Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 164, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1918 — LIMA, the City of the Kings [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

LIMA, the City of the Kings

COMPARATIVELY few foreigners see interior regions of Peru today; but a majority of those who voyage up and down the Pacific pay brief visits to Lima, the City of the Kings. It is located in an undulating valley which extends inland from the ocean for 50 miles or mose to the foothills of the Andes, although numerous mountain spurs rise here and there about the valley, two of which, San Cristobal and San Jeronimo, dominate the city of Lima. Through this valley the River Rimac winds its way to the sea at Callao, starting from rivulets at least 17,000 feet high amid the eternal snows of the mountains. Nearly four centuries have passed since Plzarro laid the foundation stones of the cathedral on a central plaza known today as Plaza Mayor. Around and in the vicinity of this level area the new capital began to grow. Pizarro’s idea, according to historians, was to found a capital more easily accessible than the constructed by the Incas and their predecessors, who builded far inland and in localities difficult to reach. The Rimac flows directly through Lima, the largdr city development being on the southern side of the stream, writes William A. Reid in the Bulletin of the Pan-American Union. The latter is spanned by several bridges over which passes a constant traffic. Lima, with its 200,000 population today, has been a long time growing to present proportions. In shape the city was originally more or less that of a giant triangle, the hypotenuse of which was formed by the Rimac. Plzarro bestowed the name of City of the Kings upon the place as a token of honor on behalf of his royal benefactors; but gradually the native title seems to have become more and more popular. The name Lima is derived from that of the river, the legendary word Rimac meaning “one who speaks.”

Historical Plaza Mayor. If you go sightseeing In Lima the start should be made from the Plaza Mayor, a section of the city from which every kind of activity radiates today as In the past. This popular meeting ground comprises several acres, and so historical if not hallowed is every foot of space that one is lost in meditation in endeavoring to picture the countless epoch-making scenes that have transpired there. On one side of this plaza stands the massive cathedral with its twin towers, the foundation stones of which Pizarro himself is credited with laying. Near by is the site of the house in which the conqueror breathed his last as the assassin struck the death blow. Withfh the cathedral today the mummy of Pizarro lies, a slMveled but well-pre-served figureTthe sight of which causes silent reverence, whatever may have been the character of the man or the causes he espoused.

Occupying the entire north side of this Plaza Mayor is the historical palace, a massive but typically low structure’ with various courts, halls, and many rooms, which formerly housed the viceroys and their official families. Today this edifice is used for government purposes. With its uniformed sentinels always on duty It bears a military aspect, the daily guard mount being - especially interesting to the stranger. The other sides of the Plaza Mayor are occupied today by the city hall and by business edifices, the lower floors of which serve as shops, restaurants, etc., while the upper stories are utilized by, clubs or as private apartments. 1 The Plaza Mayor is one of Lima’s most animated sights day and night. From here the electric cars radiate to every part of the city; here one finds carriages and motor cars for pleasure or for business; *amid the beautiful flowers and foliage those who have leisure sit and read the news of the day or listen to the music of the bands which often enliven the evenings; the cathedral and the post office near by draw the citizens by thousands, and all arte passing and repassing over a plaza so ancient and yet so modern; It is also the site from which the, proclamation of Peruvian independence was read to the throng on July 28,1821, the anniversary of which is celebrated each year. A short distance away standing on another Attractive plaza know as 801 -

var, we find the two buildings which house the Peruvian congress. Especially historic is the senate chamber within the ancient Inquisition building. Famous Torre-Tagle Mansion. A majority of the older residences of Lima are the typical one-story structures, and usually a court is one of the leading features. Opening on this bount are the various living, sleeping* and other apartments; while the court itself is adorned with growing plants, flowers, and often a small tree or two. Birds, parrots, and other pets are also numerous. Barred windows and balconies are always In evidence. Many Lima homes of the better classes are two-story structures, and in such cases the balcony overhanging the street offers the family a fine point from which to view the life of the street when tired of the courtyard and its seclusion. One of the finest types of this home is the famous Torre-Tagle mansion. Almost a fortress in appearance as one enters the great stone wall leading fropa the street, but when within the courtyards (there are several), the outer doors closed, a veritable and secluded palace presents itself with enough luxurious surroundings to make even a king envious. It was built Id the days of the viceroys and nothing seems to have been forgotten as regards comfort and convenience of those early times, even to the private chapel opening on one of the courts. The carved mahogany balconies overlooking the street are also works of art and patient toil. Peru’s capital Is the home of a national museum, one of the world’s most interesting institutions of this nature. It shares with that of Cairo In displaying to modern peoples various incidents of life and activity of by-gone races.

Many Pleasure Resorts. 1 0 The resorts and pleasure parks of the capital are numerous, and there are modern electric lines for reaching them from the heart of the city. Chorriilos, Barranco, Miraflores, La Punta, etc., offer those who love the sea fine opportunities for boating or and, indeed, a large number of people maintain their permanent homes on or near the. Bay of Chorrillos, famous for its regattas and other aquatic sports. On the other hand, when the fogs and mist of winter overhang the coastal region many citizens of the capital find the sunny climate of Chosica especially appealing; the latter resort lies some 30 miles Inland in the Andean foothills and directly on the Oroya railroad. In 1870 an exposition was held In Lima, and naturally a number of new buildings were constructed in order to provide for exhibits and throngs of people. The name of Exposition park seems to have become definitely fixed upon this suburb, and today we find that many of the people of wealth and influence have established their homes In that part of Lima. The park itself covers about 30 acres, and is laid out in beautiful walks, artificial lakes, grottoes, flower gardens, and other attractive features; Within the park is also located one of the' finest restaurants In the whole city, and |t is here in season that many of the exclusive society folk spend the evenings, surrounded by tropical plants and flowers and charmed by the beautiful strains of the orchestral music, a feature of Lima life.

In front of this park the most beautiful avenue of the capital, known as Paseo Colon, has been constructed. It is nearly a mile long, is 150 feet wide, one end of whlcjj terminates at the new circle or Plaza Bolognesi. On either side of this avenue many costly residences have been built, along the middle avenue from end to end extends a border of flowers, and at intervals stand monuments representing the heroes of Peruvian history. A number of arches are studded with electric bulbs, which render the whole avenue especially attractive at night.

One of the Older Streets of Lima.