Berkeley High School - Olla Podrida Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

Page 16 text:

The next day he was reported much worse by the solicitous governor. The ship must sail, it was delayed as it was, but Don Fernando ' s report was sent to his sover- eign. It was read to the assembled settlers and contained high praise of the efficient governor of St. Augustine and a glowing account of the prosperous condition of the province. The people dared not protest openly : and the ship sailed, leaving Don Fernando Menendez to the care of the 1 ' efficient ' ' governor. Two days later a coffin was hastily buried, deep under the moat of Fort San Marco — Don Fernando was dead. The governor regretted that a public funeral was impossible, but the danger from contagion was too great ; no one could see him. The settlers mourned for him sincerely — they had loved him and had hoped that his com- ing meant a happier life for them. The}- could not even show their respect and affection by flowers nor monument — the water in the moat hid his grave, and nothing remained of gallant Don Fernando Menendez but the loving memories in the hearts of all the settlers. About thirty years ago St. Augustine, still Spanish in appearance, but thronged with visitors from all parts of the United States, was horrified by a discovery acciden- tally made by workmen digging in old Fort San Marco, now called Fort Marion. A narrow cell was found, below the deepest dungeon known in the fort. In it was an iron cage containing a yellow skeleton. Nothing to indicate identity was found but a golden ring, graven with the Menendez coat of arms, a family well known in centuries past for their distinguished bravery and loyalty to the Spanish crown. The governor ' s treason will never be discovered — the secret was immured in the dun- geon with Don Fernando Menendez. h. h. J., ' 00. 14

Page 15 text:

VX)t JMystery of San JMarco EARS and years ago, when America was little more than a name to most of the European nations, a quaint little vessel, proudly floating the Spanish flag, sailed into the quiet harbor of what is now the oldest city in the United States — St. Augustine. She dropped anchor under the guns of the grim, gray fort guarding the harbor entrance, greeted by a royal salute. Soon a small boat shot out from the walls and sped swiftly to the side of the ship, now so calmly rocking in the swell, while her weather-beaten sails were rapidly being furled. In the boat was the governor of St. Augustine, captain-general of Fort San Marco, supreme in power over the province and responsible only to the Spanish king. He was richly dressed and his face, though resolute and strong, was cruel and relentless. The governor of St. Augustine had come to welcome Don Fernando Menendez, who had been sent by the Spanish sovereign to investigate the manner in which the governor had executed his high trust, and to report the condition of the settle- ment. The people rejoiced at his coming and whispered among themselves that he would redress their wrongs, put an end to injustice and tyranny — that he would dare report the governor ' s treason to the king. The people had murmured — they had even spoken of ' ' treason ' ' ; but they dared do nothing against their powerful leader. He had felt this distrust, had caught an echo of the whispered treason, so he welcomed the royal deputy most graciously, and for several weeks the old fort was the scene of lengthy feasts and nightly revels — the governor spared no effort to favorably impress Don Fernando. He realized that if all his deeds, all the people said against him, were reported to the king, not only would his high position be lost, but his life would be endangered. Treasonable -actions were summarily punished in those days. Yet in spite of the captain-general ' s most courtly care for his guest, and of all the gayety, Don Fernando Menendez found time to go often among the people ; to learn of many dreadful deeds which the gloomy cells and thick walls of San Marco had wit- nessed. He gained many proofs of the governor ' s faithlessness, and could scarcely conceal his distrust and scorn, as he waited impatiently for the date set for his return. But the governor knew well that his king would learn how he had betrayed his trust : all was lost should Don Fernando return. He must never reach Spain. With no conscience, unlimited power, a few trusty servants, and the secret dungeons of San Marco, the governor ' s plans were not difficult to execute. One morning, just before the return of the vessel, St. Augustine was horrified by the news that the gallant Don Fernando Menendez, who had won all hearts by his universal kindness, was most suddenly stricken with the dread yellow fever. The governor had small need to command that no one should go near his apartments, save two servants. The word fever was sufficient to make everyone take all precautions against contagion. Don Fernando was kind and good, but to try and help him would be to risk one ' s life. l 3

Page 17 text:

Amy Mott Dignified Greek She is wise beyond concep- tion George Spencer Florid Forum O for a forty parson power Greta Augustine Sedate Bolinas Modest, and simple, and sweet, The very type of Priscilla Class of 1900 NAME APPEARANCE HOBBY QUOTATION Seymour Hall Correct Ads. A finished gentleman from top to toe Leslie Dobbins Cherubic Olla Pod. How much older art thou than thy looks ? Florence Seuger Self-reliant The surf Oh saw ye the lass wi ' the bonny blue een ? Her smile is the sweetest that ever was seen Emil Kruschke Intense Vice Versa When I ope my lips, let no dog bark ' ' Katherine Storie Attractive Notes There was not one moment between my seeing thee and loving thee