Omaha daily bee., 1896-08-08
TWENTY THOUSAND TO MOVE.
Inhabitants of II brazilian City TAX
Ing: In New Ouurters Ell, MISse.

Inhabitants of II Brazilian City TAX
ing Up New Quarters En- Musse.
The greatest exodus that the world has
ever seen since the children of Israel de-
parted out of the land of Egypt-nearly
$500 years ago-wil soon take place in
Brazil.
All the inhabitants of city of over 60 600
population, the capital of one of the largest
and richest states OF that country will In
a few days abandon their homes en- masse
What makes this wholesale exodus more re-
markable, relates the New York Journal
is the fact that these 10000 people will
move in body into a new city, which for
two years has been in process of erection
for their occupancy, and which is as yet un-
tenanted, save by the artisans and laborers
who are putting the finishing touches to the
miles of streets ard the spacious public
buildings and private palaces.
The city which Is on the point of being
thus abandoned to the wild beasts which
swarm In the forests about 1t is Ouro-Preto
the capital of the mining state of Minas-
Geraes, in the southeastern part Of Brazil.
1t was founded nearly two centuries ago by
the gold seekers.
Ouro-Preto has been unique among cities
for several reasons one being that it has
but single street, and that several miles
in length, The town is built along IL narrow
gorge in the mountains known as the Sierra
de Minas- -Geraes, a part of the mighty chain
which rises far back from the coast of east
ern Brazil. Though it lies some 5000 feet
above the sea level, the air Is always sc
damp that everything not kept in alright
cases becomes mildewed within short
time. There is no such thing as a carriage
of any description in this mountain city and
even riding muleback is dangerous, for the
single street. which twists and winds for
miles, is probably the toughest in the world
there being but few level stretches Of more
than dozen yards in all its length. por-
tion of 1t lies along the edge OF deep
chasm, at the bottom of which roars one OF
the mountain torrents which help to make
the great Rio de Francisco
Another remarkable thing about this town
is fully half OF the inhabitants have lived of
late years in the exhausted galleries which
the miners have hewn out of the rock along
the mountain side in their search for gold
The other dwellings are perched at varying
heights up and down the sides of the steep
spurs which jut into and sometimes almost
cross the narrow pass.
The new city which the people OF Ouro-
Preto are having guilt for them will be the
direct antithesis OF the old. Though the
town has been the capital OF the province
and state for many years, and its inhabitants
are wealthy they recognized the fact few
years ago that the time was near at hand
when they would have no occupation or
revenue They, therefore, met In council
and II was decided to find some place where
they could employ their accumulated wealth
to advantage. 1t was thereupon decided
for a spot favorable for the lcation of a new
| city; that this new townsite should be in
fertile region in the lowlands OF the prov
ince. which would offer every advantage for
commerce and communication with the in
terror and the coast by water and by rail,
| and that upon such spot being found a
town should be built there, which. when
completed, would be at once occupied and
the old city utterly abandoned.
The new city which has risen is built on
the plan in vogue in all South American
towns, and has great central square or
| plaza in the center. 1t has an extensive
park and artificial lake and other orna-
mental waters. At one end of the town,
which will continue to be the capital OF
the state. an imposing palace for the presi-
dent has been constructed, and not far dis
tant are the botanic and geological gardens.
There are two theaters already built The
principal buildings, such as the extensive
Offices which will be occupied by the gov
ernment, the Law courts. the cathedral the
railway station, and several of the large
hotels have already been completed, and
many OF the more imposing private resi-
denees are ready for occupancy.
One OF the first enterprises IL was decided