The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-06-26
Queen Andamana.

CHARMING LEGEND OF THE GRAND CANARY.
Commodore Whiting, In the United Ser
uice ReUieu, has brought into clear light,
from legendary history, a charming story,
and one which adds another name TO the
long list OF bold, ambitious, and beautiful
women who have accomplished extraordi.
nary things in human affairs. Nearly forty
years ago, when detailed to make some sur
veys and excursions IN the island OF Grand
Canary, off the coast OF North Africa, he
found prevalent through interior towns
the legend OF Queen Andamana. He
became so much interested in this
legend that he has since consulted
many Spanish histories, called at
many European libraries. and obtained
transcripts from papers in the archives OF
families now living in Spain who claim re-
lationship with the Canary Queen. Before
the time OF AndaDlana, Grand Canary had
been divided into ten provinces, each gov
erned by an Independent petty sovereign
called a Guanarteme. Like King Egbert,
Of England, with the Saxon Heptarchy,
Andamana, after acquiring authority in
single province, at last made herself
Queen OF the whole island and the first
single sovereign it had ever bad. Her
methods and success were alike romantic
and audacious. When young girl, by
wealth, great personal beauty, sagaciOus
management, and persuasive eoguence, she
had won universal popularity, and sue got
early 10 have reputation for uneXampIed
wisdom, so that ber advice was frequently
sought in grave affairs. The common people
adored her, and at last the Guanalteme,
jealous Of her growing power and fame,
called q council to consider the encroach-
ments she had made oil bis prerogatives.
So far from being overawcd by these pro-
ceedings, she proceeded at once to the coun-
Gil chamber, spendidly at,ired, and, to the
mute astonishment Of every one, took her
seat as the presiding officer OF the assembly.
Not a word was spoken for some moments.
Apparently the assembly was inclined at
last to believe the current reports that she
was inspired. After a long pause she arose
and challenged the council to cite one in
stance where she had been swayed by cor
rupt or personal motives. Waiting in vain
for reply, she finally, in true Cromwellian
spirit, dissolved the assembly. TheDceforth
her authority in that province was never dis
puted; but in others, 10 which she sent her
revised code of laws with orders for their
adoption, her messengers were treated with
punishment. Tbereupon she sought The aid
Oh one tBt etIOURtsl wal fiOl III luC
land, and unfolded to him her most secret
plans, making him an offer OF marriage on
condition that he espouse her cause and
subdue her enemies. For their wedding
day a grand ffte was arranged, with all the
chief warriors on the island present, and
from the enthusiasm awakened by her per-
sonal beauty and abounding wit, and the
<cidt with which the wedding with Gumi-
dafe was celebrated, her soldiers weIt out,
with the bride and groom to lead them, 10
subdue every province in Grand Canary.
MANY towns submitted at once, and in
a short time Andamsna aud Gumidaie
were proclaimed Queen and King. Her
reign was long in duration, and the
Canary annals refer TO it as the golden age
in the history OF the island. The Andamana
dynasty continued to govern for many gen.
erations, or until the island became de-
pendency OF Spain. The only child OF the
last King married Spanish nObleman Of
the name OF GuZman. GuZman was de-
scended from Ordono l., King OF Oyiedo
and Leon, who died in S62. From OrdOno
is also descended Eugene, the eX.Empress
OF the French. Commodore Whiting has
received valuable. assistance from Eugenie's
relative, Count de Taio, Of Madrid, who
sent him extracts from genealogical records
in the archives OF the Guzman and Teva
and Montijo families of Spain.