BoletiÌn mercantil de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 18??-1918, 1902-04-18

the boat. Not one there but had a
most affectionate interest in the arrival
of the ship. for on board, returning
after a two and half years absence,
was an affable, genial gentleman who
had won distinction and honor and
reverence in the world !; who, by dint
of natural ability and hard study and al
wide and universal sympathy for his
|fellow-men, had risen from student
to prelate, prince of the church
Many of those who waited had seen.
the bishop grow up from boy; they
remembered the tact and perseverance
by which the youth had prefgured the
man.
At last the smoke of the steamship
Arkadia was discernible. Gradually
the ship, against the heavy spring
current, steamed up to the pier. AS
lsoon as her decks were visible there
was waving of hats and handkerchiefs
from the pier and answering waves
from the ship.
Finally Bishop Blenk himself was
distinguished standing upon the top
deck, his head erect, his hat off, joy
shining in his face, for he was return
ing after long absence to his native
city, the scene of his boyhood, his youth
and his younger manhood, to see again
the people who he loved and who loved
him. TO man of Bishop Blenks
temperament, whose heart and intellect
have developed together, the sight Of
the wharves and houses upon which he
had often looked was a source of con-
siderable emotion to him.
Bishops Blenk came across the gang
plank attended by his secretary, Rev.
Father Fernandez, who was with HIM
while he was pastor of the Church of
the Holy Name of Mary in Algiers.
There was rush to receive them, and
the bishop and his jolly secretary were
overwhelmed with warn-hearted greet
ings.
Bishop Blenk was surrounded. All
who shook his hand and talked with
him Immediately felt the magnetism of
the man. He had a question and a
happy phrase for each, recalling prob
ably some little incident of bygone
days which instantly established OF
renewed bond of sympathy. Bishop
Blenk has had and has great responsl
bilities in his new position, but his old
jolly, friend winning manners have moi
left him. He is one of those rare mer
upon whom dignities sit so easily an6
gracefully that he can afford to unbene
and be natural when he meets hi:
, friends
Certainly, I am glad to be back il
New Orleans" said the bishop. 9.
have longed for this visit for many
, days, and now that I am really herr
, again can hardly believe that it il
t true. 1 shall be particularly glad to SCI
all my old friends again and to find on
f how they are getting along.
ave had a particularly delightful
| trip on the Arkadia," continued thu
bishop. There was beautiful weathe
t all the way over except for Sigh
roughness when we entered the Gull
Capt. Dalton of the Arkadia and al
the officers were most peasant ant
; courteous in their attention to the pas
sengers, and we appreciate their kind
ness
"B. R. Dicks, assistant treasurer o
> Porto Rico, and his wife were anonE
the passengers, and we enjoyed thei
company very much.
Il have a great deal Of work in Portt
, Rico, but love my work The people
are good and placid, and l have learn
, ed to like them very mitch. AS to tn:
schools we have started there, they are
doing very we'll.
The friends of Bishop Blenk in Al
giers are preparing to give him a large
!, reception Sunday after next. A meet
ing was held in Algiers last night for
the purpose Of making arrangements
Bishop Blenk and his secretary
Father Fernandez, have many friend;
in the city, and not one of them but is
glad that the bishop has been able tc
pay visit to his old place of residence