The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-02-05
IN THE ASPHALT COUNTRY.
something About the Part of Vene-
Nueia Now Under Discussion.

zueia Now Under Discussion.
From the New York Post.
The latest storm center in our rapidly
expanding sphere OF influence is Guanoco.
in the State of Berumdez. Venezuela the
headquarters of the asphalt company
In South America.
Venezuela revolted from Spanish rule in
1878, and continued it's existence as a re-
public Of several small states until 1851
when it exchanged its form of twenty-one
states and territories for the present fed
eral republic OF eight large states. From
the Cuff Of Paria one may travel due
south through any of the parallel water
ways called canals which divide the
swamps of the Delta of the Orinoco and
emerge on the waters OF the River ORR
noco near or east Of Barrancas
All communication in these regions is by
these water routes. The fat-boat and the
dugout held their primitive sway for CEN
turtles until the first steam launch appear
ed. Guanoco is reached through one Of
these western canals. Twelve years ago
careful survey of the locality had been
made to the pitch lake" and the as
phalt company had decided to send an ex-
petition from Trinidad by a small steamer
fitted to carry the needful tools and sup
plies. The company holds a concession
from Inc Venezuelan government permit
ting 1t to work the natural resources Of
the state for term of twenty-five years
and to make such improvements as shall
seem desirable. Ultimately permanent
base was to be established at Guauoeo.
in the heart of a native swamp and jun
gle 1t may be imagined that many diff
culties must be overcome. After three
years OF labor the company finished its
railroad lines and a mill at the lake
The natives are a sturdy and well-knit
race trather under medium hight, ana
are good ax-men and wood-hewers They
make an efficient and willing corps of ia
borers. appearing always alert. intelligent,
and good-na tured and unspoiled by civili-
zahon. Here are great variety Of woods
from the cork tree, which weighs APP
parently nothing, TO the heavy "ballattl'
or bullet wood. Many are fine cabinet
woods Of unusual grain figure. The ever
present palms furnish roofs ropes. ham
mocks and mattngs. Cinchona, rubber
and many trees bearing gums and wax
are abundant. Fruit is plenty, including
cocoanuts. lines avocado pears suavas.
bananas and plantains, besides many la-
tive berries and nuts. Vegetables are
well represented by the great variety Of
native yams and some tubers resembling
our sweet potato. The cassava root, af-
ter supplying starch, Is baked into fiat
thin cakes. about the diameter of BIZ
cycle wheel, and sold in packages Of a
dozen or more lied together with grass
rope. Native cheeses equally large are
to be obtained here. or fair quality Ii
the elearngs good crops Of cacao and
coffee and vanilla can be grown on the
rich soil. Cigars Of native leaf are sold
in the vicinity for 81 per 100 which for
fine flavor outclass the Decent product
OF an average drug store.
Venezuela has In addition to the asphalt
and other resources mentioned. natural
wealth IA metals from the ,auch-sought
gold TO surface veins of iron.