Let's go to Lima, Peru, virtually, of course. Mr. William Joseph Showalter wrote the last article in the June, 1930, National Geographic Magazine, "The Lure of Lima, City of the Kings." The author "had come to see the first founded capital of South America in the process of modernization, and to catch something of the romance and lure of its nearly four centuries of dramatic history" (p. 727).
The country of Peru is located on the west coast of South America. Its northern boundary just touches the Equator, and shares the border with Ecuador and Colombia. Its eastern region borders Brazil and Boliva. In climate, it is cooler than its eastern neighbors due to the ocean current originating in Antarctic regions.
Here's a whirlwind course in Peru history. Sent by the King of Spain, in the early 16th century, Senor Francisco Pizarro destroyed the Inca Empire. At the very end, in the hope of his life being spared, the Incan King gave Pizarro a large room of gold and two smaller rooms of silver. This did not satisfy Pizarro; he had the Incan king killed soon thereafter.
The Incan capital was in the mountain city of Cuzco. Pizarro thought it was too far from the coast, searched for the best site and founded the city of Lima in 1535. He built a grand Presidential Palace and a large Cathedral in the process. The citizens were uprising, Pizarro was killed in 1541; King Charles of Spain then sent a viceroy who summarily was killed by the revolutionaries. For his last hope, the King sent a priest, Carbazal, another unfortunate victim. That was the last of the Spanish rulers but their cultural imprint lasts even until today, 2013. Their language and architecture survives, even with the slight Moorish influences as can be found in Spain.
Peru was plagued by pirates for centuries and also suffered through earthquakes.
In 1930, The Peruvians still enjoyed their bullfights and cock fights, but were starting to appreciate various athletic contests. Transport of goods was mostly left to llamas and donkeys, sure-footed beasts in the Andes mountains. Copper and silver were extensively mined and exported. Engineers from North America operated plants and refineries in the oil fields. Hundreds of years before the Inca civilization arrived, a prehistoric culture terraced farms; they were still be used by the Peruvians. At that time, the city of Lima had electricity and the potential electric power of the Andes was recognized but not yet fully developed.
There were automobiles in Lima in 1930 but few decent roads. "There are only a few hundred miles in the whole republic that can be considered as passably good roads for automobiles, though the government has recently begun an extensive road-building program" (photo caption, p. 776).
It was prohibited to bring matches and lighters into Peru. "One of the nation's greatest needs is the establishment of new irrigation projects, through which many new areas may be redeemed from the desert (which reaches nearly to the beach in many places). Yet this costs money. The government decided that its smokers should finance these projects. . .every time one lights a cigarette or cigar he is helping to make a new acre of land contribute to the country's well-being" (p. 773).
Towards the end of his adventure, the author found a sculpture done in clay which dated to the Stone Age, Pre-Incan time. "It has the high forehead of western Europe, the slant eyes of a Mongolian, the high cheek bones of the Indian, the nose of an ancient Hebrew, the mustache of a Manchu, the mouth of a Turk, and a composite chin. . .What visions it arouses of a man of high intelligence as subject and of a sculptor of unusual ability as artist in ages before the use of metals was known!" (p. 784).
Mr. Showalter concludes that "among archeological traces of civilizations that seem to affirm their kinship alike to Egypt, Greece, Babylon, and Orient, they gather new fascination and arouse new speculations" (p. 784). Were there ancient visits to Peru?
(Personal note: Last Friday I started knitting a 'Ruana' out of blue "100% Peruvian Highland Wool," bought in Seattle last summer. I was surprised then, when my next Nat. Geo. article concerned Lima, Peru! A Ruana is a poncho-like garment found in the Andes mountains. I may post a photo of the ruana, when completed.)
Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Going to BENGHAZI!
Harriet Chalmers Adams, an author whose account of her Portugal trip (see this blog, July 2, 2013) I have read in the National Geographic Magazine, now gives us an account of her trip to "Cirenaica, Eastern Wing of Italian Libia," in the June, 1930, issue.
Ms. Adams begins, "Acquaintance with the rest of North Africa had led me to anticipate in Cirenaica a country resembling its neighbors. I found it surprisingly different." "Under the 18-year-old veneer of Italian civilization, this strange land remains. . .more primitive than any other country bordering the Mediterranean" (p. 689). So, in 1930, 'Libia' (now Libya) was a colony of Italy! I was also surprised.
"Bengasi (now Benghazi) is the largest town and seat of government of Cirenaica, which is independent from its big Libian sister, Tripolitania. The Italians claim in Libia a territory more than seven times as large as that of Italy proper, with its Eastern wing, Cirenaica, occupying about one-third of this area" (p. 689). In 1930, Bengasi had 32,000 inhabitants; the entire country had approximately 200,000 citizens.
The country of Cirenaica is located directly south of the Island of Crete which is directly south of the country of Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. Cirenaica is on the north coast of Africa and has had many, many different governments. It was founded by the Greeks, then conquered by Egyptians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, then by the Arabs in the 7th century A.D. Finally, the Italians won the political rights to the country, but it cost them dearly. The Italian government was Fascist in 1930.
While reading this, I was hoping the article would shed some light on a few questions I had concerning the Benghazi area, since it has been in the international news for the last year. First, why do the people seem to be so violent? Second, exactly how far away was American help during the September 2012 attack on our Embassy?
Ms. Adams explains the operations of a particular Moslem sect. "The Senussi sect has successfully withstood western customs. The Senussi are not a race or a tribe, but a fiercely religious and fanatical brotherhood with political power. The order, founded by a descendent of the Prophet, born in Algeria in 1787, swept from Morocco to Arabia and south across the Sahara. . .It has been estimated that the conquest of Libia cost Italy 100,000 men and a billion dollars. . .The Senussi leader was given control of tribal affairs in the desert, and the promise that Western innovations would not be thrust upon his people. In return he agreed to keep peace on Italian and British outposts and permit unrestricted commerce" (p. 710). The truce took place in 1917.
On the northern coast of Cirenaica, east of Bengasi, was the city of Derna. Surprise! It is "linked with American history, for during the war between the United States and Tripoli, in 1805, the Stars and Stripes waved for a short time over its battlements" (p. 726).
In 1930, Cirenaica's chief agricultural product was barley; it was largely exported to Europe. Sponges from the waters of the coast were the second 'crop' harvested; sponge divers were all Greek. There are no hills that would qualify as 'mountains' in the country but there is a vast desert. Numerous oases with their wells and palm trees formed a chain of life in the desert. There are many Roman ruins in coastal areas. The author found part of the amazing Roman road with wagon and chariot tracks rutting the stones. The Roman Baths at Guba were quite extensive.
As you can imagine in a desert region, camels were very important. "Camels do a large share of Libia's work. The animals start preparation for their life of toil when about four years old. When full grown, they readily carry from 300 to 500 pounds" (photo caption, p. 723).
Ms. Adams talked to an Italian engineer about Italy's plans for Cirenaica. "Here, where the Greeks of old developed the Garden of North Africa, which our ancestors, the Romans, later called their granary, we shall again make this old-new land bloom" (p. 725). So much for dreams and hopes and plans of colonial governments!
Question #1: answered; the 'Brotherhood' has a long history of violence in Libya. Question #2: answered; Benghazi is so close to the American Navy bases in Italy, not to mention the fleet and air support in the Mediterranean, utter destruction was a viable option. Yet. . .no defensive response was chosen by the present American administration.
Ms. Adams begins, "Acquaintance with the rest of North Africa had led me to anticipate in Cirenaica a country resembling its neighbors. I found it surprisingly different." "Under the 18-year-old veneer of Italian civilization, this strange land remains. . .more primitive than any other country bordering the Mediterranean" (p. 689). So, in 1930, 'Libia' (now Libya) was a colony of Italy! I was also surprised.
"Bengasi (now Benghazi) is the largest town and seat of government of Cirenaica, which is independent from its big Libian sister, Tripolitania. The Italians claim in Libia a territory more than seven times as large as that of Italy proper, with its Eastern wing, Cirenaica, occupying about one-third of this area" (p. 689). In 1930, Bengasi had 32,000 inhabitants; the entire country had approximately 200,000 citizens.
The country of Cirenaica is located directly south of the Island of Crete which is directly south of the country of Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. Cirenaica is on the north coast of Africa and has had many, many different governments. It was founded by the Greeks, then conquered by Egyptians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, then by the Arabs in the 7th century A.D. Finally, the Italians won the political rights to the country, but it cost them dearly. The Italian government was Fascist in 1930.
While reading this, I was hoping the article would shed some light on a few questions I had concerning the Benghazi area, since it has been in the international news for the last year. First, why do the people seem to be so violent? Second, exactly how far away was American help during the September 2012 attack on our Embassy?
Ms. Adams explains the operations of a particular Moslem sect. "The Senussi sect has successfully withstood western customs. The Senussi are not a race or a tribe, but a fiercely religious and fanatical brotherhood with political power. The order, founded by a descendent of the Prophet, born in Algeria in 1787, swept from Morocco to Arabia and south across the Sahara. . .It has been estimated that the conquest of Libia cost Italy 100,000 men and a billion dollars. . .The Senussi leader was given control of tribal affairs in the desert, and the promise that Western innovations would not be thrust upon his people. In return he agreed to keep peace on Italian and British outposts and permit unrestricted commerce" (p. 710). The truce took place in 1917.
On the northern coast of Cirenaica, east of Bengasi, was the city of Derna. Surprise! It is "linked with American history, for during the war between the United States and Tripoli, in 1805, the Stars and Stripes waved for a short time over its battlements" (p. 726).
In 1930, Cirenaica's chief agricultural product was barley; it was largely exported to Europe. Sponges from the waters of the coast were the second 'crop' harvested; sponge divers were all Greek. There are no hills that would qualify as 'mountains' in the country but there is a vast desert. Numerous oases with their wells and palm trees formed a chain of life in the desert. There are many Roman ruins in coastal areas. The author found part of the amazing Roman road with wagon and chariot tracks rutting the stones. The Roman Baths at Guba were quite extensive.
As you can imagine in a desert region, camels were very important. "Camels do a large share of Libia's work. The animals start preparation for their life of toil when about four years old. When full grown, they readily carry from 300 to 500 pounds" (photo caption, p. 723).
Ms. Adams talked to an Italian engineer about Italy's plans for Cirenaica. "Here, where the Greeks of old developed the Garden of North Africa, which our ancestors, the Romans, later called their granary, we shall again make this old-new land bloom" (p. 725). So much for dreams and hopes and plans of colonial governments!
Question #1: answered; the 'Brotherhood' has a long history of violence in Libya. Question #2: answered; Benghazi is so close to the American Navy bases in Italy, not to mention the fleet and air support in the Mediterranean, utter destruction was a viable option. Yet. . .no defensive response was chosen by the present American administration.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Around the World in 21 Days in a Blimp
In 1930, air travel was new and exciting. New routes were being established first, for mail delivery, then for passengers. We in 2013 are familiar with the "Goodyear Blimp," used for advertising in super-ball games but known to be unsafe and slow for commercial feasibility.
Dr. Hugo Eckener dared to circumnavigate the globe in 1929 in a blimp, called a 'dirigible' or 'Zeppelin." "The First Airship Flight Around the World: Dr. Hugo Eckener Tells of an Epochal Geographic Achievement upon the Occasion of the Bestowal of the National Geographic Society's Special Gold Medal," National Geographic Magazine, June, 1930, is the story of his journey.
When bestowing the Gold Medal on Dr Eckener, Dr. Gilbert Grosvenor, the President of the National Geographic Society, remarked, "The members of this Society appreciate that aviation has been of very special service to geography. Aircraft are the instruments of exploration, of aerial mapping, of aerial photography" (p. 655). Perhaps some of modern readers value the service of photography from space. Aviation did it first!
Dr. Eckener's teacher was "Count Zeppelin . .who was a ballonist with General Grant's Army in Virginia. The "Graf Zeppelin" was the name of Eckener's dirigible, lodged in a United States Navy hanger in New Jersey with a smaller Navy dirigible.
Preparations for the trip were massive. "Lifting cells of the Graf hold hydrogen, while the fuel cells take ethane (gas). . .3,500 gallons of gasoline (as auxiliary fuel) and 1,100 gallons of oil were pumped aboard" (p. 658). Note: isn't a wonder the blimp could take off at all with that load!
The purpose of attempting an around-the-world trip was, "the desire, above all, to learn what the capabilities of an airship are; how to make the utmost use of them, so that regular air traffic may be possible in various zones and climates" (p. 660). "Now in this proposed around-the-world flight, we saw a chance to answer the question whether the airship was really only a 'fine-weather airship' or whether it could fly also under most difficult air conditions" (p 661).
The trip started in Lakehurst, New Jersey, U.S.A., and sailed directly to Friedrichshafen, Germany, Dr. Eckener's home city, then headed west over Eastern Europe and the vast wasteland of Siberia to Tokyo, Japan, then on to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and finally landing back in New Jersey. Stops had been made in Germany, Tokyo and Los Angeles. The blimp flew 19,500 miles!
The dangers they encountered were many. They had to change their planned route to avoid inclement weather yet were caught up in storms. The charts they had underestimated the heights of mountains and, in Siberia, they barely cleared a mountain by only 300 feet. Vast areas of Siberia were swamps; if they had to make an emergency landing, they never could have survived and help was out of the question.
The blimp team, of which Dr. Eckener's son was a member, proudly took many photos of lands never before seen from the air. They were amazed by the scarcity of populated areas and the wide virgin forests. My conclusion is: no one would dare attempt to replicate this flight today!
Dr. Hugo Eckener dared to circumnavigate the globe in 1929 in a blimp, called a 'dirigible' or 'Zeppelin." "The First Airship Flight Around the World: Dr. Hugo Eckener Tells of an Epochal Geographic Achievement upon the Occasion of the Bestowal of the National Geographic Society's Special Gold Medal," National Geographic Magazine, June, 1930, is the story of his journey.
When bestowing the Gold Medal on Dr Eckener, Dr. Gilbert Grosvenor, the President of the National Geographic Society, remarked, "The members of this Society appreciate that aviation has been of very special service to geography. Aircraft are the instruments of exploration, of aerial mapping, of aerial photography" (p. 655). Perhaps some of modern readers value the service of photography from space. Aviation did it first!
Dr. Eckener's teacher was "Count Zeppelin . .who was a ballonist with General Grant's Army in Virginia. The "Graf Zeppelin" was the name of Eckener's dirigible, lodged in a United States Navy hanger in New Jersey with a smaller Navy dirigible.
Preparations for the trip were massive. "Lifting cells of the Graf hold hydrogen, while the fuel cells take ethane (gas). . .3,500 gallons of gasoline (as auxiliary fuel) and 1,100 gallons of oil were pumped aboard" (p. 658). Note: isn't a wonder the blimp could take off at all with that load!
The purpose of attempting an around-the-world trip was, "the desire, above all, to learn what the capabilities of an airship are; how to make the utmost use of them, so that regular air traffic may be possible in various zones and climates" (p. 660). "Now in this proposed around-the-world flight, we saw a chance to answer the question whether the airship was really only a 'fine-weather airship' or whether it could fly also under most difficult air conditions" (p 661).
The trip started in Lakehurst, New Jersey, U.S.A., and sailed directly to Friedrichshafen, Germany, Dr. Eckener's home city, then headed west over Eastern Europe and the vast wasteland of Siberia to Tokyo, Japan, then on to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and finally landing back in New Jersey. Stops had been made in Germany, Tokyo and Los Angeles. The blimp flew 19,500 miles!
The dangers they encountered were many. They had to change their planned route to avoid inclement weather yet were caught up in storms. The charts they had underestimated the heights of mountains and, in Siberia, they barely cleared a mountain by only 300 feet. Vast areas of Siberia were swamps; if they had to make an emergency landing, they never could have survived and help was out of the question.
The blimp team, of which Dr. Eckener's son was a member, proudly took many photos of lands never before seen from the air. They were amazed by the scarcity of populated areas and the wide virgin forests. My conclusion is: no one would dare attempt to replicate this flight today!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Of Flowers and Ants
It is always pleasant to view an eight-page color photo section preceding a major article, especially those of the beautiful Canary Islands' art and architecture. In "Hunting for Plants in the Canary Islands", an article in the May, 1930, issue of National Geographic Magazine, Mr. David Fairchild has described some of the history, biology, culture, geography and products of these islands.
The Canaries are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northeast coast of Africa. "One thinks of the Canaries as a tiny archipelago, but as a matter of fact it is nearly half as large as the Hawaiian Archipelago and has twice as many inhabitants. It looks so small on the map that one imagines one could explore it in a summer's afternoon. . .The largest island, Tenerife, is almost the size of Rhode Island" (p. 607).
Mr. Fairchild, a native of the State of Kansas, United States of America, and his son, Graham, "had come over from Casablanca, Morocco, to see if any of the 335 species of indigenous plants which still grow wild in the barrancos and nowhere else. . .might be worthy of introduction into the gardens and farmlands of our great Southwest and South or perhaps prove choice greenhouse plants for popularization" (p. 607).
FYI: Barrancos are "great, dry river beds with precipitous sides and terraced plantations wherever terraces could be built" (p. 623).
The author, a botanist, joined the Allison V. Armour Expedition of which Dr. William M. Wheeler, an entomologist, was also a member. Dr. Wheeler had a habit of collecting species of ants wherever he went and was delighted with the many and varied specimens in the Canaries.
Spain conquered the islands in the fifteenth century; their language and culture remain, with slight Moorish influences. One major industry is fishing and another cash crop is mild-flavored Chinese dwarf bananas, most of which are exported to Europe. Chief cities in 1930 were Santa Cruz, the capital, Santa Domingo and La Laguna.
The islands are a geological product of volcanoes with cold, black lava covering much of the islands. The beaches have black lava sand. Due to the difficulty of digging in lava, graves are built above ground. All of the volcanoes except one were extinct in 1930. The tallest volcano, Pico de Teide (means 'Peak of Hell') is more than 12,000 feet high and can be seen 150 miles out to sea on a clear day. It was slightly active in 1930.
FYI: Native canary birds are green. . ."The more familiar variety, raised in Germany, are yellow" (photo caption, p. 628).
The team was greatly interested in a particular use of many of the islands' flowers in the annual religious festival of Corpus Christi (Body of Christ). This is observed with "an elaborate procession and by the making of huge, beautifully designed mosaics of varicolored flowers, seeds, and stones. . .in front of City Hall" and the Cathedral, and lining the street of La Laguna (p. 615). "Every street introduces a different design" (p. 619). "When artists have made their final arrangements of petals and blossoms, the molds are deftly withdrawn, leaving a completed carpet of flowers covering the street. This is carefully sprinkled with water to keep it fresh until evening, where the procession will come to tread over it" (photo caption, p. 621).
Mr. Fairchild was pleased to gather many seeds of the native plants he examined. He reports, "Few corners of the world can command such variety of mountain and valley, forest and desert, landscape and sea view, as these nature-favored islands of the Atlantic" (photo caption, p. 636). He and Graham left the Canary Islands thinking that the islands offer, summer or winter, "a temperate climate and superb scenery to the tourists of the world who are looking for new and quiet places to visit" (p. 652).
The Canaries are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northeast coast of Africa. "One thinks of the Canaries as a tiny archipelago, but as a matter of fact it is nearly half as large as the Hawaiian Archipelago and has twice as many inhabitants. It looks so small on the map that one imagines one could explore it in a summer's afternoon. . .The largest island, Tenerife, is almost the size of Rhode Island" (p. 607).
Mr. Fairchild, a native of the State of Kansas, United States of America, and his son, Graham, "had come over from Casablanca, Morocco, to see if any of the 335 species of indigenous plants which still grow wild in the barrancos and nowhere else. . .might be worthy of introduction into the gardens and farmlands of our great Southwest and South or perhaps prove choice greenhouse plants for popularization" (p. 607).
FYI: Barrancos are "great, dry river beds with precipitous sides and terraced plantations wherever terraces could be built" (p. 623).
The author, a botanist, joined the Allison V. Armour Expedition of which Dr. William M. Wheeler, an entomologist, was also a member. Dr. Wheeler had a habit of collecting species of ants wherever he went and was delighted with the many and varied specimens in the Canaries.
Spain conquered the islands in the fifteenth century; their language and culture remain, with slight Moorish influences. One major industry is fishing and another cash crop is mild-flavored Chinese dwarf bananas, most of which are exported to Europe. Chief cities in 1930 were Santa Cruz, the capital, Santa Domingo and La Laguna.
The islands are a geological product of volcanoes with cold, black lava covering much of the islands. The beaches have black lava sand. Due to the difficulty of digging in lava, graves are built above ground. All of the volcanoes except one were extinct in 1930. The tallest volcano, Pico de Teide (means 'Peak of Hell') is more than 12,000 feet high and can be seen 150 miles out to sea on a clear day. It was slightly active in 1930.
FYI: Native canary birds are green. . ."The more familiar variety, raised in Germany, are yellow" (photo caption, p. 628).
The team was greatly interested in a particular use of many of the islands' flowers in the annual religious festival of Corpus Christi (Body of Christ). This is observed with "an elaborate procession and by the making of huge, beautifully designed mosaics of varicolored flowers, seeds, and stones. . .in front of City Hall" and the Cathedral, and lining the street of La Laguna (p. 615). "Every street introduces a different design" (p. 619). "When artists have made their final arrangements of petals and blossoms, the molds are deftly withdrawn, leaving a completed carpet of flowers covering the street. This is carefully sprinkled with water to keep it fresh until evening, where the procession will come to tread over it" (photo caption, p. 621).
Mr. Fairchild was pleased to gather many seeds of the native plants he examined. He reports, "Few corners of the world can command such variety of mountain and valley, forest and desert, landscape and sea view, as these nature-favored islands of the Atlantic" (photo caption, p. 636). He and Graham left the Canary Islands thinking that the islands offer, summer or winter, "a temperate climate and superb scenery to the tourists of the world who are looking for new and quiet places to visit" (p. 652).
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
A Former President Travels
William Howard Taft was a former United States President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, first Governor General of the Philippine Islands, and member of the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society for many years. The following article, revised by Mr. Taft for publication, is a summary of two addresses to the National Geographic Society. Presenting: "Some Impressions of 150,000 miles of Travel," National Geographic Magazine, May, 1930.
Mr. Taft recalls, "I have traveled a good deal. . .I have been twice to the Philippines and back; I have also been twice around the world, in going to and from the Philippines, and in those four trips I visited Japan five times, Siberia and Russia once, China three times, and Rome once; and then in other trips I visited the Isthmus of Panama seven times, Cuba twice, and Porto Rico once. . .Such an experience has enabled me to breathe in the atmosphere and environment of many countries and many nationalities and has, I hope, given me a less provincial view of many international questions than if I had stayed at home and persisted in an Americanism so narrow and intense as to be indisposed to learn anything, either of government or society, from the experiences of other people" (p. 526).
Bravo! He is my hero, a true Citizen of the World!
We are treated to an account of the difficulties Mr. Taft encountered as the first Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands in 1901. The American Army had to turn over its power to Mr. Taft and the commanding general thought it was punishment for a bad job. This controversy did, however, work in Mr. Taft's favor as it helped endear him to the Philippine native peoples. "The largest of the Philippine Islands has an area about equal to that of Denmark, Holland, and Belgium combined. In its mountain section, are waterfalls, gorges, lakes, and forests of great beauty" (photo caption, p. 539).
There were serious health threats in the Philippines at that time: epidemics of cholera, plague, and smallpox. "It is wonderful how used one gets to the proximity of such danger and thinks nothing of it" (p. 547). He gives the Philippine government the right to take credit for improving the health conditions.
The next country Mr. Taft describes is Japan. "Japan appears to visitors like a great garden Parks are everywhere and attractive arrangements of trees, shrubs, ponds, lagoons, and bowlders combine to create delightful effects. The Shiba Temple and park, in the capital are particularly beautiful at cherry-blossom time" (photo caption, p. 546).
My dear dad, Reuben, was stationed in Yokohama 1955-57. Then he retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. The rest of the family, mom, my brothers and I, stayed in Louisville, Kentucky. When he returned, he brought us presents and told us, "I've been talking to a priest. I'm a Catholic now!" I still have the beautiful jewelry he brought. But he never told us much about Japan.
Mr. Taft, as Secretary of War, met with the Emperor of Japan several times and was impressed with the fine welcome he and Mrs. Taft were given. "I made a speech (in 1907) which was well received in Japan and this country, pointing out not only the impossibility but the absurdity, of a war between Japan and the United States" (p. 569). How tragic this sentiment was not held by the Japanese in 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In Russia, "Vladivostok is the Soviet Union's chief port on the Pacific" (photo caption, p. 570). The Kremlin in Moscow: "here is set in motion the machinery which has made Russia a testing ground for what has hitherto been only a theory of economy, society, and politics" (photo caption, p. 574).
Mr. Taft's addresses were very interesting and read like a novel. I repeat: Bravo! He is my hero!
Mr. Taft recalls, "I have traveled a good deal. . .I have been twice to the Philippines and back; I have also been twice around the world, in going to and from the Philippines, and in those four trips I visited Japan five times, Siberia and Russia once, China three times, and Rome once; and then in other trips I visited the Isthmus of Panama seven times, Cuba twice, and Porto Rico once. . .Such an experience has enabled me to breathe in the atmosphere and environment of many countries and many nationalities and has, I hope, given me a less provincial view of many international questions than if I had stayed at home and persisted in an Americanism so narrow and intense as to be indisposed to learn anything, either of government or society, from the experiences of other people" (p. 526).
Bravo! He is my hero, a true Citizen of the World!
We are treated to an account of the difficulties Mr. Taft encountered as the first Civil Governor of the Philippine Islands in 1901. The American Army had to turn over its power to Mr. Taft and the commanding general thought it was punishment for a bad job. This controversy did, however, work in Mr. Taft's favor as it helped endear him to the Philippine native peoples. "The largest of the Philippine Islands has an area about equal to that of Denmark, Holland, and Belgium combined. In its mountain section, are waterfalls, gorges, lakes, and forests of great beauty" (photo caption, p. 539).
There were serious health threats in the Philippines at that time: epidemics of cholera, plague, and smallpox. "It is wonderful how used one gets to the proximity of such danger and thinks nothing of it" (p. 547). He gives the Philippine government the right to take credit for improving the health conditions.
The next country Mr. Taft describes is Japan. "Japan appears to visitors like a great garden Parks are everywhere and attractive arrangements of trees, shrubs, ponds, lagoons, and bowlders combine to create delightful effects. The Shiba Temple and park, in the capital are particularly beautiful at cherry-blossom time" (photo caption, p. 546).
My dear dad, Reuben, was stationed in Yokohama 1955-57. Then he retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. The rest of the family, mom, my brothers and I, stayed in Louisville, Kentucky. When he returned, he brought us presents and told us, "I've been talking to a priest. I'm a Catholic now!" I still have the beautiful jewelry he brought. But he never told us much about Japan.
Mr. Taft, as Secretary of War, met with the Emperor of Japan several times and was impressed with the fine welcome he and Mrs. Taft were given. "I made a speech (in 1907) which was well received in Japan and this country, pointing out not only the impossibility but the absurdity, of a war between Japan and the United States" (p. 569). How tragic this sentiment was not held by the Japanese in 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In Russia, "Vladivostok is the Soviet Union's chief port on the Pacific" (photo caption, p. 570). The Kremlin in Moscow: "here is set in motion the machinery which has made Russia a testing ground for what has hitherto been only a theory of economy, society, and politics" (photo caption, p. 574).
Mr. Taft's addresses were very interesting and read like a novel. I repeat: Bravo! He is my hero!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The French in Canada
It is a beautiful way to begin an article in National Geographic Magazine, an eight-page color photo section. Mr. William Dow Boutwell writes in the April, 1930, issue, a short history of "Quebec, Capital of French Canada."
"Not until one ferries out to the front gate, near the Isle of Orleans, turns about, and steams up to the city from down river - not until then can one feel the full grandeur of Quebec. To do this is to approach the rock as did the first white men." Jacques Cartier, a frenchman, discovered the 1535 site of Quebec. One year later, he erected "a great cross, bearing the legend, "Francis the First, by the Grace of God, King of the French" (p. 516).
The French owned not only Canada but close to half what would become the United States of America at one time. "Everyone who lives in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Manitoba must regard Quebec as once the capital of his country" (p. 521). New France once covered land down to the gulf of Mexico.
The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, had his summer home and his laboratories on the shores of a lake near Quebec, Bras d'Or Lake. He was also one of the founders of the National Geographic Society (photo caption, p. 514).
Quebec was a large, important city in 1930. Major products used in Canada and exported included wood from the forests, aluminum and gold from mines. Power from the St. Lawrence River seemed to be limitless.
This city in the North particularly delighted in winter sports, a love that persists today. "Tobagganning down the triple chutes of Citadel Hill, skiing, bob-sleighing, snowshoeing, skating, curling, and other winter sports are making Quebec a North American St. Moritz. At night carnivals the snowshoe clubs march, their members dressed in uniforms as varicolored as those of Christmas carolers" (photo caption, p. 509). Perhaps one summer soon I'll visit Quebec and see all the historic and modern places myself. (I find winter travel most burdensome!)
"Not until one ferries out to the front gate, near the Isle of Orleans, turns about, and steams up to the city from down river - not until then can one feel the full grandeur of Quebec. To do this is to approach the rock as did the first white men." Jacques Cartier, a frenchman, discovered the 1535 site of Quebec. One year later, he erected "a great cross, bearing the legend, "Francis the First, by the Grace of God, King of the French" (p. 516).
The French owned not only Canada but close to half what would become the United States of America at one time. "Everyone who lives in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Manitoba must regard Quebec as once the capital of his country" (p. 521). New France once covered land down to the gulf of Mexico.
The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, had his summer home and his laboratories on the shores of a lake near Quebec, Bras d'Or Lake. He was also one of the founders of the National Geographic Society (photo caption, p. 514).
Quebec was a large, important city in 1930. Major products used in Canada and exported included wood from the forests, aluminum and gold from mines. Power from the St. Lawrence River seemed to be limitless.
This city in the North particularly delighted in winter sports, a love that persists today. "Tobagganning down the triple chutes of Citadel Hill, skiing, bob-sleighing, snowshoeing, skating, curling, and other winter sports are making Quebec a North American St. Moritz. At night carnivals the snowshoe clubs march, their members dressed in uniforms as varicolored as those of Christmas carolers" (photo caption, p. 509). Perhaps one summer soon I'll visit Quebec and see all the historic and modern places myself. (I find winter travel most burdensome!)
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Good Wife in Africa
Mrs. William H. Hoover was the wife of a scientist from New York (U.S.A.) in 1930. The couple had an 18-month-old daughter, Betty. Mr. Hoover was starting a three-year project for The National Geographic Society and The Smithsonian Institute on a mountain in South Africa. Mrs. Hoover and Betty accompanied Mr. Hoover. She chronicled their adventures in "Keeping House for the Shepherds of the Sun," National Geographic Magazine, April, 1930.
Along with observatories in Chile and California, the purpose of this expedition was to "report daily variations in the heat of the sun that reaches the earth. Every activity on the face of the earth is dependent on the sun's radiation" (p. 483). Two scientists, along with local help, planned to "set up and operate a solar-radiation observatory on Mount Brukkaros, a lonely volcanic mountain that rises from an arid plain of South West Africa" (p. 483).
After a long journey to Africa, Betty and Mrs. Hoover stayed in the town of Keetmanshoop for ten weeks while their house on the side of the mountain was made ready. They enjoyed the company of many new friends in the town. "Only business people have telephones; so rather than trudge to the other end of the town through the heat and glare and sand to invite your friend to morning tea, you send your house-boy with a note" (p. 486). Every household had at least one servant. As the temperature in town frequently surpassed 100 degrees, Mrs. Hoover looked forward to being in the country.
Mrs. Hoover's first problem in her new home involved a cow; she would not go without milk for her child. It was so dry in the district that cows were not giving milk. The scientists bought a suitable cow who refused to go up their mountain; they went to the cow and brought milk up the mountain. Cow #1 apparently was found dead of a snakebite in a short time. Cow #2 readily came up the mountain, gave milk, but broke its leg. Cow #3 worked out well.
Life in a remote location was not easy. "The first seven or eight months were indeed discouraging. The flatness, the dryness, the barenness, the cruelty of that seemingly endless desert plain struck me full force. My heart sank at the idea of three years in this" (p. 486).
Another problem occupied much of their time. Water was the expedition's biggest problem. Not enough rain could be caught from the roofs to supply the family. Donkeys brought two ten-gallon cans of water every day, up the mile-long, blistering trail, from the water hole" (photo caption, p. 488).
There were several amenities the wife/mother enjoyed in her small kitchen. "They had set up the sink with a trap and outlet, although we couldn't have running water. The water was stored in two big forty-gallon cans just outside the kitchen door. We soon got used to stepping outside the door and dipping out what we needed. The gasoline stove was a joy. Wood and coal were out of the question; the donkeys had enough other things to bring up the trail" (p. 491).
Without electricity, there was no refrigerator and no ice. For food, "we had to use lots of tinned things, and cook or eat anything which wouldn't keep, as soon as it arrived. Dried beans and peas, onions, squash, cabbages, and pumpkins were frequently on our menu that first summer" (p. 494).
Finally the freezer they ordered arrived. It had a gasoline motor. "Such a celebration when it was all finished and began to run!" (p. 495). During Christmas, the group heard tales from town of heat 118 degrees in the shade" (p. 493).
Mrs. Hoover had little time for leisure; "The days were busy ones. I had to be Betty's playmate" (p. 495). One adventure involved a leopard. It was stealing chickens from their coop. The men hunted and killed the leopard which was seven feet long. "Our only other dangerous creatures were snakes. The men killed several black ringhals, cobras that spit poison. . .Once we found one coiled in Betty's doorway. We screened the house immediately (p. 503). . .we always keep a supply of snake-bite serum on hand" (p. 505).
In addition to the severe heat, the area had a rainy season during which the local rivers became impassable. After a storm lasting four days, there was relief. "On a beautiful, clear, crisp morning, a great calm after one of these gales, we awoke with a feeling that everything had relaxed during the night. . .We went out on the stoop for some deep breaths. On the ridge opposite the house were three beautiful cliff springers silhouetted against the sky. They are the swiftest and most graceful bucks of all, their eyes the softest and most beautiful of any animal I know" (p. 506). Mrs. Hoover enjoyed the sun and dreamed of home in New York. Then suddenly she realized, "I had become acclimated!" (p. 506).
No longer will I take for granted my home and my lifestyle! And I look forward to the official report of the Mount Brukkaros expedition in a future National Geographic Magazine!
Along with observatories in Chile and California, the purpose of this expedition was to "report daily variations in the heat of the sun that reaches the earth. Every activity on the face of the earth is dependent on the sun's radiation" (p. 483). Two scientists, along with local help, planned to "set up and operate a solar-radiation observatory on Mount Brukkaros, a lonely volcanic mountain that rises from an arid plain of South West Africa" (p. 483).
After a long journey to Africa, Betty and Mrs. Hoover stayed in the town of Keetmanshoop for ten weeks while their house on the side of the mountain was made ready. They enjoyed the company of many new friends in the town. "Only business people have telephones; so rather than trudge to the other end of the town through the heat and glare and sand to invite your friend to morning tea, you send your house-boy with a note" (p. 486). Every household had at least one servant. As the temperature in town frequently surpassed 100 degrees, Mrs. Hoover looked forward to being in the country.
Mrs. Hoover's first problem in her new home involved a cow; she would not go without milk for her child. It was so dry in the district that cows were not giving milk. The scientists bought a suitable cow who refused to go up their mountain; they went to the cow and brought milk up the mountain. Cow #1 apparently was found dead of a snakebite in a short time. Cow #2 readily came up the mountain, gave milk, but broke its leg. Cow #3 worked out well.
Life in a remote location was not easy. "The first seven or eight months were indeed discouraging. The flatness, the dryness, the barenness, the cruelty of that seemingly endless desert plain struck me full force. My heart sank at the idea of three years in this" (p. 486).
Another problem occupied much of their time. Water was the expedition's biggest problem. Not enough rain could be caught from the roofs to supply the family. Donkeys brought two ten-gallon cans of water every day, up the mile-long, blistering trail, from the water hole" (photo caption, p. 488).
There were several amenities the wife/mother enjoyed in her small kitchen. "They had set up the sink with a trap and outlet, although we couldn't have running water. The water was stored in two big forty-gallon cans just outside the kitchen door. We soon got used to stepping outside the door and dipping out what we needed. The gasoline stove was a joy. Wood and coal were out of the question; the donkeys had enough other things to bring up the trail" (p. 491).
Without electricity, there was no refrigerator and no ice. For food, "we had to use lots of tinned things, and cook or eat anything which wouldn't keep, as soon as it arrived. Dried beans and peas, onions, squash, cabbages, and pumpkins were frequently on our menu that first summer" (p. 494).
Finally the freezer they ordered arrived. It had a gasoline motor. "Such a celebration when it was all finished and began to run!" (p. 495). During Christmas, the group heard tales from town of heat 118 degrees in the shade" (p. 493).
Mrs. Hoover had little time for leisure; "The days were busy ones. I had to be Betty's playmate" (p. 495). One adventure involved a leopard. It was stealing chickens from their coop. The men hunted and killed the leopard which was seven feet long. "Our only other dangerous creatures were snakes. The men killed several black ringhals, cobras that spit poison. . .Once we found one coiled in Betty's doorway. We screened the house immediately (p. 503). . .we always keep a supply of snake-bite serum on hand" (p. 505).
In addition to the severe heat, the area had a rainy season during which the local rivers became impassable. After a storm lasting four days, there was relief. "On a beautiful, clear, crisp morning, a great calm after one of these gales, we awoke with a feeling that everything had relaxed during the night. . .We went out on the stoop for some deep breaths. On the ridge opposite the house were three beautiful cliff springers silhouetted against the sky. They are the swiftest and most graceful bucks of all, their eyes the softest and most beautiful of any animal I know" (p. 506). Mrs. Hoover enjoyed the sun and dreamed of home in New York. Then suddenly she realized, "I had become acclimated!" (p. 506).
No longer will I take for granted my home and my lifestyle! And I look forward to the official report of the Mount Brukkaros expedition in a future National Geographic Magazine!
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