The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-11
SPANS rAKr N THE CHICAGO FAIR

OF all the European nations Spain very nat
urally feels the warmest interest in the great
exhibition which is to be held at Chicago.
The display which she will make on that
memorable occasion. which is approaching so
rapidly. may not be equal 70 that of any one
Of the greater European powers, France Ger
many. England OF even Russia, for SPAN is
now poor, but TO her the thoughts Of the Wis
itors to the fair will probably more frequently
revert than to any othsr foreign country
which will be represented. She will share
with the United States the sentimental
interest of the exhibition Its historic i'm
portance will belong as much 10 her as 70
America. 1t is true that Columbus was not a
native of her soil. but il is with her and with
the Western Hemisphere that his fame is as
ISOLATED It was Spain that furnished the
intrepid explorer with the ships aud sailors
which were needed by him 10 pluck from the
vast expanse of the western main the secret
which had brooded for ages immemorial over
its waters.
The sailing Of the small feet from Paos
under the command of Columbus is Justly
regarded as the most momentous event in the
history of modern times. for it led to the dis
covery Of a new world, which in natural fer
tility, in variety of products and diversity Of
scenery far surpassed the old. 1t led to the
formation Of new nations. to the establish
ment Of new institutions and the
erection of new Civilizations Spain
is entitled to the glory Of the
unequaled achievement of the sublime mari
ner who pushed his way into the boundless
waste OF unknown and trackless seas and
after enduring the most terrible hardships
and exhibiting patience and fortitule Of the
most heroic nature, landed upon the shores of
San Salvador the first European of civil
lied nation to cast his eyes upon the scenes
which the Western Hemisphere unfolded be-
fore him.
1t IS not strange that Spain should regard
this provldential voyage as her chief claim
upon the consideration of the historians Of
the world. Here began the most brilliant and
magnificent chapter IN her annals America
was hers by right Of discovery. and as far as
her resources permitted she proceeded 10 take
possession of II by the swords OF her Cortez.
Pizarro and other soldiers Of the same stamp.
For an hundred and fifty years her American
provinces poured into her lap treasures which
had only been dreamed of in the imagination
of the East and her power was undisputed
from California 10 Patagonia.
All this wealth and glory dated from the
sailing Of the three carabels from Palos. The
greatness of Spain has now declined until she
has fallen almost into decrepitude. but her
children still recall with pride her memorable
part in the first exploration of the New
World. Most appropriate. therefore. does Il
seem that she should show her interest in the
approaching exhibition by sending out from
Palos exact counterparts of the three vessels
which bore Columbus and his sailors 10 the
West
Workmen. II is announced are now actively
engaged in building three carabels to repre-
sent the celebrated trio OF lis2. When they
arc completed. and the hour for their dspar.