The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-06-28
COSMOPOLITAN LIFE
AT CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA
Henry Bane Outlines and Commercial Possibilities of
This Delightful Health Resort in the Tropics
WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY REPUBLIC.

WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY REPUBLIC.
As one arrives at Castries, ST. Lucia from
Martinique and enters one of the most Sc
cure and valuable harbors In the West
Indies, one Is impressed with the thought
that the British Government has in its
possession a jewel OF an island. Looking at
the map. the shape of the island resembles
great pearl or opal, and the emerald
color Of the surrounding sea suggests
casket OF jewels.
The respondent sky glitters at night with
all the shining fires of the considerations
and the planets, a diamond dust of glory
that enhances and completes this vivid col
lection OF precious stones. Not less valu-
able to England are the strategic situation
OF the island. the push and energy OF Its
citizens. the fertility of the soil and the
possibilities of increase OF trade when the
harbor improvements now under way are
completed.
The St Lucia Racing Association held its
annual meeting on March and g. 1903. The
results, the attendance being large and the
public showing much interest. The races
are held on the Choc estate. three miles
from Castries The people stream TO the
conveyance being In evidence. Many found
1t convenient TO take the steamer. wh!ch
lands one on the beach. opposite the track
A short walk through the bush opens out a
lively prospect of gayiy waving Tags ana
group of people dressed in holiday cos
tune. excitedly discussing the name OF the
possible winner Of the next race. Booths
for refreshments and gambling tables
spread under the trees We're largely patron
lied
Beyond these could be seen the grand
stand. crowded with a representative as
sc-nblare OF the hest families OF St Lucia.
In front of the grand stand. oveTcoWing the
lance. pulsated the teemins lie o. the PEG
pic OF Castries-garrison soldiers. Martin
iquians, Venezueians, Jamaicans. visitors
from all the nearby Islands. jackies from
Demerara. gamblers running faro outfits
gentlemen in wonderfully correct riding
costumes. managers of plantations. riding
tected through the crush of humanity ny
adorinE escorts. who. after placing their
charges in safe. advantageous positions;
drowned their excitement in enormous
glasses OF whisky and soda
SPIRITED BETTING.
The crowds rush against the barrier IN
front of the betting booths and threaten rs
demolition and a roar of voices rises as the
Two to one on Buccaneer." Odds that
black horse is the favorite,''', No yes.
Peters Harmony for me-"
The buEle sounds and the beautiful Creo!e
racers are galloped UP and down in 'front.' OF
the grand stand and cooled and coaied In
the paddocks in preparation for the first
race. The riders ara a study. all colOrS ..
skin and jackets. with various systems OF
riding-the American seat. We'll over me
neck: the pounGinc BrlUsh. the west i"-
dian crouch: nondescript methods and orig
nal treatment of the nervous Creole po-
MES.
Buccaneer Is the favorite. a black horse
from Jamaica managed by a skilful Jockey.
The coiored people love this horse and TO-
low him with adoring eyes. The horses gal
lop easily to the starting point. where the
Honorable Granville Ponsonhy.. official
starter for the association. awaits them
with flag over shoulder, A few false stars RS:
then the fiaE falls and they are of. SIX
horses contest for the Association Stakes.
six furlongs once around. to finish in from:
of the grand stand: weight for height: omen
TO all horses AZ and under foaled in the
West Indies or British Guiana.
The horses disappear In whirl of dust.
and for a few minutes all is quiet near the
stand. Then few cries break out in n rich
St- I,ucian accent. Harmony! HARMONY"
"Jamaicah wins You're liahr' The
HACK horse is out of it, "Buccaneer for
nv money! Light blue in 'front.' NO,
chocolate,
Buccaneer pushes to the front and wins
by a neck in n furious dash from the turn