The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1903-01-03

middle-occupies the exact center Of
the town and is surrounded by the
main edifices of church and state. The
historic space has borne various names
in course of the last three centuries.
and is now most commonly known as
the Plaza de la Constitution II has
been the scene of many tragedies and
stirring events. A long line of pa
triOts, who happened to be on the
wrong side of politics, have met death
here at the hands of a firing squad.
their faces turned toward the rising
sun. Most of the wars that have rent
the old town. from the time of the Con-
quest down to the latest revolution,
each marking an epoch in colonial his
tory or in that of New Grenada, or
Colombia, have begun and ended here
On this spot Quesada unfurled. for the
first time, the blOOd-red banner of
Spain above the symbol of the cross.
During more than two hundred years
of YiCe-regal rule, it witnessed the
cruel workings of slavery, of the In
QUESTION, the stake and the ScaffOid.
Here Bolivar unrolled the flag of free
dom; and then followed the troublous
times of the New Grenadian govern
ment, out of which, through the sacri-
flee of many lives, was at length evolv-
ed more definite form of Republi-
canisa. The colossal statue of the Lib
orator is worthy of more than passing
mention. 1t is a magnificent work in
bronze, executed by the celebrated
sculptor, Tenerami. The figure is at
tired in the alleged military costume,
(Which nobody but statues ever wear).
its trailing robe something like that
which disffgures the marble caricature
of poor Lincoln in the capitol at Wash
ingtOnl, looking like cross between
Roman tOga and a bed sheet, adorned
with elaborate embroidery. But the
face is glorious with high purpose and
devotion to country. The head is IN
covered, the right hand holds a rapier,
and on the breast is a beautiful medal
lion Of George Washington, the Father
of Republics.
The government "Palacio" which oc-
cupies one side of this square, is by
no means so imposing as its name i'm
plies. Its white-washed walls could
hardly be distinguished from those of
adjacent private residences, were it
not for the Colombian cOlors floating
from it's roof and couple of uniformed
sentinels pacing before it's entrance.
On another side of the Plaza Bolivar
is the great Cathedral-a wonderful
structure as to size. but, not much to
boast of in the line of architectural
symmetry. 1t was shortly after the
Episcopal See of Bogata was founded,
lin 1853, l believe); bpt it's original
builders did not understand their bust
ness very well, and the whole pile
tumbled down, killing scores of people
in its fall, on the very day it was to
have been dedicated, but fortunately
before thee rowds had arrived. Thirty
years later the work was recommend
ed, under the direction of clever
Capuchin Monk. He died before his de-
sign had been quite carried out; and
many alterations and additions made
at different times by as many different
architects, have given the building
singularly mongrel look. Inside, the
old sanctuary is dark damp and
gloomy beyond degree. The only re-
markable thing about it is a really ele-
giant pulpit, inlaid with tortoise-shell
and pure silver; but rendered tawdry
by the usual crude images in wax and
wood, tinsel and paper flowers.
Not far from this point is the Plaza
de las Armas. one hundred metres
long and traversed from east to west
by the San Augustin river At each end
of this park is a bridge, over which
runs a busy street; and extending
north and south, on either side of the
river are narrow avenues, always
crowded with pedestrians. On the
northern bank is a pretty garden of
irregular shape because following the
bends of the river; and on the opposite
bank; beyond another space, stands
the fine old church and former monas-
terry of San Augustin. Besides its re-
ligious history, which dates back
nearly three centuries, the church is
memorable for having withstood siege
of three days duration, In the revolu-
ton of 1861. Though the building was
ruined in in three places, and the be-
sieged were without foo and water they
held out heroically until help came and
the day was gained.
Scarcely second to this in historic in
terest is the Plaza de las Martres" or
idCS VI MdIIyLSS SO-Ndicu OSCduSt
within it have been executed so many
of Colombia's patriots and statesmen,
shot by the Spaniards during the long
struggle for independence. 1t has also
been the scene of several autos de fe,
in those days when Romish Inquisitors
had power to burn alive those who
dared incur their displeasure. In the
center of the Plaza lofty obelish has
been reared to the memory of Los
Martires."
Then there is the Plaza de Capuchina,
surrounded on three sides by the swell
est private residences and f1anked on
the other side by the ancient Capuchin
church and the college of Mercy"
Straight through the middle of the
plaza runs river, shaded on both sides
by tall, ugly eucalyptus, said to be the
first ever planted by the Monks whose
favorite promenade was along this
stream at the sunset hour
FANNIE B. WARD.
ABOUT AN EVEN THING.