Evening star., 1898-10-26
PLAY GROUND OF AMERICA
Rev. Dr. John O'Rielly's Description of New
foundland Province.
Distinguished Clergyman Greatly
Pleased With Washfn EtOn-Thc
Congressional Library.

Rev Dr. John O'Rielfy of St. Johns,
Newfoundland one of the most distin
guished Catholic clergynen in the province
of Newfoundland who has been in Wash
inston for a few days, left for his home
last night. In speaking before his depart
ure to a Star reporter DR.. o REILLY said
he had been greatly impressed with the
magnifcence of the government buildings
and of many of the private institutions
here, particularly the Catholic University,
with it's McMahon Hall. Philos optical Hall
and other buildings, and he thought the
Franciscan monastery now in course of
construction was destined to become the
Mecca of pilgrims from every part of the
world
Regarding the new Congressional Library
building DIR. O REILLY said that he did not
believe there was anything OF the kind,
either in the new or old world to compare
with it in grandeur. DR.. O RELY expressed
regret that he was not able to remain
longer in Washington at this time, and
said that until he visited this city he had
no idea of what beautiful pls ce the capi-
tai of the United States is.
History of Newfoundland.
Speaking of the general history of his
country. he said that though Il is the old
est colony of Great Britain. founded by
of Columbus, it was only within the last
four years it began to be known as great
summer resort to the people Of the CONT
nent Last year Newfoundland ce,ebEated
with great festivity it's 410th anniversary
On that occasion, June "a, the United
States sent the great battle ship Massa-
chusetts to do honor to the event At the
same time was laid by Bishop Howley
Roman Catholic bishop of ST Johns the
cornerstone Of the memorial signal station
on Southside Hill, at the entrance of st.
Johns harbor. probably one of the finest
and most seaward sites for such station
on this side of the Atlantic. The station is
to be massive monument surmounted by
a statue of Cabot holding in his hand an
electric torch
The history of Newfoundla nd he said.
has been one of numerous vicissitudes Its
main industry has been and is the cod
hsherE, which Lord Bacon declared to be
more valuable than the mines of Peru. and
time has verified the phios opher-states-
mans remark, for after 400 years of in
discriminate following up, tae fish still
stick to the shores in immense shoals
Farming now is beginning 10 be carried
out on large scale, with the best results.
Tourist Resort.
AS tourist resort Newfoundland is
bound to survive. First, its ocean position
is in its favor, the farthest out land of the
American world. Closing the Gulf of ST.
Lawrence and washed by the waters of
the Atlantic, its site for bathing, fishing and
sea bathing is without peer It's scenery
of coast and inland is unique. The river
Humber, on the west coast, is beautiful
IN Its cascades and ''steadies.' Every part
OF the coast line of about 5000 miles is in
dented by countless bays, harbors and
sea arms. SO that it abeunds in subjects
for the camera holders The climate in
summer Is perfectly tempered, and as a
hunting ground for deer and partridge, as
also place of innumerable streams and
lakes teeming with trout and salmon, it is
simply the sportsman's genuine paradise.
The railway lately built by Mr.. Reid
across the island. and the steamer Bruce
connecting Porta Basque and Cape Breton,
running tri-weekly, have thrown New
foundland open TO the sport tsmen, to tour
lists and to those requiring bracing air, and
the country is yearly becoming more and
more the very play ground of America.