The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1883-10-17
Mr.. Garrett Git to King Humbert

From a Genoa Lstfsr u drssri-rH Efgistrr tpqrfsg
have to record one Of the most graceful
acts ever performed by an American citizeu 90
one Of the crowned heads of Europe ! refer
to the presentation of the beautiful horse
Damascus, by John W Garrett, of Baltimore.
to the King OF Italy. The history Of lis
transaction has been distorted by the few
items concerning IL which have been floating
about the European press, and, therefore, ]
gladly embrace the opportunity given me bv
Cheyalier Peruzzi (s1u-iu-law of W ". story.
the sCulPt0r) and Of Mr.. Currau 20 learn
something "at first hands" on the subject.
It seems that when Mr. Garrett was ou Go
visit to Italy he saw the stables of the King.
Not long before that time, in 400 art discus
sion, the sculptor Story had stated the dIfieul-
ty IN obtaining good horse as model for
sculpture; that il was almost impossible iu
find one free from impOrieCJi0us of form But
having seen Damascus be had no hCsitaucy iu
prouounciug him the most perfect horse. as Co
form and proportions, be bad ever seen When
Mr.. Story had CuuycTscd with Mr. Garrett
about the great beauties of this horse. Nj
Garrett very frankly said that Doe would not
sell the horse, but if DE Thought King Hum
bert would accept Damascus us % present De
would gladly send hIm 90 the King. It was %
thing altogether spontaneous Uu The part 0f
Mr.. Garrett. The next dining was 90 get
proper person 20 take charge VI Damascus.
This man was i0u u Mr. d. T. Currau, "a
modest young American, % native OF Bangor.
Me, but who for the last few years has been
the very successful agent or superintendent OF
Mr.. Liugham, of Montreal and Boston, % large
shipper Of live stock Go England Mr. Cuuau
has, perhaps, more successfully than any one
else, superintendent the passage OF live stock
across the Atlantic. Mr Garrett could have
chosen no one So capable for undertaking the
delicate task Of conveying across tie Atlantic
a beautiful, tuli-blu0ded animal, almost human
in his attachments and scnsibiltics, as
Damascus. No one but Mr. Currau and few
Of his iellOw-passengers will ever know of the
sleepless nights ne spent in watchfuI care on
the passage, or the auzigties attending the
landing At Genoa, and, indeed, until he bad
placed the spIeu did equine specimen in the
stables at the King. country palace at Mona.
north of Milan Tie King was absent when
the horse arrived, but returned "a few days
aitsTwaTd and at once sent for Mr. Cuspu.
Mr. Currau, accompanied hy Cheyalcer Peuzzl
aud Mmde. Peruzzi, went 90 Mona There
he learned that every morning before brel-
zkfast His Majesty and Queen MarEr eriia were
at the stables looking az and admiriug
Damascus; indeed, the whole Court was
charmed with the horse. The King desired
Chevalicr and Nine. Peruzz. 90 say 90 Mr.
Currau that, DO addition 10 approaching tu it-
highest extent the magnificent gIfr sent lim D.,
Mr. Garrett he also appreciated the great care
and kind attention given by Mr. Curan To-
Damascus, thereby enabling him llhc Km-)
to receive 10 perfect CONDITION the superb
animal which Ergcgd his stables He said Doe
wished 90 mark his appreciation of Nh Currru'z
conduit and H4-rr..I linn. .... ..r.r ....T.|