Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1883-11-07
NM trip to MeCicO

Inc time OF departure mas at last ar
rived; shrill whistle announces the fact
that those who are not to sail, must retire
to the dock, where they may wave their
last adieus to those leaving port. This
scene is one of confusion to say the least
Atlast the gang plank is removed. Hand
kerchiefs wave last adieu, and tears
render more dim the progressive distance
which goes On widening between hopes,
regrets and fears. Off she goes down the
bay upon her majestic career toward the
Sunny South, new scenes and novel
experiences. Here we are gliding upon
the broad and undulating bosom of the
Atlantic about 1900 miles from Havana
which we will reach in from to AZ
days. I shall meyer forget my first ex-
perierce at sea. In whatever direction
| cast my eyes, WHITEWATER and sky
sky met my gaze. This time l kept on
deck as much as possible and avoided
thinking OF being sea-sick. The company
on board was of the most extraordinary
kind. AS was pacing listlessly up and
down on deck, my attention was called to
three "Padres' who were discussing in
Spanish the old monastery question of so
years ago, and what a loss it was to the
Mexican people when the Mexican gov
eminent interfered. They were evident
ly Spaniards. My firm friends on board
were Spaniard, who spoke English flu
emily and who had bad considerable
travelling experience, German, mer-
chant for one of the largest houses of
Hamburg doing business in Havana, an
Englishman who is making a tour
through North and South America, and
an American travelling in Mexico for the
interests of a New York firm. Many
happy hour we spent in the smoking
room at a game of whist or chess, and
each one had number of exeitable tales
to tell of his experience in India,
Africa, China, Mexico, ETC., etc. On
ward we sailed. Our gallant craft ("Tbe
City of Puebla'') maintained her 16
knots per hour with the regularity of a
well regulated chIonometer. Far in the
distance sail is seen, and now and then
school of porpoises lend singular
movement and life in contrast with the
calm surface of the ocean. About %
hours after leaving n. Y. we came in the
latitude of Cape Hatteras; rough weather
often prevails here, but this time we
passed it without experiencing unusual
winds or seas. On the third day of our
Journey, the coast of Florida appeared on
our right and the Bahama Islands on
our left, suggesting most agreeably, that
in case of danger, terra frma is very
close at hand. All day the coast of Flor
ida remained in perspective, and the
scene viewed from beneath our awning
no1xy SVfo
not tire of this panoramic view. Reclining
in comfortable camp chair and enjoying
good Havana cigar, l watched the dis
tant shores receding as we passed them
until the veil of evening mist suggested
the approach of night to close the act of
our third days sail. The next morning
our noble ship entered the port, of Ha-
vana one of the finest harbors in the
world. AS we entered the harbor,
salute was fred from the Castle of Moro,
which we answered by raising the
Spanish flag. AS soon as we had an
chored, a fleet of small boats surrounded
us to help passengers ashore. Havana
always has great charms, and although
the yellow fever was raging there then,
I could not possibly refrain myself from
going ashore. My friendly party agreed
to accompany me, and as | am quite
well acquainted with Havana scenes
acted as guide. After enjoying al ex-
cellent Cuban supper, we retired to the
Plaza Mayor, the principal park of the
city, and listened to the strains of we'll
instructed orchestra. The park was
beautifully lighted by electric light, and
the fair people of Havana turned out in
all their wealth and splendor. Here and
there on the "chateaus" around the
music pavilion were beautiful senoritas
Qadies), smoking, fragrant needle cigar
cites, and chatting or flirting with the
gallant senores, gentlemen as they pass
by. This scene is novel to our northern
people, but a custom in all Spanish coun-
tries, and an excellent idea it is. The next
next day was spent in sightseeing and Wis
iting places of interest about the city and
suburbs in company with Cuban noble
man, gentleman of excellent taste and
a most genial character. As we passed
along in our Victoria (many of these We