University of Santa Clara - Redwood Yearbook (Santa Clara, CA)

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THE REDWOOD 21 it was marvellous to see with what ease and dexterity they caught the sinking coins thrown from the deck of the ' ' Sierra ' ' . Nearly a thousand people were at the pier to see us land— and many of them were attired in picturesque na- tive dress. Of course, the real object of our voy- age to the South Sea islands was to play baseball. As the games are re- corded in the Athletic Department of this issue, suffice it to say here that we had a fairly successful season. Out of the fifteen games played we won seven and lost eight — but we must take into consideration the fact, that in our ini- tial game we were badly crippled, when Maher and Bensberg were seriously in- jured. Besides enjoying the pleasure of the great American game itself on the dia- mond, the boys were royally entertain- ed at parties, luncheons and dinners given in their honor. Through the courtesy of the Broth- ers of St. Louis College, and their for- mer graduate, Mr. Ben Hollinger, the team was present at their annual alum- ni banquet. On entering the hall we received a hearty and enthusiastic wel- come from all present. The spacious dining room was tastefully decorated for the occasion with choice cut flow- ers, ferns and pennants. Among the noted speakers of the evening was the Governor of the Islands, and his Lord- ship, the Bishop of Honolulu. Nearly every afternoon found us en- joying the aquatic sports and bathing on the beach at Waikiki. The natives taught us how to use the surf-boards, and through the kindness of the Out- rigger Yacht Club , we had free ac- cess to their canoes, and very frequent- ly went canoeing among the breakers. An experience of unusual interest was our visit to the U. S. barracks and forts in Honolulu, where thousands of troops are stationed to protect the islands from possible invasion. The commanders and sergeants kindly ex- plained to us the intricacies of the fast disappearing and dismounting guns, and the facility and accuracy with which they were operated. They show- ed us the powder magazines and am- munition stores, and explained why shells of three different sizes, piled separately, were used in attacking an opposing man-of-war in different ways. At noon, we were treated to a sol- dier dinner, which surpassed in point of excellence (so the boys thought) the cuisine of some of Honolulu ' s best ho- tels. Though the city of Honolulu is re- plete with various points of interest, such as the aquarium at Waikiki beach, the museum of ancient Hawaiian relics, the magnificent city golf links, etc., yet its surroundings seem to rival it in beauty and historic interest. To change the routine of our daily schedule, a great number of the team decided one morning to ascend the steep mountains back of Honolulu, and to enjoy the cool quiet of the hills at

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20 THE REDWOOD away the monotony of a long ocean voyage. Deck sports, bathing, music and walking about the outer deck now claimed our attention. Thus we passed most of our time during the six days of a rather un- eventful voyage, and on the morning of June 19, through a bright haze that filled the atmosphere, the unmistaka- ble outlines of land appeared. The glad tidings soon spread among the passengers, who thronged, in great numbers, to the prow of the boat. The first point of interest called to our attention was the island of Molo- kai — scene of the labors and sufferings of the heroic Father Damien, Apostle of the lepers — and where a leper settle- ment is still in existence. We next approached the island of Mari, and at 8 :30 o ' clock were opposite the first promontory, known as Koko Head, an extinct volcano. The peculiar aspects of this volcano in the morning sunlight were a beauti- ful and interesting spectacle. But we were not able to enjoy the sight long — for we were now off the promontory, called Diamond Head, one of the larg- est extinct volcanoes in the world. Within the large openings of its crater the U. S. Government has placed many hidden guns, and the construction of this defence is claimed to be one of the greatest mechanical feats ever per- formed. From the lofty eminence of this vol- cano all vessels entering the harbor of Honolulu can be seen far out at sea — while the city itself, and all its princi- pal buildings, are within easy range of these powerful guns. We were now slowly approaching the city of Honolulu — and where before were only rugged ridges and a barren shore — there now appeared mountains clothed in perennial bloom, with hand- some residences and villas starting up from the very edge of the water, sur- rounded on all sides by tropical vines, flowers and evergreen foliage. Before reaching the pier, quite a delegation of the most prominent men of Honolulu, and local sportsmen, brav- ed the terrors of the deep in a small fragile-looking launch and came alongside to extend hearty greetings and a warm welcome to the team. Through the courtesy of the Sierra Company, Messrs. Ben Hollinger, Jas. J. Jarrett, Bert Hushaw, Edward Fer- rario and others were allowed to come aboard. After renewing old acquaintances and making new ones, many interesting speeches were listened to, including that of the Mayor of Honolulu, who as- sured us that the city would be ours during our stay in the islands. Then, with the Royal HaAvaiian Band playing Honi Kaua , and On the Beach at Waikiki , pennants flying, crowds cheering, etc., the good ship Sierra glided slowly into her slip at the city docks. At the wharf a curious sight met our eyes. About twenty of the natives were swimming alongside the boat, and

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22 THE REDWOOD whose feet the city nestles. The large overhanging trees, tropical fruits and fresh green verdure along the road- side and mountain trails added keen en- joyment to our trip. By noon we had scaled the steeper ridges and arrived at the summit of the mountain. We selected a delight- ful spot for luncheon, and greatly en- joyed the excellent eatables prepared for the occasion by Mrs. Ben Hollin- ger. This high elevation commanded an unobstructed view of the entire island. To our right lay Pearl Harbor with its calm, limpid waters, and back of it stretched an immense expanse of grow- ing sugar cane. Directly below us re- posed the languorous city of Honolulu. Its handsome dwellings, with their spacious grounds of foliage, fruits and flowers of every description added un- told charms to the view — indeed the vista resembled a veritable Paradise of beauty and delight. The day was perfect, and needless to say we enjoyed every moment of it. But the greatest wonder which Na- ture had to offer for our admiration in the Islands was the far-famed Volcano of Kilauea — and through the kindness again of our old friend, Mr. Hollinger, we had the pleasure of viewing this wonderful sight. We left Honolulu one morning on the Inter-Island steamship Mauna Kea , and arrived on the island of Hawaii the following day. After a pleasant auto drive through large su- gar plantations, cocoanut groves and masses of rich ferns and evergreen shrubs growing along the roadside, we reached the Volcano House. The greater part of the morning we spent in the mountains, visiting the ancient crater formations, sulphur springs and lava beds. At three o ' clock in the afternoon we started for the volcano, so as to take advantage of both the day and night effects of the perpetual glowing masses of heat- ed lava flung out of the pit. As we neared Kilauea, hot puffs of air and steam burst up beneath our feet — and we had to guard ourselves from being scorched. At last we ar- rived at the top of this glowing fur- nace. And there we stood, spell-bound with fear and wonderment, as we gazed at the boiling liquid mass within the pit. The crater of this volcano is a lit- tle over a mile in circumference, and boiling lava is found 400 feet below. It covers an area of eight acres, with a lingering fire, about three feet in width, surrounding the main fire with- in. The night effects of the glowing lava are gorgeous — it is simply a sea of liquid, ruddy fire. But we could not remain here for- ever — though the spell of the sight held us enthralled. And so, at 7 P. M., a heavy rain beginning to fall, we made our way back to the Volcano House, all thoroughly thrilled by a spectacle we shall never forget. And now, in conclusion, let me say