The Daily Texarkanian., 1899-07-20
SIGHTSEEING IN COLORADO.
Trip to Royal Gorge and Ute Pass
Lawns, Customs, Etc.
Editorial Correspondence.

miles distant from Manitou-left
Saturday morning at 8 o'clock aud
returned at 6. This gorge is said
to be the grandest sight in Colora-
do, and, after a visit to it, am
ready to say so. 1t is on the Dem
yer & Rio Grande Ry., the scenic
route of Colorado, between Pueblo
aud Salt Lake City, about 30 miles
west of Pueblo Railroad was con-
structed about % years ago, and as
the Santa Fee was cOntending for
the same route through the Gorge,
royal fight resulted, in which
quite a number was killed; finally
the Rio Graude is said to have
bought off some of the opposition
leaders. and thus secured the COW
ct prize. For seven miles the road
traverses the Gorge, blasted out OF
the solid rock With the Arkansas
River for companion, and, as
there is not room sufficient for both
when there is much rainfall, the
river takes possession, often wash
ing out the road bed. The Rocky
Mountains tower three thousand
feet, almost perpendicular above
the railroad, at several points-in
one place there is a swinging iron
bridge, constructed from the solid
rocky sides of two mountains, with
the river running beneath, At this
point train stopped, so that passen-
gers could get out and take obser-
vations, and the kodak fiend take a
few snap shots-and there were
quite a number of such fiends
aboard. We secured a few fine
specimens" and came away fully
satisfied with the trip.
Yesterday excurted over the Col
orado Midland up Ute Pass, to
| Green Mountain Falls. Railroad
along this pass is almost as great a
piece of engineering skill as through
the Royal Gorge-passes through
seven tunnels (most of. them short
however) in going the first mile up
the pass from Manitou; children en-
ioyed running into sudden darkness
so often. At Green Mountain Falls
there was to have been a match
game of baseball, horse race and
swimming race, but all were called
off except the swimming match, on
account of a storm. Four boys en-
tered in the swimming race, across
an artificial lake, Contesting for the
ten dollars offered the winner; it
was quite cold, and how they en-
dured the cold ice water is mys-
terry. Falls are not much-do not
come in competition with Niagara.
The heavy rain and hail interferred
with the days outing-but it was
enjoyable all the same, as scenery
was great. We hear lots about
scenery" and Climate" here-re-
minds us of California, where the
Climate" is supposed to sell barren
lands at $500 per acre; but it can do
this no longer so am told, although
it did some eight years since when
| visited that state
There are few churches here
only an Episcopal, Congregational
ist and Catholic. There is no sun
day law, and euro" and other
stores all keep open and do business
on Sunday same as any other day,
Down at the Mansions (hoteD last
evening we saw male and female
playing billiards. and pool, and rolling
ten pins-and the long hall was full
of whisky fumes. All seemed to be
having a great time. We did not
tarry long, preferring to get good
long nights sleep instead.
Colorado laws and customs on the
race question, are quite different to
that of Arkansas and Texas-not
at all to our liking. Negroes at
tend school with the whites, ride in
the same cars and attend the same
churches our better half says that
she does not care to 60 to church
here. Abominable laws-nauseat.
ing also.
Mr., NJ, Kosmnsky, wife and little.
boy, came in several days ago, and
are quartered at the Mantou House
Learn that Mrs, Otto Hoffman and
sister have also arrived at Colorado
Springs, and are nicely located at
FIRST class hotel. Have met Mr.. NJ
and his family several times, but so
far have not seen others, This
makes representatives from six Tex
arkana families hereabouts.
Adieu for this time; may write
again in few days,
j. w, G..
Manitou Springs, Col,
July 18th, 1899