The herald., 1896-03-29
VENEZUELA AS 1T is

This capital OF VeneZuela ls y city
which has many features marking it
out as place of interest and import
ance. Some of the old houses are
still Standing which escaped destruc-
ton by the earthquake of 1872, but
the greater part Of the city has been re-
built. The situation is very beautiful
and heslthful. The lights and shades
on the mountainsides and SUBMITS
and about the place are, in the monring
and evening, exquisitely lovely. Dur
ing the day it often happens that
masses Of white clouds gather in the
depressions of La Silla, Naiguata and
other mountains, and lie oradled in
still beauty for many hours.
The great buildings are rather i'm
posing. OF course the materials used
in their construction are unsubstan-
tial, but the most that could be made
out of stucco and wood has been at
tempted, and not in vain. The same is
true of the university buildings. As
to the university itself, while it re-
ceives some attention from the govern
ment, upon the whole there is compar-
atively little interest taken in it. 1t is
discouraging work for an earnest and
qualified professor to make effort to
promote its usefulness and prosperity.
The appropriations are wofully small.
There is the beginning of a good mu-
scum representing the Central and
South American states; yet it is impos-
sible to care for it as it should be cared
for, mnch less to increase the collec-
tion and classify the various depart
ments, with the meagre amount apprO-
priated for the purpose. I gather from
what I hear In various ways that the
class Of students attending the uni
versity is not as hopeful as the friends
of the republic would be glad to see.
Interest here greatly centers in
sports. There is really a fine opera
house, spacious, cheerful in interior
appearance, and of good acoustic prop
critics. The opera is subsidized by the
government, otherwise it could not
outlaet q season. On the opening
night, and now and then on night of
special interest, I am told, there is
full house; but for the most part the
fine company that is now here plays to
empty benches. The interest centers
in cock fights first Of all. horse racing
and the bull ring. This latter is q
fine structure lately put together by q
builder from the United States, and
with material brought along. The
thing is closed now, owing to some
misunderstanding with the fighters
about the pay they should receive.
Cock fighting is recognized and be-
loved institution. It is regular 'pro-
fession." There are men who follow
no other business. Sunday here being
q holiday, as is the case in Roman
Catholic countries generally, that is
the great day for cock-f1ghting. am
told of the crowds that gather; of the
betting of thousands Of dollars on
single contest; of the thrilling interest,
and of the excitement which bursts be-
yond all bounds when the successful
champion, having struck to death his
opponent, plants his foot upon the
PROSTATE form and in loud, clear
crow announces his victory.
March 1st of this year was Sunday.
It was the opening day of the Jockey
club races. Horses were here from the
United States, and some of them proved
to be winners. President Crespo had
two of his horses entered, and, as every
body anticipated, they were both win
ners. This is the society event" Of the
year; it is the horse show, the derby day,
the grand prix. 1t seemed as If all
Caracas WAS there. The stream Of car
riages. loaded cars, pedestrians, eques-
trians, that passed my hotel window
seemed as if it would never end. Rain
has not fallen here for long while;
the streets, the roads, the tracks, are
not sprinkled. One can think of the
dust. was not at the races, but was
told by those who were present with
what grace and dignity the envoy ex-
traordinary and minister plenipoten-
tiary of the United States presided as
one of the judges. All Of which raises
question: Is the American minister
to be regarded as an individual, acting
in his individual capacity, on such an
occasion, or is he then and always the
representative of his country? The
1 gentlemen who have conversed with
me on the subject are certain that he
is not at any time while the American
minister to Venezuela mere individ-
ual, but that he always lives and moves
as representative. II this be the right
view, then what can we think Of the
minister from the United States, where
horse-racing on Sunday would be re-
garded as horror, raised to the proud
pre-eminence of judge at q gambling
and drinking spree down in Venezuela?
Leaving out the whole question of re-
ligion and morals as 1t has to do with
the case, it is pertinent to ask was 1t
good form for the American minister
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