The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-06-07
SIXTEEN HUNDRED MILE
JAUNT IN SIXTEEN DAYS
Some Things That Baptist Preacher Saw in Re-
cent Interesting Journey Through the
Southern States.

, Gazed into its depths of eighty feet, where
its bottom seemed to be set with a mil
hon diamonds we were lost in admira-
ton and wonder. One says from whence
comes this strange beauty, can it be the
reflection of the stars and the heavens
above. No, for it is noon, and not a star
is to be seen.
This is only one of the beautiful things
that God has made in this beautiful world.
Is there any beauty in an old tin cup
or an old tin can? 1t depends upon the
influence that hes between the old tin
cup and the old tin can and the eye, So
here upon the crystal bottom of this
crystal little sea, God mas turned the on
tin cup and the old tin can into mil
lion diamonds, and such beauty perhaps
has never met the eye at any other spot
on earth The Rainbow Diamond Spring
could but feebly express its beauty
AS we turn to the call "all aboard, we
are conscious that this picture, which has
been painted upon the mind, can never
fade.
Only few hours ago we stood IN the
clear sunlight by the beautiful Silver
Spring, now the clouds are rolling up
before us as great smoky mountains with
rumbling thunders and forked hghtnlngs,
the rain comes down in sheets. Before
one has time to adjust himself to these
sudden changes, we gaze from the car
window and there meets the eyes across
the beautiful Gulf, as it were, great
sheet of fire. The, clouds have rolled
away, and behold one of the most beau
tfiul sunsets / ever saw was across the
Gulf of Mexico on the 18th OF May. 1903.
Tampa. Yes, we are in this Foreign
American city, in the Land of Flowers,
and where the orange trees grow Not
specially pretty city. yet interesting, be-
cause in so man prospects. unlike any
other city of the South, it has popula-
ton made up of almost every nationality
in the world. 1t mas some handsome and
costly buildings. and others under con-
struction that will compare with the
best.
There are numerous places of interest in
and around Tampa. The ride OF seven or
eight miles around the bay to Ballast
Point, beautiful little park, is delightful.
This seems to be a popular resort where
hundreds gather during the hot sum
mer evenings to rest. and breathe a glo-
rious Gulf breeze and enjoy the numer-
Gus amusements. Only a short run from
here takes you to Port Tampa, where
you find great shipping point the huge
vessels from every country are here to
handle the commerce of the world Here
the countless cars meet the great vessels
to exchange their burdens and scatter
them to the ends of the earth.
We took a ride through "Ybor City"
They tell US that this is a Spanish city,
and far off Spain can be seen here in
almost every phase. In this little city are
the great cigar factories. and the famous
Havannah cigar surely is made right
here.
DeSoto Park, which lies just at the
outskirts of Ybor City, is one of the most
dreamy, secluded little spots one could
imagine; its shade is dense, and almost
entirely of the Cabbage Palm or Palmet-
to; these beautiful palms carry with them
a grace and quiet beauty that takes one
into sweet dreamhnd. / am sure that the
sweet mellow song and language of the
Spanish harmonic beautifully with this
enchanted ground. Here the soft brown
eyes have met, and the dreamy palms have
kept the secret. One loves to hnger
amid such scenes while the gentle twi-
light fades away. 10th to leave the
spot that speaks so kindly and tenderly,
making US forget the toll and turmoil OF
life's rugged way, as every over-hanging
palm seems to whisper peace, sweet peace,
and all is at rest. One would love to
inger there, but reminded of the fact that
time and trains wait for no man, we turn
our face still southwark and bid the
strangely interesting little city farewell.
"All aboard for Sarasota" a run of
seyenty-two miles over a new road, after
a flood of rain, and in the dark night
makes one feel just little unusually
pious. But before the clock had sounded
the midnight hour we found ourselves
comfortable and happy in the care of Mr..
j. G. Hart, proprietor of the DeSoto
Hotel. at Sarasota. OF course we slept
without a moment to dream In that glo-
rious Gulf breeze that has the strange
power to drive away every tired feeling
from the weary traveller. All too soon the
morning came greeting us with an ideal
day, and as we stood and looked far
across the beautiful sarasota bay we could
see the "white-caps'' dancing in the sun.
light like thousand fairies upon the sea.
There are a great many things l don't
know, but I am positively sure that Mr..
Hart and his good wife know how to make
their guests comfortable and happy.
have always liked to take my time eat.
ing and have plenty of good things to
eat. My friend Hart furnished both OF
these to my hearts content, so, if you
know me personally or by reputation,
am positively sure that Hart has got you
| If you ever strike Sarasota.
Inismusch as have found the end of
the railroad, suspect / will have to take
| 1t by foot, boat or buggy wheel This is
the great ''Manatee Country" that never
had railroad cut her soil till within the
last few months. Her resources and I'M
developed wealth are yet to be unfolded
to the world. Sarasota is one of her most
| beautiful little gulf towns, and it offers
tremendous possibilities to the winter
home-seeker and the investor. There is
no reason why this should not only be an
ideal winter resort, but also a delightful
summer resort. The fishing, boating,
and bathing are to be found here in their
/ fitness