The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-10-30

shivering the trees like stroke of light
ming, they were filed with dismay. Be
| ing told, however, that the Spaniards
| would defend them with these arms
against their dreaded enemies the Caribs,
their alarm was changed into exultation.
considering themselves under the pro
| lection of the sons of heaven, who had
come from the skies armed with thunder
and lightning.
The cacique now presented Columbus
with a mask carved of wood, with the
eyes. ears and various other parts of gold.
He hung plates of the same metal around
his neck, and placed kind Of golde,
coronet upon his head. He dispensed
presents also among the followers of the
admiral, acquitting himself in all things
with munificence that would have
done honor to an accomplished prince in
civilized life
Whatever trifes Columbus gave in re-
turn were regarded with reverence as
celestial gifts. The Indians. in admir-
| ing the articles of European manufac-
ture, continually repeated the word tu-
rey, which in their language signifies
heaven. They pretended to distinguish
the different qualities of gold by the
smell. In the same way, when any arti-
ole of tin, of silver or other white metal
was given them. to which they were un-
accustomed. they smelled it and declared
it s'turey," of excellent quality, giving in
exchange pieces of the finest gold. Ev-
erything in fact from the hands of the
| Spaniards, even rusty piece of iron, an
| end of strap or head Of a nail, had
| an occult and supernatural value and
smelled of turey. Hawks bells, how
ever, were sought by them with mania
only equaled by that of the Spaniards
| for gold. They could not contain their
ecstasies at the sound, dancing and play
ing thousand antics. On one occasion
an Indian gave half handful of gold
dust in exchange for one of these toys,
and no sooner was he in possession of it
than he bounded away to the woods,
looking often behind him, fearing the
Spaniards might repent of having parted
so cheaply with such an inestimable
jewel
The extreme kindness Of the cacique,
the gentleness of his people, the quanti-
ties of gold which were daily brought to
be exchanged for the veriest trifies. and
the information continually received of
sources Of wealth in the interior of this
island, all contributed to console the adj
miral for his misfortune.
The shipwrecked crew also became
fascinated with their easy and idle mode
of life. Exempted by their simplicity
from the cares and tolls which civilized
man indicts upon himself by his many
artificial wants, the existence of these
islanders seemed to the Spaniards like q
pleasant dream. They disquieted them
selves about nothing. A few fields. cul-
tiyated almost without labor, furnished
the roots and vegetables which formed a
greet part of their diet Their rivers
and coasts abounded with fish; their
trees were laden with fruits of golden or
blushing hue, and heightened by a tropi-
cal sun to delicious flavor and fragrance
Softened by the indulgence of nature,
and by a yolqptuous climate. great
part of their day was passed in indolent
repose. and in the evenings they danced
In their fragrant groves, to their national
songs or the sound Of their sylvan
drums
such was the indolent and holiday
life of these simple people, which, if it
had not the great scope of enjoyment
nor the high seasoned poignancy Of
pleasure which attends civilization. was
certainly destitute of most of its arti-
fetal miseries. The venerable Las Casas.
speaking of their perfect nakedness, OBJ
serves it seemed almost as if they were
existing in the state of primeyal inno-
cence of our first parents, before their
fall brought sin into the world He
might have added that they seemed
exempt likewise from the penalty in
aicted on the children of Adam. that
they should eat their bread by the sweat
of their brow.
When the Spanish mariners looked
back upon their own toilsome and pain
fnl life, and reflected on the cares and
hardships that must still be their. lot if
they returned to Europe, it is no wonder
that they regarded with wistful eye
the easy and idle existence of these In
dians. Wherever they went they met
with Gal6ssing hospitality The men
were simple. frank and cordial; the wo-
men loving and compliant. and prompt
to form those connections which anchor
the most wandering heart They saw
gold glitteripg around them. to be had
without labor, and every enjoyment to
be procured without cost. Captivated
by these advantages, many of the seamen
represented to the admiral the difficulties
and sufferings they must encounter on
a return voyage. where so many would
ba rrowded in a small caravel, and en-
treated PERMISSION to remain in the
island.