Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-01-13
RIO JANEIRO.

III VIEW VI k1C AatSANoh @N NN~ f@N6
ress o. The American feet around
South America and its presence in the
hsrbor of Rio JaneirO, a city about
which little is generally known in the
United States, the Directors of the Iu-
ternationsl Buresu OF American Re
publics, Mr.. John Barrett, who has
visited Rio Jsneiro many times while
Minister of different South American
countries, has prepared the following
statement:
Rio Jsneiro, where the American
feet ia spending ten days, is one of the
most beautiful, interesting, and pro-
gressiye cities Of the world. 1t has a
, population and commerce that entitle 1t
to first rank as a capital and metropolis.
Its great size, its varied attractions, and
its modern characteristics are not gen.
orally known and appreciated In the
United States because it is out Of the
usual route of travel abroad.
The thousands of American officers
and ssilors, who are aboard the chips
and who have not before visited South
America, will be surprised at the mag
nitude and pr0gress of this Brazilian
city and will be deeply pleased with the
splendid hospitality of the Brazilian
government and people. No experience
that any American feet or squadron has
eysr had in Europe or Asia will even
rival that which they will enjoy in Rio
Janeiro.
AS the fleet steamed into the Bay of
Rio those aboard the ships beheld seem
cry and natural surroundings of un-
rivaled charm. This remarkable hsrbor
is entered between mountainous promon-
tories, and then it opens out into an ex-
panse of deep water which would per-
nit all the navies of the world to float
safely at snchor. Il is dotted here and
there with islands OF varying size. On
the lsfs tower the lofty peaks of the
Organ mountains, while on the hight the
land slopes away 9 acefully to distant
hills. Upon graceiul crescents of the
bay at the foot OF the mountains and
creeping up on their sides lies the city
itself, with an appearance of solidity and
strength worthy OF the powerful repub-
lie of which it is the capital.
Within the limits of Rio Jsneiro are
nearly 900, 900 people and it is growing
so rapidly that the million mark will be
passed before this decade is ended. No
city in the Uuited States, with the ex-
ception of New York and Chicago, is in
cressing its population more rapidly,
lis most striking features are the
famous Avenida Central, its principal
street, tbe 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 its im-
mediate suburbs, from which an incom-
parable view can be obtained.
The Avenida Central extends for a
mile and half through the very heart
of The city and is as the Champs Elysee
10 Paris or the UDter den Linden in
Berlin. II was constructed recently at
a cost of $35, 900, 900 and would put to
shame anything corresponding to 1t in
| Washington, New York, or Chicago.
1t is over 100 feet vide in The clear,
while running along its center ere hand
somely designed ovsls serving rs refugees
for passengers crossing and each one
carrying an exquisitely designed pillar
with three large electric lights. Alter
nsting with these al the side Of the road
say are decorative gsS lamps. Hum
nation csn thus be arranged TO a nicely
st any time Of the day or Dight or fol
any function. Facing The Avenida ar'
handsome bpidings Of harmonious de
.igu. Here sre many of the clubs
nav paper Off e., the National Library,
be homes Of tn most important com
mercial bodies and ls,ge department
stores. At the moth end is pier 70
passengers who sre coming aud goiuI
from s.esmer'. AT the sou b is to-
| National IOperA Hous, with the Monro
Palace, in whic was bell the third In
ternalioual Am sricln Conference ant
which is Intended for public meetings Q
great importance. Other avenues psl
allel or st right ANGLES to this AveDid
are now in course of construction. Tb
boulevard system is extensive an
causes admiration. This begins at tn
: bay near the south end Of the Avenid
r and skirts the water around the crescen
of Botsfogo, beneath the msgni6cer
!, peak Of Oorcovsd0 and fDslly continue
J, on towards the open Atlantic fiftee
Z miles from the heart of the city. Th
grand driveway presents variety I
beauty at every turn and has no equ
, in Europe or the United States.
The mountains bsck Of and surroun'
ing the city are rapidly being convert'
into parks, villas, and locations I
handsome residences. Trsmways II
to their SUBMITS where a psnorsn
spreads before the eye not to be foul
in the immediate vicinity of any CO
responding grest city Of the worl