The Forrest City times., 1893-10-27
A Bit os History.

T
 var with each other; that. too, while their representatives are guests Of the United States.
 This fact calls to mind the condition of affairs between them at the time of Columbus voyage, for it was war be- tween these two nations which came so near trailing in the dust the banner of his fondest hopes. It may be interest jng to recall little of the history of those times.
 Through the villainy of a Spanish pobleman, and the desire for sevenge of the injured one. the Mooys were in- duced to invade the northern shores o' Spain. They soon overran the entire northern part of the Kingdom. They carried into Spain, learning, culture refinement and elaborate adorDment in architectural workmanship. They built beautiful palaces, fine courts, and cultivated magnificent groves, gardens and orchards.
 The Spaniards tried in vain to throw off the yoke of the invading hordes Upon the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella, their most Catholic Majesties. urged on by she Pope, used every en- deavor to rid the country Ofthe infdels. For years the war ragged. The riches of the court, and of the nobility were swallowed up by the heavy expenses incurred. Even the silver plate and golden ornaments of private individuals had been melted down to replenish the impoverished treasury.
 The history of this war reads like rornance. After bong struggle the forts of the MoOrs were taken one by one, until only Granada, the City BpautifuP' remained. This was the citadel, the pride, the joy of the Moors, and both armies nOw prepared them selves for long, fjnaE struggle. Upon a high elevation stood the fair city with it AIhambra. so celebrated jn song and story, and which after the lapse of four hundred years still presents to admi- rers, the most beautiful ruins in the world.
 Across a deep valley, upon the Op- posite hillside lay the army of Spain. Here the king and queen held their court. Their camp was decked in much splendor, many of the tents being of firest silk.
 Everything was prepared for final assault. and the MoorS from the OppO- site hill looked on in great apprehension. when one night the Spanish camp caught fire, the material being light and infiammable the fire spread rapid ly, the QueeH narrowly ascaping with her life The Moors now rejoiced look ing upon this as a special visitation of the displeasure of Allah upon their enemies. Their joy was of short dnra- tion. The Spaniards now began the building of substantial city-Santa Fe, (The Holy Faitm. In course of lime this was completed and the as. Sault upon Granada begun; an assault which resulted in the surrender of the city the departure of the Moors from Spain. and the deposition Q. the brave but unfortunate Boubdil. a prince en- dowed with many virtues, and who, had he been born under more lucky star. might have performed deeds of noblenesS and generosity which would have marked him as one of the might jest monarchS of his time. Instead of this. however, he is brought down to us as Il gifted but melancholy victim of circumstances.
 It was during these exciting scenes that Columbus appeared at court. and made his plea before Ferdinand and Isabella. It was no time for the indni- gence of wild speculations, and Ferdi- nand would not. nay. could not listen to his appeals. IsaSella. also. turned d deaf ear, and, as we all know. Colnm- bus turneda away. When some distance from court, he was overtaken att little bridge. by a carrier sent by the queen. This bridge of Pinos is still shown to travellers in Spain. With d small sum of money which Isabella had sent. Co- lumbus bought d suit of clothes and d mule. and returned to the court. The re- suit of this second interview IS too we'll known to be related.
 Why Isabella reeonsidered the mat ter We cannot tell. It might have been that the disappointed look of the white haired old man touched d heart that beat with benoyo yolence; ar it might have been that her mind, naturally emotion al. and wrought to a high pitch of ex- eitenent by the stirring scenes around. looked beyond the enveloplng clouds of war and carriage and beheld the open iug vista of great glory that WAS to light mp forever the name of her be loved country.
 Whatever the motive that influenced her. certain it Is. that had the plans of Columbus failed. Isabella would have been handed down to us as a woman. snft hearted perhaps. bat visionary. in- stead of as fsTsightrd. highminaed monarch.
 Ferdinand. on the contrary would have been d.inratsd aS man of cool judgment and superior wisdom.
 Upon what small hinges great events iafn.