The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1883-02-01
LIFE In SOUTH AFRICA.
Twelve Years Spent in Building Three Hun
dred Miles of Railway.


Description of u Commercial Centre and its
Many Curiosities.
On the 24th of August, 1876, the steamship
'Dublin Castle" one of the South African
mail steamers, entered the harbor of Cape
Town, with passengers, amongst whom,
your humble servant), and cargo, from Eng
land whittier had gone from this my native
country. The weather was uncommonly fine
but extremely warm, and the passengers
could be observed standing in groups
on the ships quarterback" protected from
the suns rays by an awning spread for that
purpose, many of them casting anxious looks
at their future home, and with searching ewes
trying to pierce the mirage which DISTRACTED
the sight OF the principal city of the Cape Col
ony.
The steamer approaching nearer the shore,
hawsers and cables were got ready, three
| shots fired from a small cannon .'forard,"
informing the inhabitants of Cape Town of the
arrival Of the Royal MAIL" and soon after
the dublin Castle" is safely hauled alongside
the docks.
A '"'gangway" being placed connecting the
ycssei WIN terra-nrma, the time approached
for parting of those who had become SO init
mately acquainted, and who were now sepa-.
| rating, some to meet again, but many to
dwindle from the eyes of civilized society. in
| the unsettled districts of
CAPE COLONY.
l myself, being an old traveller, knew ex-
actly what to do with ny effects and person
on landing, but with pity did gaze upon some
OF my fellow-Passengers, who were being
hustled about by men and women of eyery
denomination under the sun, offering to carry
their goods and chattels, guide them to the
best or cheapest hotel, engage to do their
washing, etc.
Jumping into hansom-awaiting fare
near the dock gates, | was quickly driven
| thro the lnterminable roads and crossings of
the Cape Town docks, past the custom-house,
where my packages were-not-examined
into Dock street, passing the "Salors'
Home" large building capable of accom-
modating $50 sailors, and after being driven
round the town several times for the especial
edlhcation ofthe driver, il seemed to me, / was
safely deposited on the stoops of the St.
George hotel. ~, $50 -.
| Before describing any of the characteristics
OF the "Africaners" 1.-THE foreign settlers in
Africa think description of Cape Town
Il
objects to the view of your readers.
The population of Cape Town, according to
late census, numbers $4,000 souls, of which
| about $1,000 are colored,
MALAYS, COOLIES AND NEGROES.
The white population may be safely out
down as half of Dutch extraction, and the
greater part OF the remainder of English,
German and French. The commercial value
of Cape Town consists in its importations-
| the present resources of the country not allow.
ing OF any considerable expectations
Cape Town, the capitol of the Cape Col
ony, the residence of the Governor, Sir Her
cules Robinson, the seat of the Colonial
Government and the. commercial centre of
South Africa, covers an area of about two
miles square, and is situated directly under
"Table Mountain" (which is 1900 feet
above the level of the sea, about four miles
in length, with fiat top, hence the name),
sloping gently towards Table bay; the streets
are well laid out, and although not paved, are
smooth and hard. The sanitary arrangements
are beyond criticism.
The principal street of Cape Town is Ade-
laide street, which runs from the bav riobt
through the town; ending in long and beau
tltul promenade, shaded on either side by
three rows of full grown trees. On the left of
the promenade is the Governors residence.
with good lawn and well-nursed garden.
separating 1t from the public thoroughfare.
On the right are the botanical gardens, cover
ing % acres Of ground, laid out with much
taste, and being one of the chief places of
RESORT OF THE TRANSIENT PUBLIC.
The "Museum" contains 'curiousp snec;-
mems of minerals and precious stones. found
in Afric's soil, and many relics of former
civilization accidentally discovered by some
| gold Prospectors, to the north Of the Crocodile
river. The Library, supported by public con-
trl6utions, contains over $4,000 volumes.
Cape Town has only one theatre, aTheatre
Royal" capable of seating /, 900 persons. II
is very prettily decorated, and at
each performance is literally "packed''
with "Capetonians." The inhabitants are
slow people, and a want of energy. / NAV
say vitality, is shown in all their undertak.
ings: To show you case in point: In 1867
railroad was started from Cape Town 10
Beaufort West, distance of $50 miles. This
was accomplished to the entire satisfaction of
the Dutch element, but it took them lust II
years to do it in.
The country surrounding Cape Town is one
enormous vineyard, supplying the whole of
South Africa with wines of different kinds
some of excellent quality.
ANsoN A. MAHER.
New Billiard ParIor.
Messrs. Peterson 4 Sommers. of the post