Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1912-11-22

O'Ah SOhuAtAOAs SAS eaAP 40 "Saa "OseH
aDybody's time and effort The males
W of this great cross. when viewed
close at hand, will never be forgotten
by the onlooker."
The Mount Of the Holy Cross has
been source OF inspiration to poets
and painters for generations. Eugene
Field has written a pretty legend con-
corning IL. He tells of monk, who
is informed In vision that his sins
will not be forgiven until he finds
suspended between heaven and earth
the symbol of the faith. The monk
journeys many years through many
lands. and at last he penetrates the
widest part of the Rocky mountains,
and, beholding the cross on the noun
tain. falls to his knees In rapture,
knowing that the vision has been full
filled.
Probably the most famous painting
OF the Mount Of the Holy Cross is the
work of the celebrated artist. Thomas
Moran. This painting is more or less
idealized. but it catches the stern
majesty of the mountain 1t has been
copied and reprinted on postcards.
and is one of the first pictures the
western tourist generally sends to the
folks at home. The views of the
cross vary greatly, according to ones
position, but the finest is from GER
tain point on Notch mountain, very
difficult of access and reached by few
artists or camera men.
Assembled the Cross.
Several years ago two daring young
mountain-climbers made up their
minds to ascend the cross itself. After
long and perilous trip, they reached
the base of the great chasm of rock
containing the snowbank which forms
the upright of the cross. 1t Is esti-
mated that this upright is at least L.
eco feet In length, while each of the
side arms is about 800 or 400 feet.
These chasms, which are always
filed with snow. form q perfect cross.
When the surrounding SHOWS have
melted in summer. the snow In the
deep chasms of the cross remains I'M
melted, and in July and August and
early September the cross looms up
as if painted in white on the granite
side of the mountain.
The daring climbers assembled the
steep slope of snow until they reach
ed the arms of the cross One of them
had done some Alpine climbing, and
he brought an ak and rope. 1t was
necessary to cut many steps in the
icy slopes. The climbers were in
danger OF losing their lives at every
step. but they actually climbed out
one of the side arms, and frofa there
managed to descend in safety. That
is the only time the cross itself has
ever been climbed, though Enos
Mills. probably the most celebrated
mountain-climber In the west, has
scaled the peak.
The Mount of the Holy Cross is
part of the Saguache range, pro-
nounced "Sawatch" 1t is 14,170 feet
in height. according to official esti-
mates. Mount Massive. near Lead
vile, is part of the same range, and
is the highest peak in Colorado. be-
ing 14,424 feet high. The Mount Of
the Holy Cross is higher than Pixies
Peak by 81 feet. 1t is very rocky
on it's summit, and contains little YER
dure, hence 1t is not used for sheep
grazing, as are some of the less pre-
c,pitous peaks of the Rockies,
The mountain climbers of Colorado
recently organized a Rocky Mountain
Climbing club, for the purpose of ex-
ploring the main peaks Of the Great
Divide and adding to the general sum
OF information concerning the noun
tlins. The Mount of the Holy Cross
is one of the peaks to be assembled by
the most skilled climbers in the
club. Maps will be made, routes for
trails will be recommended and 1t is
expected that the public will be given
much valuable information concern
ing the mysterious mountain, whose
white symbol is visible for many
miles throughout the Holy Cross re-
gion. With the difficulties of the trip
smoothed away 1t is not unlikely that
the recent pilgrimage of Colorado
cburchmen will be repeated by many
who have heard of this unique noun
tain. and who wish to gaze on its
symbol Of snow.