The State of São Paolo, 1914
São Paulo produces quite half of the world's supply of coffee, and also grows extensively sugar-cane, cotton, rice, maize, beans, tobacco, grapes, oranges, and potatoes.
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From Brazil and the Brazilians by George James Bruce, 1914.
São Paulo is a coastal State, part of which lies in the south temperate zone. Though only ninth in point of size, it is exceeded in population only by Minas Geraes. Originally settled by mamelukes, it has now a population of three millions, made up from most of the races of the world. Those preponderating are Brazilians, Italians, Portuguese, Japanese, Germans, Spanish, British, French, Austrians, and Greeks, in about that order. The climate is very pleasant even in the summer, when the nights are invariably cool though the day may be hot. Frosts are common in the higher altitudes in winter. The rainfall is regular, and averages about 52 inches a year. Summer is the rainy season and winter the driest season. The hottest months of the year are usually December and January.
São Paulo produces quite half of the world's supply of coffee, and also grows extensively sugar-cane, cotton, rice, maize, beans, tobacco, grapes, oranges, and potatoes. The Paulistas have always been the most enterprising people in Brazil, and they are responsible for the opening up and development of all the surrounding States. They were the discoverers of gold, diamonds, and precious stones, and the pioneers in demonstrating the extraordinary fertility of the soil.
Paulista politicians have not only brought their State a long way ahead of the older States in power and importance, but have been one of the greatest factors in securing for Brazil the position she enjoys in the world today. It is indisputable that São Paulo and Minas Geraes are the propelling powers behind Brazil's greatest movements. Their governments have devoted their energies to settling people on the land and giving them every help to make the best possible use of it. The establishment of manufacturing industries has been encouraged so thoroughly in São Paulo that mills, foundries, and factories of all kinds abound in the State. A feature of the capital, which is located in the higher country, a two hours' rail journey from the coast, is its great educational institutions. The Avenida Paulista, a residential avenue of striking beauty, runs along the crown of the hills above the city, and there are many nicely arranged gardens and parks to be found. The Ypiranga Memorial Building, a stately pile erected on the spot where the Independence of Brazil was proclaimed, stands close to the city.
The shopping quarter is inconveniently crowded, and suffers in other ways from the narrowness of the streets. The retail business places are quite up to the best European standards in their stocks, displays, and equipment. The hotels of the capital lag far behind those of other cities of Brazil. Many of the residences of the richest people are mansions unexcelled in South America for their luxurious furnishings. The social clubs, sporting and athletic institutions are quite a feature of life in all parts of São Paulo.
São Paulo City is a sporting centre, and horse-racing, football, cricket, golf, tennis, boating, motoring, and aviation have a considerable vogue. It is claimed that the first dirigible flying-machine was invented by a Paulista. Paulista aviators are now emulating the most daring deeds of their Old World brethren. In aviation circles there I had the privilege of learning much of an astounding contrivance for enabling a person to rise in the air by his own exertions.
Experiments are being continued to if possible extend the scope of the contrivance before it is brought before the world. It is noteworthy that the invention or discovery is being experimented with by men who were concerned in giving the world its first controllable flying-machine. The inventor claims to have risen fifty feet in the air and then come down slowly without any motive power outside his body. He is endeavouring to improve his discovery so that a man may go up any height and move at will through the air while up. He seems sanguine of success, though he thinks the problem may require years of study and experiment.
An offer of a considerable sum of money to come to England to continue his experiments only brought from him the patriotic declaration: "No, if I succeed Brazil shall have the glory. I remain here. I will stay and get for Brazil the credit of a great invention." This reveals an outstanding characteristic of the Paulista—intense loyalty to country and State.
There are quite large British and American communities in São Paulo. They have founded and still carry on the foremost colleges. The British church is a well-attended, cathedral-like building. Its rector can be trusted to get into touch with British visitors to his city quicker than anyone except perhaps the British Consul. These two gentlemen seem to compete as to who shall bestow the most kindness on British strangers. There are others too who evidently have fully caught the spirit of the place, so that it requires a lot of resolution to tear oneself away from São Paulo.
Bruce, George James. Brazil and the Brazilians. Dodd, Mead and Company, 1914.
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