The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-01-13
RIO eJaneiro Is a
City PROGRESSIVE
o4nd Beautiful

TN VIEW OF the interest in the
progress OF the American fleet
around South America and it's pres
ence in the harbor of Rio Janeiro, a
city about which little Is generally
known in the United States. the di-
rector OF the international bureau OF
American Republics, John Barrett,
who visited Rio Janeiro many times
while minister TO different South
American countries. has prepared the
following statement:
Rio Janeiro. where our feet is spend
ing ten days, is one OF the most beau-
tfftI. Interesting and progressive cities
Of the world. II has population and
commerce that entitle IL 10 nrst rann
as a capital and metropolis. its grea,
size. It's varied attractions. ano lts
modern characteristics are not gen
orally known and appreciated In the
United States because IL Is out or the
usual route OF travel abroad.
The thousands OF American OFFICERS
and sailors who are aboard our ships
ans who have not before visited south
America will be surprised at the mag
nitude and progress or tnis saS ,YIt !,
the splendid hospitality OF the Brazil y
ian government and people. NO exper
fence that any American fleet or squad
ron has ever had In Europe or Asia
will even rival that which they VIII
enjoy in Rio JanerIo. II Is therefore
ntiing, especially at this time when
everybody Is taking more interest IN
! south america as q result OF Secretary
Roots recent visit 10 that part OF the
world, to note some remarkable facts
about Rio Janerio and Brazh.
AS the feet steamed into the bay OF
Rio those aboard our ships beheld
scenery and natural surroundings OF
unrivaled charm This remarkaoie
promontories, and then. II opens out
Into a rare expanse OF deep water
which would permit all the navies OF
| the world TO float safely at anchor. IL
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
graceful crescents OF the bay at the
| foot OF the mountains and creeping up
on their sides, lies the city itself, VITA
an appearance OF solidity, and strength
worthy OF the powerful republic of
which II is the capital.
Has 100000 Population.
! within the limits of Rio Janerio are
| nearly 100000 people, and IL II grow
ing so rapidly that the million marx
! will be passed before this decade Is
| ended No city in the United states,
with the exception OF New York and
-Chicago, Is increasing It's population
its most striking features are the
/ famous Avenfda Central Its principal
street. the boulevard system along the
water front, the elegant public build.
/ ings and churches and the presence
on one side OF the magnificent bay,
aud, on the other. OF lofty mountain
peaks. in Its Immediate suburbs, from
/ which an Incompatible view can be
/ obtained.
The Avenida Central extends for a
mile and n half through the very heart
1 OF the city and Is as beautiful as the
/ Champs Eiysee In Paris. or the Inter
/ dcn linden In Berlin It was constructs
/ ed/ recently az cost OF sS5.00o,000
and would put TO shame anything cor
I responding with II In Washington, New
York or Chicago. II IL over 100 feet
/ wide in the clear. while ruphing along
! its center are handsomely designed
o-afs serving as refugees for passengers
crossing and each one carrying an ex-
! auisfteIy designed pillar with three
I large eiecrfc lights. Alternating with
those nj fhe side OF the roadway are
Decorative gas lamps Illumination can
thus he arranged 90 a nicely at any
I time OF rf1c rfav OF night or for any
/ function Facing the Avenida are
4 handsome buildings of harmonious de-
align Here arc many OF the clubs.
newspaper offices. the National library,