(As published in the Pall Mall Gazette)

Huelva is, perhaps, best known in this country as the great copper port of Spain, from which the product of the Rio Tinto mines is shipped, but it has other and historical interests. It was from the estuary now known as Huelva Harbour that Columbus sailed on his memorable voyage, which was to have such enormous results for Spain and the rest of the world. Several Governments having been consulted in connection with the celebration of the fourth centenary of the event, the president of the Royal Historical Academy in Madrid, Señor Cánovas del Castillo, announced at its last meeting that the American Congress had fixed upon such part of Spain as the Madrid Government might designate for the holding of the next Congress in 1892. The Madrid Government have selected Huelva for this purpose, the meetings to be held at the convent of ” La Rabida,” which sheltered Columbus when he was about to give up his idea in despair, and the prior of which secured for him that Royal aid which he had himself failed to obtain. The visitors will not find anything lacking in the way of hotel accommodation, as Huelva is the possessor of one of the best organised modern hotels in Europe. The Colon, or Columbus, as it is named, was founded by the Rothschilds, Matheson and Co., and the Rio Tinto Company, and between them they have produced a palace. The municipality are taking steps to render the stay of the members of the Congress agreeable. It is intended to erect a monument to Columbus at the old port of Palos on the estuary near Huelva, at the ceremonies in connection with which the Queen Regent and the Royal Family will be present.