, ants, and dust literally swarm. The
costume Of these yenders however novel,
With their black aud chcckered clothes tas-
tened under their arms aud falling in loose
folds u their feet, present, too frequently
evidences Of sl0yCnness and Obscenity, 10
4 prove attractive, notwithstanding the occa-
sioual display Of we'll turned limbs En-
ciGcling them. ana wreathing over and in
among the edihley rise tile smoke and per
tumo 81 tie intcrminabe corn shuck cigar
eta, with which each Of them Is supplied;
creating in connection with accomplishing
lish. Gecaved fruit. and strong odor from
their perspiring bodies, an aroma perfectly
astounding ID the olfactorics When futigucd
With their lazy employment, they bundle up
mead and I'll, within the ample folds Of their
black strou2s, and stretch ont along the
sand II the enjoyment u il profound snooze
Along the streets are rows of fancy color
el merchandise, attended by negro women,
who seem more intent upon chatting with
one another than securing your custom.
% Mt understand the object Of this display,
unless u prevent the poorer aud unclean
classes from frcqueating their stores; Or
probably, to attract the eye II the immense
files III natives coming ia from the interior,
with loads ~ wax, hides, &c., toated upon
their heads
Inc churches EXHIBIT no artistic collection
/ pf