Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1900-03-14
Correspondence.
FROM OVER THE OCEAN.
Gibraltar-S,ghts In the Historic Town
The Wonderful Fortress.


IS. S. New England"
at sea near Aigiers,
! February II, 1900.
To the Editor Of The American,
Continuing our "cruise to the Orient"
after leaving Madeira Thursday night,
we sighted the west coast of Morocco
| about $50 Saturday forenoon. On near
ing the coast the only indication OF hui
man life we could see was the lighthouse
on Cape Spsrtei which is maintained there
not by the Morocco government, but by
the maritime powers of Europe. The rest
OF the coast looked rugged and barren
and billy.
Soon, however, in the northern horizon
we could see the southwest coast of Spain.
A nearer approach brought into view
Trafalgar, the scene OF Nelson's famous
victory and death. The sea, which then
was covered with the csnnon-smoke OF
warning nsvies, was now quiet In the sun,
save OILY two merchant ships on their
way to Gibraltar.
We now had land on each side, with the
sea narrowing into strait, the Moorish
coast about 1000 feet high and that OF
however, was warm with signs OF human
ity, villages and fields, while the former
was still dark and solitary. All that we
could see OF Tsngier was the place where
the ships officer said 1t was. A little later
we were fairly In the straits and every eye
WAS looking out for the famous Rock OF
Gibraltar.
Ian a \ cd I'M has
Cape Conaro on the left the end OF long
white mole. Then over ths low cape
could be seen the southern peak OF the
rock, then the middle and then the north
ern or highest peak of all. As the ship
swung to the left round Cape Consro
there burst upon the vision the rock, the
bay and town OF Gibraltar magnificent
sight never to ne forgotten.
just as We came to anchor a British
stea m boat, the "Highfyer". came quietly
in past US, and turned herself up in her
berth amid dozens OF other grim wsrships.
We landed this time very prosaically in
steam tenders. As We passed from the
pier through the gate past the sebtrits,
an officer handed each of US pass which
was to protect US from interference by
police until "the first gun-fire', after
which II we had not left, we were liable
to be called on to prove who we were.
Mr.. Dingiey and son, aud the ladies OF
our party, took carriage for the regula-
tion drives, while hunted up the bankers
for more funds. and hen the pos office to
send off the mail. Those two things seen
to, arifted up and down the curious
streets and In aud out OF the more curious
shops. Representatives OF all nations and
peoples are seen on these streets. 1t is
the port OF call for all m Egrstions from and
to all points OF the compass.
Arsbs. Turks, Moors, Maltese, Spaniards.
Portuguese, Greeks, French, English, East
Indians, Maisys, etc, ali iosiie one another
in these narrow busy streets. To avoid
collision with pretty Spanish woman l
went pump up sgainst a great. tswny
Moor who, however, graciousiy smiled
his pardon. Sidewalks don't count and
every one walks la any part of the street,
elbowing donkeys as well as men. Every
few step one meets the scarlet OF the Eng /
lish soldier, or the white and plaid of the +
Highlander. Soldiers seem to be on |
guard everywhere. Barracks and hos |
pitfalls and arsenals are mixed up with !
shops and dwelling houses.
The bsy vas filled with shipping, main |
iy NJ this time with British warships, !
Transports and GOLFERS. The stars and /
stripes flying at he fore OF the "New Eng
land" vas about The only relief in the /
monotony OF the British colors.
Gibraltar may be worth to England all !
1t has cost her. but | doubt IL. She has |
spent hundreds OF millions here taken |
from British taxpayers, and none Of 1t |
scarcely for the development OF the place. |
Great guns and great batteries are ali |
about, and the rock itself has been honey |
eombed with classmates for guns and |
military stores. Gibraltar may interest n |
soldier for weeks, but the civilian finds |
his chief interest in the little town, and a |
day is enough for that.
We sailed at ii last evening, rounding |
Point Europa, the southern point OF |
Gibra tar, by moonlight. To-day we are |
passing In sight of the Spanish Sierras
covered with snow. Shipping is fire.
quently seen now. The air is baimy,
passengers are grouped about the decks,
reading, writing, or talking, without |
wraps, and without realizing that Ii Is
a bout the middle OF February. Indeed, |