The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1905-08-25
THE LONE MAGNOLIA IN THE FEAST OF
THE ROSES


THE LONE MAGNOLIA IN THE FEAST OF
THE ROSES.
1t was the tenth anniversary of the destruction
of the Maine. Brothers and sisters, wives and
sweethearts of those who had parted with their
lives In the briny deep had formed an organiza-
ton tor the sole purpose of casting upon the
waters OF Havana harbor upon the very spot
where the Maine easted anchorage in the Haven
of Rest ON the anniversary of the day. large, red
roses to commemorate the memory of those so
dear to their hearts, of those asleep till eternitys
call.
party of ladies' and gentlemen had journeyed
to Havana for the occasion. The weather was
beautiful, the water calm. 1t was In the after
noon, when several hundred persons took
small steamer at one of the Havana wharves and
after the given signal and the gapg-plank re-
moved the little vessel puffed it's way out In the
harbor. Havana lay gayly In the background,
in quite contrast to the feelings OF some en-
board the craft Quietness reigned supreme.
save for the putting of the steam pipe and the
dashes and splashes of the sacred waters against
the steamers side, mingled now and then by a
blast from some moving craft, some within speak.
ing distance others too far off to observe without
scopes.
Upon one of the decks, unobserved by the
crowd who were punched together In the rear Of
the boat, gazing at the feetirg city, sat young
lady, beautiful young girl-alone sobbing.
Dressed in white, golden tresses dancing in the
dazzling sunlight lone magnolia graced her
waving hair. In one frail, but well.formed hand
she held in her lap large bunch OF red roses, in
her other, she grasped a pocket book. upon
which rested her forehead The air was sweet
scented with roses the light hreexes waiting its
fragrance way beyond the halfmasted stars and
stripes ripping gracefully above the steamers
decks. Everybody had q large bunch of the
roses. the only flower that was an exception, was
a magnolia that was entwined In Reatrice's
tresses.
She still sat alone, unnotioed, unobserved.
The vessels bell had sounded several times in
the engineers room and the engineer giving
several wheels slight turn. caused the craft to
slow up. The spot where cruel tate had taken
revenge had been reached and save the slight
swaying Of the vessel caused by the motion of the
waves all was STILL The quartet on board had
caught the refrain Of Nearer My God 10 Thee"
and the red roses began to fly thick and fast on
the sparkling foam, hohhing up and down with
each motion of the waves, some drifting away.
Others clinging closely to the vessels sides when
q magnolia-a pure white flower compared with
the deep red color of the roses, aud fastened in
bunch of the same. came into view. Noticing
the white flower in the hair Of Beatrice, the
crowd naturally glanced around for her, but she
could not be seen. Her name was called severa
times but there was no response. One of the
gentlemen in the crowd FASTENED to the bow of
the boat followed by the visitors. He noticed
purse lying Just within the outer rail. He has
tily opened it and found this note.
my DEAR FRIEsps-Weep not for me. ] eau
stand the strain no longer. ] 60 to Join my
dear brother. God forgive. "BkATRIcE."
At every anniversary OF the memorable occasion
thereafter. magnolia. Beatrice's favorite flower.
entwined in a bunch of flowers. graces the sacred
waters OF Havana harbor during the Feast OF the
Roses.