The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1898-09-24

state of war existing between the
u. s. and Spain, and notwithstand-
ing this information after taking
the precaution to see thai my fell
low passengers who had gone be-
fore were not quized-when cross
ing the line between the English
possession and Spain.-l ventured
about a half mile into-the country
of the Dons-but didn't make any
acuuaintances. After spending
several hours on shore we returned
to our vessel which was ready to
leave.
Until we arrive at the Suez Ca
nal our way is now through the Pc
culiarly green waters of the Medi-
terranean Sea, we encounter moth
ing but fair weather the entire
way.
We sight in many places the
coast of Africa on our right, COM
ing quite close when off the ancient
town of Algiers, but do not call any
more until we reach the Isle OF
Malta. Malta being coaling sta
ton for P. & o. steamers, / had an
opportunity to go on shore for ten
hours, fortunately all daylighD
and right glad l was for the chance,
for do not think ola day in the
whole trip enjoyed more thorough
ly. We land at Valitta, at present
the most important town of the Is
land. The Island of Malta is for
the greater part bare rock; howev-
er in some places on cur way from
Valitta to Citta Vecchia we saw
some very fertile spots and fine
growth of vegetation was on them
The name of st. Paul seems to per-
meate the whole island we first see
from the vessel as we approach the
island, st. PauPs Bay, where ira
dition says he was ship wrecked.
At Valitta is st. Paul's Cathedral,
in which are some most beautiful
paintings most of which are sugges-
tive of Publius or of st. Paul's stay
on the Island.
But its at Citta Vecchia, eight
miles away from Valitta, that at al
most every corner something is
pointed which our guide says con-
meets the apostle with that spot. This
was the ancient capitol of the is
land. At one place is the statute OF
st. Paul preaching, which over
locks the Bay. On the site where
the residence of Publius stood is
now fine old cathedral and be-
meath the cathedral is grotto, this
we were told was the room in
which the apostle lived while he
was entertained by Publius. One
of the most interesting paintings
in this cathedral which has SC
many, is one representing st. Paul
and his companions being casl
ashore here.
1t is here in Citta Vecchia that
the Roman villa was exhumed in
1881 by the representative of Lon
don Musium.
This island is said to be net
work of catacombs built by the
Thraciaus and PhOnicians wai
in at one entrance for several hun
dred yards. If one would give eal
to all the stories he hears, while OF
even short visit to the island j
would I'll a large volume; but
was told by reliable persons tina
many traditions were most gener
ally accepted but some that Were
given our party were nothing more
than the work of the imagination
of some guide who desires to giv'
his patrons all the information ant
make them feel he earns his pay.
The next call was made at Brin
dist on the beautiful coast of Italy
We spend six hours here waiting
for the mails; the orange and lem
on groves, and the grape vinyard
and beautiful gardens occupied thu
attention of our passengers most o
the time. The country arount
Brindisi is simply beautiful and a
this season of the year every at
traction of tropical climate is il
evidence.
Passing the Isle of Crete to on
North we see her mountains, cap
ped with snow, while we are swell
tering with heat on the vessel.
Next we call at the town of Por
Said for coaling, before entering
the Suez Canal. Owing to the hea
and unattractiveness of the plac
but few of the passengers Wen
ashore, prefering to remain on decl
and watch the antics of the nativ
boys who are at the vessels side il
small boats. These boys furnisl