The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-10

little search; one OF the places about which
centres old-time legends is the sanctuary
of Montserrate. This is on top OF noun
tain about seven miles from Mayaguez, and
many stories are told of pilgrims from all
parts Of the West Indies who have toiled
10 this hoary. church upon the summit.
4 Historic Port.
Between Mayaguez and Ponce is the port
of Guanaca, historic as the landing place.
in 1898, of the invading American army.
Ponce proper lies two miles from the
shore, La Playa" being the term applied
to the struggling little town at the wa
ter's edge. Ponce is the most progressive
town upon the island and its inhabitants
take pride in following American customs.
1t has water works, electric lights. and
one of the late reports tells us fran
chise is all but let for an electric road
from the port to the city" The only
Protestant Church building upon the ISL
and was located at Ponce.
A new, modern hospital a fine theatre,
the handsomest Catholic Church in Porto
Rico, and unique fire station, are some
VI lue DullUlNSS 10 WHICH Is
ways called. The engine house tparque de
bombas) is situated in the main plaza,
just back of the church. The fire depart
mcnt is composed entirely of volunteers,
no one receiving a cent of pay. Money
prizes are, however, given to those firemen
who first arrive at the scene of fire, and
save property, and. in case of a fireman
disabled at a fire. he receives "a daily al
lowance until again able to work. Each
fireman is also entitled to free medicine
and free medical attendance for himself
and family. Three money prizes are given
annually by the city to those firemen who
have particularly distinguished themselves
by good conduct
The uniform of the men consists OF red
flannel shirt. blue cotton drill trousers
with red stripe broad canvas belt. and
a red can The officers have for full dress
a dark blue single-breasted tunic, trousers
of the same with red stripes, and white
metal helmet For ordinary wear dark
blue blouse and red cap. with a red flannel
shirt. for use at fires and fire drill. The
equipment of the men is at the public ex-
pense, but the officers. who belong to the
best families in Ponce, bear all the ex-
pense of their entire outfit. Each platoon
there are three-has q hand engine and
a hose cart.
A good band is maintained, which gives
concerts twice week in the plaza A drill
or parade is given on Sunday, and the
entire population turns out to witness it.
This company has been in existence about
sixteen years, and it has an excellent
record. II is reported as having been very
efficient at the dangerous fire which broke
out at the stables and magazine of Bat
terry NJ. Seventh United States Artillery,
January 25, 1899. Altogether the organl-
anin mil ri ~ W
be appreciated by one old enough to have
memories of the glory surrounding the
members of the old volunteer fire de-
partments in some of the cities of the
United States.
Gardens of Ponce.
Unlike San Juan, Ponce has many beau
tiful gardens, and even the little "shacks'
on the highway of La Playa were en-
vironed by beautiful shrubs and Towering
vines. If, in addition to the attractions,
which may be discovered by any visitor,
one is SO fortunate as to be received into
some of the beautiful homes of Ponce. he
will decide that it is not at all a bad
place at which to spend some time.
For the traveller who must continue the
coastwise journey, Arroyo and Guyana
next claim attention, the former usually
tue pOIl u 1uds dmd 10 ahShuoi auiS oS
the place where the American forces I'M
der General Brooke made their landing in
1898.
From Arroyo one passes the richest cane
region in the whole island, and the pecu-
liar vivid green is distinctly visible from
the ship, while, as one goes eastward. the
mountains rise higher and the run along
the entire east coast presents an ever
changing panorama of beauty. The prin-
cipal port on the northeast coast is Fajardo.
Here one hears a little about auriferous
sands in the Rio Fajsrdo, has an opportuni
ty TO visit the lately established normal
school, and, if historically inclined, can
listen to the local stories Ct the attack uron
the port in 1924 by Mr.. Commodore Por-
ter"
This town has about 5000 Inhabitants,
and, aside from its thriving trade in mo-
lasses and sugar, 1t is not far distant from
the great pasture lands of the east, where
are reared the cattle and horses exported
to other islands in the Caribbean Sea. A
short run from Fajardo and the island cir
cult is complete, all too SOON for most
tourists.