The Leavenworth weekly times., 1879-05-22
C.ARTHAGENA.
\ Quaint ana Peculiar Town in the
spanish Main-SurrOunded by the
Sea-Ancient Defenses- Departed
NaSnificence - EncircIin@ Walls
ltlrl MlSterS.

nard Masters.
On the Caribbean coast of the United
States OF Columbia, South America, is situ-
ated Carthagena, as quaint and peculiar a
town az is to be found on the Western con-
tinent, located on an elongated island,
that is evidently the prolongstion OF Monte
Spanish main. This island is about nine
miles long, stretching nearly parallel with
the coast, not more than one mile wide,
and that part occupied by the city and
shows manifest traces OF being one of the
coral reefs Of tertiary sea, and encloses
land locked bay, which forms magnificent
harbor against tropical storms. The main
land is very elevated, the shore rising, GO
ing eastward, until ii terminates in a lofty
pesk named Monte Papa, that overlooks
the eastern portion o: the city.
Carthsgena occupies the eastern end of
the leland, and is only separated from the
mainland by narrow arm OF the sea, that
in former times was defended by draw
bridge and two towers on the city walls;
but the drawbridse has fallen into disuse,
and the channel is now go much obstructed
by SAND drifted in by the prevailing trade
wind that, at low tide, ii can be forded by
animals. The harbor is approached by the
Boca Chica, pass age at the west end OF
the island. This passage Is narrow and OF
great depth OF water, In TACT, the whole
hsrbcr has sufficient water, except the part
Immediately in front Of the city and this OBJ
stacle is more due to neglect than an insur-
mountsble obstruction, and could easily be
removed with a dredging machine. The
Boca Chica is, or was in old Spanish times,
defended by two strong forts, but they have
long since ceased TO be Of any service. ex-
cept as a place where custom house officers
board incoming vessels. Like all buildings
in this country, the walls are OF dazzling
white, and this whiteness presents pleas
ing contrast TO the dark green of the palm
and banana trees in which the buildings
are embowered. From the forts to the an
chorsge in front OF the city, the way is
perfect avenue of greenness on both sides
on the left side continuous line OF mag
uifcent palms and bananas shut out the
view of the turbulent sea outside, and in
vite the traveller, who has seen nothing but
sky and water for many days, to delightful
strolls or indolent repose beneath their
cooling shade; while on the right side is a
scene of unrivalled picture-queness COM
oined OF MI eno Vaie' iroNnlns rocks'
Peooiy oeaen ana tfopicat i1hage.
, a snort distance ~es. ot .ne Ii.y was lne
boca prahde, Passaee ,nrousn 'he iianu
tory, was used BY vessels desiring to enter |
the inner bssin. 1t rendered the approach |
TO the city much easier and more direct |
but some Two centuries ago Adnifai YER
non, IN command =! az Ersu u
sieged Inc city, ana the eSPanisn aulnoiites
10 protect 'hat siue ol .ne cry anu 'ne
sniPPing IN Ine nsioo sunA L nuIt. .i
oId snips, i9aden WIN inse1 ). u foehs, in'9
tne boca urahae' anu II mas Iemaineu .u.e
closed ever 7ince. ESel! 20. ana 'neh tne
removal OF lhess o.u sn:Is sgi.aiea py
the autnoIiue- Out 'nell Pro'eroial incA
Pscily anu wan oi en.fy nave ni;ep pleSsI
the Work. n lew years sluCe q IOTtiyu