The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-02-12

WASHINGTON, Feb, ll.--War
Department officials were advised
this week that the first train had been
run across the Florida keys and that
Cuba in reality is more OF neighbor
to the United States than ever,
Troops and supplies now can be
rushed far out into the water OF the
Gulf, should occasion demand such a
movement, and Havana is within
reaching distance, The immence mil
itary importance OF this extension OF
the Florida East Coast line is appar-
ent. The benefits ACQUIRING from the
great engineering feat pushed through
by Henry NJ. Flagler will be enhane-
ed once the road is completed to Key
West. That island is being trans
formed into garrison OF as much
strategic usefulness to the United
States as Malta is to England.
According to advices, the Inaugural
ton OF the steamship service to Cuba
was undertaken simultaneously with
the arrival OF the first train at Knights
Key, the present southern terminus OF
the road. The steamer Halifax
made the first voyage, carrying
large list OF passengers. The line
will boast number Of commodious
steamers and will connect closely
with the trains.
Aside from the interest taken by
the War Department authorities in
this railway extension across the
waters OF the Gulf OF Mexico is the
excitement aroused in scientific cir
cles by the discovery OF some ancient
ruins on Knights Key. The Smith
sonian Institution has been advised ot
these discoveries, and a party OF gov
ernment experts may be detailed to
make further explorations.
The history OF Knights Key is one
OF mystery and romance. The little
island takes its name from the fact
that early in the eighteenth century
a man of proud bearing took up his
residence there, transforming the reef
into an almost impregnable streng-
hold. He surrounded himself with
and engaged in the haz-
ardous business OF piracy. The bust
ness in those days was profitable,
for the rich galleons OF Spain were
prizes worth the daring
No one appeared to know the ma
tionality OF this man, although his
ships were the terrors OF merchant
men OF all flags. He dominated the
restless spirits by sheer personality,
and report has it that he was rene
gade noble. When he had levied on
the sea traffic OF the day sufficient
bloody toll TO satisfy his greed he
disappeared as mysteriously and as
quietly as he came. The band fell to
pieces, many OF its members deserving
to other leaders. Their chief in all
Likelihood returned to the court from
whence he came, there to live royalty
on his ill-gotten gains.
Without name during its owners
the island was christened
by the few adyenturers left. Know
ing nothing Of the name or nationality
OF their leader, they yet acknowl-
edged his superiority and were con-
vinced he was of noble birth. Thence
sprang the name, which has lasted to
the present day. Ruins OF the cita-
del have been found in the jungle on
the island, and it is believed these
ruins will yield up much of historical
value.
Governor Magoon, who is in Wash
ington to report to the President on
the Cuban situation, is reported as
being highly pleased over the exten-
sion Of the East Coast Line. The
big statesman is holding down a job
where prompt action may be neces-
sary at any moment, for revolutions
grow in the West Indies over night.
1t is comforting to know that only
few hours now separate the Cuban
capital from the camps and depots
of Uncle Sam.
To Cuba the extension means
much. 1t will stimulate travel to it
and to the other islands OF the West
Indies, for the terrors Of seasickness
are abolished. Americans
yet may become as familiar with the
streets of Havana as they are now
with the boulevards of Washington
or the avenues of New York and Chi
cago.
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