The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-06-18
ITEMS OF OUR NATIONS HISTORY
BROUGHT TO OUR MEMORIES IN
A PLEASING MANNER.
NEW HONORS TO CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS,
A Monument to Marylands Pioneer Set
tler-Music at the White House.
Postal Affairs-The Lottery
Law, Etc.


More than two hundred and fifty
years ago little band of heroes, two
hundred strong, headed by Leonard
Calvert, landed at the mouth of the
Potomac, and gathering under a null
berry tree bowed in prayer to God, re-
turning thanks for his mercies; there
they celebrated the first mass in Mary
land, and there Calvert vowed, by
Gods help to found a city. 1t was
done, the name of St. Mary's being
given this capital city of the province,
and Leonard Calvert became the first
governor of Maryland. A little more
than fifty years after, the seat of gov
eminent was removed to Providence
Re christened Annapolis, on the
Severn river, and then whatever glory
may have attached to the original
capital, it fast sunk to decay, and to-
day the spot has but two land marks,
a church a I'd school for young ladies.
Nevertheless, the good old state of
Maryland was wakened to the fact
that it has failed to honor the memory
of its first ruler; an order for a monu-
ment was given by the legislature and
this week, with imposing ceremonies
the shaft was unveiled, being placed
upon the site of the old mulberry
tree, which has long since crumbled
into dust. The monument is of gran
lite, thirty-six feet in height and six
feet square at its base; on the four
sides are suitable inscriptions, one
paying special tribute to the memory
of the departed governor. 1t reads
thus:
By his wisdom, justice and fidelity, he
fostered
The infancy of the colony, guided
1t through great perils and dying
Left it in peace.
This act on the part of the sta to
even at this late period, is just recog-
milton of one whose efforts were for
the advancement of all interests
whereby the state might grow into a
mighty power.
Mr.. George H. Calvert and
daughter, who are the only direct liv-
ing descendants of the first governor.
were present at the ceremonies, and
Miss Calvert's hand drew the cord
attachedto the canvass revealing the
stately shaft in all it's stately proper.
tions.
NEW HONoRS TO CHRISTOPHER.
This is commemorative age, and
the tend is to masses of stone in mon
umental form. Today an exploring
party set sail from New York, sent
out by The Chicago Hera d, under the
leadership of Mr.. Walter Wellman, its
Washington correspondent. to find the
spot upon which Columbus first plant
ed his foot in the new world. They
will take up the original track and
with translation of his log in hand
endeavor to find the identical spot,
and there they will rear monument.
Nassau will be their first port, and
chartering vessel at that point they
will cruise among the Bahamas until
some definite knowledge shall be
gained. Whether success shall crown
their efforts remains to be seen. This
we do know, Columbus landed, and
because of his persistent efforts to find
this goodly land we enjoy today one of
the fairest spots in all the wide world.
So let monuments rise, and all honor
be heaped upon the memory of the
man who tracked the ocean wave and
discovered this Eden.
This expedition may have been
formed IN response to the suggestion
made by Edward Everett Hale in a
letter to Secretary Tracy quite
recently. He asks that vessel be de.
tailed for the purpose of following the
entire route, remaining at each point
just as long as the great discoverer did
and following as closely as may
be, the details of daily life, thus much
valuable information might lie gained.
THE HOME LETTER BOX.
Last January Postmaster General
Wanamaker issued call for design
for letter box to be placed at the
door of residences where the carrier
may deposit mail, pull the bell and not
wait for servant to answer, thus
much valuable time might be saved,
for servants are frequently slow in
coming, and to mail carrier time is
precious. Some 700 models are now
would seem the commission ought to
find something suitable. The placing
Of boxes at street corners for the re-
ception of packages and papers is
wonderful convenience. l was aroused
TO the depravity of man one evening
when l placed paper on the outside
of the letter box before the other re-
ceptacles had been introduced; meet
ing carrier, l asked, "Will that be
safer" 20, no." he replied, 'for some
times people come along and cut the
stamp off," He kindly took my paper
and learned lesson, i e: not to place
temptation in the way of anyone.
MUSIC HATH CHARMS.
The first concert OF the season was
given at the White house grounds on
Saturday, and a goodly company
gathered to enjoy the sweet strains Of
the Marine band and also catch a
glimpse of the presidential household
and friends. Mrs. Harrison had in.
vited quite number to Join her on
the portico, and as it was the last Sat
urday Mrs, Russell Harrison and Mrs.
n nn hA