The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-13
RID JANE|RO |S
 WONDERFUL CITY
Something About the South
 American Metropolis
THE VISIT OF THE FLEET
Finds Che of the Finest Harbors in the World-Features of the Famous Avenida
 Central.

Washington, January 12.-(Special.) )-In view of the interest in the progress of 1 the American fleet around South Amer | ica, and it's presence in the harbor of
 Rio Janeiro city about which little is
 generally known in the United States,
 the director of the International Bureau l of American Republics, MT. John Barrett,
 who has visited Rio Janeiro many times
 while minister to different South Amer
 ican countries. has prepared the follow ing statement:
 Rio Janeiro, where our fleet is spend- ! ing 10 days, is one of the most beauti- fnl interesting and progressive cities of the world. It has a population and com l merce that entitle it to first rank as a capital and metropolis. Its great size, it's varied attractions and it's modern char acteristics are not generally known and appreciated in the United States because
 it is out of the usual route of travel abroad.
 The thousands of American officers and sailors, who are aboard our ships, and who have not before visited South Amer ica, will be surprised at the magnitude and progress of this Brazilian city, and will be deeply pleased with the splendid hospitality of the Brazilian government and people. No experience that any American fleet or squadron has ever had in Europe or Asia will even rival that which they will enjoy in Rio Janeiro. It is therefore fitting, especially at this time when everybody is taking more inter-
 
 retary Roots recent visit to that part of the world, to note some remarkable facts about Rio Janeiro and Brazil.
 As the fleet steamed into the Bay of Rio those aboard our ships beheld scenery and natural surroundings of unrivaled charm. This remarkable harbor is en- tered between mountainous promontories, and then it opens out into rare expanse of deep water which would permit all the navies of the world to float safely at anchor It is dotted here and there with islands of varying size. On the left tower the lofty peaks of the Organ mountains, while on the right the land slopes away gracefully to distant hills. Upon grace full crescents of the bay at the foot of the mountains and creeping up on their sides, lies the city itself, with an appear anee of solidity and strength worthy of the powerful republic of which it is the
 azaa. s- at Rio Janeiro are
 1 it is growing so EzE4 tesa N0 mark will be
 h-a ade is ended No
 e ltes, with the ex-
 cf NJ and Chicago, is in-
 Is Itz Teaail more rapidly It's most striking Ieatures are the fa- nous Avenida Central, it's principal street, the boulevard system along the water front, the elegant public buildings and churches, and the presence on one side of the magnificent bay, and on the other of lofty mountain peaks, in it's immed- tate suburbs, from which an incomparable view can be obtained
 The Avenida Central extends for mile and a half through the very heart of the city, and is as beautiful as the Champs Elysee in Paris or the Inter den Linden in Berlin. It was constructed re- gently at cost of s25, ,000, 900, and would put to shame anything corresponding to 1t in Washington, New York or Chicago. It is over 100 feet wide In the clear, while running along it's center are hand somely designed ovals serving as refuges for passengers crossing, and each one carrying an exquisitely designed pillar with three large electric lights. Alter hating with these at the side of the road way are decorative gas lamps. Hum nation can thus be arranged to a nicely at any time of the day or night or for any function. Facing the Avenlda are handsome buildings of harmonious design. Here are many of the clubs, newspaper offices, the National library, the homes of the most important commercial bodies and large department stores. At the north end is pier for passengers who are coming and going from steamers. At the south is the National Opera House with the Monroe palace, in which was held the third international American conference and which is intended for pub lie meetings of great importance. Other avenues parallel or at right angles to this Avenida are now in course of construc- tion
 The boulevard system Is extensive and causes admiration. This begins at the bay near the south end of the Avenida. and skirts the water around the crescent of Botafogo beneath the magnificent peak of Coreoyado and finally continues on towards the open Atlantic 15 miles from the heart of the city. This grand drive way presents variety of beauty at every turn and has no equal in Europe or the United States.
 The mountains back of and surrounding the city are rapidly being converted into parks, villas. and locations for handsome residences. Tramways run to their sum- mits where a panorama spreads before the eye not to be found in the immediate vicinity of any corresponding great city of the world. Rio Janeiro possesses system of water works, sewerage. elec- tric tramways electric lights, telephones, telegraphs, etc.. equal to that in any city of North American. Automobiles abound and on every hand there are evidences l of wealth. The city also has its com | mercial and manufacturing life that shows l it's material growth Its libraries. col leges schools and hospitals are conducted | with up-to-date methods and are housed in capacious buildings with the latest fa- 1 cilities.
 | Brazil of which Rio Janeiro is the cap l ital has population of nearly 20,oOo0Oo. l The most startling fact about the coun- l try is that it has larger connected area