Class of 1880
William Isaac Clarke Smith, now on what appears to be a most enjoyable tour around the world on the Hamburg American line steamer Reliance, which left New York in January last, in a letter mailed at Cape Town, Africa, February 5, writes a very interesting story of daily happenings aboard ship and an account of several trips to points of interest at various ports of call which are included among the many attractions of the ship's itinerary.
The cruise thus far had been most delightful—no rain or rough seas, nothing but a succession of sunshiny days and clear nights with the Southern Cross above then- heads. The ship was very steady and comfortable, the food excellent, and everyone in fine health and spirits.
He tells of interesting trips around Trinidad and Bahia and two day's in Rio de Janeiro with the heat the first day 108° and the second day 114°, but no one suffered unduly and no cases of illness due to the high temperature. He found Rio the most beautiful city he had ever seen, with its fine harbor, wide avenues bordered by stately royal palms, magnificent buildings, parks, monuments, and private residences. A trip to the top of the famous Sugar Loaf mountain by aerial trolley with a magnificent view of the harbor and city was a thrilling experience. Also went to the top of Mt. Coronado by fanicular railway and then walked a short distance to the park, where a gigantic figure of the Christ stands with extended arms keeping watch over the city and harbor. So commanding is the statue that it can be distinctly seen by ships entering the harbor. The effect is highly impressive. Much more does he say about Rio, which they left reluctantly in spite of the intense heat. "On crossing the line" they had the usual visit from Father Neptune, his queen, and a large suite, and all who had not previously crossed the Equator were "ducked" in the swimming tank with appropriate ceremonies. Later in the day the Neptune dinner followed, and at night the Neptune Ball ended the festivities—all very enjoy- able and interesting.
A day at St. Helena furnished the so far high light of the voyage with the spirit of the Great Napoleon seeming to hover above the quiet spot, where his body (now permanently resting in Les Invalides in France) rested for twenty years in a beautiful little valley, the grave being marked by a flat square white stone without lettering of any kind. The house where he lived, "Long- wood," is now a museum filled with interesting relics of Napoleon when in exile. He writes much more of interest—more than I can detail here, but I hope for further accounts of his trip as the cruise continues.
We are glad to hear also from George M. Davidson in a most interesting letter from St. Petersburg, Fla., where he is spending the winter. Since our reunion at Dartmouth last June, he has spent most of his time touring in his automobile. From Hanover to Quebec, thence around Gaspe, to New Brunswick, back through Maine, and then on to Chicago, and from there he drove down to Florida, where he is located at present. He retired from active business several years ago.
He writes that on his way home he means to call on Dr. Sanborn of the University of the State of Florida at Gainesville.
He reports his hobby to be automobile touring. His health is good, having retired from active work. His chief occupation he says is to enjoy the remaining years of his life. He expects to be in Hanover for our next reunion and hopes that many classmates will be able to attend.
Secretary, 20 Kilby Street, Boston
