The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-08-06
POVERTY is
SEEN IN
BRAZIL CITY
Much Wealth Displayed in
Main Streets of Capital
City
NO STRIKE THREATS
PrCfitccrs Cause High Prices
and Poverty Among
Labor

Rio De Janeiro, Aug. 6.---The mil
Lon and quarter citizens of this
city are fighting a gallant but los
ing battle against the constantly in
creasing cost of living. The beseig
ing army Of spectators, profiteers,
corner manpulators, and middle
mon" are pushing the attack with re-
lentless vigor, while the desperate
populace is making feeble but bitter
resistance.
1t is estimated that the cost of liv-
ing here has increased 100 per cent.
within the last twelve months. At
the beginning OF that period it was
nearly double what it was five years
ago. Many rpSfnpdities which the
common people considered necessities
few short months ago arc now
looked upon as luxurics.
Not only have prices doubled and
tripled .op flood, clothing and housing.
but the quality of all these things
has detcriorated just as rapidly. Imi-
tation. Justification, and adulteration
have become SO common that they no
longer cause comment. Owing to the
cost of materials, only unavoidable
repairs have been made on all build
ings. and there is practically no new
construction going on.
The local authorities, recognizing
the desperate nature of the situation,
are struggling to ameliorate condi-
tions. The municipal council has
created committee to confer with
the minister of transportation and
the agriculture committee of the SEN
ate to seek solution of the problem.
The street fairs which were estab-
iished in every section of the city
little more than year ago have be-
come tremendously popular institu-
tions. Food staples and articles Of
clothing and household use are sold
at these fairs at prices considerably
lower than prevail in the stores. Rich
as well as poor are patrons. It is no
uncommon sight to see a richly
dressed lady loading a Limousine with
her purchases at street fair.
Two or three of the popular news
papers have been conducting CAM
paigns against what they term 1.-THE
Daily Tragedy" in which for weeks
they have covered their front pages
with pictures and heartrending stor-
les OF the poverty and misery that is
found in all parts of the city, and
winch they assert has not been equal
led here in modern times.
In contrast to these gloomy pic
lures, however, is the undeniable fact
that never in Rios history has there
been such display of wealth and lux
ury on the city's downtown streets az
at present. The Avenida Rio Branco.
on any pleasant afternoon, is almost
impossible because of the fashionablv
dressed crowds that throng it's side.
walks. Silks and jewels are conspic-
uous, and high priced automobiles
pass in endless procession. The shop
windows are lavish in their DISPLAYS
OF luxuries sold at fabulous prices.
motion picture shows, theaters, and
amusement clubs are crowded to
capacity by pleasure seekers.
There is little unemployment. and
while wages have not increased in
proportion to prices, there have been
no strikes nor serious talk of strikes
Tor more than two years. Despite
the Increasing flow of immigration
from Europe, both manufacturers
and agricultural interests complain
that they are unable to maintain or
expand their activities because of la.
Dor shortage.