The greater part of La Paz lies on the left bank of the river. Both banks rise steeply from the stream, and the streets at right angles to the river are very precipitous. All the streets are narrow, and paved with small cobblestones. The sidewalks also are so narrow that only two may go abreast. Many of the inhabitants prefer to walk in the middle of the street. The only things likely to be met are either pedestrians or llamas, the latter used in great numbers in this part of the country as pack animals. La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spaniard, Alonzo de Mendoza (ahlon´tho day men-do´-thah), on the site of an Indian village called Chuquiapu (choo-ku-ah´-poo). It soon became an important colony. At the end of the war of independence, in 1825, it was re-named La Paz de Ayacucho, in honor of the last decisive battle of the revolution. La Paz was then made one of the four capitals of the Bolivian republic. When the Bolivian Congress, however, attempted to designate Sucre as the permanent capital, the citizens of La Paz revolted; and by this revolution of 1898 the seat of government was permanently established there. One of the most interesting parts of the city to visitors is the Alameda (ah-lah-may´-dah). This is a handsome thoroughfare, with rows of trees, shrubs and flowers. It also has a wide central walk with pools, in which are swans and goldfish. Along the Alameda are many new and rather pretty residences. Most of the houses are painted in tints of pale blue, green, yellow and strawberry, giving the street a gay and pleasing appearance. The Plaza Murillo is so named from the patriot Pedro Domingo Murillo, who was executed there in 1810. This spot is also the place where independence was first declared in 1809. It has been the scene of many turbulent episodes. On one side of the plaza is the Government Palace, erected in 1885. This contains the offices of many state officials, and, in the upper story, the office and residence of the president and his family. The Cathedral of La Paz, on the same side of the plaza as the Government Palace, is still in process of construction. The foundations were laid in 1843. When finished it will be one of the largest and most expensive cathedrals in South America. It is to be built in the Græco-Roman style, will have towers nearly 200 feet high, a dome the top of which will be 150 feet above the floor, and will be capable of seating 12,000 persons. Across the corner from the Government Palace is the Hall of Congress. Another interesting spot is the market place. Here come thousands of Indians to buy and sell. Other buildings of note are the old University of San Andrés (ahn-dres´), the Church of San Francisco, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Museum of Natural History, rich in relics of the Inca and colonial periods, the very much up-to-date theater, and the Municipal Library.