Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-25

Baracoa, in Cuba,
was first founded by the Spaniards who
came after Columbus, but while that port
was entered by Columbus In 1892 yet the
first settlement there was not until long
after Santo Domingo had been a fixed place
of residence.
If anything were today remaining of Isa-
bella, that first city started by Columbus
on the north coast of San Domingo in
1893. that spot could be entitled to the
palm. but. while at one time there were
several houses there and a population of
hundreds, Isabella did not last long as d
place of residence. Il was soon discovered
that the spot was i'll chosen. insalubrious
and 700 far from the gold regions of the
island and the aboriginal centers of popu-
lation- The last remains of Isabella were
sent to the Chicago exposition in 1S92-a
rev tons of rock and some relics, such al
TIES and earthen pottery-where they were
exhibited in the reproduction of the Con-
vent of la Rabida, and now repose in Gus
tody of the Field Columbian Museum. To
Mr.. VIM Eiroy Curtis, at present TIE
Washington representative of the Chicago
Record, and formerly chief of the bureau of
American republics, is due the credit of
this removal, the work having been per-
formed by the writer of these lines
A second city or settlement was founded
by Columbus in the interior of San Domin-
go In 14!,4 or %. and called Conception de
Ia vega, though even this was preceded by
the planting of a milf Try outpost in The
gold region at the headwaters of the va
qui. known as S2nto Tomas de Yanico
Founded by bartholomew
All these places have been destroyed by
earthquakes. and abandoned, their sites
even being difficult to determine but not
50 the capital city Of the island San Do
mirSo, which was founded by Bartholomew
Columbus, that Hon-hearted brother of
CDrlStODner. IN the l4H
that runaway soldier had strayed over
10 the south coast, where fortunately for
rim. copper-colored princess became en-
amored OF him. and, proof of her love
showed him deposits of the precious metal
As this was a desideratum of Spanish con-
quest and discovery-the finding of gold
the soldier fastened back with the news to
his commander. Don Bartholomew who
lost no time in marching a band of Span
iarCs to the section and verifying the re-
port The finds were rich that a fortress
was soon erected at the mouth Of the river
Ozama. where. as there was a good natural
port here. no time was lost in LAYING ont
the nucleus OF a city. If it had not been
Tor disastrous hurricane in 1902 this
would nave been the site of the present
city Of San Domingo. but. owing TO THAT
event, the settlers removed their houses to
the west bank of the river. where 1t stands
today. Seven years later in I5G0 the pre,+
castle built, called the Honepape
which stands yet. a fine specimen of ancient
architecture. and the oldest of its kind in
the western hemisphere
1t was long believed that in this castle
Columbus was once imprisoned inst pri,r
10 being sent home in chains to Spain But
willie Columbus was imprisoned here il
WIS NOT IN TINS castle. but in another
winch has since disappeared However
there yet stand the walls of the little chapel
from the porch of which Bobadilla read
the royal proclamation for Columbus TO
submit 10 mis- authority, on the east bank
OF the Ozama, opposite the city at present
belonging TO the proprietors of a larga
sugar estate. which covers the location of
the most ancient city.
When Gold Was Found.
The Imprisonment of Columbus took
place IN 100, and while he WIS vindicated
on his return 10 Spain, still he was for
bloden 10 return to San Domingo. the scene
of his many exploits and of his first fights
with the Indians. II was particularly ir-
ritatinS to him, at this time lust as gold
was being found in large Quantities to
be torn from this promising field Of expIor-
atlon' but he may have derived some con-
cation from the fact that his accuser
and successor. Bobadilla, was drowned in
the very snip that was taking TO Spain the
largest nugget ever discovered i'm tbe is
land-perhaps the largest ever found in
America This nugget was found by an
Indian girl, but appropriated by two Span-
ism miners, who caused a pig to be killed
roasted and served entire upon it: and il
was their boast that never before had any
of plate as theirs But IL went to the bot
tom OF the sea, when the Spanish fleet was
sunk by hurricane. and lies there yet, a.
rich prize for some adventurous diver to
appropriate.
As the city itself is the Oldest In America.
80 II holds some of the most ancient build
1ngs- The same year the castle was built
IN 1903, there was erected here q maynifi-
cent palace, now in ruins, which Is called
the Cosa de Colon. or House of Columbus
1t was built by the son of Christopher Don
Diego. who. having become great by his
marriage to Maria de Toledo. niece to the
infamous Duke of Alva, was now here as
viceroy of the king of Spain. Thinking to
surround himself with all the dignities of
royal court. Don Diego first built this
fortified palace. on the west bank of the
river, and rising Immediately above II. He
carried things with such a high hand that
his sovereign recalled him to explain mat
tiers. and 1t came near going badly with
the upstart son of the pseudo admiral:
though he finished his residence, and it
now greets US as pile of gray stone the
many rooms roofiess and at every point
falling to decay.
The walls which surround the city are