The herald., 1894-10-21

heard OF Ceylon. and why it is such a
famous place, and the followi ng re-
mark overhead last December in Ohica-
60 (not in Los Angeles, of course), leads
me to think that the Monroe doctrine
may be carried too far, sometimes, in
reference to knowledge of foreign coun-
tries.
Having held responsible position at
the great Worlds Columbian exposition
on the staff OF our special commissioner
for Ceylon, the Hon. Sir Joseph J.
Grinlinton, M. L. c.. where our famous
teas (oi which | shal write later on
were in such demand that beautiful
and attractive store had to be opened on
State street to supply the demand ere.
ated for our teas by their success at the
exposition. and having assisted in put
ting the finishing touches to this store
the honorable knight and myself went
outeido to see how it looked from the
street, we'll lighted up, and with the at
tractive and curious.looking natives as
attendants, administering to the crowds
of customers. Amongst the crowd at
tracted were well-dressed lady and
gentleman who conversed as follows,
the lady addressing her husband, say
ing:
"And where is Ceylon. dear?"
"Ceylon Why, Ceylon is the capital
of China. and it is from that district
that the finest tea in the world comes 7"
Now the only true portion OF the above
conversation is the latter, which says
the Ceylon tea is the finest in the world.
Needless to say, we were much sur
prsed. Most of the readers Of the
HERALD know that Ceylonis the famous
little Island lying southeaa- OF and close
to the great Indian empire. From un-
known ages it has been famous for it's
spices, pearls and gems. ivory and fruits,
elephants and reptiles, magnificent tenn
ples and palaces, alas now in ruins,
which are still SURPRISINGLY grand. and
can even now convey to ones mind q
good idea OF the greatnese of this coun-
try 1000 or 5000 years ago.
II is still q disputed point amongst
learned men as to whether or not Ceylon
is the ancient Tarshish, from which Sol.
omon obtained all the precious gifts he
lavishsd in such kingly manner on the
queen of Sheba-perfumes pearls. gems
OF many kinds costly silks, embroider-
ies and stuffs wherewith to envelop her
lovely form.
1t is supposed to be the place from
which the "wise men OF the east" came,
or obtained the gifts they offered at
Bethlehem, and several well founded
traditions and local circumstances point
to this most lovely spot as the site OF the
garden of Eden.
But doubtless you will want to hear
about the industries, the peculiar peo-
pies, the curious animals and reptiles,
the famous spices, precious stones and
gems found there, 80, though l would
'love to linger" on the ancient aspect of
things, must proceed.
For long time the Portngese occu.
pied the island then the Dutch con-
quered and finally the British. owing to
the geographical position OF Ceylon, ly-
ing as it does, go close to India. ar
ranged to exchange Java for Ceylon.
with the Dutch. IN. B.. Please give
Great Britain credit for this fair ex-
chsnge.)
This happened almost 100 years ago,
and eince then the leland has made
great progress in every way. Ceylon is
The first OF crown colonies, that is, it is
governed from Dowing street. The gov
ernor is appointed by the queen, and
somo OF the foremost men in the service
have besn governors of Ceylon-Sir
Hercules Robinson. Sir VIM. II. Gregory,
Sir Arthur Hamilton Gordon, (now
Lord Stanmore,) and the present COVER
nor, Sir Arthur Elibank Hsvelock were
and are all famous men.
There is legislative council, of off.
cial and non-ofticial members. the form
or are members, owing to the positions
they fill under the government, and the
latter. the opposition as it were, are
nominated by the several communities