The Opelousas courier., 1895-06-22
Laguayra, Venezuela.

Under ordinary circumstances, one
would hardly pick out Laguayra for the
SUBJECT OF all interesting sketch, but as
this was the next place we reached after
leaving Trinidad, it might seem as an
Intentional slight if nothing were said
about it; and since the Inhabitants were
conslderate enough to be Having little
revolution for tile sake of varying the
mohotony while We we<s-iafasMbnt Mbt,t t4abe #
we shall do our best for their eteTnaf
fame.
Laguayra is the seaport of Caracas
and has mixed population of about
seven thousand. 1t is old and, except
I0r the mountains, unpicturesque.
Hides. coffee and cocoa are the pin
clpal exports.
| The Inhabitants have an idea that the
Monroe Doctrine is kind OF Mother
WInslow's Soothing Syrup" for all their
political ills. They think, on the
strength OF it, that they may with inn
punity refuse to pay their debts, insult
foreign nations and dismiss their min
listers Tor mere whim; and President
Crespo had just dismissed the English,
French, German, Italian and Belgian
ministers when our squadron arrived at
Laguayra. Oar going there had really
nothing whatever to do with it, but
they chose to believe we had come espe-
clally to protect the town from bOm-
bardment which was expected from a
French tieet. Crespo issued a procla-
nation inviting all the loyal citizens of
Venezuela to turn out and meet the
American Admiral and officers at the
railroad station at Caracas, " here spe-
cIal car took us from Laguayra, and
where, in consequence, a regular 4th of
July ovation awaited us. Laguayra
was not bombarded, however, nor even
threatened to be, and the excitement
gradually died away.
Caracas ls a great, earthquake cele-
brated place. 1t stands at an elevation
OF about 5000 feet above the sea and is
seven miles distant from Laguayra in
straight line, twelve miles distant by
bride road, twenty three miles by car
riage road, and twenty-nine by railway.
lt Is the capital of Venezuela aud is its
largest city. They have many modern
improvements in Caracas, ranging all
the way from electric lights to ice cold
soda water.
This country was the first part of the
American coast discovered by Colum-
bus, being sighted by him on his third
possession till early 10 the present CEN
Oh July IA. 1911. but was not recognized
by Spain until 1915.
Venezuela is republic and is divided |
into one Federal District, eight States,
nine Territories and two Colonies. The
President is elected for two years by
a Federal Council, which Council is
elected 10y Congress-. Congress consists
of House of Deputies and a Senate; |
the Deputies are elected for four years |
by the electors Of the several States,
and the Senators are chosen by the |
State Legislatures.
Slavery was abolished in 1854 and the |
country is making steady progress in
every way. There are nineteen colleges
and two universities, all receiving State
aid. The country is rich in gold depos-
its, the annual yield being about four
million dollars.
Bull fighting is the national amuse-
meDt, and tho whole population of
town will take as much relish and de-
light in seeing bull fight as an Opelou-
sas audience will in witnessing it's IA I
vorite base ball team beat anything
from Chicot's best up.
FRITZ LOUIS SANDoz.