Daily Kennebec journal., 1896-02-13

provided ample entertainment. A larp,
fleet of sail boats gave these OF the part,
who desired them, free sails and fishing
trips upon the river, and inlet Their,
were bathing parties ut the benches. and
at the Casino swimming pool which Is
fed with naturally warm sulphur water
and 3 q clock tea mt Fort Marion by the
ladies Of the city in connection with a
line concert by the Third Z. : Artillery
band.
It was perfect day, barring q hrie!
summer shower late in the afternoon, and
was thoroughly enjoyed by the mem bers
of our party, who deeply appreciated the
thoughtful and generous hospitality
shown them on every hand by the ppoplc
Of the city.
Thursday was the first real stormy day
the party encountered on the trip: but il
was profltably devoted to the regular
work Of the convention. In the evening
most of the party assembled in the Casino
and listened to m intensely interesting
and instructive lecture upon the Near
aqua canal by United States Senator
Watson G. Squire OF the state of
Washington.
Friday was Il perfect day, with cloud
less sky and July temperature. The fore
noon was devoted to the closing exercises
OF the convention, Between one and
two o clock 2. NJ. an oyster roast was
served at South Beach, some two miles
distant from the city. 1t was a novel
feature of the entertainment provided for
the party, and was thoroughly enjoyed by
all. Returning to the city from this
pleasant event, We secured team driven
by an intelligent young Spaniard, who
was born and reared in St Augustine,
and who spoke the English language
fluently. He proved "A well informed and
entertaining guide for us Naturally the
great work that has been accomplished in
this city by Mr. Flagler attracts the
special attention of visitors. He has GER
tainly spared no outlay in making this an
ideal winter resort. His expenditures,
while they have been generous to de-
gree, have been parts of general plan of
improvement. Everything that Mr..
Flagler does bears the stamp Of the born
organizer. He knows where to make
each detail Of his great work fit perfectly
into complete. and symmetrical system
He is not only great business man; but
also public spirited citizen. Beautiful
churches. fine hospital and a number
of other fine structures give evidence of
the sincerity of his devotion to this
ancient city.
In the course of our drive we paid a
visit to Fort Marion for look through
its ancient dungeons. This is the Oldest
fortification in the United States. 1t was
built originally, in 1865, of pine logs and
earth, the work being largely done by the
first negro slaves brought to America 1t
was named San Juan. de Pinos. In 1910
the work of replacing it with the present
structure of coquina rock was COM
menced. For more than century slaves,
Indians and prisoners of war labored
upon it, and, in 1755 it was completed
8 nd christened Fort San Marco. In 1925
it was given it's present name, Fort
Marion. in honor of General Marion Of
Revolutionary fame. The noted Indian
chiefs Osceola and Concoachee were i'm
prisoned in this fort during the Seminole
war
The custodian of this ancient fort is
Ordnance Sergeant Geo. M Brown, U. S.
A. A second edition of volume of 159
pages. written by him sinca he was given
his present post of duty, is entitled
Ponce de Leon Land. and is meeting
with a deservedly large sale. 1t gives,
in condensed form, an excellent history