West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1878-03-16
A sketch OF Gibraltar.
ICorrcsPOudenec Bostou Daily Advertiser.

AN"If'spohdencc Boston Daily Advertiser
| felt much curiosity to visit the
famous fortress of Gibraltar. The pic.
tures OF il which have seen were strik.
ing aud attractive. No picture. how
ever, gave me the slightest notion Of the
reality. We approached the rock
shortly before sunrise. The sky was
clear, Suddenly perceived in the cold.
gray light which preceded the dawn n
tai peak rising from the sea, and was
told that this was the notable rock
Among the many views of il which have
been represented this one has no place
the result was to produce ON my mind
an impression the very reverse of what
anticipated. In another particular
was surprised. | had expected 10 find
"A huge fortress and nothing more,
whereas the Notifications are less con
spicuous than the houses. As a place
oil residence this place offers many at
fractions; the climate is excellent, and
there Is plenty 10 interest soiourner.
"A drawback seems to lie the want of n
hotel on the same scale IA the hotels
ptovided on the Mediterranca an coast for
the accommodation of winter visitors. If
this requirement were met, | should
think that Gibraltar would take high
charm of u balmy winter climate. An
the plants To be found in Africa flour
ish here. The markets are supplied
with edibles of every kind, at prices
which | thought moderate. To not n
few persons the fact of the English
tongue being the language of the place
would be recommendation. Pethans
no greater contrast can be met with
than that between the clean strc, T. and
welkbuilt houses of Gibraltar and the
filthy and tumble-down dwellings of the
nearest Spanish town. Were Ia, fort
ress To return to Spain IL might soon
present an appearance like that of the
town in question. For my own part.
have no belief that the change will ever
be effected Nor do | fancy that some
changes which il is proposed TO make.
with view 10 console the Spaniards for
being derived Of their stronghold, will
have such an effect. Complaints have
long bren common about the amounts of
smuggling which goes on, and the pres
ent Secretary for the Colonies has de-
vised scheme whereby the obstacles TO
conducting n contraband trade with
spain will be materially increased.
Against carrying this scheme into eff
feet the inhabitants of the rock have
vigorously protested and il is intended
to bring the subject before Parliament
next session. AS far as / could learn,
the truth seems TO be that the proposed
measures to stop smuggling would iniure
the honest trader, without accomplish
ing the deired end. II is said that the
source of the evil is in the corruption of
the Spanish officials, and that the only
way in which TO put an end to smupplinp
is to hinder them, and the most highly
placed ones in particular, from taking
bribes' AT present the port of Gibraltar
presents lively appearance. As many
as ten or twelve steamers call here daily,
either to discharge cargo or to coal.
Stringent Custom-house regulations
would, IL is said, reduce the number 10
two or three. A United States Consul
resides here. All men speak we'll OF
him. He certainly holds an exceptional
position among the worthy representa-
tives of the great Republic, because he
declines TO receive any salary.