Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-25
THE DUST OF COLUMBUS.


Recent advices from Habana inform us
that Captain-General Blanco, in view Of
the governments decision to transfer the
remains of Columbus to Spain, has issued
an order directing that the monument
containing them shall be properly packed
for shipment.
While the United States. with pro-
rrety, could hardly interfere with this
arrangement, there are thousands on this
side of the Atlantic who regret to see
such steps taken, for sentiment, as well
as other considerations. demands that the
ashes of the great navigator should re-
pose in the land which he first brought
under the light of civilization. And aside
from this, the evidence is almost con-
elusive that Columbus was not native
Spaniard and that what he did for Fer
dinand and Isabella was only accom-
Pushed after they had weighed we'll the
probable profits of his enterprise.
There is little, If any, reason to doubt
that Americas discoverer was born near
Genoa, Italy, and that the vicissitudes of
fortune more than anything else, caused
him to look to the Spanish throne for as
sistance in his project. Indeed, it
is said that he was just about TO ap-
peal to the English, when the royal
pair decided to lend him a helping hand.
Subsequent events show how little his
immortal work was appreciated by those
who, for so many centuries, have greedily
essayed to utilize America as a source Of
revenue.
And, Furthermore, IL the dead are en-
titled to sleep in peace, the sepulchre of
Columbus should remain where it is In
death, as in life, he has been a wanderer.
His remains have already been exhumed
several times-indeed so often that no
one can positively assert, without fear
of contradiction, just where they repose.
1t has been openly declared that the body
Low resting at Habana is not that of
the far-famed sailor. but of his son,
Diego.
Columbus was the product of semi
barbarous age. and history reveals some
dark deeds in his record but his ability,
made him the giant of the latter years of
the fifteenth century. His faults were
those which might have been expected of
seafaring men in those days, and the
injustice TO which he was subjected gives
him the sympathy of all who know his
life. He was a comparatively young man
when he died. but trouble, disappoint-
ment, and ingratitude had made him pre-
old.
Broken in health and melancholy in |
spirit, he passed away at Valladolid, |
Spain. when 60 years old. Thence the ashes |
Of the daring navigator were transferred
70 Seville. But they were not yet to rest In
peace. for in l5i9-forty- years after
he had embarked on that inevitable
voyage with Death as helmsman-they
were carried to San Domingo. Other
members of his family were also buried
there, but it does not appear that their
-laces of sepulture were kept entirely
Instinct from their immortal kinsman.
And now, for nearly two hundred and
iity years. Columbus reposed undis-
uroed in his unending sleep, but 1t was
idained that he must keep moving on"
n lIs6 vault in the cathedral, supposed
o contain his remains. was opened, and
u contents conveyed. with great cere-
ncny' to Habana. Within the last few
ears-in 1877 and lSsl--evidence was dis
overed which leads to the belief that
ne vault opened in 1886 was not that OF
no admiral. but of some other member Of
Is family 1t is hardly probable that this
uestion will ever receive definite set
cement.
be that as 1t may. the preponderance of
indicates that Habana now en-
'ys the honor OF furnishing a resting
lace for Columbus, and Spain. doubtless
'aring the future influences Of Ameril