davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09
NOT THE REAL THING
Henry Vignaud Says That Columbus Was
More or Less Of Humbug.


ished by these studies As a man he was
neither truthful nor of superior attain
ments. Columbus can only be called q
great man If we understand by that term
those who have accomplished great things.
But IL one means a man whose intelligence
can grasp the hidden connection of things,
which gives prescience and which is the
veritable form of genius, then Columbus
was not great man. He displayed SUPER
iority in two things alone-energy and per-
severance, qualities which are often char
acteristic of mediocre men. In his whole
career Columbus never took the point of
view of genius. He was mistaken in all
his provisions, and persisted in his errors
even after making discoveries which should
have sufficed to open his eyes
But" l interposed, might not an OBJ
lection be raised? The sources of Column
bian history are surely accessible TO every
one. Washington Irving, HarrfsSe and
Fiske. to mention only the American au-
thors, must have been acquainted with them
all?''
Faulty History.
However enlightened one may be, there
is always something to learn" answered
Mr.. Vignaud. This is particularly true of
history, which consists not of material
facts alone. but whose Importance depends
upon the meaning with which these facts
are invested. This meaning varies with the
development of our ideas and the extension
of our sphere of knowledge. Within the
past thirty or forty years our opinions on
many subjects have been modified. Further
more, 1t Is not true that all the sources of
Columbian history were known when the
eminent men you have mentioned wrote.
For a long time the history of Columbus
which is that of the discovery of America,
was known solely through Columbus him.
self; that is to say, through the papers
which he left, and which were set forth by
his first two biographers-his son Fernando
and Las Casas. The books which these two
wrote gave us our Columbian traditions and
served as foundation for our best works on
Columbus. But little by little it was OBJ
served that many facts advanced from this
source were erroneous, and with time the
number of facts thus contradicted by crit
iciSm became so great that ii was necessary
to revise carefully all that tradition had to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09
History "Doctored" by Columbus.

st have not sought to attack Columbus,
but to separate fiction from history" Mr..
Vignaud said to me when questioned him
concerning his ideas and intentions. 1.-The
object which have had in mind for many
years is to prove that the history of Co
lumbus Is imperfectly known, and that the
most erroneous ideas prevail as to the true
causes of the discovery of America.
Like all men who have left notes and
papers on the events in which they have
played a part, Columbus arranged things
as he wanted them to be known. 1t Is with
the utmost difficulty that critical study has
succeeded in setting aside from this doc
tored history numerous facts which Column
bus and the interpreters of his ideas had
introduced. This work of rectification pro-
crosses slowly, 1t commenced long since
and still continues. My ambition is to COM
plete 1T.
1.-THE conclusion which reach is that Co
lumbus never intended to go to the hides,
and that 1t was only after his voyage,
when he thought he had reached India, that
he announced that he always wanted to go
there. What he really hoped to accomplish
was to discover new lands, concerning
which he thought he had information.
1.-The glory Of Columbus is certainly dimin-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09
Finds Continental Note.

Easton. Nd. Correspondents. New York Herald.
While Marion Chaplain of Kickham, near
here. was looking through old books a few
days ago, he came across a continental note
for $40 of the date of 1779 1t is doubtless
some of the first money issued by the colo
MES during the war with England. The bill
Is three by three and one-half inches, and
printed in black and red on white paper.
1t is in perfect preservation. not soiled or
creased. Every signature and figure stands
out plainly.
Within heavy border are the words:
Forty dollars. The bearer Is entitled to
receive forty Spanish milled dollars, or an
equal sum in gold or silver. according to a
resolution of Congress OF this 18th of Janu-
airy, 1779." The signatures are william
Coats and Levi Budd. and the number Is
S2716 On the reverse side Is the cut of q
branch with leaves. and the name Of the
printers. Hall & Sellers. 1778."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09
Copyright, 1905, by Curtis Brown.)
Special Correspondence Of The Sunday Star.

Special Correspondence of The Sunday Star.
PARIS, March 81, 1908.
Christopher Columbus, a man of limited
intelligence and untruthful proclivities!
Thus is bowled ovel one of the few re-
naming heroes of history. Columbus Is
not accused of discovering America by
proxy, as Shakespeare is alleged to have
written his plays. He is only charged with
profiting by the discoveries of others and
distorting facts according to his fancy In
order to pose before the world as the genius
which he was not.
Such are the statements now boldly made
after forty years of careful research by
Henry Vignaud, who for nearly thirty
years has been secretary of the American
embassy in Paris. From early youth Mr.
Vignaud has devoted nearly all his leisure
time to the study of Columbus. He has in
his library, one of the finest private col
lections in Europe, comprising more than
10000 volumes, all known works relating to
Columbus. And for many years he has
been recognized as one of the greatest llv-
ing authorities on Columbus
In 1901 Mr.. Vignaud startled Columbian
scholars by the publication of his book
'Toscanelli and Columbus proving that
the well-known letter attributed to the
Italian astronomer, which represents Co
lGmbus as endeavoring to proceed to India
by sailing westward was a forgery and
that instead of plunging into the unknown
in search of the eastern coasts of Asia, he
started out from Palos possessed with in
formation, how procured is not exactly
kr own, but which gave him the certainty
that he would find the islands he was in
quest of and which he discovered.
Throwing an entirely new light on the
life and character of Columbus, this was
already disconcertng for those who had
been brought up to revere the discoverer of
America one of the transcendant gen.
fuses of all time. But Mr.. Vignaud had
been merely clearing the way for more i'm
portant revelations. In a forthcoming
work he has developed the real character
of Columbus as displayed in his youth. and
1t Is far from being wholly creditable. Hav-
ing this much off his hands. Mr.. Vignaud
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09
PEOPLE Who Have
the Collecting Hobby

never mentioned in connection with that
recreation outside of the rooms in which II
is INDUCED. But those who know the hnah-
cier best declare that in the pursuit or MS
hobbies he is still banker and a business
man to the extent that he studies values
with the same care that he studies them IN
connection with securities.
On this particular day when Mr.. Morgan
wandered out of the Treasury Department
into the art store, his eye caught sight or
a small teapot. To the average eye that
teapot would be at a discount in COMPARE
son with fifty-cent article purchased from
one of the big department stores or the
city. But Mr. Morgan knew what II was
He needed 1t to complete tea set he was
trying to make as extensive as a tea set
should be.
What do you want for that Queen
Anne?" he asked the art dealer.
twenty-five hundred dollars" repliea
the owner in 81 matter-of-fact manner as II
he was charging twenty-five cents for the
little article.
Mr.. Morgan took the teapot up and look
ed at 1t with that quizzical style that only
the connoisseur is supposed to be able to
employ.
You want too much. It is not worth
twenty-five hundred" declared the finan-
cier who had just made arrangements TO
purchase fifty or more millions Of bonds.
Not only does the fnancier enjoy pur-
chasing these odd objects, but he doubly
enjoys bargain. 1t is a part of the chase
The art dealer protested that the duty on
such things was high. Mr.. Morgan told
him just what the duty was that he had
! had to pay. Then, to get down to a BUSH
ness basis, he quoted the price of several
Queen Anne teapots that had been sold
within the past year or so.
IF you will take two thousand for 1t /
will take 1t along with me-" he finally de-
clared.
This was with the air OF broker an
nouncing his last price on the exchange
"Ah Mr.. Morgan, IL 1t pleases you, take
IL along" replied the art dealer.
So the teapot went into the fnancier's
pocket, to be found there later by some OF
his friends.
story Is told of local celebrity who
has made a hobby OF collecting andirons.
The gentleman had habit of gathering
curious andirons, and on one occasion found
what he regarded as the most interesting
specimen that he had ever discovered. But
there was only one. He took 1t home, and
for years in his wanderings looked out for
the mate to the andiron.
In the meantime his good wife took a no.
ton to clean the garnet up, and among
other things she sent to the junk shop was
an old worthless andiron that had numbered
| up the place for many years.
The man with the hobby, continuing his
| search for the mate of the curious piece,
was finally rewarded by finding 1t In an
auction room. Accompanied by his treas
| ure. he returned home, nervous and breath
less, to announce his find. Then the sad
fact was developed that he had brought
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09
TAE AohAE OF COLUMBUS IN MADRID.

say about the discoverer of America and
his work.
But how is it that the writers who have
heretofore devoted their attention to CO.
lumbus should have failed to see all this,
and should have neglected the task which
you are only now undertakings"
Some of these authors noted most of the
errors which form the Columbian legend
and their labors contribute toward the pres
ent recti1cation. If they did not urge this
task of historical reform as far as L it is,
first, because the legends of Columbus are
endowed with the prestige of old and ac-
cepted facts, and, secondly, because the
writer's We're not in position, to carry the
work to the end.
A Self-Proved Humbug
when Humboldt wrote his Critical Ex-
animation which inaugurated Columbian
criticism; when d'Avezac wrote his little
monographs, SO solidly and so ingeniously
put together, which gave a new direction to
American studies in France: when Henry
HarrisSe published his Columbus which
produced so great impression in the
world of savants, all the writings of Co.
lumbus We're not known, and the rest could
not be studied eXhaustivey. The docu-
ments published by the 'Raccolta Colom-
biana' and those brought to light by the
Duchesse d'Albe completely changed the
situation, in rendering accessible to stu
dents papers until then unknown or imper-
fectly known, and which Were for the first
time presented in facsimiles-that Is, in
their original form. Among these papers
there are some whose Importance was not
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09

Ihen he wrote this to the livery stable
man:
Il have notified the owner of the brute
to come and get him forthwith. Give him
three days grace and make him pay for the
animals board and lodgings. If he does
not do so, take the blanked mountain of
flesh out on some lot and knock him in the
head"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09

is now gathering evidence for the browning
work of all, which, giving for the first time
the full and authentic history of the dis
covery of America, will, Mr.. Vignaud says.
leave him only as the instrument of great
deed
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09

suspected, and which throw much light on
the formation of Columbus ideas. These
are the autograph notes which he put on
the margins of the books he studied. These
notes are very numerous There are S6l on
the Historic rerum of Plus ii, S9S on the
Image Mundf of Cardinal daily and S08
on his copy of Marco Polo
Apparently insignificant for the most
part, they show the source OF Columbus
conceptions; thanks to them. we can judge
OF the formation OF his system, and per-
ceive the origin of each thought composing
It. 1t is a vast field. which has scarcely
been explored, and yet which offers a rich
harvest"
1T was perhaps these notes which gave
you the idea of writing on ColumbusT I
suggested.
THE idea of writing a new history OF the
discovery of America came to me in my
youth. For more than forty years l have
been accommodating the material necessary,
and this work has occupied me uninter-
ruptedly ever since. 1 have devoted TO it
all my resources, and what time has been
left to me by my official functions
And have you always thought OF Column
bus what you think nowY'
No, indeed" said Mr.. Vignaud with a
laugh. my views on the true part played
by Columbus In the discovery of the new
world took form slowly and they were
definitely fixed only after the publication
of the 'Raccolta.'
1T was at first my intention to limit my
self TO critical history OF Columbus great
design. and to show his genuine character.
But l realized that | should have 10 show
first how Columbus filled the early years of
his life, during which he is supposed to have
conceived and matured this plan. This is
the object Of the book l am about to pub
lsh, and which will serve as an introduce
ton to the principal work developing Coli
bus design and setting forth its origin
and its true nature. II is in this that hope
TO complete the task which have set for
myself in re-establishing the truth as re-
CARDS Columbus and the discovery of
America
Authors Striking Career.
Henry Vignaud. who is now passing a
green old age in peaceful diplomatic work
and historical research, has had a most
adventurous career. Born at New Orleans
in 1890 of an old Louisiana family, he
started teaching in the public school when
he was twenty-one years old and four years
later turned his attention to newspaper
work, editing first LUnion de Lafourche.
and then La Renaissance Louisianaise. At
the outbreak OF the war he enlisted in the
confederate service, and was appointed
captain of the 9th Louisiana Regiment.
Captured and restored to provisional liberty
in New Orleans in 1852. he learned that he
was about to be arrested by the federal
authorities and sent to Ship Island as a
prisoner, on account of his strong patriotic
sentiments. Before the arrest could be eff
fected he bribed an official to supply him
with pass enabling him to leave the city,
and he escaped to Paris.
Mr.. Vignaud was appointed secretary OF
the confederate diplomatic committee In
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-09

home a second time the trash that had
been thrown out by the wife.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
CARVING OF CHARACTER
Gov. Utter's Address Al Mems Meeting Of
Y. M. C. A. Sunday Afternoon.

The fall and winter season of Sunday
afternoon meetings for men under the
auspices Of the Young Mems Christian
Association was auspiciously opened with
an interesting address yesterday after
noon by his excellency, Gov. Utter. who
took as a symbol the carving OF charac-
Der. and illustrated each point by refer
ring TO Christ as the exemplar and model
OF perfection.
lie had never seen a picture of Christ
that truly satisfied for. 20 the speakers
mind, Christ was strong and vlgorous-no
outward sign OF weakness--and IL was
this healthy physique, as we'll as deep
moral nature. that must ever prove
prime requisite In the carving OF a high
character. A pure environment, proper
subsection 20 due authority, and a cult
walton OF a chivalrous sympathy, a bro "a
charity, and an abiding faithfulness and
loyalty were also dwelt upon as neces-
pary to the upouilding OF a mans char
scter.
The governor was listened 10 by
a large audience with close attention
Special music was rendered BY the -Four
Friends Orchestra and the Y NJ G. a
Quartet. and the chairman OF the religious
committee outlined the program and an
nounced the list OF speakers for the fall
and winter for these Sunday afternoon
meeungs.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
NOTICE..

special meeting Of tho stockholders of
the Woon socket and Pascoag Railroad
company will be held at the office OF the
company I'm the city OF Woonsocket. Rhode
Island. on Tuesday the Path day Of Octo-
pose of acting upon a proposition TO sell
the contracts property. rights. powers,
privileges and franchises of this corpora
tion TO The New York. New Haven and
Hartford Railroad Company, and 10 dis
tribute the net proceeds OF said sale
among the stockholders OF this company
and for the transaction Of such other bust
ness ae may properly come before said
meeting
Dated az New Haven, Connecticut, this
twenty third day Of September. 1906
JOHN q. PARKER
Clerk. woonsocket a. Pascoag r. II. co.
s25, ,s. o2.s.s.p.1s,ls
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
WAITE MOUNTAINS.

Are you looking for place where you
can stay a few weeks in the White Noun
,ains at reasonable eost7 II so. then drop
a letter to w. II. Eastman. proprietor.
Moat View Cottage. North Conway. N. H..
and he will send you circular giving all
the details Of one OF the most charming
and healthfui resorts In America. Or
call at the News ONCE and fun informa-
tion will be given there
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR SALE-ON AVON STREET.
corner Anthony avenue, large l5-room
Rouse. all improvements. 23.7b5 square
feet land. Price $500. G. l.. g. II J.
GHoss, Managers OF Estates, Union
Trust Building.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR sALE-INvEsTMENT PROP
erty on Gladstone avenue. stores ana
= Tenements. Rental $500. Price 5000
for quick sale. @. l. g. II. j. GROSS.
Managers or Estates, Union Trust Build
ing.
FOR sALE-OAKIAND BEACH Ho-
tel site These grounds are most eligfols
Tor hotel or private residence. containing
about Is acres. Apply to Messasoit Real
Estate Co. Providence, r. l.
FOR sALE-DEsIRAHLE HOUSE
lot at Washington Park. Improved, with
trees OF fve years growth Address BOZ
D-So. News office.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR SALE - SUBURBAN HOMES
Most beautiful localities In Rhode Island; I;
The Eden OF Narragansett Bay" cot
tage lots and cottages; Oakland Beach
Apply to ]. II. Woodbridge. at office on the
grounds
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

Have you lost somethins7 II so, adver-
tIse your loss In The News. IL coats you
nothing and you may get IL back.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
BUSINESS CHANCES.

WE SHALL NAME A VERY Low
price on our Carriages for September. j.
~ Sutton Carriage Co, 98 Westmin-
ster street SOU
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR saloon ANTHONY AVENUE,
corner Cottage. rooms. barn. lot soxso
rrlce 1880. q. l.. g. II. ]. GROSS. Man
ayers OF Estates, Union Trust Building.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR 5ALE-s-RooM COTTAGE AT
Oakland Beach, electric lights. plum bing.
etc. new. Apply at once. ]. ii. Wood
bridge, Oakland Beach or 81 Exchange
place Providence. ola -.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR sALE-ON AMERICA STREET.
near broadway. Cottage 10 rooms. moo
v'h, taxed $1,000. Price $500. q. L. a II
y; GhOsS. Managers of Estates. union
trust Building.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

Have you found somethins7 Advertise
IL In The News. You may get a reward
and the ad. costs nothing.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR sALE-oN CYR STREET. NEAR
ioloao street, 7-room Cottage. near WASH
..n1s'on Park school. modern. steam. ptaS-
.ioaI'y new. Price $1,000. ReasonaDIe
soiins, O. l.. & II. J. GROSS. Managers
VI estates, Union Trust Building.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR sALE-ON CoUR Il Il A
street, near Broadway. s-room Cottass,
houern improvements, furnace, 50
square feet land. Price 5000. II Is ta1eo
ior 1880 @. l.. & III. J. GROSS, Man
ayers OF Estates. Union Trust BUILDING
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
eco DEXTER STREET.

Our stock OF strictly pure California
The Following brands: MADEIRA, Ma
laga, Tokay. Muscat. Angelica, Port an
Sherry. at SOC. OF, $50 per gallon and
Tc' gallon upwards; also Rhine Wine. our
own importation. at reasonable prices.
We give special attention TO the bot
fling OF our Ale, Lager and Portsr.
Cleanliness is our motto Export Lager.
ri 20 per case OF "A bottles. Hasselbaum &
Special Select Stock Lager, sl.00 per case
of "a bottles. Half Stock Ale, hoo per
case OF "A bottles. Stock Porter $50 per
case OF "a bottles. No charge for bottlea
when delivered by our own delivery. Or
ders by mail or telephone promptly at
tended to- Tel 201i-2 Union.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

AGENTS WANTED-sELL OUR FA-
nous glass kerosene burner. Millions
used Sample 30 cents. Illustrated litere-
ture free. Monarch Novelty Co, 80
Kasota Bldg, Minneapolis. MINI.
s30-1t
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

WANTED FOR THB u. 8. ARMY
Able bodied. unmarried men. between
ages n and s5: citizens OF United States
OF good character and temperate habits.
who can speak. read and write Engiisn-
For information apply to Recruiting OF ,
r. T.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR sALE-CoTTAGE ON BURRlNG'
ton street. rooms. Improvements. steam
Wnl take back large amount In mortsase'
Price slS0. @. L. & IL. ]. GROSS, Man
ayers OF Estates, Union Trust BUILDING
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

A COMPETENT MAN ON SILVER
brushes and mirrors 20 mako at the
bench. T. w. Foster q Bro. Co.. 100 Rich
mond street s2S-tf
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
A. HASSELBAUM co.

Wholesale Dealers. Importers and Bot
tiers OF
FINE lAGERs, ALEC, PORTER, I,
WINES. BRANDiES, WHIs-
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

LEARN TELEGRAPHY AND r. r.
Accounting. $50 TO $500 month Salary
assured our graduates under bond. Our
six schools the largest In America and
endorsed by all Railroads Write for cata-
log. Morse School OF Telegraphy. Cin-
cinnati. o., Buffalo. N. Y, Atlanta. Ca.
La Crosse, Wis. Texarkana, Tex, San
Francisco Cal. alan
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
BARN TO LET. ass PUBLIC STREET
MISCELLANEOUS.

LADY LEAVING CITY SACRIFICES
elegant mahogany upright Hartman
piano: latest style; cost $500 cash July,
beautiful tone; manufacturers guarantee.
% Earl street. near Elmwood avenue.
s26-1w
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
NEW YORK, NEW HAVEN & HART
FORD RAILROAD.

A Time Table giving full information as
70 local and through train service may be
obtained at Providence station and
stations below.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

WANTED - SECONDHAND PAPER
Cutter. Blade II inches or thereaboutt.
News Office. sH-tf
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02
AGENTS WANTED.

WANTED-LADY OR GENTIh.sl.--,
OF fair education TO travel for hrm OF
1850 900 capital. Salary si072 per year.
payable weekly. Expenses advanced. A.
dress George G. CLOVIS. Providence. R. l..
o2-1t
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

FOR SALE CHEAP-OwING TO
health and need OF money. / am Obliged
TO sell at your price my entire stock Of
Horses, Cows. Bulls, Boar, Sows coming
in, Carriages. Wagons. Harnesses, double
and single. heavy and light. George r..
Congdon, 174o Cranston street. Knights
Vile, r. !.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-02

RELIABLE HELP. HOTEL AND
private families; good reference. Mrs.
Gilland, formerly Madame Calder's, 4o7
Westminster street. next to Public Mar
ket. Telephone 2710 m@-tf