The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1897-01-25
ISLAND OF TRINIDAD
II Went In.o the Possession Of The
British 100 Years Ago.
TO CELEBRATE NEXT MONTH
A Correspondent Writes About the
Sights. Resources and Other
Conditions OF the Southern
Dot OF the Antilles.

Port OF Spain. Island OF Trinidad,
Jan l0.-To the general manager of
the associated press. Dear Sir.-The
following IL sent To you for the news
papers of the associated press In view
OF the approaching centennial celebra-
tion Of the Island Of Trinidad coming
Into the possession of the British. How
many Of our readers. We wonder. are
aware OF the existence of the Island of
Trinidad. So named by Columbus when
he discovered II in lass and which three
centuries later in February. 1891. was
captured by British force under Sir
Ralph Abercrombie and Admiral Har-
vey, and has remained British colony
ever sinceP II must not be confounded
with that other island Of the same
name belonging TO Brazil. and which
among other and far graver subjects
threatened at one time early In this
year to still further disturb the al
ready troubled waters OF European pol
tiles.
The Trinidad OF which we desire To
treat Is an island with an area OF l.25s
square miles, separated from the main
land of Eastern Venezuela by the Gulf
Of Paria and the narrow straits To the
north and south. known respectively as
the Bocas del Drago, or dragons
mouth, and the Bocas del Sierpe, or
mouth OF the serpent. Though, In the
opinion Of the great Napoleon. most
important strategical and commercial
point. IL has never been looked at in
that light by England. In lsi9 II was
reported that the treasury was empty.
hut In 1888 the revenue OF the colony
was e6O5.5li. The exports In 1850 were
of the value OF f3i9.394; In 1895 they
amounted to e2.o65,l0i Imports in 1850.
E4i6,9l0; In 1896, G2.226s6+. The popu-
lation In 1851 was $500; In 1895. about
2ii.O00. The centenary OF the capture
OF the islands Is to be celebrated In
February next with much public re-
joicing, the sum OF f3.500 having been
voted by the legislative council FOR the
island for the purpose.
The surface may be called diversified
with mountain ranges, lovely valleys
and fine, extensive plains. Three ranges
OF beautiful mountains stretch across
the country from east TO west. all
heavily timbered from base In summit,
The mere elevated portion Of the ISL
ands is the northern district II is oc-
cupied by the northern range. which
contains the ioftiest peaks. the largest
caves ana the prettiest waterfalls The
lands between the three mountain
ranges are vast plateaus, with gentle
water sheds extending from the Gull
OF faria To the Atlantic ocean. Large
portions OF these level tracts are COW
cred with thick primeval forests of val
sable woods. intersected In all direc-
tions by numerous rivers and lagoons,
the whole presenting the aspect Of a
Wild and unreclaimed country.
One of the most beautiful sights In
| Trinidad Is the maracas waterfall. the
water leaping over Il ledge OF rock At
| feet high and In its descent covering
with a transparent veil of spray tn,
mass OF verdure with which the fac,
of the cliff Is covered. The greatest
natural curiosity Of Trinidad and one
of the most important sources OF III
revenue Is the celebrated Pitch lake
which has an area Of some 30 acres and
yields a practically inexhaustible sup.
ply OF asphalt. on the export Of this
| the government levies a royalty which
gives a revenue of about $40. 900 year
| The seasons in Trinidad may be rough.
\ ly divided into two, the wet and the
dry. The latter lasts from January q
May and IL the pleasantest time OF tn,
year. the coolest and consequently tn,
healthiest. The chief town OF the col
ony is Port of Spain. IL has severa
hotels. two of which are excellent,
conducted. One line OF railway run,
from Port of Spain to Arima. branch
ing or at ST. Joseph to the South
where II enters at San Fernando with
a branch to Princetown.
Lionel NJ Fraser