Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-12-12
PORTO BELLO.

Changes WroMyht Ly Time from 1902 to
1SS"--The Gem of the Spanish Main ia
its Decay.
Three hundred and eighty years SINCE
Columbus, sailing along these tropic shores.
discovered this beautiful land locked har-
Dor. Its placid waters and its densely
wooded, green, bold shores charmed the
as they charm and delight our eyes to-day.
Its position is such that no wind that blows
can disturb its profound serenity, its per-
feet security. In the old days it was the
scene of great activity. After the discov-
cry and conquest, for the long period of
800 years, during the Spanish occupation,
it was the seat of power and of vice-regal
splendcr. The number and strength of
its Notifications were second to none in
the new world. A line of powerful fort
resses, with bristling ornaments and ample
force of brave and stalwart Spanish SOL
diers, lined its shores, ready to repel in
vasion and to protect the vast commerce
that had its center here.
PAVED HIGHWAY,
was constructed, with immense labor and
expense, to connect the port with Panama,
over which the merchandise from Spain
and the treasure from Peru were trans
ported. Great annual fairs were held,
lasting two or three months, which drew
together here feet Of galleons, richly
laden, and crowds of merchants, adven-
turers. and the miscellaneous multitude
that ever follows in the wake of wealth.
Luxury, extravaganza, dissipation, and
wild high revel were known in far-famed
Porto Bello.
But how changed! How relentless has
been the tooth of time! How rapacious
the reign OF ruin! OF all those brave and
costly strongholds, from the embrasures of
which the bulldog cannon peered forth.
ready to bark flaming death and destruc-
ton, not one remains. A few crumbllng
walls, picturesque in their vine-clad decay,
are all that is left day. The dark and
frowning forests again encroach upon the
sea. Down to the waters edge great trees
stand sentinel, and rise in unbroken masses
of wonderful verdure to the SUBMITS Of the
surrounding heights.
A DECAYED VILLAGE
Of cane matched huts, nesting against the
foot Of the mountain, with a population of
a few hundred listless natives, represents
to-day the glory and power of the old
regime. The modern world sweeps by IN
needed. The restless activities of our
modern life are unregarded and practically
unknown. The great wave of modern
progress distur5s not the dead calm of the
lovely, secluded spot. AS sit upon the
awning covered deck of tbs good Lucy P.
Miller this November morning, breathing
the bland air, the clear sun bathing the
emerald shores with glorious light, penning
these reflections, I am reminded of
TENNYsoN's LoTUs-EArERs.
Tae Charm Of silence and repose is SUI
preme. The deep still waters reflect the
bold shores in every detail of lofty tree
and clambering vine. Fishes leap up here
and there to disturb for the instant the
shining surface. Lonely fsher-birds wade
along inshore, or dive for their abundant
prey. or stand in melancholy groups upon
the rocks beneath the masses of Overhang
ing foliage, in artistic pose. Parrots salute
the ear from the leafy coverts with their
harsh chatter, and wild turkeys echo their
call from the Jungle. Low, dark caincas
or native canoes, with their dusky half
nude rowers, glide silently alongshore to-
ward the banana patches, half-hidden or
wholly concealed amid the forests. Over
all is the wondrous, golden, mystic charm
of summer sunlight and silence! Far off
beyond the narrow harbOr mouth. che blue
CariDbsan breaks with low roar. that is
waited inward npon the entranced air like
the undertnnes OF some giant organ.
Sight, sound. the profound calm, the brood
ing stiffness. and browning all, the haunt
ing, saddening power Of "Reminiscences,
conspire to render the scene living poem,
a beautiful and memorable waking dream.
BANANAS.
But what is the good steamer doing here?
What mission brings her to this quiet har-
Dor gem, set round with emerald? What
throb of enterprise, what hope of gain has
stimulated this invasion?
Read the reply in the boats which begin
to aring alongside their great, luscious
pale-green punches of bananas. There is
unwonted activity here to-day. The lotus
eaters are awake, and aware that an OPP
portunity is offered to transmute the pro-
duct of their little fields into shining coin.
spasm of commercial resurrection
thrilled their blood at the sound of the
steamers whistle, and they seized paddle
and machette and went forth, to return
laden with the delicious fruit that has be-
come so familiar and grateful to the north
ern palate. Three thousand or 1000 punches
are promised. Porto Bello will be made
wealthy and happy by the exchange. Her
dusky sons and her dark-eyed daughters.
not to mention her horde of tawny children,
will rejoice in fhe possession of munif-
cent supply of ready money.
FINE OPENING.
If the steamer should come with regu-
larity, large and constant traffic i'll fruit
is promised. The prospect is truly en-
couraging. The supply may easily be
made inexhaustible. All that is required
is the certainty of market. Thousands
of acres Of virgin soil surround the harbor,
requiring only to be cleared and planted,
to produce hundreds of thousands OF spien-
did lunches OF the finest bananas. With
the start already made here. Porto Bello
may easily rival Colon. The silent and
deserted port may enjoy renewed lease of
prosperity. 1t is a revival devoutly to be
wished for. Who knows but before many
years, this decayed stronghold, which oc-