New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-15
CEYL0N THE GORGEOUS
THE ISLE FROM WHICH
COMES THE FINE TEA.
British Did Not Raise from Barbd-
rism, but GRATED Nezcer Upon
Older Civilization.

In the initial number OF this series it exc
planned that the fact that there is general laca
OF knowledge In this country concerning Ceyions
its history and It's present condition. prompted this
undertaking. The further fact that the rhreatene0
import duty tea. which proposed durtne
the recent tariff discussion In the Congress. and
which found some interested support In the trade.
evoked such a general protest ths part OF the
consumer. and that of his well wishers Of the
press. and among business men. also led to the
thought that something regarding the country So
intimately associated with the Americans tea
tastes would prove to be acceptable
OF course. 1t will be impossible TO devote space
IN The Tribune columns sufficient to encompass
its phases and features-its present; ths standard
history, to 1858. of that land Of delights. the
Indian named IL. takes up two volumes OF nearly
100 pages each. OF closely printed matter. and =
fairly detailed report upon the Ceylon OF to-day
would probably be more voluminous.
But both past and present may be sketchily
pictured, and yet prove entertaining and instruc-
tive, so rich. varied and abundant are the
treasures in every field and of every kind-Nhethez-
the creations Of man OF nature.
Naturally the product for which this country 10
most dependent upon CeylOn. tea. viii claim much
space for il would be TO leave Hamlet out OF tho
play 10 do less than give that fragrant source
OF the islands present prosperity-and delight OF
the tea drinking contingent everywhere-ampls con-
sheraton Besides. knowledge is the thing that
enables Us TO supply our wa2ts most economically
what is behind the claims OF Ceylon tea to be thu
best tea the cheapest tea and the safest tea ssps-
consumed tea in North America -
.ny eSan9ry' their characreT. Volume and Cheap
ness. depend not-as many inagine-upon one Or
possess these desidersta to variety OF causes
For example. CeyIon's tea is not merely what CeJ-
invention, supplemented by modern science in cul-
business msshods. Contribute toward It's excellence
behind these. and not by any means negligible
favorabe auspices and capable management, IL
Is true-in the planting preparing and marketing
derstand and appreciate that important factor it Is
necessary to learn something OF its history.
considered as in any way like unto the untaught
sayages that were once imported from Africa. to
the island 90 to show that the British have only
sh ev1ston The rned css Of csylon with
their erumoling remains OF masnicent and
and imperial palaces attest architectural science
and art. the currieula OF their colleges and other
extrsordinary artcai lakes. heretofore alluded TO
as the tanks OF Cey.on, engineering skill to be
found only as an accompaniment of an advanced
An Interesting writer has said OF these, ruined
buried cities" for they are entombed now IN
silent majesty in them 1t is impossibLs not to feel
that we are standing
Where once beneath a monarch's feet
Sat legtslatiOns sovereign power.
Ceylon that so many years were allowed to elapsa
before attempts were made. on an organized scale
other cities Of the early snghaiese Kings .
Once taken in hand. however. the British have
works were herculean tasks Anuradhapura
+ rd IaGs' or hs level which Sey
quarian gories than In romantic scenery. Anurad-
Of people through countless ages. It has consist
entity attracted pilgrims from about 500 A; D. down
tourist OF the present day