The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-06-20
Tho Palace Of Sac Christovac-Its Az
proaches, Its Interior and Its
Embellishments.
RIO JANEIHo. May q, 1s71.

RIO JANEIRo May g. 1871.
A few days since, In conversation with Mr.. Robert
clinton Wright, United States Charge dAfalres to
the empire OF Brazil expressed to him desire to
obtain special interview, as Il HERALD correspond
ent, with his Majesty Dom Pedro H., ana was as
sured by Mr.. Wright that he would endcavor to
facilitate my object. Accordingly, on Friday, the
10th instant, Mr.. Wright made application through
the mister Of the empire, asking whether 1t would
be convenient for his Majesty 10 see me. On the
following day the Minister replied stating that tho
Emperor would receive me at ten O'Clock this MORN
Ing, at the Palace Of Sac Christovao.
At half-past nine O'Clock this morning start ed
for the palace In good-looking barouche, drawn
by two drab mules, the distance to be traversed
6eing between three and four miles to the northern
environs Of the city. Away through the Campo
Santa Anna and the suburb OF Sac Christovao the
mules scampered at q fine pace, and soon we were
within sight OF the palace, percAed white and COM
pacty on the hilsides, with the peaks OF Tnca and
Corcovado, like sentlnels on the mountain ridge,
Keeping watch and ward over the monarchs home.
Within about halt mile OF the front oil the palace
the road leads through an arched gateway, sur
mounted by the crown aud arms or the empire, and
guarded by couple OF swarthy Indian seurnels, in
the national infantry uniform OF dark blue with
wedge-shaped caps. orange trees, bananelras,
dependenca, the graceful mamei, dozen species
OF acacia, and innumerab,e varieties or georgeousy
colored flowers lined the ROAD in the gardens or
orchards, and good Belgian pavement cllnked
sharply under the hOofs Of the Guickstepplng mules
A few hundred PAGES from the gate the road
branched OF abruptly to the lett, and the ascending
grade to the hill on which the palace stands is very
perceptble. This road Is paved like the one had
Just left but more neatly ana even fancirul, large
diamond pattern of dark slatecolered stone being
wrought 10 the light gray granite. A wall, about
five feet in height, borders each side OF the road,
and over this barrier thousand trees and fow
era shed their fragrance their Smiles while row
Of royal palms on either hand form 1tting avenue
OF approach to the house on the hill.
Having reached the summit the palace stands up
In bright relief in the clear morning sunlight-a
neat quadrangular building IN the renaissance style
OF architecture, composed OF pinkish white stone
with projecting angles, great many windows and
altogether cool, summary appearance that sug-
gests comfort anu calm IN this warm tropical ell
mate. number of swarthy soldiers are playing
with dog at the guard house, on the left OF the
lawn in front OF the palace, and nalf dozen other
uniformed senries, or duty, are leaning against the
pillars near the southern portico or reclining azily
on the steps.
My cochiero is a quidnunc in his way, and having
been frequently employed in carrying visitors to the
palace he knows where am to enter, and whips his
long-eared animals up to the northern entrance.
Here alighted passed up the steps, and entering
the doorway, the sentinel motions me to pro.
coed. Along this passage some distance turned
to the left and assembled a broad mahogany rose
wood staircase, with two pure whitetlOoded and
neatly dressed sentrtes standing at the top. AT the
right OF the stairs group Of arms, FURNISHED and
tastefuly arranged III the form OF ''trophy," oc-
cupy corner OF the vestiDule. These weapons, l
understand are actual trophies from the Paraguayan
war. and large dark hanging, or curtain, blazoned
In gold with the arms OF Brazil, droops over aud
forms q SNOWY background.
A broad doorway STANDS open In front OF me and
leads to large rectangular hall, the floor and side
paneling OF which appears to be OF black oak. This
apartments lighted both sides by windows large
handsome chandeliers depend from the ceiling, and
several life size oil portraits Of distinguished
in the annals Of tho empire grace tho
walls. little green tapestry, trimmed with
yellow, these being the predominant ma
tional colors, ornaments the window castings.
One Of the sentries, bright eyed fellow with snow
white cross-bes ana FURNISHED scales ana buttons,
directs me to door at the further end or the long
hall have just described, and bids me turn to the
left. The wayed oak floor rings harshly almost as
my boot heels strike It's polished surface, and the
walls of the great apartment echo the ciatter.
Turning through the door to the left, directed,
reach o small room where are seated perhaps q
dozen ladies all dressed In deep black apparently
O deputation OF widows, making 8 call upon some
member OF the imperial household. Several ushers
are f0un9inR on piazza or gallery with verandn
anu ,nese ps or esre nd
department. To one Of them | state the nature OF
my visit and he bids me await while he notifies the
Emperor. l am now free TO examine the sur.
This gallery extends around three sides Of large
open court or patio. that forms central enclosure
OF the palace. In the centre neat three-ter foun.
tain throws up sparkling let OF water, that falls
and few ees and scacas are planted
the grassy lawn This lawn 10 traverscd by gravelled
walks crossing 1t dagohaly from corner to corner.
the opposite side OF the courthe side which Is
little white building, surmounted BY cross and
with small befry. the door OF the chapel stands
soures tn the view into inc building. sun enough
OF the interior can be seen to show that II
seu S and ana s few c"nG sS, are
a small altar. priest with long flowing robes
passes along the courtyard and disappears through
doorway to Inc lett oil the chapel, while negro SER
wants are seen Hitting hlther and thither below.
say servants here, ana do not mean slaves for his
Majesty some time since set the example OF emanci-
paiion by giving feedom TO hts slaves, and all his
service Is now performed by free men and women.
AS lean upon the railing OF me balcony mnsing
q gentle touch upon my elbow, and turning around
am confronted ny negro beggar begg ir In
paace Ne Is young man and appears to have
been injured In military service, perhaps In the
ParaQuayan war. Though do not understand the
jargon he mutters, I know what nc Is aim.
ing at, and as the best means OF ending
his observations hand him two hundred reis
ticke;, but the ungrateful fellow only over.
wnclms me with o volume OF bad Portuguese,
which, after all, arc probably his thanks, but whlcn
do not thoroughly understand or appreciate. AZ
last he hobbies away, and the former serenity OF
light and sound prevails about everything, broken
only by the cnirplng OF tho birds and the dripping
mnlmurs In the fountain.
After waiting about five minutes on the balcony
the usher returned aud announced To me IN Portu.
guese that The Emperor was awaiting INC. l ha d