The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1913-05-22

FGEt TAnAOC ~ SU:sV a. N,
Ally AT AND P NJ
former Minister of the Interior and his
wife, who very generously offered their
seats In order that we might see the
beautiful and wonderful view. The
Minister of the Interior kindly informed
US that the completion of this railroad
meant over 100000 and the cost of
many lives.
Our first glimpse of Caracas as we en-
tered the valley was not quite satisfying.
but as we drew into the station the CITY
could be seen to better advantage. No
city in the New World has a more beau
tltul situation, It'll said, and as regards
climate, 1t is perpetual spring. Beauti-
ful plazas and parks, grand old cathe-
erals and streets all well asphalted.
Ihere are many famous statues, among
which Is one of George Washington in
Piaza Washington. Bolivar the great
Hoerator, has a most magnificent statue
IN Plaza Bolivar opposite the hotel in
which we stopped Paraiso, modern
suburb, has new Boulevard by the same
name built recently by Pres. Gomez.
And 1t is here that the Sunday afternoon
corso is social event. We visited tine
Automobile Club, which is located several
mics from the city on a delightful road.
! caracas is at the present time in most
prosperous condition and American auto
mobiles are In great demand, also Ameri-
can goods in general which have hereto
fore been supplied from Europe. But it
IS surprising to note that duties are so
arranged that bottle of ink is more
dutlaole IN proportion than an automo-
bile.
Many small towns lie within a short
distance OF the capital, among them Los
Teques. Many of the weather set of
Caracas own country homes here. We
visited many of the small towns by auto
and recently many truck autos have been
ordered to ply between these towns.
The trip to Valencia is over fine rail-
road built by the Germans. 1t is an ex-
hlbltlon road and the stations are models.
krupp, the famous gunmaker, secured
such a favorable concession from the
+; Venezuela government that the Germans
/ spared no expense in building this road
1t passes through some of the finest
country OF Venezuela. There are eighty
| SIX tunnels, with total length of three
and one-half miles. La Victoria is Cas-
tros former country homestead. 1t was
near this place that Castro defeated the
revolutionary forces led by Matos, and
! one of the worst battles in the history
! OF the country ensued. There are many
interesting towns intervening, but lack
of space does not permit OF their de-
! scription.
Porto Cabelio has one of the finest
harbors in the world and is second to La
| Gulra as commercial port. Fine quail
| ty OF tobacco is raised here, but very lit
tie is exported. Finest custom house in
| Venezuela, also old Notifications. The
harbor is naturally safe and secure SO
hairs (cabello).
We heard much of Cuidad Bolivar,
but lack of time prevented US from visit
ing this city. 1t seems quite near the
capital, to look at the map, but it is
reached via Trinidad, and ship connec-
ton is uncertain. Also Maracaibo, which
has population of over $4,000, located
on the lake by the same name. 1t S one
of the most progressive cities in the re-
public.
After returning to Caracas we raade
ready for our start back to La Guira 1t
is one of the & andest trips in the world.
1t reminds me of the trip from Mexico
City to Vera Cruz, only much shorter
and sleeper. We fairly ran down the
mountains until we reached La Guira.
The first half of the way the mountains
are barren, but the rest of the way it is
a tropical Jungle. Extensive work ID
now going OH to enlarge and build more
secure road from the capital to the por-.
The invasion of so many autos has caused
this. AS we descended towards the port
the large white leper hospital doomed up
among the palms near La Guira. 1t is
said that this institution is always full.
At last we reached la Guira. ant as
no one thinks of stopping over night in
this port we hurried to the little sho-sho
train which takes US to Macuto, three
miles out and the society sea resort. II
was here at Hotel Aiamenia that took
my first meal in South America with GU,
famous friend, Hon. Chas. F. Jenkins,
publisher of the we'll known paper, Farm
Journal.
While in La Guira several large tour
list ships came into port, among then
"Victoria Louise" Hamburg American
line, with 1862 passengers aboard; also the
"Molke" of the same line and one or two
others. The place is now attracting
thousands of tourists, although, yellow
fever is common in this port and bubonit
show that the average American is will.
ing to take chance. The American
doctors have done everything to wipe
out these dreadful diseases, but the SAM.
tary conditions do not justify the belief
that they are gone forever.
We sailed by the Red I'd" Line fol-
Curacao once more, where we spent 6
few days awaiting the Italian Liner
We had up to this time travelled or
nearly every ship of every line plying
the southern waters, but it was to be-
our first experience on an Italian ship
In few days we were sailing away or
.'Cita di Milano," and l shall not forge
that voyage. Wines and champagnes
flowed like water, free to all, but soal
was at premium on board. We, how
ever, obtained one very small cake al
the very low price of 40 cents. There
were only about thirty first class passen
gers. On our way we stopped at severa
Columbian ports where the ladiee had ar
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