Atlanta Daily World

The Bahamas
BY W. WEATHERSPOOL

Each island of the Bahamas is filled with interest of its own according to all reports that have come to me. There are products that may be found upon one in abundance that may not be found upon another which makes the various islands depend upon one another and the outside world.

Some men from some of the islands told of the deplorable conditions of many of the natives and how they barely eke out a living in the midst of a high powered civilization.

Island life is very much unlike any other life, other than the islands. Sea life has a particular charm within itself. Those who make their living out of the treasures of the ocean are as much at home in the midst of the parts of the water as those of the hills are at ease among the birds, animals and beasts.

A SHIP COMES TO CUBA

The island of Cuba is a few miles away from this place and yet there are those who make many of the distant islands and bring their cargo into this port for distribution.

The Customs Officer is on hand to levy and collect duty on the cargo that has been brought in. It is interesting to note that in the midst of the scrutiny of the Customs Officer many things go on to the delight and satisfaction of both parties concerned. On the whole it seems to be the consensus of opinion of some of the people all walks of life that it is very expensive to support high royalty and outside improving. To this end it works a hardship on common people of the native.

Butchering is of an extreme interest. Turtles are lying on their backs, goats are tied by feet and sheep by their heads, ropes are tied about the bodies and shoulders of the hogs, cows may also be included and they are waiting for their turn to pass into the slaughter house where they may be made into chops, bacon, mutton, steaks, roasts and other types of meat to satisfy the raging hunger of the sons of men. Of course if you stay here long enough, all speaks a language of its own and you do not have to tell the story of your recent visit.

The money side of life is English, American, Canadian and Bahamian. The Bahamian money can be spent here only but the English, American and Canadian can be spent here and elsewhere.

The rank and file of tourists don't understand the Bahamian money and it was interesting to learn that a man from the States on an occasion in making a purchase in one of the stores was perplexed in his counting to the extent that he said to the clerk as he pulled out a handful of silver and copper coins and said to the clerk 'take what you want.'

The work of the Commissioners that have come over the commission in which I am in is coming to a close. People of various walks of life have done many things to make it pleasant for us. This seems to be one of the delightful types of people on this island.

On Market Street, where I am domiciled, the family of which I am a part have members who are drug store operators, clerks, school-teachers, dressmakers, skilled mechanics (plumbers and carpenters) with a brother-in-law who holds a seat in Parliament; another, the Assistant Teacher at the Government High School and respectable citizens in general. The mother of the home is a very painstaking housekeeper who takes a delight in making it pleasant for visitors.