davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

and scientific man attempting to decide
a matter OF which he has only a mere
smattering; because, carrying into his de-
cision the same certainty and authority
which he knows he is entitled to in his
own science, he supplies the defect OF ar
gument by the weight OF his authority.
Vain were all his efforts against the ignor'
ance and superstition too deeply rooted in
the examiners minds, the pedahtic pride
of many of whom made it seem like a
humiliation for them, who had passed
their lives in study and were esteemed
the lights OF Spanish learning and science,
to yield to an obscure mariner without
even the recommendation of an academic
title. Before Columbus" says Las Casas,
"could make his audience comprehend his
theory and arguments, he had to remove
from their minds the erroneous principles
on which their objections were founded
a more difficult task than that OF teaching
the doctriners."
But his words were not altogether with
out effect, and the character OF the few
whom he won to his side, partly compen-
stated for the number OF those who obsti-
nately persisted in their superstition and
ignorance. One OF these was Father
Diego Deza, young in years, but already
the highest professor OF theology, and
preceptor to the infanta, heiress to the
throne, and who afterwards, step by step,
rose to be Archbishop OF Toledo, primate
OF all Spain. Ho entered at once, at the
first session, into the reasoning OF Col
umbus, and not only listened with at
tention, but took up his cause, and with
the help OF other iriars, labored earnestly
to calm the noisiest of his colleagues, and
to persuade them that propriety and JUS
tice demanded that they should listen to
the reasoning with serious attention.
Some OF the principal members Of the
learned assembly agreeing with him, the
discussion was afterwards continued in a
proper manner. Several subsequent meet
ings were held but the board came TO no
conclusion.
For several years Columbus remained
In suspense. At length, in the Winter OF
1fD1, he lost all patience and pressed for
decisive reply. Being thus called upon
for a decis lon, the learned board of Sala-
manca informed their soverigns that the
majority OF the body considered the
scheme vain and impossible. Although
the sovereigns still held out hopes that
something might be done at the conclu-
sion OF the war, Columbus Indignantly
turned his back upon Seville, and deter
mining to make an appeal to the king OF
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

books, original and translated, published
under her reign, some by ladies OF the
highest nobility, attest the impulse she
gave to study and the honor in which she
held learning.
Queen Isabella was OF the middle size
and well formed, fair complexion, auburn
hair, and clear blue eyes. There was a
mingled gravity and sweetness In her
cuunhenance, and a singular modesty,
gracing, as it did, firmness Of purpose and
earnestness OF spirit. Though strongly
attached To her husband, and studious OF
his fame, yet she always maintained her
distinct rights as an allied prince. Such
was the noble woman destined to ac-
quire immortal renown through her spiri-
ted patronage OF the discovery OF the New
World.
Columbus arrived at Cordova at a most
unpropitious moment for his suit The
final campaign against the Moors was Just
opening, and ne found it impossible to OBJ
tain a hearing. At length Father Talavera
succeeded In bringing the matter before
the King, who granted an audiance To
Columbus, and commissioned Father
ralavera to convene board of the best
cosmographers and astronomers OF the
Kingdom to meet at the great
university city Of Salamanca, where the
court was passing the Winter OF 1875.
This memorablel conference resulted
very differently from what Columbus had
brought himself 10 expect. lie had been
laughed at by the ignorant multitude,
both noble and plebian, but doubted not
his ability to convince a learned assembly
OF the soundness and practicability Of his
plans. At the same time, he had not for
gotten the trick played on him by John
III, OF Portugal, and determined not TO lay
himself too open, but to say no more than
was necessary TO prove the undertaking
possible and, indeed, easy OF accomplish
ment. Geographical and cosmographical
studies were exceedingly backward in
Spain, and as a Talavera was, therefore,
unable to fiji his board with geographers
and cosmographers, he called in the most
celebrated professors OF the other sciences.
This was serious injury to Columbus,
for the worst Judge possible is a learned
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

the astrolabe to navigation greatly en-
couraged Columbus, and he sought an in
terview with King John. The King was
much impressed with the plan and made
a secret attempt TO carry ii into execu-
returned, ridiculiDg Columbus and bis
project. Di'gusled by this act OF perfidy
and grieved by the death Of his wife, Co
lumbus quit d Portugal and returned TO
his native country.
While at Genoa he made his PROPOSE
tions to the government, but the once
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22
COPYRIGHTED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Columbus himself tells US that he COM
menced his career as a sailor at the tender
age OF II years. The life OF a sailor on
the Mediterranean in those days was one
OF danger, OF daring and OF combat The
states along the coast, and especially the
Italian coast, were engaged in almost per-
petual warfare, and the ships OF one were
almost constantly in pursuit OF those OF
some other. Nor was this naval warfare
confined to states; individuals, noble and
plebeian, organized and maintained ships
and fleets, and under the pretext of de-
Tending their hereditary or acquired
rights, plundered any merchant vessel
that chanced to fall in their way. To the
system that then and there prevailed we
now attach the name OF piracy. Not only
did this life render men hardy and in
trepid, but ii did more; 1t made them
sailors, and that in the broadest sense OF
the term. In this rough maritime school,
where charts were few and dangers many,
Chr stopher Columbus grew to manhood.
While it served to debase many OF his
comrades, ii gave him that courage, skill,
knowledge and ambition, which, latter
on, enabled him to give ga new world to
CASTLE and Leon"
For many years Columbus followed the
life of sailor OF fortune on the Mediter-
raneon, engaging in all manner OF ven
lures, from the most peaceful to the most
warlike. For years he sailed with dar
ing mariner named Colombo, or with a
relative OF the same name, known as
Colombo the younger. His last service on
the Mediterranean was with the latter
bold rover. Colombo the younger way
laid four richly laden Venetian galleys off
the coast OF Portugal, and a bloody battle
ensued that lasted an entire day. The
vessels grappled each other, and the
crews fought hand to hand, and from ship
10 ship. The vessel commanded by CO.
lumbus engaged large Venetian galley.
In the fury OF the fight bursting hand
grenade fired the galley, and both vessels
became a flaming mass. The crews threw
themselves into the sea- Columbus seized
an oar and swan to the land, fully two
leagues away. This occurrence marked
an epoch in his eventful life.
In l470 Columbus took up his residence
in Lisbon, where he married, and for
some years supported himself and family
by making and selling maps and charts.
Shortly before that time had commenced
the modern era OF discovery, but it was
confined to the west coast OF Africa and
the adjacent islands. Prince Henry OF
Portugal, son OF King John the FIRST had
conceived the idea that Africa was cir
cumnavigable, and that, by keeping
along its shores, a ship might sail Il ON
Europe to India, as the whole OF Western
Asia was then called. Henry died with
out having achieved the object OF his am
bition, but he lived to see his country
men the greatest navigators OF the world.
The spirit of discovery which swayed
Lisbon, took possession OF the adventur-
Gus soul Of Christopher Columbus. He
was moved by the proposal OF Henry, but
conceived a scheme far in advance OF it.
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

glorious little Republic was In state of
decline, and they were rejected as a matter
Of necessity, II not choice. Rebuffed In
his native country, he repaired to Venice,
but met with no encouragement from that
Republic. Not discouraged by failures,
he dispatched his brother BARTHOLOMEW to
England 10 open negotiations with Henry
VII. and set out for Spain.
The personal appearance and character
istics of great or illustrious personages are
always matters OF lively interest. Christie
pher Columbus was tail OF stature, well
and strongly proportioned, with a noble
and dignitied bearing. His face was long,
neither fat not thin; his complexion was
fresh, tending TO red, with some ruddy
| spots; his nose was aquiine, his eyes
light, and his jaws projected slightly.
The portrait OF Columbus, by Gregori,
which adorns this work, was painted after
the one portrait taken from life, that OF
the Jovian Museum, which has been re-
Gently recovered from oblivion and re-
stored to the world OF art. lie was ex-
ceeding plain and moderate In his diet
tion with strangers, and mild with
servants but preserved always certain
gravity with both. He was naturally in
clined o anger, but overcome this defect
by the strength OF his will, and no in
, furious words against Others ever passed
his lips. He was so strict in his religious
practices that it might be- said that in
fasting and reciting the whole canonical
Office he was as regular as a professed
religious. lie began everything he wrote
with Jesus cum Maria SIT nobis in via.
The first trace we find OF Columbus In
Spain is at once striking and peculiar.
About half league from the little port OF
Palos, in Andalusia, on solitary height
overlooking the sea coast, and half hidden
in thick forest of pines, was a monas-
terry oiuFrancscan friars, known as Santa
Maria de la Rabida. Fernai deZ Garcia re-
lates that a stranger, on foot, accompanied
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

much superior TO his present state, out
OF curiosity and pity, entered into con.
sation with him.
That stranger was Christopher Coium-
bus, and the boy his son Diego. II Is not
known whence be came; but his mode OF
travel tells plainly enough the condition
to which his misfortunes had reduced
him. lie was on his way to the neighbor.
ing city OF Huelva to visit a certain
Muliar, his brot other-in-law. II is thought
he wished to entrust him with the young
Diego, while be was engaged in urging
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

, profane as well as sacred science, espec.
ialls in cosmography, which was his
favorite study. q Ieen Isabella, moved
by the fame OF the friah's learning and
sanctity, had summoned him 10 court aud
made him her confessor; but the atmos-
phere OF palaces and the hustle OF IA city
were i'll suited TO his disposition and
his love OF study and prayer, and, there
fore, quitting the court, and despising the
prospect OF future honor and greatness, he
returned TO his humble duties as guardian
OF the little monastery of Santa Maria dc
la Rabida. Such was the modest friar,
who, by the order of Providence, hap
pened to be passing through the gate OF
his monastery as Christopher Columbus
was receiving his little aims.
Encouraged by the friar's friendly
courtesy, Columbus told him OF the great
project in his mind, and OF his design OF
proposing IL at court. 1t seemed as
though the words OF Columbus bad
opened a new horizon to the friar's eyes,
so great was his attention and interest.
The friar detained him as a guest and in
vited a scientific friend, Garcia Fernandez,
a physician of PaIos, and several veteran
mariners OF the neighborhood to confer
with him. They all became converts to
the theory OF Columbus, and the first sub
stantial step towards the discovery OF the
New World was taken.
One OF these mariners, Martin Alonzo
Pinzon, the head OF a wealthy family Of
experienced navigators at Palos, offered
TO defray the expenses Of Columbus to
court, an in the event OF his enterprise
being adopted by his sovereigns, to en-
gage in 1t, with purse and person. To this
man, more ! han anyone else perhaps, was
Columbus indebted for the ultimate sue
cess Of his great enterprise.
To ensure him n favorable reception at
Queens CO fessor, Ferdinando de- Talavera,
priest of great political influence, and
promised in the meantime to maintain
and edncate his son, Dieoo, ~ the convent.
Although the glory ~ discovering the
Western hemisphere II due to the pro-
found study, indefatigable perseverance,
and courageous soul Of Christopher Colum-
nus, Hlli h's PROJECT Woulh noubtless nave
failed but for the aid of the two Sover-
eigns OF Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella,
more especially that Of the latter. In the
discovery OF the new world her name IL,
and for all time will he indissolubly Joined
to that Of Christopher Columbus.
The picture, which contemporary au-
thors have left OF Isabella, although 1t
breathes throughout the ent husiam OF the
writer's, has been fully confirmed by time.
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

bus; and the soil on which he was born
could not have been better fitted to give
them aliment and vigor until their full
maturity. A boy OF Genoo, he suckec in
with his mothers milk aste for the sea
and for sailors life. The first impress
sions on his childish mind were OF the
sea the first Ia les that excited his fancy
and stirred his heart were Of the sea. His
city had sprung and grown from the sea;
the sea supported it; its glory was on he
sea. On the side OF the land, surrounded
and almost shut in by chain OF high
mountains, 1t seemed cut of from the
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

forts have been made to prove him OF
noble extraction. His fame rests entirely
upon his own achievements, and his life
marks an epoch in the material advance
ment OF the world. The very date OF his
birth ID uncertain, but he was born at
Genoa about the year 1895.
The complexion OF the times, II that ex.
preston be allowable, was more favorable
than ever before to the natural tendencies
Of mind Of man like Christopher Uolum-
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

measures which had to he taken against
those OF her subjects who refused to obey
the laws of the Gospel; and the Moors and
Jews had no better advocate in the royal
council than the Queen herself
In the moments OF freedom from busi-
ness, she gathered around her, persons OF
the greatest learning, and consulted them
as to the most suitable means OF advanc-
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

This was TO circumnavigate, not Africa,
but the globe itself. The ancients, though
they knew little OF Asia beyond the
Ganges, believed that 1t extended great
distance to the eastward. This view had
been greatly strengthened by the dis.
coveries OF Marco Polo, Venetian travel
Ter, who had, in the fourteenth century,
penetrated TO the most remote parts OF
the East, and published glowing, though
grossly exaggerated, accounts OF his adj
ventures.
Columbus believed his idea practical bic,
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

all been men OF the sea; and there was no
broader and safer way to wealth, honor or
or rank, than that OF the sea. Therefore,
1t was, that all the young men OF Genoa
who could, poor or rich, noble OF plebe-
ian, took to the sea; and the ships OF
Genoa fioated on the furthest waters, on
the most hidden bays; and the greatest
princes and kings had recourse to Genoa
in their expedi' ons and wars, asking the
help OF Its fleets. and captains.
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

now prove a greater blessing to mankind,
than did his marvellous discovery to the
over crowded eastern world of four CEN
turies ago.
There was nothing great or illustrious
In the family from which Christopher
Columbus sprung, though numerous ef-
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

by boy OF about twelve years, presented
himself at the monastery gate and asked
the brother porter for little bread and
water. While father and son were refresh.
ing themselves with this simple fare, the
father guardian happened to pass, and dis
covering from his accent that the traveller
was foreigner, and from his aspect and
bearing concluding that he was a man
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

but his belief was principally founded
upon a misconc@ption. He adopted an
opinion OF Alfa-abius, learned Arabian,
that the circumference OF the earth was
much less than was generally supposed.
Had he known the truth, and realized the
immense distance that separated Europe,
in westerly direction. from the furthest
point reached by Marco Polo, it is very
doubtful il he would ever have seriously
thought OF undertaking the enterprise.
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

OF the many great men whose lives oc-
cupy place In the pages of the worlds
history, few, II any, achieved renown un-
der more adverse circumstances, followed
. single idea more perslstently, or con-
ferred more lasting benefits upon human
ity, than did the subject OF this historical
sketch, H. Christopher Columbus, the quadri-
centennial Of whose final triumph the
nations are now preparing to grandly
celebrate at Chicago. To provide a safe
and speedy means Of traversing the vast
space which separates the earth from some
fertile, life-supporting planet, would not
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

continent and forced to the sea for its
sole occupation; and the sea spread broad
and inviting before it. The most wealthy,
their wealth, their power and their nobil-
ity on the sea; the most illustrious per-
sons, of whom the city was proud, had
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

ing science and literature; and it was
through her protection that Salamanca
won a pace among the most famous uni
verslties Of that age. She invited to her
court by rewar and favors, men OF liter
ature and science, not only from Spain,
but from other nations; and the mass OF
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

or the dangers OF the battle, the main spur
and encouragement To the soldiers heart
was the sight OF their Queen in their
midst. Often in the uncertainties and
doubts OF war and battle, it was she that
by her energy and the firmDess OF her
measures decided the succ, ss'ul issue OF
events. At the same time, with truer
sense OF glory, by the elevation OF her
mind and by her conscientious truthful
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

his project upon the Spanish court. But
arriving at Palos he must have wanted all
means OF subsistence, and, to appease the
hunger and thirst OF his boy, went out Of
his road and assembled the steep mountain
to have recourse TO the charity OF the
friars.
The guardian OF that humble monas-
terry was Father Juan Perez de Marchena,
a religious OF deep piety, well versed in
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

without losing any OF The softer graces OF
her sex, she had as much frmness and ac
tivity as any man; and not only took part
In councils, where wars and battles we're
discussed and planned, but, dressed in
armor, she rode on horseback and followed
'he camp; and in the fstIgu,s OF march,
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

ness, she modified the too subtle and in
terested policy OF Ferdinand.
Her character shines still brigh in
civil history. An sffectionate mot her to
her subjects, her first thought was to re-
form the laws, and heal the wounds made
by the long and int stine wars; and ever
intent on the happiness of her people,
with maternal tenderness, she sought to
mitigate, as much as possible, the rigorous
Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-10-22

For years Columbus studied over his
plan, but, without making any decided
effort to carry 1t into execution. About
the time when John II. ascended the
tific men had again been directed to
navigation, and an instrument possessing
the essential advantages OF the quadrant,
had been invented. This application Of
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-09
THE CONSERVATIVE COURSE BEST.

In our local columns to-day the report
appears that many of the leaders of the
Amalgamated Association are disposed to
meet the proposition of the employers by
submitting their scale in return and strik-
ing for it without even a conference. This
maybe response in kind to the belligerent
aspect of the manufacturers in submit
ting their scale; but it comprises the error
of unnecessary antagonism.
No side to wage dispute ever loses any,
thing by taking all opportunities to bring
reason to bear on the situation, and to
show its readiness to reach a fair settle
ment That reasonable and conservative e
course requires a conference between en-
ployers and employed Beyond that gen.
eral consideration is there reason to
believe that a conference will yield
fair results. The manufacturers ask
a reduction; and the fact that
they make this request in sweeping and
extreme form is not SO unusual that the
association men need make it a subject
for especial excitement 1t is understood
that the Amalgamated ASSOCIATE on is pre-
pared TO recognize til e necessity of a re-
vision Of the scale on the general basis of
a temper cent reduction. On the other
hand, there is reason to believe that the
manufacturers would accept a considera-
bic mitigation of what they ask for. - If
the Amalgamated Association should 90
to the manufacturers saying: "We cannot
consent to this sweeping cut in wages; but
we are willing to confer on the plan of a
reasonable revision of the scale,' there is
every reason to think that the question
would be amicably settled If it were not,
the Amalgamated men would have lost
nothing in the public estimation by such
move.
Both for political and business reasons a
strike this year cannot be afforded The
men who take the course calculated to
preeipitate such calamity will assume
very heavy responsibility.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-09
SILVER MINING METHODS

A very emphatic picture of one way by
which money can be made in silver min
ing is drawn by the decision in the case of
Fox VS.. Hayward and Others concerned in
the management of the Hale & Norcross
mine. The court finds that the defendants
conspired to defraud the stockholders of
the company by the well-known device of
contracts by themselves, OF with COM
panies in which they were cloaked, out of
the profits of the mine to the extent of
S1,011, ,S35. This, it is to be remembered,
was clear transfer to themselves of that
amount of the returns of the mine, en-
tirely outside of the further profits to be
made by manipulation OF the stock from
the inside.
1t is instructive to find the San Fran
cisco Examiner declaring the conspiracy
thus disclosed only followed time-hon-
ored rules, and there has hardly been a
property on the Comstock lode that has
not been in like manner exploited at one
time or another for the benefit of some
equally unscrupulous. There has been
room to suspect something of the sort; but
the frank avowal of the fact from COM
petent authority may serve to explain
the phenomenon which appears in min
ing shares, as in other corporate invest
ments, that while the outside public rarely
makes anything in mining stocks the man.
ayers are very likely to grow rich while
the stockholders get very little.
There is another instructive illustra tion
of a peculiar feature Of the day in the
fact that while the Court declares that