The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-30
Copyright, 1895, by KATHERINE MILLER GUM.

five hundred years before. If the sagas
of these pcople contained any account Of
their landing on the shores OF America,
why should that dim the glory OF CO.
lumhus? Why not prove that, with the
devotion Of hero. and the zeal OF
fanatic. he was ever on the alert TO eaten
Information from every source IL Is
urged that with the sphcricity OF the
earth proved. and the wonderful I'M
prOvcmcnts of science, IL only neeoed
vigilant mind 10 develop the theory, anc
an adventurous spirit 10 prove us correct
ness: that no special merit s. due those
who grasp a tradition. though others
did not" Does not this read as II
IFS author took pride in destroying be-
lief I'm the heroes OF the past. and would
advance the cause Of humanity by sup
planting the eternal vcritits with some
new kind of doctrine?
II TO a "vigiiant mind' and "adventur'
Gus spirit is added Il patient, untiring
pursuit Of some lofty object. does not
the sum total begin 10 assume the pro-
portions Of q hero? The demands or
Columbus were reasonably thought great
by the courts TO which he applied, but
on reading of the enormous riches OF
Cipango. Cathay. ana the East generally.
would IL not seem unnatural had he icft
out the thought OF his own gain? Why
should Columbus peril fame fortune, and
life for an uncertain considerations was
thore not something prncely in the po-
sition OF this foreigner with no title, no
refinue. In a day when men prided them
selves on pOmp and rank, boldly stating
and never altering his stipulations?
ALWAYS FIRM IL HIS CONVICTIONS.
Throuehout the course Of this remarka-
bic man. his conviction OF the truth OF
his hopes never weakened; his plans
were never radically altered his enthusi-
asm never cooled; his belief that a'd
would be extended never changed: his
manner was never undsnined; his appeals
never cringing nor intrignagly urged;
his demands never lowered and under dis
regard or contempt, his journal contains
no word OF complaint. Could such
shirt be upheld by ayarice or ambition
alone? DO not such hope and endur-
ance. such tolls and sacrifices. depend
upon a faith well-nigh sublime?
Finding the voyage Unexpectedly long.
Martin Pinyon urged a change OF course
10 the southwark. but this would seem
the beginning OF failure 10 the fanatic,
who, with answering faith, believed
aye. knew, land would be reached by
sailing a westerly course. On THURSDAY
of the fifth week there drifted on the
wild roses. Was ever olive branch more
welcome 10 a disturbed soul, or did ever
roses bear so sweet a perfume? The set
ting sun left Columbus watching from
the poop OF the Santa Maria; at 10 o'clock
a light piercing the darkness caught the
eve Of the watcher. Others confirmed
the sight of this beacon OF hope, and az
o'clock a signal gun from the Pinta
told the joyful news that Rodrigo de
Triana had discovered land. What were
the feelings Of the successful discoverer
during the hours OF waiting for day, may
be never known, but they may be IN
terpreted by his action. in giving thanks
and glory 10 the Lord God, eternal and
omnipotent. "who by Thy sacred word
hath created the earth and the sea"
CHARGE OF rSsLAyiS0 INDIANS.
Among the charges brought against
Columbus Is the enslaving OF the North
American Indians. Why should he be
regarded as disreputable for engaging In
a practice commonly carried on, and why
should This custom be presented, as has
lately been done, as markins the diner
ence between the Northern AMI Southern
nations OF Europe. as well as OF the