The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1905-07-07
APARADISE OF PALMS
THE GROVES OF eoRpiaAERA. arHE
JERICHO OF ITALY"

THE GROVES OF aoRDiaAERA, "rHE
JERICHO OF ITALY"
A Pretty Italian Village Which Has
the Privilege Of Supplying Palms
to the Vntican-The Story of How
the Concession Was Granted.
More than 300 years ago an immense
crowd gathered before ST. Peters, in
Rome, to witness the raising of an
Egyptian obelisk. The work involved
many risks, and the preparations for
its accomplishment were surrounded
with much impressive ceremony. 1t is
said that Domenico Fontana, the ell
gineer in charge Of the raising, became
at the very last hour so aprehensive OF
failure that he appealed to Pope Sixtus
", begging him to command the vast
number Of spectators to keep absolute
silence, lest some chance noise should
confuse the workmen. He himself ar
ranged to communicate his orders by
an elaborate system Of flags and sig
nails.
At last the critical moment arrived.
The pope, after celebrating a solemn
mass and blessing the 500 worlSmen,
took his place on balcony overlooking
the scene. The great square was filled
with the multitude of people, who fol-
lowed the proceedings with breathless
interest. Unbroken silence, however,
reigned, for the pope, in response to
Fontana's appeal, had issued stern
edict decreeing death to any one who
uttered Il so-lnd.
All went we'll until near the end of
the work, when suddenly, as the obelisk
stood almost upright, the ropes which
supported the enormous weight stretch
ed, and the great shaft wavered. In
stantly from the midst Of the throng of
people voice was raised in disregard
Of the death penalty and ringing
cry, "Wet the ropes!' was heard This
practical advice being followed at once,
the ropes soon shrunk until taut again,
and the obelisk, saved from imminent
danger Of falling, was safely drawn
into position.
Search was made for the author Of
the cry, who proved to be a sailor
named Bresca, from the neighborhood
Of Bordighera, on the Mediterranean
shore. His knowledge of ropes had sug-
gested to him the remedy at the crisis,
and, carried away by the excitement
Of the moment, he had forgotten the
threatening command for silence.
Abashed and trembling at his temer-
ity, the offender was led before Pope
Sixtus. Great was his amazement and
relief, however, to be met with words
of forgiveness and praise. Instead Of
the dreaded punishment the
pope babe him ask some especial favor,
which should be bestowed upon him in
token of gratitude.
Mindful of the resources Of his native
coast, the sailor asked that for all fu-
ture time the right should be given to
him and his family to supply palms to
the chapter Of st. Peters for Palm
Sunday Assured by the pope that this
privilege should be granted, Bresca re-
turned to his home again, rejoicing in
the benefit which his impetuous words
were to bring to Bordighera through
years to come.
Such is the origin of Bordighera's
palm industry, according to the tales
which are CLEANED from old histories.
The different reports vary somewhat
as to facts, yet the story in all its es-
sential details Is constantly quoted In
Bordighera, and the village still claims
its annual privilege Of supplying the
Vatican with palms on Palm Sunday.
Bordighera Is situated on the coast
of the Mediterranean; but, unlike most
OF the Riviera towns, which lie within
shallow bays, it occupies q prominent
and exposed position. Tie Cape Of
SAINTS Ampeglio, on which the town
stands, stretches far out into the wa
ter. and the views obtainable from
many portions of the headland are of
unsurpassed beauty.
The most distinctive feature, Oh. Bordi-
ghera, however, is,its wonderful{growth
Of date palms, and the villageis well
called "the Jericho of Italy," It is said
there are more palms in and around
Bordighera than In the whole Of the
Holy Land. In whatever direction one
turns for view the featherly palm
trees are interviewer with the land
scape. Their rich deep green stands
out in relief from the silvery back
ground of the olive orchards, and, al
though the orange and lemon groves are
numerous, the waving palm branches
rise above them all.
It is said that the first palms were
introduced in Bordighera by Dominican
friars many centuries ago, but the cul.
tivation on an extensive scale dates
from the grant to the Bresca family.
The palm leaves which are to be used
in religious ceremonies are bleached
until they become yellowish white. The
branches are drawn closely together
at the top and firmly wound about
with rope In this way the inner
leaves, deprived Of light and air, are
unable to attain their natural greer
color. Unfortunately this curious