The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-08-09
SPAIN

upon " Spanish Possessions" which made us
realize this strange paradox: That although
the generality of people know very little in
regard to Spain, there are more holders of real
estate in that far-away country than in any
other region we have ever heard of, while such
persons are great proprietors owning a multi
tude of the stateliest castles, and each one
considering his estates the largest and most
| beautiful. -
sit is remarkable" he writes, "that none of
| the proprietors have ever been to Spain to take
possession and report to the rest of us the
| state of our property there. !, of course, can
not go. l am too much engaged. And find
it is the case with all the proprietors. We
have so much to detain us at home that we can
not get away. 1t is always with rich men,"
And then he continues in the same pleasant
strain to speak of the many persons whom he
knew as owners of Spanish property. One, a
lonely man without wife or child, had q great
deal of leisure to look after his Spanish lands,
and was constantly engaged in planning inn
provements in the grounds and embellishments
upon the castles. Another was o wealthy
banker who often declared he had too much
Spanish property. He once thought to reside
npon it, had given directions for furnishing
its finest castle. and even ordered bridal
bouquets, but he missed the way. He had been
intimate with two men who actually reached
their estates in Spain. One went over the aide
OF ship, and the other out of q three story
window. But among all his acquaintance, he
knew only one who constantly resided upon
his estates. This was an old friend whom he
could see any day at the Asylum, who insisted
that the writer was the Pope, and always en-
tertalned him in the most distin guished man.
ner. He also knew a poor clerk who lived on
$500 year in London, who was a great pro-
Prietor of castles in Spain. Though he ap-
peared sad and friendless and destitute he
really had great comfort in Spain, and spent
fully one-half of his time in that country where
he enjoyed regal repasts, delightful company
and luxurious repose etc.
We were recently reminded of this article in
P"tnan.s Magazine, because we have perceived
4 growing interest in many persons in regard
to Spanish affairs, and evident desire to
become better acquainted with this distant
country. While prominent among those who
show a lively interest, and who even seek to !
become large proprietors, is the Prince Bis
marck, of the German Empire, and his fol- |
lowers. He is certainly making mighty pre-
partitions to reach Spain, and is looking forward
10 owning immense estates in this delightful |
,egion.
1t behooves us, then, as fellow proprietors, to |
examine these Spanish lands and see if the new |
settlement would add to, or diminish the value
# our estates. And since our fears are rather |
owards the last supposition, we wish to recall |
What Spain has bernard determine what she |
nay yet become, if in the hands of virtuous
md intelligent owners. 1t is, indeed, true that I
he of Ia L.
ind are singularly Indifferent to her past or
present career.
Like all other Catholic countries, she has been |
'ilihed by Protestant writers until we have
zone to imagine her people q blood thirsty
ace, her institutions vile and degrading, and
Ter religion tissue of superstition and deceit
n her regard, we even forget that every pic
ure has it's lights and shadows, and accustom
urselves to regard her as enwrapt in per-
'etual gloom. Yet Spain was entrusted with
glorious mission and she has been fouud
a'thful to her trust while the whole world.
mt America in particular, owes to her more
,rateful thanks for benefits conferred than to
my other nation on the globe. Three hundred
md eighty-two years ago our land was un-
Known to any civilized society and thoug h it's
xistence had been dreamed of and even de-
nonstrated by intelligent and scientific minds
till no nation, except Spain, would even lend
patient ear to the plans, destined one day to
eveal new. world to man. Spain, in the
ersen OF most gracious lady-Isabella of
astile-ftted out fleet for Columbus and ,
ntrusted him with her confidence and au-
hority. Catholic Spain did this, because were I
ew lands discovered, new glory would re- s
ound to God in the conversion of many souls
} His holy love and service. And if ON the ,
'mb of the great discoverer are inscribed the
ords: " fo CASTLE and Leon, Columbus gave !
new world" it might well be added that to ,
cd and Truth, Columbus gave whole tribes 8
nd peoples. ..
Las Casas, the heroic defender of the In
ans,-who shrouded his face in the cowl of
le Dominican, because he felt SO keenly the 1.
lame OF their cruel treatment, and the impo- =
nee of his own Jealous plans for the amelio- .
tion OF their condition,--was true son of ~
paid, and left behind him an inspiration for