The Lehi sun. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1913-1949, 1922-03-02


Close to home, yet less known to
Americans than many parts Of Europe,
Cape Breton Island, part Of Nova
Scotia, is far from being the STEW acres
OF snow" that Voltalre CONTEMPORARY
dubbed II in the days when France and
England were at each others threats
over II. II is barely an island, and for
all practical purposes may be consid-
cred the easternmost point of Canada's
mainland.
Perhaps many who have not seen
this land think OF II as Voltalre did,
but 1t has Its fruitful apple orchards
and thriving general agriculture, and
growth is remarkably rapid, once vege-
tatlon Is started. II has, too, all the
ingredients for Industrial success In
this "Steel Age"-lrOn ore, coal and
limestone. And, unlike those OF the
competing iron-produclng regions of
North America, Cape Breton's materl-
ais are at the waters edge, where the
finished product can be handled most
cheaply.
The ports of Cape Breton are closer
to Europe and Africa by hundreds Of
miles than any others on the North
American continent; and, surprisingly
to those who have not closely studied
their maps, the distance from Cape
Breton to Rio de Janelro Is less than
that from New Orleans to Rio.
A less material but important asset
Of Cape Breton is Its scenery and ell
mate. Relatively few American tour
lists have discovered" the island yet,
but those who have swear by Its
charm. Its summers are pleasantly
cool and Its winters, thanks to the
proximity of the Gulf stream, relative
ly mild. A principal pleasure feature
and beauty spot is the islands inland
sea, the beautiful Bras dor lakes, a
paradise for yachtsmen.
Cape Breton's history is old and full.
Undoubtedly her coasts were frequent
ed by Norwegian rovers as early as the
Tenth century, and we even have Il on
the authority Of the Flemish geogra-
piers that the island was discovered
and named by Basque fishermen, who
crossed the Atlantic In pursuit Of
whales a hundred years before the voy-
ages Of Columbus.
John cabots Landfall.
1t is from the voyages OF the Cabots.
however, that Cape Breton dates her
history. The highland to the north Of
the Island is now generally agreed to
have been the landfall Of John Cabot
the first sighting Of North America
or which we have record. Peter Mar
tyr's account OF the voyage OF the
younger Cabot In 1893, when the Is
land was claimed In the name of
"kyng Henry" shows that a landing
was made on these northern shores at
least year before Columbus touched
upon the mainland of the continent.
Standing far out In the Atlantic, the
most easterly extremity OF the Domln-
Ion Of Canada, Cape Breton owes much
OF her colorful history to her geograph.
lcal position. She reaches out into the
ocean trade lanes, the landfall OF
west-bound shipping today as In the
time of the Cabots.
Two centuries ago her commanding
position with reference to the trade of
the st, Lawrence and the West Indies
made Cape Breton an Issue In world
politics, an Issue sometimes disturbing
the peace OF Europe and upsettlng the
treaties OF the powers. The fortunes
Of the little island, now under the
red cross Of 81. George, now under
the gold lilies OF France, are a part OF
the continents histOry-the greater
part OF II a war history.
The story OF Louisburg, fortress
20 years In the building, at cost
Of six millions Of dollars-more than
four times that sum In the yalue OF
our money-its two sieges, and its
hnal demolition, is the best-known
chapter Of Cape Breton's history.
The fortress became not only the
base OF French naval power I'm Amer.
lea, but, with outlying posts nj 81
Peters, lngonish, and ST. AIMS tho
resort Of pryateers that infested tbe
New England coast and the haven 10
winch they conveyed tlieh' spoils.
Upon the outbreak of war between
France and England, in 1744. TO the
colonists Of Massachusetts and New
Hampshire the reduction OF this
stronghold was a highly attractive
project
Capture OF Loulsburq.
The FIRST Siege and capture Of Louis.
nurg 10y the little band of New Eng
ana mllit'Amen under Pepperell, with
me British West india fleet under War.