The Monticellonian., 1918-08-23

the location where La Paz now stands is enveloped in the mists of time. It is said, however, that specks of gold in the streams that flow down from the mountain sides and through the valley were a sufficient attraction to draw thither the aborigineS during the reign of the fourth Inca and in form CT days, as at present, shelter was one of mans comforts and necessities. Gradually little huts made their ap, pearance along the streams, and thus called in turn, had it's origin from about 11S5 to 1190. Later, the Span ish proved to be as great lovers of golden ores as the natives, and in 154o history records the fact that the Span iard. Alonzo de Mendoza, and 12 com- panions founded the present city of La Paz on the site of the old village.
 In the City's Streets.
 As already observed, the canyon in which La Paz lies is long and mar row; it is also extremely rugged and interspersed with many small table lands and mountain peaks, the whole dominated by majestic Illimani, rear ing its snow-covered crest to 21,350 feet. In consequence of this uneven ness the streets of the city running parallel with the larger stream are fairly level (Avenidh Arce, for illus tration), while cross streets are neces- sarily short and in many cases ele- vated at the ends as they approach the sides of the canyon. Some of these streets are extremely steep, while others have been constructed in conformity with the configuration of the hills and are therefore more or less winding.
 One of the city's widest and most popular residential streets lies in the southeast section and is known as the Alameda. extending half a mile along a level course and adorned with will low, eucalyptus, and other handsome trees. Shrubs and flowers are also to be seen, but the extremely high alti- tude appears to have somewhat blighting effect upon such growth. The Alameda, always more or less ani- mated, is especially alive in late af- ternoons and on Sundays and holidays, when the elite of social and official life are to be seen walking, driving, or motoring along it's course. On passing through picturesque gateway this popular avenue is prolonged through Plaza Concordia and the Twelfth of December Street to Obrajes. The lat ter is three miles distant, and the ride over a very fair motor road or by cleo tric line is through an extremely pie turesque canyon abounding in novel views for the stranger. The more inn portant streets are well lighted by electricity, the use Of which has been expanding considerably in recent years as the motive power for numer- ous industries.
 Where Murillo Is Honored.
 La Paz is not unlike other Latin American cities in providing numerous and attractive plazas. The most noted one of the city is that known as Mu- rillo, so named in honor of the hero of independence, Pedro Domingo Murillo,
 
 spot in 1S09 The torch of liberty there lighted, however. spread over the continent, and finally resulted in the independence of Bolivia as well as the sister nations by which she is sur rounded Today in the center of this plaza stands beautiful monument to Murillo. the patriot honored in the past as at present as one who sur rendered life rather than the cause of the people.
 The buildings of La Paz usually strike the stranger with interest. AL though many have been constructed along the lines of Spanish or Spanish Moorish architecture, the extremely rugged topography of the place has been responsible for local moditica- tiOns and unusual features of construc- tion. The cathedral of La Paz, which has been building for number of years, promises to be one of the finest and largest of such structures in all Latin-America. It covers an area of more than 43,00o square feet and is to seat at least 12,000 people.