Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323154010
label
Ameriflora 4/20/92 [OA 7571] [1]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323154010
contentType
document
title
Ameriflora 4/20/92 [OA 7571] [1]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13808-008
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323154010
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
c66d6070efedb869
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13808
Folder ID Number:
13808-008
Folder Title:
Ameriflora 4/20/92 [OA 7571] [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
4
5
MERICA
$1.25
NOVEMBER 16, 1991
WHO
ys
IS
18.
GOD?
Mario M. Cuomo
WASHINGTON nc 20503
RM G-220 NEW EXEC OFC
LIBRARY INFO SVCS/DEOR
EXECUTIVE OFC OF THE PRES
AP 130408-1 92/06 $2110
PRISONERS OF
CONSCIENCE,
*****3-DIGIT 3-DIGIT 205
U.S. STYLE
Gordon C. Zahn
BLDG
281
###
REFLECTIONS ON
THE QUINCENTENARY
Charles W. Polzer
GEORGES SEURAT: THERE IS GENIUS! LEO 1.0 DONOVAN
This Quincentenary, while allowing for the remembrance
1492
of heaped-up injury, recollects above all the fragile
moments of hope in our groping into the future.
1992
Reflections on the Quincentenary
bate receded, and people began to breathe easier, more
By CHARLES W. POLZER
acute objections were voiced over the idea of celebrating
an event that brought death to millions through disease
EING THE LONE clergyman on the Christopher
and dispossession by alien systems of law. "Celebration"
B
Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission has
was then softened to commemoration, and commemora-
its advantages-and disadvantages. I was abruptly
tion has now yielded to observance. The last word to fall
and uncomfortably reminded of this in May 1990, when
is jubilee. The act of Congress that brought the Commis-
the National Council of Churches passed a resolution
sion to life included "Jubilee" in the title, as if the last
calling for a near boycott of the 1992 international cele-
tasteful touch to an anniversary cake. No one seemed to
bration. The news came during the Santa Fe meeting of
recall that a jubilee was an ancient Judaic practice that re-
the Federal Commission just hours after we listened to
commended that every 50 years the fields should lie fallow,
Russell Means of the American Indian Movement vilify
that people should reconcile their differences and that all
the Commission as an insult to Americanism, and the in-
should rejoice over past blessings and future hopes. Ten
vited Indian speakers as seditious traitors to their tribal
times that long ago East met West in the Americas, and
heritage. Controversy, abuse and rejection in the name of
we have yet to rest, reconcile ourselves and rejoice.
the Quincentenary shocked the Commissioners. Many of
For six years we have been learning a new vocabulary
them turned to me for an explanation-somehow the
and relearning things we thought we knew so well. We
clergy are supposed to have answers at difficult times.
have been unlearning clichés, distortions and unclever
For six years we have known that the observance of the
cover-ups. But none of this invalidates the Quincente-
500th anniversary of the discovery of America was going
nary as observance, celebration, commemoration or
to be a massive and complex affair. For six years we have
jubilee. It is all of these things for all of us in all the world.
been aware of the powder keg on which we are sitting.
All of us have had to learn a new vocabulary, beginning
with "Quincentenary," a stumble-block to many, includ-
T
HE QUINCENTENARY has become the occa-
ing President Reagan. This is to be the 500th anniversary
sion to rethink America, and if America has any meaning
of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus,
at all, it must take that meaning from its place in world
an Italian navigator sailing under the Spanish flag.
history, not from being just a newly discovered hemis-
Indignantly and correctly, the native peoples of
phere in the West. The misnamed "Indians," the im-
America object to the idea of being discovered, like so
memorial inhabitants of a vast continent, just like the Af-
much ore, and insist on describing the event as an en-
ricans, Asians and Europeans, are correct in insisting on
counter. Gently, with more sensitivity to the whole
"encounter." When they became "Americans," they were
hemisphere, the object of discovery-of encounter, that
being named in relation to an old and crumbling "world."
is-became the Americas. Then, citizens of our America
The finding of America by Europe was really the dis-
began to disclaim Columbus because he never set foot on
covery, the unveiling, of the human World. No more
the continental United States. Others joined the parade of
would the mystery of the West shelter unknown peoples,
critics in discrediting Columbus' "discovery" because
because explorers and navigators finally closed the cir-
the Vikings had beaten him to the North Atlantic shores.
cle. Advance to the West became return from the East.
And so it has gone for six years.
European values and legal systems had long depended
As the discovery/encounter/America/Americas de-
on axioms of earth-ownership that culminated during the
era of feudalism when tribal strong men were allotted
CHARLES W. POLZER, S.J., Commissioner of the
power according to their titles to land. Immediately on
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commis-
"discovery" the vast continents of America were lined
sion, writes from Tucson, Ariz.
out according to feudal notions. The untitled lands were
364
AMERICA NOVEMBER 16, 1991
so extensive that the powers granted by monarchs were
give-without forgiveness there is only the past to
unwieldy, and the unwitting encounter with the non-
remember and no future to hope for.
feudal peoples of the Americas spelled an end to the an-
This Quincentenary, while allowing for the remem-
cient ways of Europe. Although it took centuries, the
brance of heaped-up injury, recollects above all the fragile
basis of social power was shifted from title, to land, to
moments of hope in our groping into the future. Even as
the human person. Perhaps the greatest contribution that
the native peoples expiated the spirits of the animals they
the Americas have made and continue to make to world
hunted for their food, the human family needs to be made
history is the insistence that human rights are based in
sacred. We need holiness, not hate; virtue, not ven-
the person and not in the possession of land. In fact, the
geance.
way of America holds firmly to the notion of human
stewardship over the resources of nature, not to their
wanton exploitation.
W
HAT CONCERNS us on the Commission is
Don't misunderstand. This social dynamic has not yet
that the United States may be too slow in learning the les-
become axiomatic in the world, but it is emerging as a re-
sons of the Quincentenary. Many of our political leaders
sult of the discovery of the "New World" and of the en-
continue to view the forthcoming observance as little
counter with its peoples. We can learn important new in-
more than a super-parade, a pizza party or a world-class
sights from the discovery/encounter debate. They are not
regatta. In the meanwhile, the leaders and savants of
either/or terms. "Discovery" is the finding of something
other countries are pouring out redefinitions of America,
previously unknown; it characterizes the mental set of
from its discovery to its impact on the world. If we in this
the finder. This is why the "discovery" of America is rad-
country do not learn our lessons quickly, we will have
ically a Eurocentric concept.
lost one of the most magnificent windows of opportunity
"Encounter," on the other hand, is not a mental con-
to come our way at the close of the 20th century. This is a
cept, but a real condition; encounter is contact between
genuine moment for new vision and new leadership.
realities. Analogously, discovery is seeing, encounter is
When the tiny caravels blow under the Golden Gate on
touching. Both have their place in the history of the
Oct. 12, 1992, an era will end and a new one will have
Americas. The coming of Columbus to America was
begun, but only if we properly grasp the meaning of the
a discovery for Europe; and for the Americas it was the
anniversary we will be observing worldwide.
introduction to an unknown and vaster world. Encounter
with the peoples of the Americas was the biological
link between the hemispheres. The encounter assured
that contact would change the course of world events,
Master the
intermingling peoples and life forms. This profound
interchange is the focus of the Quincentenary, and nothing
Art of Ministry
less.
The tall ships and the ethnic pageantry are our attempts
Ministry is an art. It requires the careful
to express the magnitude of the changes that overtook the
integration of theological competence with
world in 1492. We need additionally to think in philo-
personal spiritual growth.
sophical terms. In our anxiety to find our own history
and culture we have overlooked the fact that all history
At Weston, students share
Sabbatical Renewals
in a collaborative learning
Access to the nine
and culture was changed in the aftermath of the Columbus
and faith experience with
schools of the
event. Even though Europe struggled mightily to hold a
distinguished faculty and a.
Boston Theological
cultural and legal beachhead from the shores of the Atlan-
student body of talented
Institute
tic to the Pacific, the waves of immigrants and the inter-
men and women-lay and
For more information contact:
mingling of bloods continue to propel humanity toward
religious.
Rev. J. Frank Devine, SJ,
still undiscovered futures. We are now launching ourselves
Weston offers:
Director of Admissions
from Cape Canaveral to the moon and the planets. This is
Master of Divinity
Weston School of Theology
the continuing dynamic of the Quincentenary. Any reso-
Program
3 Phillips Place,
lution of the churches that reviles the discovery of
Master of Theology
Department A3,
America is thus misplaced.
Program
Cambridge, MA 02138-3495
The Christian churches are right, however, to insist
Master of Theological
Telephone: (617) 492-1960,
Studies
Fax: (617) 492-5833
that we attend to the injustices of the past because there
Licentiate in Sacred
can be no human future without a responsible exercise of
Financial Aid
Theology
freedom. As in the ancient practice of the jubilee, there
Information Available
must be both reconciliation and rejoicing, for the world
is woven of good and evil. If the Christian faith has
Weston School of Theology
taught anything, it is the radical need for forgiveness. We
A National Jesuit Theological Center in Cambridge, MA
may have trouble forgetting, but we must always for-
AMERICA NOVEMBER 16, 1991
365
180
READERS' GUIDE TO PERIODICAL LITERATURE
COLORADO AERO TECH
Five hundred years later; reconsidering Columbus. R.
Avionics need love, too. G. Baxter. il Flying 118:108-9
P. Hay. il por USA Today (Periodical) 120:51-2+ N
D '91
From '91 sea to shining sea: 1492 [cover story] W. H.
COLORADO PLATEAU
Canyon country [cover story; special section] il Buzzworm
MacLeish. bibl (p193-4) il map Smithsonian 22:34-46+
3:68-81 N/D '91
N '91
COLORADO SPRINGS (COLO.)
Goodbye, Columbus. G. O'Sullivan. The Humanist
Religious institutions and affairs
51:46-7 S/O '91
Head for the mountains [evangelical groups] S. Rabey.
The 'Nifia,' the 'Pinta,' and the debate they started.
il Christianity Today 35:47 N 25 '91
E. R. Sábato. il World Press Review 38:24-5 o '91
COLORECTAL CANCER
Quincentennial: coming to a Columbus near you
Diagnosis
il Americana 19:2, 14-16 S/O '91
Screening as prevention. Prevention (Emmaus, Pa.)
The real Columbus. P. Hamill. il pors map Travel Holiday
174:64-71+ o '91
43:48-9 o '91
Nutritional aspects
A red light for Columbus. D. Gregory. il History Today
Can sunshine save your life? [vitamin D and colon
41:5-6 D '91
and breast cancer; research by Frank and Cedric
Reflections on the quincentenary. C. W. Polzer. il America
Garland] G. Cowley. il Newsweek 118:56 D 30 '91
165:364-5 N 16 '91
Your best defense against colon cancer. S. Lally. il
Schooled for the role. R. Roberts. il por Americana
Prevention (Emmaus, Pa.) 43:44-51+ o '91
19:14-16 N/D '91
Prevention
We can no longer, in good faith, celebrate Columbus.
Aspirin slashes colon-cancer death rates [study by Michael
H. Koning. USA Today (Periodical) 120:53 N '91
J. Thun] K. Fackelmann. Science News 140:374 D
When worlds collide [cover story; with editorial comment
by Kenneth Auchincloss] il map Newsweek 118 Special
7 '91
Can aspirin prevent cancer? [research by Michael Thun]
Issue:8-9+, 14-16+ Fall/Wint '91
M. D. Lemonick. il Time 138:66 D 16 '91
Where Columbus was coming from. T. Foote. bibl (p131)
COLORING OF PRINTS See Prints-Coloring
il por Smithsonian 22:28-38+ D '91
The world after Columbus. J. H. Elliott. bibl f il The
COLORS See Color
COLORSTUDIO (COMPUTER PROGRAM)
New York Review of Books 38:10-14 0 10 '91
Photoshop vs. ColorStudio: their battle reaches new
Bibliography
heights. C. Vornberger. il Byte 16:327-8+ N '91
Columbus and the labyrinth of history. C. R. Phillips.
The Wilson Quarterly 15:87+ Aut '91
COLSON, GREG
about
Columbus for the imagination [children's books] B. H.
Ed Ruscha and Greg Colson. S. Muchnic. il pors Art
Lopez. il The New York Times Book Review 96:29+
News 90:98 N '91
N 10 '91
COLTON (CALIF.)
Discovering Columbus: a quincentennial reading. M. E.
Crime
Marty. he Christian Century 108:1105-7 N 20-27
The hunt for Alicia [C. Armstrong murders daughter
and then commits suicide] S. Schindehette. il pors
Man '91 of the Year [cover story] G. Wills. il The New
People Weekly 36:125-8+ D 2 '91
York Review of Books 38:12+ N 21 '91
COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC. See CBS
Exhibitions
When worlds collide [Seeds of change exhibit at the
Inc.
COLUMBIA PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Smithsonian; interview with H. J. Viola] K. L. Adelman.
See also
il por Washingtonian 27:39-43 0 '91
Fiction
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
Grand Canton. K. Sessums. il pors Vanity Fair 54:154+
Roll on, Columbus, roll on [cover story] K. Sale. The
Nation 253:465+ 0 21 '91
D '91
A yen for Hollywood [Sony's takeover of Columbia
Statues, portraits, etc.
Pictures] E. Klein. il Vanity Fair 54:200-3+ S '91
A lighthouse that won't pierce the gloom [tribute to
COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER
C. Columbus in Santo Domingo] J. Ferguson. il The
(NEW YORK, N.Y.)
Progressive 55:24-6 o '91
Strong medicine [Milstein Hospital Building] M. Gaskie.
COLUMBUS (OHIO)
il Architectural Record 179:120-7 o '91
Industries
COLUMBO (FICTIONAL CHARACTER)
The Americas [address, August-15, 1991] C. Spielvogel.
Raincoat man. M. Leahy. il pors TV Guide 39:16-20
Vital Speeches of the Day 58:89-92 N 15 '91
COLUMBUS (SPACE STATION) See Space stations,
D 14-20 '91
COLUMBO [television program] See Television program
COLUMBUS European AND THE AGE OF DISCOVERY
reviews-Single works
COLUMBUS, CHRISTOPHER
[television program] See Television program reviews-
Discovery of the new world. il USA Today (Periodical)
Single works
120:48-50 N '91
COLUMNS (NEWSPAPERS) See Newspapers-Sections,
'Gardens the most beautiful I ever saw'; ed. by William
columns, etc.
Carlos Williams. il The Wilson Quarterly 15:70-1 Aut
COLWIN, LAURIE
Four easy pieces. il Gourmet 51:90+ 0 '91
'91
about
How to face the holidays. il Gourmet 51:89+ D '91
1492-1992 Columbus. il pors People Weekly 36:149 D
Turkey angst. il Gourmet 51:102+ N '91
30 '91-Ja 6 '92
COMA
1992: cerebration, not celebration. M. V. Gannon. il
The power of puppy love [dog helps accident victim
The Wilson Quarterly 15:82-3 Aut '91
D. Tomei emerge from coma] il por People Weekly
An alternative route to mapping history. J. B. Harley
36:102 D 16 '91
and D. Woodward. il maps Americas 43 nos5-6:6-13
COMANCHE HELICOPTERS See Helicopters-Military
'91
use
and then there was Columbus. M. K. Asante.
COMBAT AND WOMEN See Women and war
por Essence 22:104 0 '91
COMBATIVENESS See Fighting (Psychology)
Clueless with Columbus [cover story] B. Marsano. il
COMBI DISC PLAYERS See Combination disc players
pors maps Conde Nast Traveler 26:180-93+ o '91
COMBINATION DISC PLAYERS
Columbus and the labyrinth of history. J. N. Wilford.
Testing
il pors The Wilson Quarterly 15:66-81+ Aut '91
Carver combi player [MD/V-500] il Video 15:17+ N
Columbus go home. M. Falcoff. The American Spectator
Panasonic '91 combi player [LX-101] il Video 15:18+ o
24:25-6 o '91
Columbus sets sail on a sea of controversy. N. Hickey.
il TV Guide 39:16-17 O 5-11 '91
Pioneer '91 Elite combi player [CLD-95] il Video 15:24-5
Columbus weathers the Bahamas. W. K. Henry. il
D '91
Weatherwise 44:14-19 D '91/Ja '92
COMBINATORIAL ANALYSIS
Columbus's mysterious signature. J. N. Wilford. The
See also
Wilson Quarterly 15:78 Aut '91
Tessellations (Mathematics)
Everything you need to know about Columbus [with
COMBINED RELEASE AND RADIATION EFFECTS
editorial comment by Richard F. Snow] G.-G. Deak.
SATELLITE See CRRES (Combined Release and
il pors map American Heritage 42:7, 40-54 o '91
Radiation Effects Satellite)
IDEAS
Stay
Home!
A bitter debate over his 500th anniversary
he executive director of the Chris-
He is called a rapist and plunderer, a slave
topher Columbus Quincentenary
trader, a mass murderer comparable to
Jubilee Commission is picking his
Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot. Ecologist and
words carefully. "We don't call it a
historian Kirkpatrick Sale set the tone in
celebration," says James Kuhn.
his recent book on Columbus, "The Con-
"We call it a commemoration." Of what?
quest of Paradise," denouncing the admi-
"Specifically the 500th anniversary of the
ral for every sin but littering: lovelessness,
voyages to the New World," he explains.
avarice, duplicity, paranoia, ferocity and
Oh, Columbus's great discovery? No, says
cruelty. Sale even accuses Columbus of be-
Kuhn, "I refer to it as an 'encounter. I may
ing a "wretched mariner," heedless of his
have even said discovery in the past but
ships and reckless in challenging ill winds.
now I refer to it as an encounter."
The problem is that Columbus did all
With friends like these, Christopher Co-
those things-and more. "He was one of the
lumbus is in for a bad year.
most complicated personalities in the an-
It didn't start out that way. The drums
nals of history," says University of Georgia
were in place for traditional ruffles
geographer Louis De Vorsey, author of an
and flourishes: replicas of
upcoming guide to "Age
the cockleshell caravels,
of Discovery" research at
museum exhibits, two
the Library of Congress.
Hollywood movies, a tide
I object to over-
In one bold stroke, Colum-
of academic books and ar-
loading Columbus
bus changed the world, ir-
ticles. But somehow the
revocably linking the Old
hoopla curdled. Kuhn's
Western tradition as a threat to civilization
Quincentenary Commis-
with responsibili-
and the New. His were
itself. In the shorthand of the times, this is
the quintessential voy-
sion, funded partially by
another example of the skirmishing called
ty. He was interest-
ages across uncharted wa-
political correctness.
Congress, is trying to re-
ters, adventures that car-
group after the resigna-
Discussion about Columbus has never
tion of its chairman and
ed in discovery. He
ried the imagination of
been untroubled. He was a prickly charac-
Western man to the moon
an investigation of its
ter at best, enigmatic and often evasive; he
wasn't interested
and beyond. The conquis-
finances. Groups rang-
spent his last years in failure and disgrace,
tadors followed in his
ing from the National
ill and at least half mad. Within 50 years of
in genocide.
wake; their journeys were
Council of Churches to the
his death, the revisionist friar Bartolomé de
the proximate cause of
American Indian Move-
las Casas was writing eloquently of the
ment have denounced
PROF. DAURIL ALDEN
tragedy, most particular-
atrocities committed under Columbus and
ly the end of Aztec and
the festivities. Museums
his successors as governors. Indians were
Inca civilizations-mil-
that thought they had
tortured and killed, hunted in the hills, fed
lions died as their im-
booked crowd-pleasingat
to the white men's dogs. Millions died, most-
mune systems were over-
tractions now find themselves mired in con-
ly from smallpox, diphtheria and whooping
matched by the diseases Europeans
troversy. When Atlanta's SciTrek museum
cough. It was a cruel time.
brought with them. The Spaniards didn't
opened an exhibit of a scale-model Niña last
But that's the point: even if Columbus set
set out to wipe out the natives. Indeed their
month, pickets paraded outside until offi-
all that evil in motion, he can't be called the
deaths were inconvenient, leading to an-
cials agreed to add panels on the life and
sole or even the chief villain. Latin Ameri-
other horror: the importing of African
times of Native Americans. In Washington,
can historian Dauril Alden of the Universi-
slaves to the Western Hemisphere.
the National Endowment for the Human-
ty of Washington says that Columbus "was
Complicating matters further is that the
ities took a lock at a proposed television
a product of his times. "He was beastly to the
attempt to assess Columbus and his prop-
documentary, found scripts that painted
Indians and beastly to his sailors. When he
er place-shall we mourn, celebrate or
the historic voyage and its aftermath as a
caught his men stealinggold, he ordered the
both?-comes in the midst of an acrimoni-
genocidal campaign and canceled the fed-
amputation of their noses or ears. Moderns
ous debate in American intellectual life.
eral funding.
can look back at such behavior with revul-
This controversy pits those anxious to
In books and speeches, Columbus him-
sion; but applying a moral code that wasn't
prove the evils of Eurocentric thinking and
self comes in for almost nothing but abuse.
then in place doesn't help explain Colum-
action against those who treat all attacks on
bus or put his actions in any sort of context.
54 NEWSWEEK
NORTH WIND PICTURES
"Every generation," Alden says, "rethinks
ogy was another cause unknown in Co-
'Smirk of superiority': After a
its historical past through a prism that
lumbus's time.) These groups would also
shipwreck, help from a Carib chief
reflects its own concerns. But I object to
like to reverse the axiom that losers don't
overloading Columbus with responsibility
get to write history. Among other things,
reporters come when I give a lecture, but if
for everything that happened. He was in-
they're proposing model curricula, public-
somebody is protesting they do," she says.
terested in discovery, in wealth and pres-
service spots and consulting services that
"The more statements, the more open dis-
tige. He wasn't interested in genocide."
will carefully balance all public displays.
cussion, the better."
But context isn't every-
"We don't want window
In the end, we are left with the kind of
thing; the Indians did die
dressing," says 1992 Alli-
question that might enliven a parlor game:
in appalling numbers.
He represents the
ance coordinator Suzan
is mankind better off because the Europe-
"He represents the worst
Harjo. "We want our
ans settled the Americas or would things
of his era." says leading
worst of his era.
views made prominent."
have been better if they had never come?
revisionist Jack Weath-
As long as a varie-
It's 1992 and the Aztecs stand astride the
erford of Macalester Col-
We should honor
ty of views can be ex-
hemisphere, handsome, proud and com-
lege. "We should honor
pressed, the debate over
mitted to their nasty habit of human sacri-
those who rise above their
those who rise
Columbus and his legacy
fice. In Europe, mature democracies might
times." Some Native
may pay pedagogical divi-
anguish over whether they should export
American groups have or-
above their times.
dends. Remember, this is
their ideology to an indigenous people who
ganized their own events.
a nation where the aver-
obey totalitarian chiefs. Or maybe things
The newly formed 1992
PROF. JACK WEATHERFORD
age eighth grader can't
would have worked out differently. It's
Alliance has declared
name the century in
been 500 years. Time enough to remember.
"The Year of the Indige-
which the Civil War took
as Princeton anthropologist Jorge Klor de
nous People" beginning
place or find Mexico on a
Alva says, that "we're descended from both
next Jenuary. More than
map with either hand.
sides, the conqueror and the conquered.
0.0 groups planning native commemo-
evenhanced appreciation of the multiple
This should be a time of great reflection."
rations. In New York City, the Native
layers of history is a bonus. Indiana Uni-
There is pride and sorrow enough for all.
Ameri 10 Council will hold a weeklong
yersity professor Helen Nader, a past chair
ARIC PRESS with PATRICIA EINGER
and sponsor an hour of silence on
of the American Historical Association's
San Francisco, KAREN SPRINGEN in Chica. 2.
Oct. 12 10 emohal e the environmental
Columbus committee, thinks that a good
SHAWN D. LEWISIN Detroit. MICHAEL MASON
in Atlanta. LUCILLE BEACHY in New York
by ruribus's heirs. (Ecol-
brawl will help her cause: "No cameras or
and report
NEWSWEEK JUNESLI.
History
The
Trouble
With
Columbus
As the 500th anniversary of his New World voyage approaches, a
fundamental argument about its significance is growing in stridency
By PAUL GRAY
nents, in the process fundamentally
enriching and altering the Old
Planned more than a centu-
World from which they had them-
ry ago as a tribute to the
selves come.
landfall of Christopher Co-
Among other things, Columbus'
lumbus in 1492. a five-story
journey was the first step in a long
THE GRANGER COLLECTION
lighthouse now. finally,
process that eventually produced
thrusts itself into the sky over Santo Do-
the United States of America, a dar-
mingo, in the Dominican Republic. Ag-
ing experiment in democracy that in
gressively supported by the nation's octo-
turn became a symbol and a haven
genarian President Joaquin Balaguer, the
of individual liberty for people
project will cost, when all the finishing
throughout the world. But the revo-
touches are completed, about $20 million.
lution that began with his voyages
It will also, when the switch is pulled. put on
was far greater than that. It altered
quite a show: 147 giant beams projecting a
science, geography, philosophy, ag-
cross of light 3,000 ft. into the Caribbean
night. The lighthouse comes equipped with
its own power generators, which was a pru-
The two views:
dent idea on someone's part. The Domini-
can Republic's electricity system has virtu-
ally collapsed for lack of funding. Like the
1. Columbus'
rest of the country. the neighborhoods sur-
rounding this soaring beacon are routinely
journey was the
blacked out 20 hours a day.
first step in a
The grandiose new lighthouse already
looks like an anomaly, while the old poverty
process that
huddling at its edges seems all too contem-
produced a daring
porary. Overarching light and enforced
darkness, cheek by jowl. The Manichaean
experiment in
contrast is altogether fitting for this. the
democracy, which
500th anniversary of Columbus' world-shat-
in turn became a
tering voyage. which is itself increasingly
seen in opposing terms of black and white.
symbol and a
The Columbus quincentennial officially
haven of liberty.
kicks off this Columbus Day, Oct. 12-but it
has even now generated enough contrast
riculture, law. religion,
arrogance, brutality and infectious dis-
and controversy to outlast its appointed
ethics, government-the
year and, quite possibly, this decade.
Or.
eases. Columbus' gift was slavery to those
sum, in other words, of
who greeted him; his arrival set in motion
At the heart of the hubbub lies a funda-
what passed at the time
mental disagreement, not so much about
the ruthless destruction. continuing at this
as Western culture.
very moment, of the natural world he en-
Columbus himself as about the Columbian
Increasingly, however, there is a
legacy. What, in other words, did the enig-
tered. Genocide, ecocide, exploitation-
counterchorus, an opposing rendition of
even the notion of Columbus as a "discov-
matic Genoan set in motion when he first
the same events that deems Columbus'
erer"-are deemed to be a form of Euro-
reached the New World? In one version of
first footfall in the New World to be fatal to
centric theft of history from those who
the story, Columbus and the Europeans
the world he invaded, and even to the rest
who followed him brought civilization to
watched Columbus' ships drop anchor off
of the globe. The indigenous peoples and
their shores.
two immense, sparsely populated conti-
their cultures were doomed by European
Not surprisingly, those who see Colum-
52
TIME. OCTOBER 7. 1991
bus' journey as a triumph of the human
progress toward perfection and those who
view the same event as a hemispheric rape
do not have many kindly things to say to
one another. But they are shouting a lot,
and this clamor, so far, has defined the cer-
emonies to come.
Outwardly, at least, the planned hoopla
looks much the same as that attending oth-
er big-bow-wow anniversaries, such as the
bicentennials of the U.S. Declaration of
Independence in 1976 or of the French
Revolution in 1989. Columbus will be giv-
en the now obligatory PBS documentary se-
ries for important occasions: Columbus
and the Age of Discovery will spread seven
hours over four nights, beginning Oct. 6,
with the whole shebang to be repeated on
Columbus Day. Furthermore, those hun-
gering for Columbus T shirts, watches or
other memorabilia should not have to
search far to satiate themselves. The spirit
of good old-fashioned boosterism in pur-
suit of tourist revenues is alive and well
wherever a claim can be laid to Columbus.
Starting next April 20, Spain will stage
Expo '92, billed as the largest World's Fair
in history. The host city is Seville, which is
not far from where the explorer set out on
the ocean blue, and the extensive plans for
the event include three replica ships-of
the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa María-
to be moored in a re-creation of a 15th cen-
tury port. Another set of three replica ships
will sail from Spain Oct. 12 and retrace Co-
lumbus' first voyage to the New World. In
Columbus, Ohio, "the largest city in the
world bearing the explorer's name," yet an-
other replica of the Santa María will be
christened Oct. 11 and then docked on the
Scioto River downtown. The city's year-
long schedule of events includes perfor-
mances of new works by its orchestra, op-
era, ballet and theater groups, not to
mention an educational exhibit called "500
Years of Accounting" to commemorate
the Italian invention of double-entry
bookkeeping.
And so it will go, in both hemispheres.
A 14½. fiber-glass statue of the explorer
has gone up in Columbus, Wis. Club Med
is struggling to complete a new getaway re-
treat on the Bahamian island of San Salva-
dor, one of the many spots that claim to be
the place where the explorer first landed.
Commercialism does, of course, entail
risks. Genoa, Columbus' birthplace, confi-
dently expects at least 2 million visitors to
attend its "Man, the Ship and the Sea" ex-
travaganza, which begins May 15, amid
rampant rumors in Italy of corruption and
misuse of funds by the planners.
The grandiloquently named Christo-
pher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee
Commission, established by Congress in
1984, has also run into some fiduciary
problems. Its first chairman, Miami devel-
oper and- Republican fund raiser John
Goudie, resigned last year amid com-
plaints of mismanagement. Meanwhile,
the U.S. recession has put a crimp in the
Illustrations for TIME by Blair Drawson
53
commission's ability to obtain public and
Denver. says of the quincentennial plans:
with-"a nightmare," as James Joyce's
private donations. In Florida three sepa-
"We're talking about celebrating the great
Stephen Dedalus described it, "from which
rate state Columbus commissions have
benefit to some people brought by the
I am trying to awake." But bad dreams
foundered on a lack of money.
murder of other people." Further to Co-
have never been popular. particularly in
This rain on the Columbus parade is
lumbus' discredit. at the bar of contempo-
the U.S., where it has been assumed they
nothing. though. compared with the storm
rary judgment, is his identity as a white
can be erased by a different way of seeing
of outrage that the prospect of quincenten-
European male. Across the U.S., academi-
the things that caused them.
nial partying has unleashed among the
cians will be jetting to innumerable confer-
Ironically, Columbus drew much of his
anti-Columbians. "Our celebration is to
ences where they will give papers on the
stature from one such national mind-
oppose." says Evaristo Nugkuag, a mem-
colonial depredations and horrors that Co-
change. Prior to the War of 1812. he did
ber of the Aguaruna people, who is presi-
lumbus inaugurated. Author Hans Koning,
not figure large in the U.S. imagination.
dent of the Coordinating Body for the In-
who has written a scathing biography titled
But after that conflict, American patriots
digenous Peoples' Organizations of the
Columbus: His Enterprise (Monthly Review
felt an urgent need to link the national
Amazon Basin (COICA), an umbrella
Press; $8.95), sums up this school of scan-
cause with non-British heroes: the New
group in Lima, Peru. On Oct. 7, in Quetzal-
dalized thought: "It's almost obscene to
World needed new ancestors. Washington
tenango. Guatemala. about 1,000 mem-
celebrate Columbus because it's an unmiti-
Irving's 1828 A History of the Life and Voy-
bers of COICA and other groups, represent-
gated record of horror. We don't have to
ages of Christopher Columbus glorified a
ing 24 countries in the Western
celebrate a man who was really-from an
commanding character with an Italian
Hemisphere, will gather at a "Continental
Indian point of view-worse than Attila
name and sailing under a Spanish flag who
Encounter" meeting. One of the purposes
the Hun."
nonetheless displayed virtues and charac-
is to determine strategies to counter the
Granted. as less vitriolic modern histo-
teristics that U.S. citizens, most of them
1992 Columbus celebrations, including the
riography makes clear, Columbus was not
from northern Europe, could admire. Thus
establishment of an "alternative Seville" at
the gem of the ocean, the flawless hero of
did the heyday of Columbus idolatry be-
a yet to be chosen site in Mexico. Nugkuag
so many earlier hagiographies. But
thinks such an antimainstream World's
was the historic figure whose name
Fair can be an occasion for reflection rath-
was adopted by a South American
er than celebration: "We want to recover
republic, the District of Columbia
our history to affirm our identity, to
and countless other places and enti-
achieve true independence from exploita-
ties. really worse than Hitler or Atti-
tion and aggression and to play a role in de-
la the Hun? What in the New World
termining our future."
is going on around here?
Similar protests have been percolating,
or even boiling. for some time. When it
opened at the University of Florida's Mu-
seum of Natural History two years ago. an
exhibit called "First Encounters: Spanish
2. Indigenous
Explorations in the Caribbean and the
peoples were
United States 1492-1570" drew spirited
opposition from Native American activists,
doomed by
including Russell Means of the American
European
Indian Movement. "Columbus makes Hit-
arrogance,
ler look like a juvenile delinquent!" yelled
demonstrators. COLUMBUS MURDERED A
brutality and
CONTINENT read one of the placards. Last
infectious
July a group of protesters dressed as South
diseases.
American Indians appeared unannounced
in Spain. wearing loincloths, their faces
Columbus' gift
and bodies painted. The invaders peaceful-
was slavery to
ly entered the shrine of the nation's patron
saint at Santiago de Compostela. They left
those who greeted
flowers and other offerings and a message
him; his arrival set
to ask "forgiveness for those who used his
in motion the
name to conquer. murder and destroy
peoples."
ruthless
Anti-Columbus sentiments are by no
destruction of the
means restricted to the descendants of
those who were on hand when the Genoan
natural world he
first showed up. Last year the National
entered.
Council of the Churches of Christ in the
U.S. adopted a resolution suggesting how
For all its intensity. the Columbus con-
gin-in an early attempt to provide the na-
1492 should be commemorated: "For the
troversy has very little to do with 1492 and
tion with the icons of multicultural
descendants of the survivors of the subse-
almost everything to do with 1991. The
diversity.
quent invasion. genocide, slavery, 'ecocide'
peoples of the New World. the land that
That idolatry is now guttering out-in-
and exploitation of the wealth of the land,
Columbus made inevitable, are engaged in
conveniently, by many people's lights-for
a celebration is not an appropriate obser-
another convulsive attempt to reinvent
several reasons. The U.S. population is not
vance of this anniversary."
themselves. to conceive a version of the
what it was during the first decades of the
The charge that Columbus' arrival in-
past that will justify the present and, if pos-
19th century; it now includes a higher per-
stigated genocide has become a major
sible, shape the future. In older, fixed civili-
centage of people, and a number of far
weapon in the anti-Columbian arsenal.
zations, this sort of cultural enterprise
more vocal people, who feel they have a
George Tinker. a Native American who
would be all but inconceivable. History is
historic grievance against Columbus and
teaches at the Iliff School of Theology in
what happened and what everyone is stuck
the European invasion he represented.
54
TIME. OCTOBER 7. 1991
These include, most prominently, Native
Americans, many of whom have joined
hands with their coevals in Latin and South
America to take a stand against a long-ago
uninvited guest; and African Americans,
whose forebears were packed into slave
ships and sent across the Atlantic because
the Europeans needed their labor to re-
place that of the decimated indigenous
populations. Their toppling of the Colum-
bus icon represents, at its best, a bid to con-
struct a new national mythology-an urge
they paradoxically share with the patriots
after the War of 1812.
At the same time, what Columbus actu-
ally wrought by bringing Europe into the
Americas is being assessed with increased
historical sophistication. Two worlds col-
lided nearly 500 years ago, and none of the
fallout from that impact now seems as sim-
ple as it was once portrayed. Textbooks on
American history once began with Colum-
bus' arrival, as if nothing that had hap-
pened before bore mentioning. Those
careful enough to note that the explorer
found people already living where he
touched down did not go on to say very
much about them.
Yet there is much to say, as archaeolo-
gists, anthropologists and ethnographers
have known for a long time. The prospect
of the Columbus quincentennial not only
lent new urgency to scientific research al-
ready under way about the land that the
Italian encountered, but also suggested an
expanded context in which discoveries
could be viewed. "The impetus has
changed," says archaeologist Jerald Milan-
ich, "from a celebration of Columbus and
the triumph of European civilization to a
new theme: the people that discovered Co-
lumbus. There's a huge amount of research
focusing on the impact of native
Americans."
It has never been a secret that the
Americas and Europe reciprocally influ-
enced each other, although the focus in
much traditional history was on how the
colonializers tamed-or exterminated-
the natives and resettled the land along
European models. The process worked
both ways. The New World galvanized the
European imagination; knowledge of its
existence and its peoples was an important
factor in the explosion of the Renaissance,
which involved not only the reappropria-
tion of classical learning but also the heady
sense of a future yet to be discovered. In
"To His Mistress Going to Bed," written
roughly a century after Columbus' landing,
the English poet John Donne describes his
lover's disrobing until her final article of
clothing is cast off and then exclaims, "O
my America! my new-found land."
In the current politically correct cli-
mate, Donne's rapturous recognition can
easily be dismissed as a typically white Eu-
ropean male response toward unclaimed
territory, combining voyeurism, sex and
predatory aggression. This reading filters
out all the fun and, more important, the
55
History
awe and wonder that the Americas sparked
most loves to hate. Sale is a social historian
manity. Father Leonid Kishkovsky of the
in European minds. And the New World
whose research into Columbus' life and
Orthodox Church in America, who chaired
fed Europe more than literary tropes, in-
travels and the explorer's contemporary
the National Council of the Churches
tellectual excitement and a whiff of the ex-
world is impressive; his narrative, especial-
meeting at which the controversial Colum-
otic. It fed Europe
food, stuff that na-
ly when he joins Columbus aboard the San-
bus quincentennial resolution was debat-
tive Americans had been cultivating for
ta María, is gripping. Sale persuasively de-
ed, is one of those who question the notion
thousands of years and that Europeans had
scribes what it must have felt like for the
implicit in Sale's work that evil was some-
never heard of: peppers, paprika, potatoes,
explorer to stumble upon an unimagined
thing imported exclusively from Europe:
corn, tomatoes.
world, peopled, as the author notes, by the
"In a certain sense this is patronizing; it's
A wider understanding of this transfer
tribe known as the Tainos, a European
as if native indigenous people don't really
of knowledge from the New World to the
name attached to them that was taken
have a history, which includes civilization.
Old should by fostered by the Smithsonian
from their own word for "good."
warfare, empires and cruelties, before
Institution's "Seeds of Change," the larg-
Sale goes on to note that "the Tainos'
white people even arrived."
est exhibition ever mounted at the Nation-
lives were in many ways as idyllic as their
Lurking behind Sale's argument and
al Museum of Natural History in Washing-
surroundings, into which they fit with such
that of many other vociferous critics is a
ton. Opening Oct. 12 and running through
skill and comfort. They were well fed and
prelapsarian myth: the world was once per-
April 1993, the Smithsonian exhibit sets
well housed, without poverty or serious
fect and now it isn't, so someone or some-
forth five "natural" elements-sugar, dis-
disease. They enjoyed considerable leisure,
thing must have ruined it. Many cultures
ease. maize, the potato and
possess a form of this myth; it
the horse-the exchange of
is particularly strong in West-
which has profoundly altered
ern thought because of the
both the New and Old Worlds
Adam and Eve story in the
in the 500 years since Colum-
Old Testament. In the 18th
bus' first voyage.
century, Jean Jacques Rous-
The Smithsonian show
seau popularized a secular
and much of the other seren-
version of that Eden story
dipitous scholarly digging in
with his writings about the
preparation for the Colum-
Noble Savage. And part of his
bus quincentennial actually
inspiration for this concept
work quietly against the
came from his knowledge of
more extreme positions
the New World. Even Sale's
staked out by those who hate
anti-Columbian ideas, it
or love what transpired 500
seems, owe more to Colum-
years ago. Thank goodness.
bus than some of his readers
Because it is impossible,
might imagine.
even with the best will in the
Mythology is a closed sys-
world, to find a simple com-
tem, a revolving circle of self-
mon ground between the
reinforcing perceptions. The
contending notions of Civili-
true history of 1492 and ever
zation or Genocide, Progress
after occurred in a different
or the Cyclical Harmony of
plane of existence, where ques-
the Seasons, Mastering the
"For too long, the American myth
tions like Were Savages No-
Land or Living with the
demonized or ignored the people
ble? are either meaningless or
Bounty That the Land Will
susceptible to proof. For too
Provide on Its Own.
whom Columbus encountered on
long, the American myth de-
Impossible, because all
these shores. Must people now
monized or ignored the people
these abstractions belong
whom Columbus encountered
more to the world of moral-
replace this with a new myth that
on these shores. Must people
ity plays than to the messy
simply demonizes Columbus?"
now replace this with a new
arena of history as it occurs.
myth that simply demonizes
The vast amount of new information be-
given over to dancing, singing, ballgames,
Columbus and Europeans? It is easy to see
ing discovered about the New World,
and sex, and expressed themselves artisti-
why former victims might like their turn as
both before and after 1492, actually
cally in basketry, woodworking, pottery,
heroes. But if that is all the quincentennial
points the way toward a genuinely harmo-
and jewelry. They lived in general harmony
produces, an important opportunity for self-
nious understanding of the present mo-
and peace, without greed or covetousness
reflection will have been wasted.
ment and how it was achieved. The Co-
or theft."
Celebrate Columbus? Not if that simply
lumbus quincentennial deserves some
Never mind the aesthetic objection that
means backslapping and flag waving. But it
credit for focusing this energy and atten-
Sale makes these people sound suspicious-
can mean more: taking stock of the long.
tion. But the worry is that if the debate
ly like a bunch of New Agers vacationing in
fascinating record, noting that inevitable
grows louder and more strident, it could
the Bahamas. Discount the fact that Sale
conflict resulted in losers as well as winners
obscure this increasing pool of common
does not mention evidence of the Tainos'
and produced a mixture of races, customs
knowledge in a shouting match of clichés.
hierarchic social structure, which included,
and habits never before seen in the world.
If any book can be said to summon up
at the bottom level, slaves.
Columbus and all he represents may simply
the passions of this moment, it is Kirkpat-
The deepest problem is that Sale, like
provide an excuse for finger shaking. But
rick Sale's The Conquest of Paradise,
others who idealize the people whose fate
perhaps it is possible to celebrate Columbus
(Knopf: $24.95). Published last year, the
was sealed by the explorer's arrival, actual-
by trying harder to understand each other
453-page popular history has become a call
ly does them another kind of injury. The
and ourselves.
Reported by
to arms for the anti-Columbians; it is also
perfect island race of Sale's imagination is
Cathy Booth/Miami, Anne Hopkins and Ratu
the book the traditional Columbus faction
denied its commonality with the rest of hu-
Kamlani/New York
56
TIME. OCTOBER 7, 1991
Ideas
If anything, the Columbus controversy
is more intense in Latin America and the
Good Guy or Dirty Word?
Caribbean. Fidel Castro has renounced his
own Hispanic background to declare him-
Revisionists see Christopher Columbus as a precursor of
self an Indian and denounce the con-
ecological despoliation and Indian genocide
querors for raping and enslaving "our peo-
the ultimate, perhaps, in expropria-
tion. Conservative prelates of the
By JOHN ELSON
Latin American Catholic bishops'
"N
man has done more to
man history than Christopher Co-
lumbus. That was the conclusion
COLLECTION THE
conference (CELAM), which will
meet in Santo Domingo in 1992,
change the course of hu-
are pushing for an anniversary dec-
laration that stresses the heroism
of missionaries who tried to defend
of Edward Channing's 1905 clas-
the Indians from conquistadorial
sic, History of the United States. To
cruelty. But CELAM will also spon-
generations of American school-
sor a "people's tribunal" of minor-
children, Columbus has been the
ity representatives and leftist ad-
all-time heroic figure portrayed by
herents of liberation theology, who
Channing and, more romantically,
by Washington Irving in 1828: "a
propose to pass judgment on 500
years of European conquest.
man of great and inventive genius"
In truth, there is much to cen-
whose "ambition was lofty and no-
sure and correct in the record that
ble." No wonder that Pope Pius IX
begins with Columbus. U.S. text-
wanted to make the discoverer of
America a saint, or that more
books are just beginning to give
places in the English-speaking
proper emphasis to pre-Columbi-
an cultures. Sale's iconoclastic bi-
world are named for the Admiral
ography is as one-sided as a law-
of the Ocean Sea than for any oth-
yer's brief, but the evidence of
er historical personage except
European disdain for the con-
Queen Victoria.
quered Eden and its inhabitants is
How the pendulum has swung.
hard to challenge. Between 1492
In some quarters nowadays, the
and 1514, as a result of disease and
name of the man who sailed the
accumulated atrocities, the native
ocean blue in 1492 is a downright
Taino population on the island of
dirty word. Russell Means. the Na-
Hispaniola shrank from an esti-
tive American activist, says the ex-
El Almirante Christoval Colon Defeubre la Isla Española
plorer "makes Hitler look like a ju-
y haze poner una Cell etc
mated 8 million to 28,000. By 1560
the Taino were extinct.
venile delinquent." In a new
The great explorer greets native Tainos on Hispaniola island
But good history calls for care-
revisionist biography, The Con-
quest of Paradise (Knopf; $24.95),
Is the quincentenary of 1492 a time for penitence or jubilation?
ful distinctions. In the Jesuit week-
ly America, Rutgers Professor
author and environmentalist Kirkpatrick
tant National Council of Churches re-
James Muldoon has argued that the Na-
Sale portrays Cristóbal Colón (to name
solved that the quincentenary should be a
tional Council of Churches' resolution is
Columbus correctly) as a grasping fortune
time for penitence rather than jubilation.
unhistorical. The council blamed Europe-
hunter, a mediocre sailor and an incompe-
"For the descendants of the survivors of
ans for introducing slavery into the various
tent governor of Spain's New World colo-
the subsequent invasion, genocide, slavery,
nies, whose legacy to the Indians he "dis-
new worlds they encountered, ignoring evi-
'ecocide' and exploitation of the wealth of
dence that the Aztec and Inca empires
covered" was rapine, servitude and death.
the land," read the resolution, "a celebra-
were also based on forced servitude. The
In the U.S. and Latin America, the
tion is not an appropriate observance of
resolution virtually ignores a reality high-
500th anniversary of Columbus' first voy-
this anniversary." Mario Paredes, execu-
lighted by the Catholic bishops' pastoral:
age to the New World is still two years
tive director of the Northeast Hispanic
that the evils condemned by the council
away, but already it is marred by snappish
Catholic Center, called the council's state-
and divisive quarrels over the meaning of
were first noted, in angry detail, by early
ment a "racist depreciation of the heri-
the event. Native American zealots like
Spanish defenders of Indian rights like the
tages of most of today's American peoples,
Dominican friar Bartolemé de Las Casas.
Means see Columbus as a precursor of ex-
especially Hispanic."
Stripped of its pious rhetoric, Muldoon
ploitation and conquest. Hispanic Ameri-
At its annual meeting in Washington
argues, the council's resolution amounts
cans want to use the quincentenary to
last week the National Conference of
stress the glories of Spanish culture in the
to a "condemnation of the entire history
Catholic Bishops also joined the Columbus
New World. Environmentalists see the an-
of the modern world." As such, it repre-
fray, in a pastoral letter on the evangeliza-
sents a peculiar form of intellectual mas-
niversary as a reminder that the arrival of
tion of the Americas. The text acknowl-
Europeans meant the despoliation of the
ochism, selectively judging the past by the
edged that indigenous Americans' encoun-
New World and as a potential inspiration
imperfect standards of the present. More-
ter with Europeans was "harsh and
to modern-day Americans to save what is
over, even sweeping apologies for histori-
painful." Nonetheless, the bishops went
left of the hemisphere's threatened
cal sins are unlikely to satisfy the angry ad-
on, "the effort to portray the history of the
landscape.
vocates of belated justice for Native
encounter as a totally negative experience
Americans, some of whom would settle for
The Columbus anniversary has also
in which only violence and exploitation of
sparked religious battles. In May the gov-
nothing less than canceling the festivals
the native peoples were present is not an
entirely. With reporting by Cathy Booth/Miami
erning board of the predominantly Protes-
accurate interpretation of the past."
and Michael P. Harris/Washington
TIME, NOVEMBER 26, 1990
79
Come to Columbus
Work is well under way, getting the $94 million AmeriFlora '92
exposition ready for opening on 88 acres in Columbus' historic
Franklin Park.
in '92.
At AmeriFiora's Youth Performing Arts Center, children will
entertain as well as be entertained.
Photo Copy Preservation
The City of Columbus will host the
nation's grandest commemoration
of the 500th anniversary of
Christopher Columbus' epic
voyage to America.
This month's christening of the Santa Maria, a replica
of one of Christopher Columbus' historic ships, begins
a year-long festival of arts, sports and educational
activities for the City of Columbus.
of one of Christopher Columbus' historic ships, begins
a year-long festival of arts, sports and educational
activities for the City of Columbus.
AmeriFlora '92 is also
a spectacular celebration
of beauty.
AmeriFlora '92 will be an international exposition with more than
15 countries, representing all areas of the world, coming together
to share histories, technologies, and ideas for a better tomorrow.
And Discover
Presentation Copy photo
AmeriFlora '92 willinclude "Streetstuff,"
the World at
a series of happenings such as spqn-
taneous barbershop quartet concerts.
AmeriFlora '92 will be the first inter-
national exposition of its kind to take
place in North America. Included will
be film and multi-media presentations
as well as international performers
and unique floral exhibitions.
AMERIFLORA'92
TM
AMERICA'S CELEBRATION OF DISCOVERY
April -October 12 - Columbus, Ohio
Join the Celebration.
STATE GOVERNOR
OF
OFFICE OF THE 432601
George V. Voinovich
Governor
State of Ohio
GEORGEVERNOR VOINOVICH
October, 1991
The U.S. Amateur Golf Championship
come to Columbus.
Dear
Presentation Copy and
THE visitors: truly alive with ectivity in crown 1992 the the <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< and jewel advantage proudly
and the PGA Memorial Tournament
the the for rolling further you why 92. information ling we River citieshend Ohio on and sites. "The
The U.S. National Gymnastics
The U.S. National Gymnastics
Championships will be held in
Columbus in 1992.
Christopher Columbus Quincentennial
Celebration Events.
Columbus Zoo plans
to be in the spotlight
In Autumn. 1991. Columbus kicks off the nation's
during the year-long
grandest commemoration of the 500th anniversary of
Below is a sampling of official and registered
celebration.
Christopher Columbus' epic voyage to the Americas.
Quincentennial events scheduled throughout
the celebration year.
Centerpieceof the festivities will be the AmeriFlora
Columbus USA Festival, October 11-13. 1991
92 exposition scheduled on 88 acres at Franklin Park
from April 20 through October 12. 1992.
Columbus International Festival. November 2-3, 1991
Holtday Parade. November 24, 1991
The year-long Quincentennial Celebration will
explore events and people shaping our nation over
Arnold Schwarzeneggar Classic. February 29-
March 1. 1992
the past 500 years, and begin building upon those
"Performances with Frozen Music" Stuart Pimster
experiences as the world approaches the 21st century.
Dancers, April-June. 1992
The largest city named for the explorer: Columbus,
Ohio Cup Baseball, Cleveland VS. Cincinnati,
Ohto is invting the world to an exciting and dramatic
April 5. 1992
year of culural. historical. educational and recrea-
tional evens showcasing the city's cultural diversity
U.S. Olympic Men's Marathon Trials, April IL 1992
"A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande
and rich ethnic heritage.
Jatte" (toplary garden). Opens May. 1992
SANTA M/RIA
The Annunciation. Greek Orthodox Cathedral
An authent: replica of Christopher Columbus' flag-
May 1-3, 1992
ship. the Sata Marla, will be christened at the Scloto
Speakmon Regatta, October. 1991
River duringhe Quincentennial's opening ceremonies.
Jesse Owens Track & Field Classic. May. 1992
MULTICULURAL CELEBRATIONS
Chinese-American Kite/Lantern Festival, May. 1992
Cultural herage and diversity are major themes of the
German Village/Brewery District. tours spring-fall
Quincentenial Celebration. For Instance, "Celebrate
Ohto Dance Festival "Discover Dance" June 1-8 1992
African-Anrican Triumphs" will present achieve-
1992 Columbus Arts Festival. June 1-14, 1992
ments and cntributions of African-Americans locally
Memorial Golf Tournament. June 47. 1992
and nationay.
U.S. Gymnastics Federation's Men's and Women's
The yearong celebration will showcase several
National Individual Championships, June 414. 1992
Photo Copy Preservation
cultures repsented in the community. They include
Bud Light/QFM-96 Columbus Triathlon. 1992
Greek. Hispinic. Astan-Indian. German, Chinese-
NBD Bank Independence Day Parade. July 3. 1992
Performing Arts will be
American. Ilish. Ukrainian and Italian-American
Red. White & Boom!. July 3. 1992
featured with dramatic
populations
World Horseshoe Tournament. July 13-26. 1992
new works and inter-
A CELEBRAION OF THE ARTS
Motorists Scioto Superfest & Power Boat Races,
nationally renowned
July 17-19. 1992
Columbus Mseum of Art scheduled the International
presentations.
debut of thacclaimed Strak Collection as a Quin-
Budweiser. Jazz & Rib Fest, July. 1992
Fox 28 Kid's Expo. July 25-26, 1992
COSI, Ohio's Center of
centennial 1koff The display features 78 master-
Discover Columbus International Soccer
Science and Industry
pieces by sh artists as Monet, Matisse, Degas.
Tournament. July 20-26, 1992
and the Ohio Historical
Renoir. Rodi Cezanne, Paul Klee and other impres-
Center/Ohio Village
sionist and st-impressiontst masters.
The '92 International Air Show, August 14-16, 1992
also will offer special
The popur Columbus Arts Festival will be ex-
U.S. Amateur Golf Tournament, August 25-30. 1992
exhibits during the
panded to to weeks. Dramatic new works. featur-
German Village Oktoberfest. September 11-13. 1992
celebration year.
ing internatially renowned performers and guest
Italian Heritage Week. September 21-27. 1992
AmeriFlora '92
artists, will biresented by the Columbus Symphony
Senior Malibu Grand Prix National Challenge.
Call 1-800-BUCKEYE
October 8-10, 1992
For Information
Orchestra. Piers Theatre Columbus. Opera Colum-
bus Ballet M the Jazz Arts Group. the Martin Luther
Columbus USA Festival, October 9-11, 1992
Columbus Marathon, October II. 1992
King Jr. Cerr for the Performing Arts and the
Wexner Cen for the Arts.
1992 Celebration Closing Ceremonies,
October 12. 1992
at AmeriFlora '92.
Themed
Areas:
East Broad Street
OLDEWORLD TRADIT
florali
AMERICA PRESENTS
the
AMERIFLORA'92
AMERICAS CELEBRATION OF DISCOVERY
COMMUNITY OF NATIONS
DISCOVERY
Presevation Copy Photo
AMERICA'S BACKYARD
IIIIIIIIIIII
AmeriFlora '92 Facts & Figures
To Cleveland
AmeriFlora '92 is located two
Smithsonian presentation is only available for view-
270
AmeriFlora '92 is the centerplece of the United States
tast Broad Street on a historic,
ing at AmeriFlora '92 or in Washington D.C.
100-year-old, 88-acre site.
Quincentennial celebration of Christopher Columbus'
epic voyage. It will be America's "Celebration of Dis-
The U.S. Pavilion General Motors will bring an
covery." North America's only event to feature Inter-
inspiring wide-screen film presentation to AmeriFlora
315
national and domestic exhibits. spectacular film and
'92. created especially for the United States Pavilion
270
multi-media presentations. unique entertainment for
at EXPO '92 in Seville. Spain. This will be its exclusive
270
71
all ages by performers from all areas of the world.
North American showing. Based upon previous GM
62
International cuisine in seven themed restaurants,
presentations at world fairs and expositions this
Port Columbus
and bountiful shopping opportunities in an inter-
feature film will be a "must see" experience.
International Airport
670
national bazaar and unique boutiques.
International Amphitheater Open seating for
AmeriFiera '92
A major attraction will be a two-week Interna-
3,000 in a perfect hillside setting for performers and
To
70
Parking
Dayton
AmeriFiora "82
tionally sanctioned floral and garden design compe-
performances by entertainers from around the world.
tition the first ever held in the United States. This
Youth Performing Arts Center The centralarena
for children's entertainment Musk dance. pubpetry
70
takes place on April 20-May 3.
DOWNTOWN
Following Is useful information to further assist
and storytelling will be performe daily by profes-
COLUMBUS
you in planning a visit to AmeriFlora '92.
sional and amateur troupes.
AMERIFLORA'S DINE-AROUND:
Dates: April 20 through October 12. 1992
Dino Discovery Dig-Children become in tant
Bavarian Fest Haus: German dishes at their best.
Exposition Layout: AmeriFlora '92 has been designed
Indiana Jones' in this exciting site exhib pre-
71
270
accompanted by Oktoberfest music.
to incorporate the best garden park environment and
sented in consultation with Ohio Center of fence
floral patterns with the finest attractions through
and Industry. Daily digs uncover the fessil remains of
Hawaii Kai: The best of Polynesia in a perfect garden
designated "Themed Areas." These are showcased in
a 70-foot Apatosaurus. (formerly calledBrontosturus)
To Cincinnati
setting It is a complete luau, including entertainment.
the layout map provided above.
The Unicorn: An oversized Irish pub complete with
GARDEN ATTRACTIONS:
Christopher Columbus Mallway. Its three billowing
stout and stew. Live music. complete with singers
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
Christopher Columbus Mallway four-ade gar-
salls encompass the universe, with the western-most
and dancers. is guaranteed to move you from your seat.
Discovery Pavilion Divided into three areas. this
den based upon the formal garden found in the
sall pointing to the North Star.
18,000 square foot heltx-shaped pavilion will show-
royal estates throughout Europe.
Rose Garden Close to 4,000 roses on a % acre site
Taste of Nations: A food pavilion with everything
case hands-on exhibits and the feature film. "I Love
Franklin Park Conservatory- The rown jevel of
designed by Steve Scannello of the Brooklyn Botanical
from Belgian waffles for breakfast to Peking duck
This Land: a multi-media production that provides
AmeriFlora. this historic conservatcy has ben ex-
Garden.
for dinner.
the ultimate in today's sight and sound technology.
panded to four times its original se to present a
Quick bites: The International Food Plaza and the
state-of-the-art ecosphere. It takes gues through nine
AMERIFLORA '92 PARTICIPANTS:
The Pavilion of the Seasons This 30,000 square
different climates and one of the natin's mos com-
More than 15 countries will participate in this salute
Christopher Columbus Mallway Food Court feature
foot facility will house the International Indoor Horti-
traditional American food favorites.
cultural Exhibition and Competition. Following the
plete collections of flowers and plan. makingi the
to "America's Celebration of Discovery"
conclusion of competition on May 3. the Pavilion will
finest conservatory in the western Imispher.
Russia
Australia
PARKING:
feature special events and exhibits such as THE
Victory Garden The popular. sylicated ublic
Japan
Ireland
SMITHSONIAN's "Seeds of Change: opening May 31.
Broadcasting System (PBS) show. "Theictory Grden."
The Bahamas
Belgium
Visitors to AmeriFlora will park in a spectally desig-
will create a Mid-western Victory (rden. 10,000
Canada
China
nated area at the Port Columbus International Airport,
It focuses on five "seeds" shaping lives around the
square foot working vegetable and ormental arden
Colombia
France
with shuttle bus system providing transportation to
world which were introduced to the Americas or
the AmeriFlora site.
at AmeriFlora '92. The area may alsoerve as back-
Dominican Republic
Italy
taken back to Europe by Columbus. This unique
drop for the videotaping of several gments of the
Great Britain
Korea
LODGING:
show seen by several million viewe
Malaysta
Monaco
AmeriFlora '92 is an
Maze Garden A re-creation of themous uzzle"
The African Nations
India
Columbus offers lodging and dining factlities the
equal to any metropolitan center in the United States.
American celebration
gardens which were so popular in Eope dur the
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES:
Specific information may be obtained by contacting
for all ages.
18th Century. A real challenge and dght for yone
Some of the nation's best known and respected cor-
the Greater Columbus Convention and Visitors
in search of a way out!
porations are joining forces to present AmeriFlora 92
Bureau. 10 West Broad Street, Suite 1300. Columbus,
Photo Copy Preservation
Naystar- stunning 30-foot tall.)-ton stanless
OH 43215.
steel sculpture which serves as the al pointi the
Borden Dairy
Coca-Cola USA
TICKETS
O.M. Scott
Ameribra '92
General admission tickets AmeriFlora: single
General Motors
Call 1-80(UCKEY
Pontiac Motor Division
day admission price $19.95 for adults (ages
For Infnation
13-591 for seniors (ages 60 and older), and
Xerox Corporation
$9.95 for children (ages Children under four
The Kroger Company
are admitted Season passes
Doctors Hospital
Chemlawn Services Corporation
Group ticket rates: group rates
AmeriFlora '92 will
Deere & Company
are available Groups of 15 receive
feature a float in the
AMERICA'S CELEBRATION OF DISCOVERY
The Toro Company
sizable discounts. For group information
January 1, 1992
Yoder Brothers, Inc.
I-800-837-1992
Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
American Aggregates Corporation
FOR INFORMATION.ON COLUMBUS AREA
Longaberger Company
LODGING AND AMERIFLORAN92 TICKET
PROGRAMS CALL1-800-BUCKEYE
A World of Discovery.
A Meeting
of Nations
A Symphony
of Nature
The largest area of AmeriFlora '92 is the international
AmeriFlora '92
"Community of Nations: Pavilions. playgrounds. ex-
Call 1-800-BUCKEYE
For Information
It is a giant. festive garden. integrating the arts and
hibitions. demonstrations. gardens. all the jewels of
entertainment around a prevailing theme our love
the world's nations are presented here. And amidst
of being immersed in the beauty and peace-of-mind
this splendor. visitors to AmeriFlora will find an un-
afforded us by Mother Nature It is truly special. And
paralleled opportunity to enjoy the enchantments of
it has never been more romantically captured than
the many diverse cultures. customs and crafts. prod-
in the AmeriFlora '92 celebration in Columbus.
ucts and pageantry presented
Perhaps to best showcase its scope is to examine
A marvelous display from Russia will feature the
what is perhaps its most striking and memorable
re-creation in shrubbery of three spectacular struc-
attraction, the Franklin Park Conservatory. This classic
tures common to Russtan architecture. The largest
Victorian palm house that has graced the Park since
will be 15-feet in diameter and all will be set in a
1895 is undergoing a complete restoration, both in-
beautiful garden setting close to 3,400 square feet
side and out. Restoration extends to the plants too.
in size. Artifacts and displays from The Hermitage
King among them is a 75-year-old ftddle-leaf fig that
as well as authentic crafts will also be showcased
sinks Its roots through the floor.
in the Russia exhibit. Other national displays will
Beyond the classic palm house, a new addition
feature a street corner setting from Monte Carlo,
features an extraordinary series of three climes a
complete with a novelty shop and heralded art gal-
Himalayan mountain. a tropical rain forest, and a
lery. while those fabled Leprechauns will entice visi-
All paths in AmeriFlora lead
desert. complete with controlled humidity and tem-
tors into the Ireland section of AmertFlora.
you through or by exquisite
"Dino Dig." presenting the entire world of a pre-
garden landscapes.
perature to stimulate the environments. Another wing
re-creates a colorful. fragrant Pactfic Island garden
historic past. will provide children with the unique
and a forest of tree ferns.
experience of becoming adventurous paleontologists
AmeriFlora '92 all starts with a two-week Grand
Photo Copy Preservation
in search of the remains of a 70-foot-long Apato-
The most beautiful setting ever
Indoor Horticultural Show and the 1992 worldwide
saurus (formerly called Brontosaurus). Souvenir fossils
created for an international
competition for product excellence. In the 30,000
will be plentiful so that no junior paleontologist goes
exposition.
square foot Pavilion of the Seasons, horticultural
home empty-handed Consulting on "Dino Dig" is the
producers from around the globe will enter their best
Center of Science and Industry.
foltage. flowers. trees and shrubs for coveted recogni-
Food and entertainment will also reflect the Inter-
tion by the International Association of Horticultural
national flavor of this six-month exposition. The
Producers. After the two-week event. the Pavilion
Hawaii Kai restaurant features food and entertain-
of Seasons will feature ongoing exhibits from the
ment from Polynesia: The Bavarian Fest Haus brings
Smithsonian and other institutions.
all the fun and flavor of Oktoberfest to Columbus, in-
In the themed area, "America Presents" an historic
cluding spicy bratwurst and knockwurst. lusctous
garden will be created to showcase living chrontcle
Bavarian desserts and tankards of beer: while The
of America's green history. Centuries of garden styles
Unicom Pub lets you sample shepherd's pie. fish and
of the New World will be featured.
chips, and Irtsh whiskey in an atmosphere filled with
"America's Backyard: sponsored by the leading in-
rousing renditions of Irish folk songs.
The Discovery Pavilion
dustry associations and corporations, will be the
AmeriFlora's International Festival Program will
will showcase "hands on"
classroom for AmeriFlora 92. "Roses for the "90's" "All
present entertainment from around the world, rang-
exhibits as well as the
Soils Are Not Created Equal." and an idea-inspiring
ing from clowns and puppeteers to tenors and
film presentation "I Love
"Water Garden." are among the themes in 23 gardens
trumpeters. Folk singing, unique street theatre. and
This Land," a multi-media
planned to focus on recycling. gardening for wildlife
a variety of storytellers will be featured.
production with state-of-
and the value of landscaping.
the-art technology.
AmeriFlora '92
is Proud to
AMERIFLORA92
Acknowledge
Its Honorary Patron,
America's First Lady,
Barbara Bush.
Photo Copy Preservation
Field of Realities
And Its Distinguished
Board of Trustees
John F. Wolfe.
President and Publisher
The Columbus Dispatch
The dream is real.
Frank Wobst
Robert M. Duncan
AmeriFlora '92 is ready
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Partner
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
Jones, Day, Reavis and Pogue
to turn the eyes of nations
John E. Fisher
to the heart of America
General Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Nationwide Insurance Company
and its world class
Dr. E. Gordon Gee
John B. McCoy
celebration of discovery
President
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Ohio State University
Banc One Corporation
Mrs. James W. Phillips
The Galbreath Company
Darby Dan Farms
NATIONWIDE
INSURANCE
Nationwide is on your side
A Festival of Family Fun.
Ameriflora has been
At AmeriFlora children can not only be
Live. on-site entertainment will be the heart and soul
designed to offer enjoy-
spectators but performers as well. More
of AmeriFlora '92. Each and every day the exposition
ment for the entire family.
than 50,000 amateur dancers, singers and
site will be alive with some of the best entertain-
musicians will appear on stage during the
ment available. From on-site characters. clowns and
six-month exposition.
magicians to main stage stars. AmeriFlora will present
a kaletdoscope of performance. style and diversity
for the entire family.
"StreetStuff" is a series of happenings that can ap-
pear at any time on any path as one wanders the
AmeriFlora grounds. It's a talented collage of musi-
clans, jugglers. quartets, buskers and clowns that
animate the exposition site with pure entertainment
and sometimes zany antics.
"America's Showcase" will provide exciting per-
formance opportunities to talented non-professional
performers and groups from throughout the United
States. School and college bands. choirs. ensembles.
AmeriFlora '92
Call 1-800-BUCKEYE
orchestras. dance groups. drill teams. etc. will be
For Information
among the more than 50.000 performers taking part
in this program.
"Camp AmertFlora" is the premier children's activity.
located in the Davis Youth Art Center. It will be an
active and lively pavilion dedicated to the fun. sur-
Photo Copy Preservation
prise and excitement of being a child. Interactive.
Special entertainment happenings can appear at any time on any
path at AmeriFlora. Here an international storyteller shares
hands-on experiences including costume-making.
experiences with children.
storytelling. and other activities designed to chal-
lenge and enrich creative expression will be found
here. The pay-off for these children will be their
participation in a theatrical/musical performance and
presentation on the "Camp AmeriFlora" stage.
The "International Amphitheater" is the expost-
tion's main stage venue. International and ethnic
performers will appear here throughout the day and
Columbus '92, A World To Discover
into the evening.
"Stage Americana" will feature day-long perform-
ances of contemporary American musical forms such
as country. jazz. blues, etc. by both professional and
Showcase performers.
Special Events and parades will also be a major
part of the AmeriFlora entertainment program. Both
A "voyage" of adventure, excitement
and other hands-on exhibits at COSI,
ment and events celebrating 500 years
will feature international and multicultural bands and
and family fun awaits you in 1992.
Ohio's Center of Science and Industry.
of peoples and cultures.
musical groups in keeping with the nature of this
international exposition.
It's this nation's largest community-
Enjoy special multi-cultural celebra-
Discover all the fun of Columbus
wide Quincentennial celebration.
tions, the world-class Columbus Zoo,
'92! For detailed information about
It's "Columbus '92" - so much to
the U.S. Gymnastics Championships,
any events or activities, contact the
do, so much to discover!
the Olympic Men's Marathon Trials,
1992 Commission at (614) 461-1992.
Visit AmeriFlora '92, a spectacular
and so much more.
Or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
exhibition of international cultures
From maior sporting events
and floral rarities. Tour the Santa
and cumural as is w
Maria, the world's most authentic
festivals, Columbus '92 offers an
representation of Christopher Colum-
unprecedented jubilee of entertain-
bus' flagship. Marvel at the variety of
performing and visual arts, including
German delicacies will be just one of the many
the world debut of major impressionist
International foods served on the AmeriFlora site.
and modernist
masterpieces at
the Columbus
Museum of Art.
Experience "Kidspace"
Youngsters of all ages will find enjoyment
at AmeriFlora.
This special advertising section has been
published for AmeriFlora '92 by Jim Garber
& Associates. 199S. Los Robles Avenue. Suite 260.
Pasadena. California. (818) 405-0651.
Design: Roy Alexander Illustration and Design.
N. Hollywood. California
Editorial: Jim Garber & Associates
Tammy Knapp. AmeriFlora '92
Rod Caborn. AmeriFlora '92
Charles Dunn. AmeriFlora '92
This advertising supplement has been created
for insertion into the following newspapers:
Cincinnati Post-Enquirer
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dayton Daily News
Indianapolis Star/News
Copy 0104d
Pittsburgh Post Gazette/Press
USA Today Ohio edition
Columbus
AmeriFlora '92
92
A World to Discover
1995 E. Broad Street
Columbus. Ohio 43209-1679
(614) 645-1992
SENT BY:
4-15-92 ;12:29PM ;
2024566218:# 1
AMERIFLORA'92...
1995 EAST BROAD CTREET
COLUMBUS. CH USA 43209-1679
CELEBRATION OPDISCOVERY
44X75141645-1900
FAX COVER SHEET
To:
FAX # 202/456.6218
Company: White House
Date: 4 15 92
From: Rob CABORN
Pages (cover included) 4
COMMENTS:
If you have any complications. please call our office.
FAX
operator: Sue Marks 645-1972
1492.1
92
COLUMBUS
Five centuries after he sailed the ocean
blue, the explorer's storied reputation
is taking a revisionist clobbering
P
ortraits of Columbus have two things in common. One is that
they don't look much like each other. The second is that they
probably don't look much like Columbus. Humbly born, the
son of a Genoese weaver, the explorer enjoyed a contemporary tri-
umph so brief that no portrait is thought to have been done during
his lifetime. Such images as do exist-and they are many (see left
and right)-were made either using the 16th-century Identikit
method, based on descriptions by those who had seen him, or rep-
resented the imaginings of latter-day artists who supposed what a
man of such distinction ought to have looked like. We know only
that Columbus was ruddy of complexion ("tending to bright red,'
according to his son Ferdinand) and reddish of hair (though it had
turned white by the time he left, at 41, for his rendezvous with the
Americas), that his eyes were blue and that his height was above
average-which for European men of that era was about 5'6".
As writer John Noble Wilford points out in his provocative new
book, The Mysterious History of Columbus-occasioned by the im-
pending, increasingly vituperative 500th anniversary of the voy-
age that transformed the Americas and the world-other aspects of
Columbus's life are clouded by ambiguity as well. We cannot pre-
cisely fathom, for example, why he should have clung so insistently
to the notion that he could reach the Far East by sailing west across
the vast Ocean Sea. Perhaps it was simply a miscalculation. Other
men of his time knew that such a voyage was theoretically possible,
but they believed the distance was too great for ships to survive.
They were right; Columbus was wrong. But for the unexpected in-
tervention of America, he and his men would almost surely have
perished. Yet the man possessed a heroic intransigence-delud-
ed, perhaps, but of a kind that enables human beings sometimes to
surpass themselves.
Unfortunately, neither the greatness of his obsession nor his for-
midable skills as a sailor ("By a simple look at the night sky," mar-
veled a companion on the second of his four American voyages,
"he would know what route to follow or what weather to expect")
was of any consolation to the luckless natives he chanced to dis-
cover. Enslaved, ravaged by European diseases and treated with
unself-conscious cruelty by Columbus and the adventurers who
followed him, entire populations were driven to the brink of extinc-
tion within a generation or two. The discoverer's reputation is
stained by the memory, which wars with our appreciation of his
singular determination and courage and with our sympathy for his
Lear-like decline. His most virulent critics today blame Columbus
for all the vices of modern America and the wreckage of the para-
dise that they believe he found. Perhaps if he were here to witness
this sweeping indictment, he might wish that the world had been
flat. But probably not; he was never a man to be easily daunted by
popular opinion, even in the event that it was right.
By and large, the Columbuses who appeared after his death (including
an engraving, top left, of the famous portrait attributed to Sebastiano
del Piombo) were figments of the artists' imaginations.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT, BETTMANN ARCHIVE, CULVER PICTURES, BETTMANN ARCHIVE,
CULVER PICTURES, BETTMANN ARCHIVE, CULVER PICTURES (4), BETTMANN ARCHIVE
SPECIAL DOU
ISSU
DECEMBER 30, 1991-JANUARY 6, 1992, $2.95
weekly
RECUTIVE OF CE.
OF THE PRESID
T
H
CULIVE
NOW
MOST
IN
RIGUING
PEOPLE OF 1991
20503 CO
WASHINGTON
SK00113
LIB-INFO SVCS-OEOB
006£
RM G220 NEW EXEC BG
EXEC OFF-PRES
0
724494
4
Clockwise.fromethe top: Princes Diana,Luke Perry,Anita Hill, Garth Brooks, Elizabeth Taylor, Magic Johnson and Julia.Roberts
SENT BY:
4-15-92 ;12:29PM
2024566218;# 2
50
THE BATURDAY EVENING POST
Jan./Feb. '92
AMERICA DISCOVERS
COLUMBUS
Parties like these only happen once every 500 years—
Just ask 37 communities named Columbus.
by William H. Holden
M
iss Liberty and Christopher
Her engagement ring is a whopping
piece of the U.S. Quincentennial cel-
Columbus are getting mar-
three feet in diameter; the "diamond"
ebration. Visitors will enjoy rare flora
ried-symbolically, that is. We're
is a Mitsubishi television screen that
from the Old and New worlds as they
talking about her statue in New York
plays a video about Columbus.
wander through fantasy lands ranging
Harbor and his statue in Barcelona.
This honeymoon project was
from tropical islands to Himalayan
The "monumental" wedding is set
dreamed up by Spanish artist Antoni
mountains to Arizona deserts.
for Valentine's Day 1992 in Caesar's
Miralda to symbolize the 1492
Other Ohio Quincentennial events
Palace, Las Vegas. Image projections
marriage of Old and New worlds. It's
will precede AmeriFlora's opening.
will be shown of bride and bride-
one of many special events marking
One event people might want to
groom, because both are more than
the 500th anniversary of Columbus's
muscle in on is the appearance of
200 years old and are permanent resi-
epic voyage.
Arnold Schwarzenegger. who visits
dents of their home communities.
Probably the most lavish celebra-
Columbus each year to direct his
Their engagement was announced
tion will be the $93 million Ameri-
Bodybuilding Classic. As in his Ter-
in 1986 in New York City by then-
Flora extravaganza in Columbus,
minator movies, he no doubt has
Mayor Edward Koch on Miss
Ohio, where First Lady Barbara Bush
promised residents, "I'll be back!" to
Liberty's 100th birthday. Toasting the
will snip the ribbon on opening day,
pump up his champion classic, Febru-
happy couple, Koch confessed, "I
April 20, More than 4 million visitors
ary 29 through March 1.
didn't even know they were dating."
are expected for AmeriFlora, center-
Whereas Barbara Bush will "open
In April, Columbus's flagship, Santa Maria, will again sall the
on permanent display in Columbus, Ohio, following the city's
blue (of Ohio's Scloto River). A full-scale model will remain
$93 million celebration of the Quincentennial.
SENT BY:
4-15-92 12:30PM
2024566218;# 3
THE BATURDAY EVENING POST
51
Art depleting Christopher Columbus is enjoying a Quincen-
painting The Departure of Columbus from Palos In 1492, which
tennial comeback. Copies of Emanuel Leutze's dramatic
was "lost" for almost a century, are touring the country.
the door" to AmeriFlora crowds,
Flora exposition. The goal is to make
cal into its April 2-3 Spring Pilgrim-
President Bush will promote the
Columbus the state's floral showplace.
age to antebellum homes. On June 13,
Quincentennial by officiating in cer-
Civic officials have distributed hun-
a Columbus actor and crew will land
emonial openings at the Capitol
dreds of flower-seed packets stamped
on the beach, "discovering" the annual
entrance of the great "Columbus
"Color Our Town Pretty" to residents.
Water Festival.
Door," embossed with bronze scenes
And gardeners are blazoning city
Retracing Columbus's first voyage,
from the explorer's life.
parks with bursts of color.
tall ships from many nations, plus
In Columbus, Texas, the only living
Columbus, New Jersey. is the home
replicas of the Niña, Pinta, and Santa
descendant of Columbus-Christopher
of Joseph Laufer, 56, who is traveling
Maria, will participate in the Grand
Lee of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania-will
the country in a Columbus costume to
Regatta Columbus 1992. The ships
lead the town's Quincentennial parade
publicize the Quincentennial. He ar-
will cast off from Cadiz, Spain. in
on May 9, Anyone named Christopher
rived in Columbus, Wisconsin. in
April and race across the Atlantic. A
or Columbus or both is invited to join
May 1991 to help launch the town's
world-class celebration will greet
him in the vanguard. Invitations have
"500 Days to 500 Years" countdown.
them on June 10 in San Juan, Puerto
been sent to movie director Chris
Each day is marked off the calendar
Rico, where Radio City Music Hall
Columbus and actor Christopher
as the Quincentennial's climax ap-
Productions is tuning up for week-
[Superman] Reeve.
proaches on October 12. 1992. The
long spectacles starring world-
Persons born on October 12 are in-
event is the brainchild of Daniel
renowned talents, all televised inter-
vited to the Christopher Columbus
Amato, president of the town's Co-
nationally.
Birthday Party in Columbus, Kansas,
lumbus Quincentennial Celebration. In
Tall ships and the caravel replicas
where the chamber of commerce by-
his Columbus trappings, Laufer as-
will cruise to New York for the July
word is "Help America Discover Co-
cended in a hot-air balloon for an
4 reception in the harbor. After that,
lumbus"-referring to the one in the
overview of the town, so its citizens
many of the ships will sail to Boston,
state of Kansas.
now can say, "Columbus discovered
then charge back across the Atlantic,
Since New Jersey is the "Garden
Columbus, Wisconsin."
finishing in Liverpool.
State," its town of Columbus has bor-
Columbus, Mississippi, will orches-
rowed an idea from Ohio's Ameri-
trate a "Christopher Columbus" musi-
continued on page 74
SENT BY:
4-15-92 12:31PM
2024566218:# 4
74
THE SATURDAY EVENING POST
Jan./Feb. '92
TV
Columbus
Healthy Lunch
WALL
continued from puge 51
continued from page 49
SHELF
The caravels, however, will sail
In general, in preparing a sack
Only
south, then make their way through the
lunch, if you follow basic nutritional
$18.95
Panama Canal to the West Coast, call-
guidelines, you'll find that your child
ing at ports en routc. They will arrive
will have all the fuel he needs for
Plus
in San Francisco Bay for the gala Co-
proper growth and efficient school
$4.25 Shpg.
lumbus Day weekend, October 10-11.
performance.
Although almost all Quincentennial
No space for TV? Mount this space-saver on
fetes look back 500 years, in Wash-
The School Program Solution
the wall, like hotels do. Attach it right where
ington, D.C., the Smithsonian's Na-
An even better solution for the
you want it for comfortable viewing from bed,
sofa or in kitchen. Strong, sturdy black metal
tional Air and Space Museum's
school nutrition and fitness problem is
arms hold portable TV up to 16" deep. It
"Where Next, Columbus?" exposition
to encourage your school to institute
swivels for easy viewing too! Check, MC or
will look ahead, predicting space ex-
a program that will promote basic
VISA. NJ res. + 7% tax.
ploration in the next half-millenium.
health principles. This way, other chil-
SPECIAL: Two for $35 plus $7.50 shpg.
ESSEX HOUSE, Dept. P1-2, Rahway, NJ
In one exhibit, an automated rover
dren will be helped along with your
07065
will lurch across a simulated Martian
own. A few pilot programs in this
The SEP Vegetable Primer -The 200 recipes in
terrain of craters, while robots work at
area have been given high marks by
this book meet the needs of all nutrition-
repetitious tasks and humans repair
various researchers, including the
consclous people:
equipment.
ABODERC
Heart Smart program, which is based
the vegetarian, the
"health fond nut,"
While almost everyone in America
on the extensive Bogalusa Heart
those on restricted
H
will "discover Columbus" in one way
Study in Louisiana.
diets, or
those
VEGETABLE
who just like vege-
or another this year, can anybody top
Focusing on elementary schools,
PRIMER
tables. Soft-cover,
Rick Vanderpool, who has discovered
Heart Smart was designed to institute
144 Pgs. $5.95. Send
Beer autchoke
Columbus 63 times?
to susching
school programs that reduce cardio-
check or money
V
- -
order to: Armchair
As a Quincentennial ambassador-at-
for -
vascular risk factors in children. Spe-
Shupper, Dept. 92A,
&
- -
large. Vanderpool, 42, a writer-pho-
cifically. the program includes a lon-
P.O. Box 130, Indi-
tographer from Athens, Georgia, has
gitudinal classroom curriculum, an
anapolis, IN 46206.
traveled 30,000 miles to 63 U.S. cit-
aerobic fitness program (as part of
jes and towns, or former sites, that are
regular education classes), a health-
named after the explorer. He discov-
oriented school lunch program. and a
ered one flooded by a dam. "I'm try-
teacher-staff development program.
ing to arrange a fishing trip there," he
Some of the objectives of the pro-
jokes. Today, 37 places called Colum-
grain, according to a 1988 report in
bus or Columbia, the feminine form,
the Health Education Quarterly, in-
remain in 24 states. Vanderpool's
clude the following:
photo exposition, "Common Thread,"
Limiting student dietary fat intake
will tour the nation in 1992-93.
to levels below 30 percent of the total
Should Christopher Columbus be
calorie consumption
made an honorary citizen of the
Keeping saturated fats below 10
United States? By all means, says
percent of total calories
S
Elaine Peden of Philadelphia, who
Restricting sodium consumption to
vows to make him one. She has
5 grams or less during a 24-hour pe-
S
Love Your
amassed 30,000 signatures on peti-
riod
7
tions, and U.S. Senator Alfonse M.
Home, But
Increasing students' knowledge of
p
D'Amato is now driving a bill to that
cardiovascular health and risk factors
P
effect through Congress. Peden hopes
Hate The Stairs?
Helping students to resist peer
D'Amato will succeed in time for
pressure to smoke or use drugs
Quincentennial jubilation.
Don't move. Write or call
Developing skills and habits con-
C&
However, should D'Amato's bill
American Stair-Glide instead.
sistent with lifetime physical fitness
0
not pass for some reason, there's no
Those interested in further informa-
From straight run stairway lifts
1.
problem. Maryland Governor William
to ones that go around corners.
tion can write to Dr. Gerald S.
h
We have a simple, effective
Schaefer has already issued Columbus
Berenson, Director; National Research
и
solution to your stair problems.
a certificate of honorary citizenship of
and Demonstration Center-Arterio-
that state. And whoever heard of a
And it's easy to rent or own!
scierosis; Lousiana State University
citizen of one of our states not being
Medical Center: 1542 Tulane Avenue;
a U.S. citizen? &
New Orleans, LA 70112-2865.
AMERICAN
Where do you think you are?
Another program, designed for chil-
11
STAR-GLIDE
(onswers from puge 21
dren from kindergarten through the
n.
Dept. SEP 0192
17heme: Tah 7V sticum characters)
seventh grade. is Growing Health,
4001 E. 138th Street/Grandview, MO 64030
1. Lawson. AK +: Binghamton. NY" 7. Flinraine. MD
which was developed by the National
1-800-925-3100
2. Joison. KY 5. Howell, I'T
8. File. WA
3. Sprague. AL 4. Muldoon. TX
9. Taylor. WI
Center for Health Education: 30 East
29th Street: New York, NY 10016.
at
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Columbus Ohio)
For Immediate Release
April 20, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND MRS BUSH
AT THE AMERIFLORA 92 EXPOSITION OPENING CEREMONY
AmeriFlora Celebration
Columbus Ohio
11:05 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Well Bob, thank you very much
Barbara and I are just delighted to be here and, of course,
delighted to be with our admired and respected friend, Bob Hope.
May I salute our Governor George Vonovich; the Lieutenant
Governor Mike Devine; Senator Glenn; Mayor Lashutka of Columbus:
Dorothy and Bob Teator Dick and Pam Frank; and of course the
one you heard from earlier, Mr. John Wolf and his wife, Ann
John, having done so much for this city
And thank you al for the-privilege of attending
this marvelous AmeriFlora 92 (applause) America's
Celebration of Discovery It' great to be back in Columbus
this wonderful city where my Dad was born and grew up.
First I appreciate the brevity of the Bob Hope
introduction (Laughter. ) Bob was telling me about Columbus!
discovery of America; we were talking a little history He was
saying that one result of Columbus' voyage was the trade that
first introduced broccoli to the Europeans (Laughter.) They ve
been our friends ever since, anyway. (Laughter.)
They remain friends for more than ever, we believe
in the same ideals like liberty, free trade, and democracy. We
know ours is one world -- an interdependent world. And the
American spirit enriches the human spirit -- brave unafraid, and
above all, free.
That spirit -- the spirit of discovery -- forged
America, for Christopher Columbus believed the mariner must, in
his words, probe "the secrets of the world. so the son of a
Genovese weaver took that first step in a trek that ultimately
produced the United States of America.
In saluting his quincentennial, we salute how
freedom's ship has sailed to every corner of the Earth. We
Americans celebrate discovery because we're never satisfied
because we are ever romancing the next horizon. That is why this
beautiful sculpture in front of us reminds us of the sails of the
Nina, Pinta, and the Santa Maria -- why, too, a full-size replica
of the Santa Maria graces the Scioto River.
Here in the largest city in the world bearing the
explorer's name, we honor Columbus for the same reason as people
in Peoria or Prague. We believe that the individual can make a
difference and that human dignity can, indeed, change the world.
Most of all, we know that dignity stems from values
like hard work and self-reliance and faith. In 1492, those
values sustained Columbus' voyage. In 1992, they must sustain
our voyage to do right and, thus, achieve good.
Today, our world is smaller, faster than in
Columbus' time -- our fates at home linked to those abroad. Yet
we need to keep these values in our hearts and in our minds.
- 2 -
Columbus sought a new world The values I refer to can help
create a new world order.
Already, we see the outlines of a new world economy.
Over the next week I'm going to be talking about this economy and
how it can grow in the decades ahead. We need, as President
Nixon once said, an "open world, open cities, open hearts, open
minds." Only then can not merely trade with other nations,
but profit from other nations profit economically,
intellectually, culturally and spiritually
In Columbus' day, commerce meant gold and trinkets.
In our day commerce means the exchange of goods and ideas that
foster free markets, free governments and, ultimately, freedom
itself. And that is why America must always be ready to compete.
By investing more in research and development; investing more in
new technology; investing more in education. We re Americans.
Performance is our name. So as we concede what's changed in the
world, let's prove what has not changed: America can still
outwork and outproduce and outcompete any nation anywhere.
I thought of our country yesterday as Barbara and
I
attended our little church little Easter service there in a
little tiny church in Maine As I looked around our church, we
gave thanks for all that has truly blessed America NOW at is
my pleasure to introduce someone who has blessed my life the
life,of the Bush family. For two years she has been your
honorary patron of this marvelous fair -- honorary patron of
AmeriFlora IIF She B sure been around the world, continuing
Columbus grand tradition you might remember how Columbus
arrived in America and his luggage wound up in China.
(Laughter
But anyway for 47 years, she S. been my wife
Ladies and gentlemen your honorary chairman, my wife our First
Lady Barbara Bush (Applause
MRS BUSH: Thank you Thank you very much George
sYou thought I was going to say "Mr. President (Laughter
Well, I am. Thank you very much, Mr. President, SO much -- and
thank you all for that very warm welcome
You know, George and my Ohio ancestors would be
very surprised and very proud, I know, to see us here today as
part of this very special occasion. I would like very much to
ask John to please come forward This is going to be unfair
since I'm on a ladder. I' 11 get off the ladder
We would like very much to present this American
flag to John Wolfe and to everyone at AmeriFlora 92 to T14 over
this beautiful park from now until the day it closes.
And now, it's my great pleasure -- here your flag
as honorary patron of AmeriFlora 92, to announce let the
ceremonies begin
END
11:10 A.M EDT
86
1026
NEW
gift
INO
been
t
9 April 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR CURT
FROM:
JAG
SUBJECT:
AMERIFLORA
This is a two tiered event: first POTUS will tape a video
with Bob Hope -- a 45 second deal, they're getting us a script.
The purpose: to honor Hope for 50 years of USO involvement. Hope
will be doing his 50th USO anniversary at Ameriflora, and they're
going to use this video for promotion. Speech: 5 minutes or so,
cards, light. I've been long asking for direction on content,
and have gotten none -- so I'd say the theme is pretty much up to
us. Here's some suggestions:
O
Although there's been plenty of mincing around inspired
by politically-correct paranoia -- the nominal raison
d'etre for AmeriaFlora 92 is hidden in its subtitle:
America's Celebration of Discovery. In other words --
the Columbus Quincentennial. So I'd suggest starting
off by honoring Columbus as the embodiment of America's
spirit of discovery (Note: POTUS faces a sculpture
which evokes the sails of the Nina, the Pinta, and the
Santa Maria; also, in downtown Columbus, in front of
City Hall, there's a 20 foot statue of Columbus, and,
adjacent to the building in the Sciota River, there's a
full-size replica of the Santa Maria). Use this as a
launching pad to discuss how the world has changed in
this half-millenium: democracy, freedom, the new
economic realities of global trade. Note: show houses
exhibits from around the world.
The real reason we're doing this event is because Mrs.
Bush is the grand patron of Ameriflora and has been for
two years. In fact, POTUS will be introducing her at
the end of his remarks. Also note that event is the
day after Easter -- a day in which the First Couple
will have attended church at St. Anne's in
Kennebunkport (the very church where POTUS's parents
were wed). How about -- after a discussion of a
changed world -- a return to the one thing that doesn't
change: strong families, strong marriages, strong
values. Easter is a time of renewal -- and these are
the fundamentals that each generation must renew,
protect, and cherish. I feel that this could be done
in a compelling and personal way: "As I was sitting in
church yesterday, I looked over at my wife and thought
of gave thanks for" etc. That which changes, that
which endures. Segued and woven in with praise for the
First Lady and her work for AmeriFlora. And Curtliness
-- if you're not in a good mood, just think of the
wonderful contrast you'll be implying with you know
two
Acknowledgements:
Greg Lashutka (new Republican mayor of
Columbus) and wife; Governor George Voinovich
and wife; Dorothy Teater (president of the
City Commission) and husband Bob; John Wolfe
(president of the Board of Trustees of
AmeriFlora and Columbus bigwheel -- publisher
of local paper, etc.).
NOTE:
I'll get you some Columbus color/quotes.
E300
75
, N53C
WHRC
t: NIXON
SPEAKS
OUT
Major Speeches and Statements
by
Richard M. Nixon
in the
Presidential Campaign of 1968
Nixon-Agnew Campaign Committee
450 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y.
I SEE A DAY
Mr. Chairman, delegates to this convention, my fellow Americans.
Sixteen years ago I stood before this Convention to accept your nomina-
tion as the running mate of one of the greatest Americans of our time-or of
any time-Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Eight years ago, I had the highest honor of accepting your nomination for
President of the United States.
Tonight, I again proudly accept that nomination for President of the
United States.
But I have news for you. This time there is a difference.
This time we are going to win.
We're going to win for a number of reasons: first a personal one. General
Eisenhower, as you know, lies critically ill in the Walter Reed Hospital to-
night. I have talked, however, with Mrs. Eisenhower on the telephone. She
tells me that his heart is with us. And she says that there is nothing that he
lives more for and there is nothing that would lift him more than for us to
win in November and I say let's win this one for Ike!
We are going to win because this great Convention has demonstrated to
the nation that the Republican Party has the leadership, the platform and
the purpose that America needs.
We are going to win because you have nominated as my running mate a
statesman of the first rank who will be a great campaigner and one who is
fully qualified to undertake the new responsibilities that I shall give to the
next Vice President of the United States.
And he is a man who fully shares my conviction and yours, that after a
period. of forty years when power has gone from the cities and the states to
the government in Washington, D.C., it's time to have power go back from
Washington to the states and to the cities of this country all over America.
We are going to win because at a time that America cries out for the unity
that this Administration has destroyed, the Republican Party-after a
277
spirited contest for its nomination for President and for Vice President-
stands united before the nation tonight.
I congratulate Governor Reagan. I congratulate Governor Rockefeller. I
congratulate Governor Romney. I congratulate all those who have made the
hard fight that they have for this nomination. And I know that you will all
fight even harder for the great victory our party is going to win in November
because we're going to be together in that election campaign.
And a party that can unite itself will unite America.
My fellow Americans, most important-we are going to win because our
cause is right.
We make history tonight-not for ourselves but for the ages.
The choice we make in 1968 will determine not only the future of Amer-
ica but the future of peace and freedom in the world for the last third of the
Twentieth Century.
And the question that we answer tonight: can America meet this great
challenge?
For a few moments, lets us look at America, let us listen to America to
find the answer to that question.
As we look at America, we see cities enveloped in smoke and flame.
We hear sirens in the night.
We see Americans dying on distant battlefields abroad.
We see Americans hating each other; fighting each other; killing each
other at home.
And as we see and hear these things, millions of Americans cry out in
anguish.
Did we come all this way for this?
Did American boys die in Normandy, and Korea, and in Valley Forge
for this?
Listen to the answer to those questions.
278
It is another voice. It is the quiet voice in the tumult and the shouting.
It is the voice of the great majority of Americans, the forgotten Ameri-
cans-the non-shouters; the non-demonstrators.
They are not racists or sick; they are not guilty of the crime that plagues
the land.
They are black and they are white-they're native born and foreign born
-they're young and they're old.
They work in America's factories.
They run America's businesses.
They serve in government.
They provide most of the soldiers who died to keep us free.
They give drive to the spirit of America.
They give lift to the American Dream.
They give steel to the backbone of America.
They are good people, they are decent people; they work, and they save,
and they pay their taxes, and they care.
Like Theodore Roosevelt, they know that this country will not be a good
place for any of us to live in unless it is a good place for all of us to live in.
This I say to you tonight is the real voice of America. In this year 1968,
this is the message it will broadcast to America and to the world.
Let's never forget that despite her faults, America is a great nation.
And America is great because her people are great.
With Winston Churchill, we say: "We have not journeyed all this way
across the centuries, across the oceans, across the mountains, across the prair-
ies because we are made of sugar candy."
America is in trouble today not because her people have failed but be-
cause her leaders have failed.
And what America needs are leaders to match the greatness of her people.
279
And this great group of Americans, the forgotten Americans, and others
know that the great question Americans must answer by their votes in Novem-
ber is this: Whether we shall continue for four more years the policies of the
last five years.
And this is their answer and this is my answer to that question.
When the strongest nation in the world can be tied down for four years
in a war in Vietnam with no end in sight;
When the richest nation in the world can't manage its own economy;
When the nation with the greatest tradition of the rule of law is plagued
by unprecedented lawlessness;
When a nation that has been known for a century for equality of oppor-
tunity is torn by unprecedented racial violence;
And when the President of the United States cannot travel abroad or to
any major city at home without fear of a hostile demonstration-then it's
time for new leadership for the United States of America.
My fellow Americans, tonight I accept the challenge and the commitment
to provide that new leadership for America.
And I ask you to accept it with me.
And let us accept this challenge not as a grim duty but as an exciting
adventure in which we are privileged to help a great nation realize its destiny.
And let us begin by committing ourselves to the truth-to see it like it is,
and tell it like it is-to find the truth, to speak the truth, and to live the truth
-that's what we will do.
We've had enough of big promises and little action.
The time has come for honest government in the United States of
America.
And so tonight I do not promise the millennium in the morning.
I don't promise that we can eradicate poverty, and end discrimination,
eliminate all danger of war in the space of four, or even eight years. But, I
280
do promise action-a new policy for peace abroad; a new policy for peace
and progress and justice at hime.
Look at our problems abroad. Do you realize that we face the stark truth
that we are worse off in every area of the world tonight than we were when
President Eisenhower left office eight years ago. That's the record. And there
is only one answer to such a record of failure and that is a complete house-
cleaning of those responsible for the failures of that record. The answer is a
complete re-appraisal of America's policies in every section of the world.
We shall begin with Vietnam.
We all hope in this room that there is a chance that current negotiations
may bring an honorable end to that war. And we will say nothing during this
campaign that might destory that chance.
But if the war is not ended when the people choose in November, the
choice will be clear. Here it is.
For four years this Administration has had at its disposal the greatest
military and economic advantage that one nation has ever had over another
in any war in history.
For four years, America's fighting men have set a record for courage and
sacrifice unsurpassed in our history.
For four years, this Administration has had the support of the Loyal
Opposition for the objective of seeking an honorable end to the struggle.
Never has so much military and economic and diplomatic power been
used so ineffectively.
And if after all of this time and all of this sacrifice and all of this sup-
port there is still no end in sight, then I say the time has come for the Amer-
ican people to turn to new leadership-not tied to the mistakes and the poli-
cies of the past. That is what we offer to America.
And I pledge to you tonight that the first priority foreign policy objective
of our next Administration will be to bring an honorable end to the war in
Vietnam. We shall not stop there-we need a policy to prevent more Vietnams.
All of America's peace-keeping institutions and all of America's foreign
281
commitments must be re-appraised. Over the past twenty-five years, America
has provided more than one hundred and fifty billion dollars in foreign aid
to nations abroad.
In Korea and now again in Vietnam, the United States furnished most of
the money, most of the arms; most of the men to help the people of those
countries defend themselves against aggression.
Now we are a rich country. We are a strong nation. We are a populous
nation. But there are two hundred million Americans and there are two billion
people that live in the Free World.
And I say the time has come for other nations in the Free World to bear
their fair share of the burden of defending peace and freedom around this
world.
What I call for is not a new isolationism. It is a new internationalism in
which America enlists its allies and its friends around the world in those
struggles in which their interest is as great as ours.
And now to the leaders of the Communist world, we say: After an era of
confrontation, the time has come for an era of negotiation.
Where the world's super powers are concerned, there is no acceptable
alternative to peaceful negotiation.
Because this will be a period of negotiation, we shall restore the strength
of America so that we shall always negotiate from strength and never from
weakness.
And as we seek peace through negotiation, let our goals be made clear:
We do not seek domination over any other country.
We believe deeply in our ideas, but we believe they should travel on their
own power and not on the power of our arms.
We shall never be belligerent but we shall be as firm in defending our
system as they are in expanding theirs.
We believe this should be an era of peaceful competition, not only in the
productivity of our factories but in the quality of our ideas.
282
We extend the hand of friendship to all people, to the Russian people,
to the Chinese people, to all people in the world.
And we shall work toward the goal of an open world-open skies, open
cities, open hearts, open minds.
The next eight years, my friends, this period in which we are entering,
I think we will have the greatest opportunity for world peace but also face the
greatest danger of world war of any time in our history.
I believe we must have peace. I believe that we can have peace, but I do
not underestimate the difficulty of this task. Because you see the art of pre-
serving peace is greater than that of waging war and much more demanding.
But I am proud to have served in an Administration which ended one war
and kept the nation out of other wars for eight years. And it is that kind of
experience and it is that kind of leadership that America needs today, and
that we will give to America with your help.
And as we commit to new policies for America tonight, let us make one
further pledge:
For five years hardly a day has gone by when we haven't read or heard a
report of the American flag being spit on; an embassy being stoned; a library
being burned; or an ambassador being insulted some place in the world. And
each incident reduced respect for the United States until the ultimate insult
inevitably occurred.
And I say to you tonight that when respect for the United States of Amer-
ica falls so low that a fourth-rate military power, like Norh Korea, will seize
an American naval vessel on the high seas, it is time for new leadership to
restore respect for the United States of America.
My friends, America is a great nation.
And it is time we started to act like a great nation around the world. It is
ironic to note when we were a small nation-weak militarily and poor eco-
nomically-America was respected. And the reason was that America stood
for something more powerful than military strength or economic wealth.
The American Revolution was a shining example of freedom in action
which caught the imagination of the world.
283
Today, too often, America is an example to be avoided and not followed.
A nation that can't keep the peace at home won't be trusted to keep the
peace abroad.
A President who isn't treated with respect at home will not be treated with
respect abroad.
A nation which can't manage its own economy can't tell others how to
manage theirs.
If we are to restore prestige and respect for America abroad, the place
to begin is at home in the United States of America.
My friends, we live in an age of revolution in America and in the world.
And to find the answers to our problems, let us turn to a revolution, a revolu-
tion that will never grow old. The world's greatest continuing revolution, the
American Revolution.
The American Revolution was and is dedicated to progress, but our
founders recognized that the first requisite of progress is order.
Now, there is no quarrel between progress and order-because neither
can exist without the other.
So let us have order in America-not the order that suppresses dissent
and discourages change but the order which guarantees the right to dissent
and provides the basis for peaceful change.
And tonight, it is time for some honest talk about the problem of order in
the United States.
Let us always respect, as I do, our courts and those who serve on them.
But let us also recognize that some of our courts in their decisions have gone
too far in weakening the peace forces as against the criminal forces in this
country and we must act to restore that balance.
Let those who have the responsibility to enforce our laws and our judges
who have the responsibility to interpret them be dedicated to the great princi-
ples of civil rights.
But let them also recognize that the first civil right of every American is
284
to be free from domestic violence, and that right must be guaranteed in this
country.
And if we are to restore order and respect for law in this country there
is one place we are going to begin. We are going to have a new Attorney
General of the United States of America.
I pledge to you that our new Attorney General will be directed by the
President of the United States to launch a war against organized crime in
this country.
I pledge to you that the new Attorney General of the United States will
be an active belligerent against the loan sharks and the numbers racketeers
that rob the urban poor in our cities.
I pledge to you that the new Attorney General will open a new front
against the filth peddlers and the narcotics peddlers who are corrupting the
lives of the children of this country.
Because, my friends, let this message come through clear from what I say
tonight. Time is running out for the merchants of crime and corruption in
American society.
The wave of crime is not going to be the wave of the future in the United
States of America.
We shall re-establish freedom from fear in America so that America can
take the lead in re-establishing freedom from fear in the world.
And to those who say that law and order is the code word for racism,
there and here is a reply:
Our goal is justice for every American.
If we are to have respect for law in America, we must have laws that
deserve respect.
Just as we cannot have progress without order, we cannot have order with-
out progress, and so, as we commit to order tonight, let us commit to progress.
And this brings me to the clearest choice among the great issues of this
campaign.
285
For the past five years we have been deluged by government programs for
the unemployed; programs for the cities; programs for the poor. And we have
reaped from these programs an ugly harvest of frustration, violence and fail-
ure across the land.
And now our opponents will be offering more of the same-more billions
for government jobs, government housing, government welfare.
I say it is time to quit pouring billions of dollars into programs that have
failed in the United States of America.
To put it bluntly, we are on the wrong road-and it's time to take a new
road, to progress.
Again, we turn to the American Revolution for our answer.
The war on poverty didn't begin five years ago in this country. It began
when this country began. It's been the most successful war on poverty in the
history of nations. There is more wealth in America today, more broadly
shared, than in any nation in the world.
We are a great nation. And we must never forget how we became great.
America is a great nation today not because of what government did for
people-but because of what people did for themselves over a hundred-
ninety years in this country.
So it is time to apply the lessons of the American Revolution to our
present problem.
Let us increase the wealth of America so that we can provide more gen-
erously for the aged; and for the needy; and for all those who cannot help
themselves.
But for those who are able to help themselves-what we need are not
more millions on welfare rolls-but more millions on payrolls in the United
States of America.
Instead of government jobs, and government housing, and government
welfare, let government use its tax and credit policies to enlist in this battle
the greatest engine of progress ever developed in the history of man-Amer-
ican private enterprise.
286
Let us enlist in this great cause the millions of Americans in volunteer
organizations who will bring a dedication to this task that no amount of
money could ever buy.
And let us build bridges, my friends, build bridges to human dignity
across that gulf that separates black America from white America.
Black Americans, no more than white Americans, they do not want more
government programs which perpetuate dependency.
They don't want to be a colony in a nation.
They want the pride, and the self-respect, and the dignity that can only
come if they have an equal chance to own their own homes, to own their own
businesses, to be managers and executives as well as workers, to have a piece
of the action in the exciting ventures of private enterprise.
I pledge to you tonight that we shall have new programs which will pro-
vide that equal chance.
We make great history tonight.
We do not fire a shot heard 'round the world but we shall light the lamp
of hope in millions of homes across this land in which there is no hope today.
And that great light shining out from America will again become a
beacon of hope for all those in the world who seek freedom and opportunity.
My fellow Americans, I believe that historians will recall that 1968
marked the beginning of the American generation in world history.
Just to be alive in America, just to be alive at this time is an experience
unparalleled in history. Here is where the action is. Think.
Thirty-two years from now most Americans living today will celebrate
a new year that comes once in a thousand years.
Eight years from now, in the second term of the next President, we will
celebrate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution.
And by our decision in this election, we, all of us here, all of you listen-
ing on television and radio, we will determine what kind of nation America
287
will be on its 200th birthday; we will determine what kind of a world Amer-
ica will live in in the year 2000.
This is the kind of a day I see for America on that glorious Fourth-
eight years from now.
I see a day when Americans are once again proud of their flag. When
once again at home and abroad, it is honored as the world's greatest symbol
of liberty and justice.
I see a day when the President of the United States is respected and his
office is honored because it is worthy of respect and worthy of honor.
I see a day when every child in this land, regardless of his background,
has a chance for the best education our wisdom and schools can provide, and
an equal chance to go just as high as his talents will take him.
I see a day when life in rural America attracts people to the country,
rather than driving them away.
I see a day when we can look back on massive breakthroughs in solving
the problems of slums and pollution and traffic which are choking our cities
to death.
I see a day when our senior citizens and millions of others can plan for
the future with the assurance that their government is not going to rob them
of their savings by destroying the value of their dollars.
I see a day when we will again have freedom from fear in America and
freedom from fear in the world.
I see a day when our nation is at peace and the world is at peace and
everyone on earth-those who hope, those who aspire, those who crave lib-
erty-will look to America as the shining example of hopes realized and
dreams achieved.
My fellow Americans, this is the cause I ask you to vote for. This is the
cause I ask you to work for. This is the cause I ask you to commit to-not
just for victory in November but beyond that to a new Administration.
Because the time when one man or a few leaders could save America is
288
gone. We need tonight nothing less than the total commitment and the total
mobilization of the American people if we are to succeed.
Government can pass laws. But respect for law can come only from
people who take the law into their hearts and their minds-and not into
their hands.
Government can provide opportunity. But opportunity means nothing
unless people are prepared to seize it.
A President can ask for reconciliation in the racial conflict that divides
Americans. But reconciliation comes only from the hearts of people.
And tonight, therefore, as we make this commitment, let us look into
our hearts and let us look down into the faces of our children.
Is there anything in the world that should stand in their way?
None of the old hatreds mean anything when we look down into the
faces of our children.
In their faces is our hope, our love, and our courage.
Tonight, I see the face of a child.
He lives in a great city. He is black. Or he is white. He is Mexican,
Italian, Polish. None of that matters. What matters, he's an American child.
That child in that great city is more important than any politician's
promise. He is America. He is a poet. He is a scientist, he is a great teacher,
he is a proud craftsman. He is everything we ever hoped to be and every-
thing we dare to dream to be.
He sleeps the sleep of childhood and he dreams the dreams of a child.
And yet when he awakens, he awakens to a living nightmare of poverty,
neglect and despair.
He fails in school.
He ends up on welfare.
For him the American system is one that feeds his stomach and starves
289
his soul. It breaks his heàrt. And in the end it may take his life on some
distant battlefield.
To millions of children in this rich land, this is their prospect of the
future.
But this is only part of what I see in America.
I see another child tonight.
He hears the train go by at night and he dreams of far away places
where he'd like to go.
It seems like an impossible dream.
But he is helped on his journey through life.
A father who had to go to work before he finished the sixth grade, sacri-
ficed everything he had so that his sons could go to college.
A gentle, Quaker mother, with a passionate concern for peace, quietly
wept when he went to war but she understood why he had to go.
A great teacher, a remarkable football coach, an inspirational minister
encouraged him on his way.
A courageous wife and loyal children stood by him in victory and also
defeat.
And in his chosen profession of politics, first there were scores, then
hundreds, then thousands, and finally millions worked for his success.
And tonight he stands before you-nominated for President of the
United States of America.
You can see why I believe so deeply in the American Dream.
For most of us the American Revolution has been won; the American
Dream has come true.
And what I ask you to do tonight is to help me make that dream come
true for millions to whom it's an impossible dream today.
One hundred and eight years ago, the newly elected President of the
290
United States, Abraham Lincoln, left Springfield, Illinois, never to return
again. He spoke to his friends gathered at the railroad station. Listen to his
words:
"Today I leave you. I go to assume a greater task than devolved on
General Washington. The great God which helped him must help me. With-
out that great assistance, I will surely fail. With it, I cannot fail."
Abraham Lincoln lost his life but he did not fail.
The next President of the United States will face challenges which in
some ways will be greater than those of Washington or Lincoln. Because
for the first time in our nation's history, an American President will face
not only the problem of restoring peace abroad but of restoring peace at
home.
Without God's help and your help, we will surely fail; but with God's
help and your help, we shall surely succeed.
My fellow Americans, the long dark night for America is about to end.
The time has come for us to leave the valley of despair and climb the
mountain so that we may see the glory of the dawn-a new day for America,
and a new dawn for peace and freedom in the world.
Republican National Convention
Miami Beach, Florida
August 8, 1968
291
SENT BY:
4-13-92 ;11:47AM ;
2024566218:# 1/10
1995 EAST BROAD STREET
AMERIFLORA'92...
COLUMBUS, OH USA 43209-1679
C
PHONE (614)645-1992
FAX (614) 645-1900
FAX COVER SHEET
To: Jennifer White House brosmon
FAX # 202456 6218
Company:
Date: 4 13 92
From:
Roo CABORN
Pages (cover included) 10
COMMENTS:
If you have any complications. please call our office.
FAX operator:
4ue Marks 645-1972
SENT BY:
4-13-92 ;11:47AM ;
2024566218:# 2/10
The President and/or The First Lady
DRAFT
AmeriFlora '92
Grand Opening
Timeline
CONFIDENTIAL
Monday, April 20, 1992
(all times shown are a.m.)
Activity
The President
The First Lady
7:30
Gates open to general public
(time will be unannounced)
Continental Breakfast,
Taste of Nations
7:30-9:15 a.m.
8:00
VIP guest arrival
Club '92 park at
Club '92
Invited VIPs to park
---
at Wolfe Park and
auto shuttle to Franklin
Park
Program participants
to park at Club '92 and
stand by to participate.
8:30
VIP seating begins at
Grand Mallway
9:30
VIP seating completed
at Grand Mallway
9:45
The President's
The First Lady arrives
aircraft arrives
with The President,
Port Columbus
Port Columbus
International
International
Airport
Airport
Greeted by
Greeted by
Ohio Governor and Mrs.
Ohio Governor and Mrs.
George Voinovich
Ceorge Voinovich
9:55
Auto to AmeriFlora;
Auto to AmeriFlora;
(Governor Voinovich
accompanied by
in separate vehicle)
Mrs. Voinovich
(Revised 4/10/92
"A "Working version listed as 4/9 New version under Opening)
DRAFT
SENT BY:
4-13-92 ;11:47AM ;
2024566218;# 3/10
-2-
Activity
The President
The First Lady
10:05
AmeriPlora arrival
AmeriFlora arrival at
at
Grand International
Franklin Park
Horticultural Exhibition and
Conservatory
Competition ("Indoor Show")
at Pavilion of the Seasons
Greeted by
John F. Wolfe,
Exit vehicle at Pavilion
President,
of Seasons entrance
AmeriFlora
Board of Trustees and
Greeted by :
Publisher, Columbus
Ann Wolfe,
Dispatch
spouse of John F Wolfe
Publisher, Columbus Dispatch
and President, AmeriFlora
Board of Trustees
10:06
The President walks
and
to Conservatory
Scott Girard
Library;
AmeriFlora Master Planner
accompanied by
and
Gov. Voinovich and
Representative of Grand
Mr. Wolfe
International Horticultural
Exhibition
10:07
Greets AmeriFlora
First Lady and party
Board of Trustees;
enter Pavilion of Seasons
U.S. Senator John Glenn;
Columbus Mayor
Greg Lashutka;
Greeting performance by
Mrs. Dorothy Teator,
The Kandy Rappers
President, Franklin
County Commission
Mrs. Cindy Lazarus,
President, Columbus
City Council;
Dick Franks, AmeriFlora
Management Chairman
(total 24 consisting
of ten individuals
and spouses).
10:08
Kandy Rapper presents First
Lady with dozen roses
First Lady thanks Kandy Rapper
SENT BY:
4-13-92 :11:48AM ;
2024566218:# 4/10
-3-
Activity
The President
The First Lady
10:09
(Conservatory
Begin tour of Indoor Show,
meet and greet,
toured by Scott Girard, Mrs.
continued)
Wolfe and Mrs. Voinovich
Walk past exhibits
- International Children's Choir ,
costumed in themed clothing of
participating nations
situated on elevated
stage of center of Exhibition
sings while The First Lady
tours
- Walk to center stage within
Pavilion, meet International
Children's Choir (optional)
- Photos with International
Children's Choir (optional)
10:16
Exit Indoor Show
Musical serenade by
The Handbell Choir of the
Columbus School for the
Blind as First Lady exits
Indoor Show (immediately
outside exit)
Meet Handbell Choir
(optional)
10:17
The President concludes
introduction and greetings
with AmeriFlora
Board of Trustees and
sclected dignitaries
SENT BY:
4-13-92 ;11:48AM ;
2024566218;# 5/10
-4-
Activity
The President
The First Lady
10:18
The President begins
Photos with Handbell Choir
Conservatory tour;
(optional)
walk-through tour
conducted by Dick
Franks (AmeriFlora),
Chairman, Franklin
Park Conservatory
District and President,
Columbus Dispatch
(Optional:
Bob Hope TV taping
for 15 minutes
10:21
Auto from Pavilion of the Seasons
to Conservatory (accompanied by
Mrs. Voinovich and Mrs. Wolfe)
10:26
Arrive Conservatory.
Exit vehicle
10:27
Re-join Mrs. Bush
Re-join The President
10:18
Staff time
Private time
10:20
Canatamus Girls Choir
(Mansfield, Great Britain)
presents vocal selection
10:23
Invocation
10:
Ohio State University
Marching Band performance
10:32
Ceremonial Plaza party
enters Ceremonial Plaza
(with exception of
The President and
The First Lady)
Party includes:
John F. Wolfe and Mrs. Wolfe,
President
AmeriFlora Board of Trustees
and
Publisher
Columbus, Dispatch
(more Introductions)
SENT BY:
4-13-92 :11:48AM ;
2024566218;# 6/10
-5-
Governor George Voinovich
and Mrs. Janet Volnovich
Covernor of Ohio
Mrs. Dorothy S. Teator
and spouse Robert Teator
President
Franklin County Commission
Mayor Greg Lashutka
and Catherine Adams
(Mrs. Lashutka)
Mayor of Columbus
10:35
"I Love This Land"
production number
Singer T. Graham Brown
Columbus Kinderchoir
Musical backup
10:40
10:41
John F. Wolfe
President
AmeriFlora Board of Trustees
(Publisher, Columbus Dispatch)
to lectern
John F. Wolfe remarks
10:43
Mr. Wolfe introduces
Gov. George Voinovich,
Governor of Ohio
10:44
Gov. Voinovich remarks
10:46
Gov. Voinovich introduces
The President walks to
The President walks to
Bob Hope
Conservatory Palm House
Conservatory Palm House
to enter Ceremonial Plaza
to enter Ceremonial Plaza
w Musical backdrop
stage
stage
of "Thanks for the
Memories"
Mr. Hope enters Grand
Mallway aboard golf cart,
travels to Ceremonial Plaza
10:50
Mr. Hope ascends
Stand by to enter
Stand by to enter
Ceremonial Plaza
Ceremonial Plaza stage
Ceremonial Plaza stage
10:51
Mr. Hope remarks
SENT BY:
4-13-92 :11:49AM ;
2024566218:# 7/10
-6-
The President is seated
10:52
Mr. Hope introduces
The President enters
The First Lady
The President and
Ceremonial Plaza stage
Ceremonial Plaza stage
The First Lady
Presidential musical
The President greets
The First Lady greets
introduction
dignitaries on stage
dignitaries on stage
The President greets
Bob Hope at lectern
10:53
Mr. Hope is scated
The President
The First Lady seated
presents remarks
10:58
The President
The First Lady joins
joined by
The President at the lectern
the First Lady
at the lectern
10:59
The President
The First Lady
remains standing
presents brief remarks
next to The First Lady
The First Lady asks
Mr. John Wolfe to come to
the lectern
11:00
The First Lady presents
an American flag to
Mr. Wolfe (flag to be
flown at the AmeriFlora
entrance flagpole)
Mrs. Bush cues entertainment
program to begin:
"Let the celebration
begin"
SENT BY:
4-13-92 ;11:49AM ;
2024566218;# 8/10
-7-
Activity
The President
The First Lady
11:00
CEREMONIAL
The President is seated
The First Lady is seated
PRODUCTION
PROGRAM
- Up with People
- 500 Discovery Dancers
- Children's Chorus
- OSU Marching Band
- AmeriFlora Gospel Choir
- USAF Airmen of Note
- Jet flyover
11:04
Daytime pyrotechnics
The President stands,
The First Lady stands,
display
prepares to exit stage
prepares to exit stage
11:05
Grand Mallway voice over
"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining President and
The First Lady and our special guests for the grand opening
of AmeriFlora '92. As The President and The First Lady
exit, please enjoy our grand finale."
PRODUCTION
Exit stage,
Exit stage,
FINALE
enter Conservatory
enter Conservatory
walk to auto
walk to auto
11:06
Exit AmeriFlora
Exit AmeriFlora
via auto
via auto
Optional:
Optional
Bob Hope TV taping
Bob Hope TV taping
11:07
Cast exits Grand Mallway
Enroute to next
Enroute to next
Instamental music
destination
destination
underneath
Grand Mallway voice over
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again for joining us.
AmeriFlora '92 is now officially open for you to enjoy. We
are pleased to host you. Enjoy your day at AmeriFlora '92."
11:08
PROGRAM IS
CONCLUDED
End of AmeriFlora visit
SENT BY:
4-13-92 :11:50AM ;
2024566218;#10/10
John F. Wolfe remarks, Opening Ceremony, Draft One, 4/13/92
We are especially thankful for the thousands of
hours provided by our AmeriFlora volunteers.
Their hard work and generosity of spirit has been
inspirational.
And, we recognize the efforts of the AmeriFlora
staff. Their efforts have been focused for months
on end preparing for this morning and the six
months to follow.
We want AmeriFlora to be something to which
Columbus Ohio and our nation will point with
pride. We hope your visit this morning will be the
first of many visits and we want your memories of
our exposition to last a lifetime.
The State of Ohio has been a very special friend to
AmeriFlora. Indeed, their Ohio Pavilion tells the
story of our state in a very unique fashion.
It is my pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, to
introduce to you The Governor of Ohio, The
Honorable George V. Voinovich:
(Mr. Wolfe proceeds to seat next to Mrs. Wolfe)
(Governor Voinovich proceeds to lectern)
SENT BY:
4-13-92 :11:49AM ;
2024566218:# 9/10
John R Wolfe remarks, Opening Ceremony; Draft One, 4/13/92
DRAFT
Good morning. Thank you for joining with us for
this very special morning.
In a few moments, we will all share the opening of
an event that has been our vision for the past five
years. This morning, that vision AmeriFlora '92
becomes reality. It is a reality much larger and more
exciting than we ever dreamed.
AmeriFlora comes to life this morning because of
the dedicated efforts of our supporters.
We have been nurtured by the Federal Government,
The State of Ohio, Franklin County and the City of
Columbus. Their contributions will remain here in
the form of many wonderful new buildings,
including our fully restored and expanded
Conservatory.
We are grateful to the private sector, whose
support has been critical to our development.
AMERIFLORA'92
TM
AMERICA'S CELEBRATION OF DISCOVERY
EAST BROAD
Stage Americana
40
34
Japan
C #IT 37 38
C
#11
Lions
Pavilion of the Seasons
Sensory
Garden
32
19
Columbus Zoo
36
America Presents
Playscape
35
33
Gardens
Gift Shop
20
"Seeds of Change"
Grand Mallway
39
C
#IT
42
26
Great
O.M. Scott
Stage
American
World of Grasses
24
Picnic
40
Old World
Grounds
Market
NavStar '92 Sculpture
Community
41
of Nations
25
40
Gardens
Community
Ohio Ducks
Unlimited
C #11
14
of Nations
Victory Garden
Gardens
Old World
31
Traditions Garder
Columbus Zoo
General Motors
Maze
Playscape
"World Song'
40
Garden
Camp AmeriFlora Stage
19
FRANKLIN PARK WEST
#11
Community
21
22
C
43
of Nations
45
C
Gardens
International
Amphitheater
44
International Market
Doctors Hospital
46
First Aid Center
Remote Control
LCI International
The Unicorn Pub 50 51
Stage
Boats
54
Phone Center
40
SportsWatchers Pub
49
C
#11
Community
48
23
IIII
of Nations
Taste of Nations
Gardens
Food Pavilion
Old World
Rose Garden
47
Tropical Island
International Cafe
Lower
Upper
Columbus Zoo
52
40
Lagoon
Lagoon
Playscape
53
Community
19
of Nations
Straw Market and Drink Bar
Gardens
68
Waterway
Walt Disney World
and
20th Anniversary Topiary Displays
Cascades
⑉
FRANKLIN PARK SOUTH
Entertainment
Exhibits and Attractions
Information Center
18
Ceremonial Plaza
15 Franklin Park Conservatory
28 Bavarian Fest Haus Stage
19 Columbus Zoo Playscapes (Three Locations)
Crafts
22 Camp AmeriFlora Stage
24
NavStar '92 Sculpture
Society
26
Old World Market Stage
35
Smithsonian Institution "Seeds of Change"
of Arborculture
30
Old World Bazaar Stage
(open June 1)
34 Stage Americana
37
General Exhibit Area
Displays and exhibits
45 International Ampitheater
(at Pavilion of the Seasons)
46
International Market Stage
38 The Ohio State University Exhibit
-Bilt
Co.
49 Taste of Nations SportsWatchers Pub
43
"World Song" presented by General Motors
presented by Time Warner Cable
54
Remote Control Boats
Company
51
The Unicorn Pub Stage
59
Around the World Carousel
Garden
52
Tropical Island
presented by Kodalux
Burpee, Inc.
61
Hawaii Kai Restaurant Stage
60
Dino Discovery Dig
presented by Worthington Industries
Dining and Food Service
62
Huntington Banks "I Love This Land"
bany
(located within Discovery Pavilion)
any
17
Water
Conservatory Cafe
63
Kid's Group Sculpture
25 Old World Market
64
Kid's Sonic Playground
thur
Lumber
27
Bavarian Fest Haus
65
NASA Exhibit
dening
39 Great American Picnic Grounds
(see Information Guide handed out daily
hpson Industries
44 International Market
for specific display schedule)
reams and Fantasies
47
International Cafe
66
Seeds of Genius
48 Taste of Nations Food Pavilion
(located within Discovery Pavilion)
50
The Unicorn Pub
68 Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary
ociation of Botanical
61 Hawaii Kai Restaurant
Topiary Displays
Beverage and food carts are located
Inc.
throughout the site
Deere Company
Shopping
Association
16 Conservatory Gift Shop
29 Old World Bazaar
36 Smithsonian Institution Gift Shop
Yard
(open June 1)
44 International Market
Company
53 Tropical Island Straw Market and Drink Bar
Company
67
Discovery Pavilion Gift Shop
Bark
Bark & Soil
Themed souvenir merchandise sold on carts
throughout the site
nlawn Services Corporation
Guest Services
1 Ticket Booths
40 Community of Nations Gardens
57
America's Backy
2 COTA Express Bus arrivals/departures
International participants:
presented by
to remote parking
Africa
Korea
Frank's Nursery &
3 Tour Bus arrivals/departures
Australia
Malaysia
The American Hos
4 Park entrance/exit turnstiles
Canada
Monaco
International Socie
5 Discovery Plaza and Star Fountain
Holland
Russia
Leisure Woods Ind
6 Stroller/Wheelchair rental
India
United Kingdom
58
America's Backya
7 Guest Relations/Guided Tours,
Japan
Backyard Recyclin
Lost and Found and Lost Persons
presented by Troy
8 Rental lockers (two locations)
Domestic participants:
Backyard Waterwc
11 Caretaker's House
American Ivy Society
presented by Toro
12 State of Ohio Pavilion
Burley Clay Products
The Burpee Seed (
13 Columbus '92 Information
Burwell's Landscapes & Gardens
presented by W. A
Doctors Hospital First Aid Center
Central Ohio Flower Growers
Container Gardenir
(located in Old World Traditions)
Franklin County 4-H
presented by
Great Oaks Joint Vocational School District
Longaberger Com
International Voluntary Organization
The EZ Soil Compa
Gardens
Reipenhoff Landscape, Inc.
Decks, Patios and
41 Ohio Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
presented by McA
Gateway to Discovery Gardens
42 O.M. Scott World of Grasses
Environmental Gar
9
Columbus AIDS Task Force Living Quilt
The United Italian-Americans for 1992
presented by Thon
10 AFL-CIO Labor Grove
55 America's Backyard Gardens
Garden Delights, D
14 Old World Traditions Gardens
Applied Imagination
presented by
American Rose Society
Berlin Garden Gazebos
Davey Tree Expert
Art of Livin'
City of Columbus
The American Ass
Fisher's Greenhouse, Inc.
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
Gardens and Arb
Hahn's Greenhouses
Component Garden
Gardening for Wild
MaryAnn Gorka Exhibit
Finlandscape Inc.
presented by Opus
National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.
Gatlin Industries
Gardening with Po
Oakland Nursery
Interpave
presented by John
Ohio Association of Garden Clubs Inc.
Lang Stone Co. Inc.
Idea Garden
Ohio Lawn Care Association, Inc.
de Monye's Greenhouse Inc.
presented by
Warwick's Landscaping Inc.
Eastland Career Center Horticulture
National Gardening
Wilson's Garden Center
Fisher's Greenhouse Inc.
Backyard America
Zuber Landscape Design/Construction
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Hoffco
15 Franklin Park Conservatory
Foundation Earth
The Low Maintenar
20
Grand Mallway
Livingscapes
presented by
21
Maze Garden
Oakland Nursery
Colorado Aggrega
23
Old World Rose Garden
Public Utilities Department Garden
Monsanto Agricultu
31
Victory Garden
Quail Hollow Herbal Society
Soil Amendments E
presented by
United Way of Franklin County Garden
presented by Natic
Leisure Woods Gazebos
The Whimsical Garden
Producers Associa
McArthur Lumber & Post
Wilson's Garden Center
Value of Landscap
Miracle Grow
Women's National Farm and Garden Associatio
presented by Cher
Timber Framers Guild of America
56
Tapestry Garden
32 America Presents Gardens
All American Selections
Hocking Technical College Exhibit
American Daffodil Society
Kinman Associates, Inc.
American Hemerocallis Society
33 Lions of Central Ohio Sensory Garden
Central Ohio Chrysanthemum Society
Oakland Nursery
Cherryhill Aquatics
Ohio Festival and Events Exhibit
Conrad Pyle Company
Operation Flag Garden
Hearts & Flowers Perennial Nursery
Reinhold & Vidosh Landscape Services, Inc.
National Pond Society
Van Wert County
The Whimsical Garden
Yardmaster, Inc.
Wilson's Garden Center
Women's National Farm and
Garden Association
AFL-CIO Labor Grove
10
2
COTA Bus arrivals/departures
to Remote Parking
Columbus AIDS
Columbus '92 Information
Task Force
Living Quilt
12
13
Stroller/
C
#IT
Wheelchair
9
State of Ohio
Rental
Pavilion
⑉
6
C
Main Gate
?
8
7
Guest Relations
4
1
Ceremonial Plaza
5
Gift Shop
Star Fountain
Ticket Booths
18
16
15
C #lt
Discovery Plaza
Franklin Park
17
Conservatory
Cafe
8
C
$
S
#IT
America's Backyard
Displays & Exhibits
Bavarian
Fest Haus
58
C
27 28
3
America's Backyard
57
C #11
Tour Bus
Information Center
56
arrivals/deparxires
Tapestry
29
Gardens
Old World
Bazaar
55
59
America's
30
Backyard
C #11
Kodalux
Gardens
Around the World
C
Stage
Carousel
64
Kid's Sonic
#IT
Playground
Caretaker's
Seeds of Genius
House
66
Hawaii Kai Restaurant
11
60
Discovery Pavilion
61
62
Dino
Huntington Banks
Discovery Dig
I Love This Land
C #11
63
65
67
⑉
Kid's Group
NASA
Gift Shop
Sculpture
x 5 peech
IIII
I 1
your
THE
I
WILL
I
THE
will
A
THE
$6.00
AUTUMN 1991
THE WILSON QUARTERLY
What Happened to
THE AMERICAN ESTABLISHMENT?
RUSSIA'S FEVER BREAK
COLUMBUS
WOODROW WILSON
EASTERN EUROPE
Columbus and the
Labyrinth of History
Every generation creates the Columbus it needs. As the
Quincentenary of his 1492 voyage approaches, observers are torn
between celebrating a brave visionary and condemning the first
representative of an age of imperial exploitation. Here Pulitzer
Prize-winning journalist John Noble Wilford explores the various
Columbus legends and discovers, beneath them, a very human
figure and an adventure unprecedented in boldness.
by John Noble Wilford
istory has not been the
lumbus. Such, it seems, is the fate of histori-
H
same since Christopher
cal figures whose deeds reverberate
Columbus. Neither has
through time.
he been the same
The Columbus story surely confirms the
throughout history.
axiom that all works of history are interim
During the five cen-
reports. What people did in the past is not
turies since his epochal voyage of 1492, Co-
preserved in amber, a moment captured
lumbus has been many things to many peo-
and immutable through the ages. Each gen-
ple: the protean symbol of the adventuring
eration looks back and, drawing from its
human spirit, the lone hero defying both
own experiences, presumes to find patterns
the odds and entrenched thinking to
that illuminate both past and present. This
change the world; the first modern man or
is natural and proper. A succeeding genera-
a lucky adventurer blinded by medieval
tion can ask questions of the past that those
mysticism; an icon of Western faith in
in the past never asked themselves. Colum-
progress or an object of scorn for his
bus could not know that he had ushered in
failings of leadership and intellect; a man
what we call the Age of Discovery, with all
virtually deified at one time and roundly
its implications, any more than we can
vilified today for his part in the initiation of
know what two world wars, nuclear weap-
an international slave trade and European
ons, the collapse of colonial empires, the
imperialism. We hardly know the real Co-
end of the Cold War, and the beginning of
WQ AUTUMN 1991
66
COLUMBUS
1492
1992
space travel will mean for people centuries
Quincentennial, he has fallen victim to a
from now. Perceptions change, and so does
more self-critical society, one prone to
our understanding of the past.
hero-bashing and historical pessimism.
Accordingly, the image of Columbus has
As recently as 1974, Samuel Eliot Mori-
changed through the years, sometimes as a
son, the biographer of Columbus, con-
result of new information, more often be-
cluded one of his books with a paean to
cause of changes in the lenses through
European influence on America: "To the
which we view him. Once a beneficiary of
people of the New World, pagans expecting
this phenomenon, Columbus in times of
short and brutish lives, void of hope for any
reigning optimism has been exalted as a
future, had come the Christian vision of a
mythic hero. Now, with the approach of the
merciful God and a glorious heaven." It is
WQ AUTUMN 1991
67
COLUMBUS
hard to conceive of those words being writ-
creasingly expansionist Europe in the 15th
ten today. In a forward to the 1983 edition
century. The Portuguese had sought a route
of Morison's Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A
around the tip of Africa. Some Florentine
Life of Christopher Columbus, British histo-
cosmographers had pondered the prospect
rian David Beers Quinn criticizes Morison
of a westward sea route. But Columbus was
for ignoring or dismissing Columbus's
apparently the first with the stubborn cour-
failings. Columbus, Quinn writes, "cannot
age to stake his life on the execution of
be detached from the imperialist exploita-
such a daring scheme.
tion of his discoveries and must be made to
After years pleading his case before the
take some share of responsibility for the
courts of Portugal and Spain, dismissed as a
brutal exploitation of the islands and main-
hopeless visionary or a tiresomely boastful
lands he found."
nuisance, Columbus finally won the reluc-
By and large, this new perspective has
tant support of Ferdinand and Isabella. At
produced a more realistic, demythologized
the little Andalusian port of Palos de la
version of the Columbus story. The tempta-
Frontera, he raised a fleet of three ships
tion, though, is to swing too far in the other
and enlisted some 90 seamen. Whatever
direction, rewriting history as we wish it
the sailors' trepidations or their opinion of
would have been or judging people wholly
Columbus when he arrived at Palos, their
by anachronistic political standards. This
destiny was to share with him a voyage "by
has happened all too often regarding Co-
which route," Columbus wrote in the pro-
lumbus, producing myth and propaganda
logue to his journal, "we do not know for
in the guise of history.
certain anyone previously has passed."
All the more reason for us to sift
Columbus was never more in command
through the romantic inventions and en-
of himself and his destiny than on that day,
during misconceptions that have clouded
August 3, 1492, when he weighed anchor at
the real Columbus and to recognize that so
Palos. He was a consummate mariner, as
much of the man we celebrate or condemn
all his contemporaries agreed and histori-
is our own creation. He is the embodiment
ans have not contradicted, and here he was
of our running dialogue about the human
doing what he did best and so sure of his
potential for good and evil.
success. Of course, he never made it to the
Indies, as head-shaking savants had pre-
dicted, then or on any of his three subse-
quent voyages. His landfall came half a
S
ome of the facts about Columbus-
world short of them, on an unprepossess-
who he was and what he did-are be-
ing island inhabited by naked people with
yond serious dispute. This mariner of
no knowledge whatsoever of Marco Polo's
humble and obscure origins was possessed
Great Khan.
of an idea that became an obsession. He
On the morning of October 12, Colum-
proposed to sail west across the uncharted
bus and his captains, together with their
ocean to the fabled shores of the Indies, the
most trusted functionaries, clambered into
lands of gold and spices celebrated in the
armed launches and headed for the sandy
tales of Marco Polo and the goal of an in-
beach and green trees. They carried the
John Noble Wilford has been a science correspondent for the New York Times since 1965. Twice
winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Wilford is the author of The Mapmakers (1981), The Riddle of the
Dinosaur (1985), and Mars Beckons (1990). His Mysterious History of Columbus is being published
this October by Alfred A. Knopf. Copyright © 1991 by John Noble Wilford.
WQ AUTUMN 1991
68
COLUMBUS
flags of the Christian monarchs of Spain. A
ment white men entered their lives.
solemn Columbus, without so much as a
Columbus made certain by his words
thought that it was anything but his to take,
and actions that his discovery would not be
proclaimed possession of the island for the
lost to history. On the homeward voyage,
king and for the queen. Columbus and his
after visiting a string of other islands and
officers then dropped to their knees in
more people, he composed a letter to the
prayer.
court of Ferdinand and Isabella in which
It did not escape Columbus that these
he announced his discovery. He had made
islanders "go around as naked as their
good his boast to one and all. He may have
mothers bore them; and the women also."
harbored some disappointment in not
This was not prurience but culture shock.
reaching the Asian mainland, but he had
Columbus was generally admiring in his
sailed across the Ocean Sea and found
initial descriptions of the people. They were
lands and peoples unknown to Europeans.
"guileless and generous." Bringing cotton,
And he wanted the court to read about it in
parrots, and javelins to trade, they paddled
his own words, especially since this justi-
out to Columbus's ships in their dugouts,
fied his own claim to the titles and wealth
each made from a single tree and so long
due him pursuant to the deal he had struck
that they held 40 men; the West Indian
with the court.
term for these dugouts was canoa-and
The letter Columbus wrote was also his
thus a New-World word entered European
bid for a place in history. He understood
speech. Columbus was pleased to note that
that the achievement would go for naught
they had no firearms. When he had shown
unless the news got back to others. To ex-
them some swords, "they took them by the
plore (the word, in one version of its ety-
edge and through ignorance cut them-
mology, comes from the Latin "to cry out")
selves." "They should be good and intelli-
is to search out and exclaim discovery. Sim-
gent servants," he concluded, "for I see
ply reaching a new land does not in itself
that they say very quickly everything that is
constitute a discovery. It must be an-
said to them; and I believed they would be-
nounced and then recorded in history so
come Christians very easily, for it seemed to
that the discovery can be acted upon.
me that they had no religion." Columbus
Others besides the indigenous people
the anthropologist had his priorities.
preceded Columbus in finding parts of
Unfortunately, we have no record of the
America. This is no longer an issue of con-
first impressions that the people Columbus
suming dispute in Columbian studies. Al-
called Indians had of the Europeans. What
most certainly the Norse under Leif Eric-
did they think of these white men with
son landed at some northern islands and
beards? Their sailing ships and their weap-
established a short-lived settlement at New-
ons that belched smoke? Their Christian
foundland. Ericson and others may have
God and their inordinate interest in gold
reached America, but they failed to dis-
and a place beyond the horizon called the
cover it. For nothing came of their deeds.
Indies? We will never know. They could not
Columbus, in writing the letter, was making
put their feelings into writing; they had no
sure his deeds would have consequences
writing. And the encounter itself doomed
and his achievement would enter history.
them. Within a generation or two, they be-
The letter eventually reached the court
came extinct, mainly through exposure to
in Barcelona and had the desired effect.
European diseases, and so could not pass
The king and queen received Columbus
on by word of mouth stories about the mo-
with pomp and listened to his story with
WQ AUTUMN 1991
69
COLUMBUS
'GARDENS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL I EVER SAW'
The following account of October 10-13, 1492, is taken from Columbus's Diario, as abstracted
by Bartolomé de las Casas and adapted by William Carlos Williams.
Wednesday, 59 leagues, W.S.W., but
hours past midnight, the moon having risen
counted no more than 44. Here the people
at eleven o'clock and then shining brightly
could endure no longer. All now com-
in the sky, being in its third quarter, a sailor
plained about the length of the voyage. But I
named Rodrigo de Triana sighted the land at
cheered them as best I could, giving them
a distance of about two leagues. At once I
good hopes of the advantages they might
ordered them to shorten sail and we lay un-
gain by it. Roused to madness by their fear,
der the mainsail without the bonnets, hove
the captains declared they were going back
to waiting for daylight.
but I told them then, that however much
On Friday, the 12th of October, we an-
they might complain, I had to go to the In-
chored before the land and made ready to
dies and they along with me, and that I
go on shore. Presently we saw naked people
would go until I found them, with the help
on the beach. I went ashore in the armed
of our Lord. And so for a time it passed but
boat and took the royal standard, and Martin
now all was in great danger from the men.
Alonzo and Vincent Yañez, his brother, who
Thursday, 11th of October. The course
was captain of the Niña. And we saw the
was W.S.W. More sea [spilling over the
trees very green, and much water and fruits
deck] than there had been during the whole
of diverse kinds. Presently many of the in-
of the voyage. Sandpipers and a green reed
habitants assembled. I gave to some red
near the ship. And for this I gave thanks to
caps and glass beads to put round their
God as it was a sure sign of land. Those of
necks, and many other things of little value.
the Pinta saw a cane and a pole, and they
They came to the ship's boats afterward,
took up another small pole which appeared
where we were, swimming and bringing us
to be worked with iron; also another bit of
parrots, cotton threads in skeins, darts-
cane, a land plant, and a small board. The
what they had, with good will. As naked as
crew of the caravel Niña also saw signs of
their mothers bore them, and so the women,
land, and a small plant covered with berries.
though I did not see more than one young
I admonished the men to keep a
girl. All I saw were youths, well made with
good lookout on the forecastle and to watch
very handsome bodies and very good
well for land and to him who should first cry
countenances. Their hair short and coarse,
out that he had seen land I would give a silk
almost like the hairs of a horse's tail. They
doublet besides the other rewards promised
paint themselves some black, some white,
by the Sovereigns which were 10,000 mara-
others red and others of what color they can
vedis to him who should first see it. Two
find. Some paint the faces and others paint
genuine interest and pleasure. They in-
laid to rest through historical research.
structed him to return to the new-found
Columbus did not, for example, have to
lands with a larger fleet including soldiers
prove that the world was round: All edu-
and settlers. America had entered world
cated people in Europe at the time ac-
history, though Columbus insisted to his dy-
cepted this as a given. Isabella did not have
ing day that he had reached the Indies.
to pawn her jewels to raise money for the
expedition; though the Crown, following its
*
wars against the Moors, was strapped for
cash, the financial adviser Luis de Santan-
T
his familiar story of Columbus has
gel arranged a loan from the ample coffers
been embellished to create an en-
of the state police and from some Italian
during popular legend. Some of the
merchant bankers. And Columbus did not
tales (though not all of them) have been
set sail with a crew of hardened criminals.
WQ AUTUMN 1991
70
COLUMBUS
the whole body, some only round the eyes
their bodies a small piece of cotton cloth. I
and others only on the nose. They are them-
saw many trees very unlike those of our
selves neither black nor white.
country. Branches growing in different ways
On Saturday, as dawn broke, many of
and all from one trunk; one twig is one form
these people came
and another is a dif-
to the beach, all
milla byfpana
ferent shape and so
youths. Their legs
unlike that it is the
are very straight, all
greatest wonder of
in one line, and no
the world to see the
belly. They came to
diversity; thus one
the ship in canoes,
branch has leaves
made out of the
like those of a cane,
trunk of a tree, all in
and others like those
one piece, and won-
of a mastic tree; and
derfully worked,
on a single tree
propelled with a
there are five differ-
paddle like a baker's
ent kinds. The fish
shovel, and go at
so unlike ours that it
marvelous speed.
is wonderful. Some
Bright green
are the shape of do-
trees, the whole land
ries and of the finest
so green that it is a
colors, so bright that
pleasure to look on
there is not a man
it. Gardens of the
who would not be
most beautiful trees
astounded, and
I ever saw. Later I
would not take great
came upon one man
delight in seeing
in a canoe going
them. There are also
from one island to
whales. I saw no
another. He had a
beasts on land save
little of their bread,
parrots and lizards.
about the size of a
On shore I sent
fist, a calabash of
the people for water,
water, a piece of
some with arms, and
brown earth, powdered then kneaded, and
others with casks; and as it was some little
some dried leaves which must be a thing
distance I waited two hours for them.
highly valued by them for they bartered with
During that time I walked among the
it at San Salvador. He also had with him a
trees, which was the most beautiful thing
native basket. The women wore in front of
which I had ever seen
Only four men, accused of murdering a
mainland he was seeking, but which island?
town crier, took advantage of a promised
No fewer than nine different possible is-
amnesty, and even they were seasoned mar-
lands have been identified from the few
iners and acquitted themselves well on the
ambiguous clues in Columbus's journal.
voyage.
The site favored by most experts is the Ba-
More troublesome for historians have
hamian island once called Watling's but re-
been certain other mysteries and con-
named San Salvador in 1924 to help solid-
troversies.
ify its claim.
Where, for example, did the first landfall
Did Columbus really come from Genoa?
occur? We know it was a small island the
Nearly every European nation has at one
inhabitants called Guanahani and Colum-
time or another laid some claim to him.
bus christened San Salvador. It was in the
Was he Jewish? Such conjecture originated
Bahamas or thereabouts, far from the Asian
in the 19th century and was promoted in
WQ AUTUMN 1991
71
COLUMBUS
1940 in Salvadore de Madriaga's vivid biog-
feel sure we truly know the man.
raphy, Christopher Columbus. But the evi-
dence is circumstantial. Records in Genoa
indicate that, whatever his more remote an-
cestry, Columbus's family had been Chris-
N
othing better illustrates history's
tian for several generations.
changing images of Columbus
When and how in the mists of his root-
than the succession of portraits of
less life did Columbus conceive of his auda-
him that have appeared over the centuries.
cious plan? Was it sheer inspiration bol-
They show a man of many faces-hand-
stered by rational research? Or did he
some and stalwart, heavy and stolid, shad-
come into some secret knowledge? Was he.
owed and vaguely sinister. Artistic interpre-
really seeking the Indies? How was he fi-
tation, like history, changes with the times.
nally able to win royal backing? What were
Yet, there should be little confusion
his ships like?-no caravel wreck from that
over the man's physical appearance. His
period has ever been recovered. Scholars
son Hernando, who should have known,
and amateur sleuths have spent lifetimes
said he was "a well-built man of more than
trying to resolve these questions, usually
average stature, the face long, the cheeks
without notable success.
somewhat high, his body neither fat nor
Part of the problem lies with the passage
lean. He had an aquiline nose and light col-
of time. Although the record of Columbus
ored eyes; his complexion too was light and
by contemporaries is more substantial than
tending to be red. In youth his hair was
that of any other 15th-century explorer, sur-
blond, but when he reached the age of 30 it
viving accounts are often difficult to assess
all turned white."
from this distance. Whose version is to be
The son went on to describe his father's
trusted? The letters of Peter Martyr, the
character: "In eating and drinking, and in
courtier in Spain who never ventured to
the adornment. of his person, he was very
the New World? The biography by Hernan-
moderate and modest," Hernando wrote.
do Columbus, the devoted son protective of
"He was affable in conversation with
his father's fame? The history of the New,
strangers and very pleasant to the members
World by Bartolomé de las Casas (1474-
of his household, though with a certain
1566), the Dominican friar and champion
gravity. He was so strict in matters of reli-
of the Indians who never missed a chance
gion that for fasting and saying prayers he
to condemn the brutality of the early ex-
might have been taken for a member of a
plorers and colonists? Even the few extant
religious order."
writings of Columbus himself, who could
Hernando may be guilty of some exag-
be vague, contradictory and self-serving?
geration. Columbus could not be too gentle
Hero worship has further distorted his-
and modest if he were to promote his vi-
tory. We want-or used to want-our he-
sion before skeptical courts and if he could
roes to be larger than life. The result can be
control a crew of rough seamen who sus-
a caricature, a plaster saint inviting icono-
pected they might be headed to their
clasts to step forward with their own im-
deaths. He could be harsh in meting out
ages, which can also ignore the complexity
punishment to seamen and in ordering pu-
of human reality.
nitive raids against Indian villages. Like oth-
We are left, therefore, with enough ma-
ers of that time, and to this day, he presum-
terial to mold the Columbus we choose to
ably saw no contradiction between his
extol or excoriate, but not enough ever to
behavior and his religious beliefs. By all ac-
WQ AUTUMN 1991
72
COLUMBUS
counts Columbus was a demonstrably pi-
blockage of regular trade routes to the
ous man. Late in life, his writings portrayed
spices of the East, and the parlous times for
a mind filled with mysticism and a belief in
Christianity. Priests and popes were calling
his divine mission to carry Christianity to
for a new crusade to recapture Constan-
all people and prepare them for the im-
tinople and Jerusalem. All of this could
pending end of the world.
have nourished the dreams of a great ad-
Of this mysticism, Hernando has noth-
venture in an ambitious young man with
ing to say. He is also frustratingly reticent
nautical experience.
or misleading about the genesis of his fa-
The most significant mystery about Co-
ther's consuming dream and even about
lumbus concerns how he came up with his
his origins. Columbus himself chose to re-
idea for sailing west to the Indies. As in ev-
veal very little about his early life.
erything else, Columbus's own words on
Every verifiable historical document,
the subject obfuscate more than elucidate.
however, indicates that Columbus was born
It was his practice, writes the Italian histo-
in Genoa, which was an independent city-
rian Paolo Emilio Taviani, "never to tell ev-
state (the lesser rival to Venice) whose ships
erything to everyone, to say one thing to
traded throughout the entire Mediterra-
one man, something else to another, to re-
nean world. He was probably born in 1451,
veal only portions of his arguments, clues,
and both his father Domenico and his fa-
and evidence accumulated over the years
ther's father were wool weavers; his
in his mind." Perhaps Columbus told so
mother, Susanna Fontanarossa, was a
many partial stories in so many different
weaver's daughter. Christopher was proba-
versions that, as Morison suspects, he him-
bly their eldest child. Bartholomew, the
self could no longer remember the origins
chart-maker who would share many of Co-
of his idea.
lumbus's adventures, was a year or two
In all probability he formulated the idea
younger. The other children who grew to
in Portugal sometime between 1476 and
adulthood were a sister named Bianchetta
1481. Columbus had come to Portugal
and a brother Giacomo, better known by
quite literally by accident. When the Geno-
the Spanish equivalent, Diego, who joined
ese fleet he had shipped with was attacked
Christopher on the second voyage. All in
and destroyed in the summer of 1476, Co-
all, the Columbuses of Genoa were fruitful
lumbus was washed ashore at the Portu-
and humble tradespeople-and nothing for
guese town of Lagos. He made his way to
a young man to be ashamed of.
Lisbon, where the talk of seagoing explora-
At a "tender age," as Columbus once
tion was everywhere. He heard stories of
wrote, he cast his lot with those who go to
westering seamen who found islands far
sea. At first, he probably made short voy-
out in the ocean and saw maps sprinkled
ages as a crewman, and then longer ones
with mythical islands. On voyages north
on trading ships to the Genoese colony of
perhaps as far as Iceland and south along
Chios in the Aegean Sea. But even more
the coast of Africa, he gained a taste for At-
crucial to Columbus's development than
lantic sailing. There may even be some-
his ancestry or his birthplace was the tim-
thing to the story of the unknown pilot
ing of his birth. He was born two years be-
from whom Columbus supposedly ob-
fore the fall of Constantinople, Christen-
tained secret knowledge of lands across the
dom's eastern capital, to the Ottoman Turks
ocean. But as far as anyone can be sure-
in 1453. Young Columbus was to grow up
and volumes have been written on the sub-
hearing about the scourge of Islam, the
ject-there was no sudden revelation, no
WQ AUTUMN 1991
73
COLUMBUS
historians and storytellers to illustrate the
dians to be sold as slaves in Spain. The best
singular role of Columbus in history. But it
that can be said in defense of Columbus is
never happened-one more Columbian
that he was now a desperate man. His
myth. The story was not only apocryphal,
power to rule La Isabela was waning. His
Morison points out, but it "had already
visions of wealth were fading. He feared
done duty in several Italian biographies of
that his influence back in Spain would be
other characters."
irreparably diminished by critical reports
In reality, Columbus would not so easily
from recalcitrant officers who had returned
put down the critics who dogged him the
to Spain. And he had failed again to find a
rest of his life-and through history. If only
mainland. His desperation was such that he
he had stopped with the first voyage, the
forced all his crew to sign a declaration
echo of those fanfares in
that, at Cuba, they had in-
Barcelona might not
deed reached the main-
have faded so fast.
land of Cathay. Sick
A fleet of 17
and discouraged, he
ships, carrying
sailed home in
some 1,200 people,
1496.
left Cadiz in the au-
The third voy-
tumn of 1493 with
age did nothing to
instructions to es-
restore his reputa-
tablish a perma-
tion. Departing
nent settlement
from Seville in
on the island of
May 1498, he
Hispaniola. There,
steered a south-
near the present
erly course and
city of Puerto Plata
reached an island
in the Dominican
off the northeastern
Republic, Colum-
coast of South Amer-
bus built a fort,
ica, which he named
church, and houses
Trinidad, for the Holy
for what would be his
Trinity. A few days
colonial capital, La
later, he saw a coast-
Columbus disgraced, 1500. Charged with mal-
Isabela. The experi-
feasance as governor of Hispaniola, Columbus
line to the south. Co-
ment was disastrous.
returned to Spain a prisoner in chains.
lumbus recognized
The site had no real
that the tremendous
harbor, insufficient rainfall, and little vege-
volume of fresh water flowing from the Ori-
tation. Sickness and dissension brought
noco River was evidence of a large land,
work to a standstill and the colony to the
but he failed to appreciate that this might
point of starvation. Expeditions into the
be a continent or to pursue his investiga-
mountains failed to find any rich lodes of
tions. Instead, his mind drifted into specu-
gold. As Las Casas wrote, they "spread ter-
lation that the river must originate in the
ror among the Indians in order to show
Earthly Paradise. Bound to medieval think-
them how strong and powerful the Chris-
ing, the man who showed the way across
tians were." Bloody warfare ensued.
the ocean lost his chance to have the New
With little gold to show for his efforts,
World bear his name. The honor would
Columbus ordered a shipment of Taino In-
soon go to a man with a more open-minded
WQ AUTUMN 1991
76
COLUMBUS
perspective, Amerigo Vespucci, who on his
move me hence, you will aid me to go to
second voyage of exploration (1501-2) con-
Rome and on other pilgrimages."
cluded that the South American landmass
was not Asia but a new continent.
Columbus turned his back on South
America and sailed to Santo Domingo to
C
olumbus in his last years was a
attend to the colony there. He found that
dispirited man who felt himself to
his brothers, Bartholomew and Diego, had
be misunderstood and unappreci-
lost control. Some of the colonists had
ated. He sought to define himself in a re-
mutinied, and the crown had dispatched a
markable manuscript now known as Libro
new governor empowered to do anything
de las profecías, or The Book of Prophecies.
necessary to restore order. It was then that
Between the third and fourth voyages, Co-
Columbus was arrested, stripped of his ti-
lumbus collected passages of biblical scrip-
tles, and sent back in irons to Spain in Oc-
tures and the words of a wide range of clas-
tober 1500.
sical and medieval authors. According to
It was an ignominious end to Colum-
his own description, this was a notebook
bus's authority and to his fame in his life-
"of sources, statements, opinions and
time. The crown eventually restored his ti-
prophecies on the subject of the recovery of
tles, but never again was he allowed to
God's Holy City and Mount Zion, and on
serve as viceroy. The monarchs now were
the discovery and evangelization of the is-
under no illusions about Columbus. He had
lands of the Indies and of all other peoples
failed as a colonial administrator, and they
and nations."
had strong doubts about the validity of his
The document reveals the depth and
claims to have reached the Indies.
passion of Columbus's belief that he had a
Columbus was given permission for one
special relationship with God and was act-
final voyage, which lasted from 1502 to
ing as the agent of God's scheme for his-
1504. He was specifically barred from re-
tory. He marshaled evidence from the
turning to Santo Domingo. Instead, he ex-
prophecies of the Bible to show that his re-
plored the coast of Central America and at-
cent discoveries were only the prelude to
tempted without success to establish a
the realization of a greater destiny. It was as
settlement in Panama.
if he saw his role as being not unlike John
Historians cite the last voyage as one of
the Baptist's in relation to Christ. The
his many "missed opportunities." With luck
wealth from his voyages and discoveries
and more persistence, Columbus might
had given the king and queen of Spain the
have stumbled upon the Maya civilization
means to recover the Holy Land for Chris-
or the Pacific Ocean. As it was, he barely
tendom, and thereby he had set the stage
made it back to Spain. He was marooned a
for the grandiose climax of Christian his-
year on Jamaica, where he wrote a pathetic
tory, the salvation of all the world's peoples
letter to the monarchs. "I implore Your
and their gathering at Zion on the eve of
Highnesses' pardon," he wrote. "I am
the end of time.
ruined as I have said. Hitherto I have wept
Most historians who studied the docu-
for others; now have pity upon me, Heaven,
ment have tended to dismiss it as the prod-
and weep for me, earth! I came to Your
uct of his troubled and possibly senile
Highnesses with honest purpose and sin-
mind. His other writings at the time some-
cere zeal, and I do not lie. I humbly beg
times betrayed a mind verging on paranoia.
Your Highnesses that, if it please God to re-
Delno C. West, a historian who has recently
WQ AUTUMN 1991
77
COLUMBUS
COLUMBUS'S MYSTERIOUS SIGNATURE
In 1498, Columbus instructed all of his heirs
bined religious and nautical symbolism. The
to continue to "sign with my signature
unifying idea is the medieval association of
which I now employ which is an X with an S
the Virgin Mary with Stella Maris, the indis-
over it and an M with a Roman A over it and
pensable navigational star also known as Po-
over them an S and then a Greek Y with an S
laris, or the North Star. The first cross bar
over it, preserving the relation of the lines
stands for StellA MariS. The vertical "mast"
and the points." At the top, thus, is the letter
stands for "Stella Ave Maris," after the ves-
S between two dots. On the palindromic sec-
per hymn "Ave, stella maris." By design, the
ond row are the letter S A S, also preceded,
structure represents both a Christian cross
separated, and ended with dots. The third
and a ship's mast. The line X M Y may have
row has the letters X M and a Greek Y, with-
one meaning, "Jesus cum Maris sit nobis in
out dots. Below that is the final signature,
via" (an invocation with which Columbus
Xpo Ferens, a Greco-Latin form of his given
opened much of his writing), with the Y
name.
representing the fork in the road and the
To this day no one can decipher the
symbolism for his having chosen the hard
meaning Columbus had in mind, but it al-
way to destiny's fulfillment. Fleming sug-
most certainly bears on his religious out-
gests a double meaning. The X and Y at ei-
look. The simplest ex-
ther end of the bottom
planations hold that the
line could also stand for
letters stand for seven
"Christophorus," his
words. It has been sug-
name and destiny; and
gested that the four letters
"Jacobus," for "St.
stand for "Servus Sum
James," whose feast day
Altissimi Salvatoris," for
and Christopher's are the
"Servant I Am of the Most
Xpo FERENS
same and who is, not inci-
High Savior." The three
dentally, the patron saint
letters of the third line
of Spain, Santiago-Sant
could be an invocation to
Yago.
Christ Jesus and Mary, or
Fleming's crypto-
to Christ, Mary, and Joseph. Another pro-
graphic skills have uncovered other clues in
posed solution is that the seven letters are
the signature to Columbus's "religious
the initials for "Spiritus Sanctus Altissimi
imagination." But, for understanding Co-
Salvator Xristus Maria Yesus."
lumbus the mystical discoverer, Fleming
John Fleming, a medievalist at Princeton
draws insight from his associations with
University, believes he has cracked the code,
Mary, Christopher, and Santiago. He writes:
finding it to be an "acrostic of considerable
"In Columbus's heavenly city, the Virgin
complexity committed to a more or less
Mary stands ever firm between her two
learned and hermetic mystical theology."
Christ-bearing guards, Christophorus on the
Columbus, he concludes, was borrowing
one hand, San Yago the Moorslayer on the
from two medieval traditions in formal sig-
other. And in the larger meaning of these
natures, that of the church worthies, like St.
two saints, both celebrated by the Roman
Francis, who devised intricate crucigrams,
church on a single day, which was of course
and that of the church mariners who often
Columbus's name-day, we may see adum-
included in their craft marks anchors, masts,
brated much of the glory, and much of the
fishhooks, and so forth. For his signature,
tragedy, of the European encounter with the
Fleming says, Columbus seems to have com-
New World."
From The Mysterious History of Columbus, copyright © 1991 by Alfred A. Knopf. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
translated the Book of Prophecies, suspects
1492, it undermines the popular image of
that historians were "reluctant to admit
Columbus as a man of the modern age who
that the first American hero was influenced
applied reason in conceiving his venture. It
by prophetic ideas." If the book indeed re-
exposes him as a person thoroughly mired
flects Columbus's thinking even before
in the medieval world, obsessed with escha-
WQ AUTUMN 1991
78
COLUMBUS
tology, and driven by a supposed call from
Contrary to legend, he was neither desti-
God to carry out a mission of apocalyptic
tute nor alone at the end. His two sons
dimensions.
were with him, in a comfortable home. We
West contends that this spirituality,
cannot be sure of the traditional story, that
which fed Columbus's apocalyptic view of
he died believing he had reached the In-
history, lay at the heart of the man and
dies. He never gave explicit expression to
shaped his actions. Rather than some map
any recognition that he had found some-
or unknown pilot's tale, this may have been
thing other than Asia. All the evidence,
the "secret knowledge" that inspired Co-
though, suggests that he died unsatisfied.
lumbus. Certainly, without his unwavering
His death went unheralded. There was
belief in himself and his destiny, Columbus
no public ceremony of mourning and no
might not have sustained the single-minded
recorded expressions of grief at the royal
persistence it took to win support for the
court. The man who rose from obscurity
enterprise and to see it through. "The Lord
died in obscurity. His remains have been
purposed that there should be something
moved so many times over the centuries,
clearly miraculous in this matter of the voy-
from Spain to the New World and presum-
age to the Indies," Columbus wrote in the
ably back again, that no one is sure of his
Prophecies, "so as to encourage me and
final resting place.
others in the Household of God." Begin-
In the first century after his voyages, Co-
ning in 1493, he began signing nearly all of
lumbus languished in the backwaters of his-
his letters and documents Christoferens, a
tory. His reputation suffered from his many
Latinization of his given name that means
failures as a colonial governor. The 1519-
"Christ-bearer."
1522 Magellan circumnavigation left no
New attention to the spiritual side of Co-
doubt about the magnitude of Columbus's
lumbus does not, however, necessarily
error in thinking he had reached the Indies.
bring this complex man into focus. Images
Conquering explorers such as Cortes and
of a superstitious spiritualist and the mod-
Pizarro won greater immediate fame by
ern explorer must be superimposed to pro-
their dazzling exploits against the Aztecs
duce a stereoscopic picture of Columbus,
and Incas. Cartographers saw fit to name
revealing the depth and heights of the men-
the New World after Vespucci, not Colum-
tal terrain through which he traveled as he
bus. Books of general history scarcely men-
found America and then lost his way in fail-
tioned Columbus or ignored him alto-
ure, self-pity, and a fog of mysticism.
gether.
Within 50 years of Columbus's death,
Bartolomé de las Casas, the Dominican
bishop who extolled and defended the Indi-
C
olumbus was probably no more
ans, produced the first revisionist history.
than 55 years old when he died on
In his History of the Indies, Las Casas wrote
May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain.
eloquently of the atrocities committed
But he was much older in body and in tor-
against the Indians. To sail to the islands
mented mind. His last voyages had left him
Columbus had discovered, Las Casas wrote,
crippled with arthritis and weak from fever.
one needed only to follow the floating
He was reduced to a sad figure, spending
corpses of Indians that marked the way. His
his last years in disgrace while stubbornly
accounts of torture and killings docu-
pressing his claims for the restoration of ti-
mented the so-called Black Legend of
tles and the wealth due him.
Spanish cruelty that was seized upon by the
WQ AUTUMN 1991
79
COLUMBUS
English, Dutch, and French to fan the fires
most exalted hero. In him the new nation
of national rivalries and religious hatreds.
without its own history and mythology
As the Age of Discovery flourished dur-
found a hero from the distant past, one
ing the late 16th century, Columbus began
seemingly free of association with the Euro-
to be rescued from oblivion. He was cele-
pean colonial powers and Old-World tyr-
brated in poetry and plays, especially in It-
anny. Americans invoked Columbus, the
aly and later in Spain. A glimmer of histo-
solitary individual who had challenged the
ry's future hero could be seen in a popular
unknown, as they contemplated the dan-
play by Lope de Vega in 1614. In The New
gers and promise of their own wilderness
World Discovered by Christopher Columbus,
frontier. "Instead of ravaging the newly
he portrayed Columbus as a dreamer up
found countries," Washington Irving wrote
against the establishment, a man of singular
in his 1828 biography, Columbus "sought to
purpose who triumphed, the embodiment
colonize and cultivate them, to civilize the
of that spirit driving humans to explore and
natives."
discover.
This would be the Columbus Americans
It was in the New World, though, that
knew and honored throughout the 19th
Columbus would be transformed almost
and into the present century. With the in-
beyond human recognition into an icon.
flux of millions of immigrants after the Civil
By the late 17th century, people in the
War, he was even made to assume the role
British colonies of North America were be-
of ethnic hero. In response to adverse Prot-
ginning to think of themselves as Ameri-
estant attitudes and to affirm their own
cans and sought to define themselves in
Americanism, Irish Catholic immigrants or-
their own terms and symbols. Samuel Sew-
ganized the Knights of Columbus in 1882.
ell, a Boston judge, suggested that the new
The fraternity's literature described Colum-
lands should rightfully be named for Co-
bus as "a prophet and a seer" and an inspi-
lumbus, "the magnanimous hero
who
ration to each knight to become "a better
was manifestly appointed by God to be the
Catholic and a better citizen." Catholics in
Finder out of these lands." The idea took
both America and Europe launched a cam-
root. In time, writers and orators used the
paign to canonize Columbus on the
name "Columbia" as a poetic name for
grounds that he had brought the "Christian
America. Joel Barlow's poem The Vision of
faith to half the world." The movement
Columbus, appearing in 1787, has an aged
failed not because of Columbus's brutal
Columbus lamenting his fate until he is vis-
treatment of Indians but mainly because of
ited by an angel who transports him to the
the son he had sired out of wedlock.
New World to see what his discovery had
Columbus's reputation was never
brought to pass. There he could glimpse
higher than on the 400th anniversary of his
the "fruits of his cares and children of his
first voyage. There were parades and fire-
toil."
works, the naming of streets and dedicating
Indeed, the young republic was busy
of monuments. The World's Columbian Ex-
planning the 300th anniversary of the land-
position in Chicago, with its lavish displays
fall, in October 1792, when it named its
of modern technology, was less a com-
new national capital the District of Colum-
memoration of the past than the self-confi-
bia-perhaps to appease those who de-
dent celebration of a future that Americans
manded that the entire country be desig-
were eager to shape and enjoy. Americans
nated Columbia. Next to George
ascribed to Columbus all the human virtues
Washington, Columbus was the nation's
that were most prized in that time of geo-
WQ AUTUMN 1991
80
COLUMBUS
graphic and industrial expansion, heady op-
ing explorers looked upon the islands and
timism, and unquestioning belief in
mainland as an inconvenience, the barrier
progress. A century before, Columbus had
standing in their way to Asia that must be
been the symbol of American promise; now
breached or circumnavigated.
he was the symbol of American success.
As early as Peter Martyr, Europeans
The 20th century has dispelled much of
tried to assimilate the new lands into what
that. We have a new Columbus for a new
they already knew or thought, rejecting the
age. He is the creation of generations that
utter newness of the discovery. This was,
have known devastating world wars, the
after all, during the Renaissance, a period
struggle against imperialism, and economic
of rediscovering the past while reaching
expansion that ravages nature without nec-
out to new horizons. And so the peoples of
essarily satisfying basic human needs. In
the New World were described in terms of
this view, the Age of Discovery initiated by
the Renaissance-ancient image of the "no-
Columbus was not the bright dawning of a
ble savage," living in what classical writers
glorious epoch but an invasion, a conquest,
had described as the innocent "Golden
and Columbus himself less a symbol of
Age." The inhabitants of the New World,
progress than of oppression.
Martyr wrote, "seem to live in that golden
Columbus scholarship has changed.
world of which old writers speak so much,
More historians are writing books from the
wherein men lived simply and innocently
standpoint of the Indians. They are examin-
without enforcement of laws, without quar-
ing the consequences-the exchange of
reling, judges and libels, content only to
plants and animals between continents, the
satisfy nature, without further vexation for
spread of deadly diseases, the swift decline
knowledge of things to come."
of the indigenous Americans in the face of
The innocence of the indigenous Ameri-
European inroads. The Quincentennial
cans was more imagined than real. To one
happens to come at a time of bitter debate
degree or another, they knew warfare, bru-
among Americans over racism, sexism, im-
tality, slavery, human sacrifice, and canni-
perialism, Eurocentrism, and other "isms."
balism. Columbus did not, as charged, "in-
Kirkpatrick Sale's 1990 book about Colum-
troduce" slavery to the New World; the
bus said it all in its title, The Conquest of
practice existed there before his arrival,
Paradise.
though his shipments of Tainos to Spain
presaged a transoceanic traffic in slaves un-
precedented in history.
This idealized image of people living in
W
as Columbus a great man, or
nature persisted until it was too late to
merely an agent of a great
learn who the Americans really were and,
accomplishment, or perhaps not
accepting them for what they were, to find
a very admirable man at all? His standing
a way to live and let live. Disease and con-
in history has varied whenever posterity re-
quest wiped out the people and their cul-
evaluated the consequences of Europe's
tures. In their place Europeans had begun
discovery of America. Ultimately, Colum-
to "invent" America, as the Mexican histo-
bus's reputation in history is judged in rela-
rian Edmundo O'Gorman contends, in
tion to the place that is accorded America
their own image and for their own pur-
in history.
poses. They had set upon a course, writes
Europeans took a long time appreciat-
historian Alfred W. Crosby, of creating
ing their discovery. Columbus and succeed-
"Neo-Europes." This was the America that
WQ AUTUMN 1991
81
COLUMBUS
1992: CEREBRATION, NOT CELEBRATION
It was in 1982 that I first became aware that
sles, tuberculosis, the plague-to which the
the 500th anniversary of Columbus's 1492
native peoples had no immunities. Rec-
Voyage of Discovery was a minefield, where
ognizing the dimensions of that calamity,
the prudent celebrant stepped lightly and
many Westerners acknowledge that there is
guardedly.
little to celebrate. In Spain, where a 500th
To my long-time friend Ramon, in an in-
Year World's Fair will open in Seville, many
stitute attached to the foreign ministry in
of that country's intellectuals are decrying
Madrid, I said on the telephone one day that
what they call a 15th- and 16th-century
year, "Ramon, here at Florida we're begin-
genocidio.
ning to get interested in the Columbus Dis-
In the margins of the debate, native de-
covery Quincentenary."
scendants and their advocates are publiciz-
"Why do you say Columbus?" he re-
ing-a long list of grievances against the Cau-
sponded. "He was an Italian mercenary. It
casians who abused their liberties,
was Spain that discovered America, not Co-
expropriated their lands, and despoiled an
lumbus."
environmental paradise. On July 17-21,
"But, Ramon," I protested, "we can't cel-
1990, some 400 Indian people, including a
ebrate 1492 in the United States without
delegation from the United States, met in
mentioning Columbus."
Quito, Ecuador, to plan public protests
"In your country," he lectured me, "Co-
against 500 years of European "invasion"
lumbus Day is an Italian holiday. But the
and "oppression." Even before that, the first
ships, the crews, the money were all Span-
sign of reaction in the United States had al-
ish. Columbus was a hired hand."
ready come when, in December 1989, repre-
"But-"
sentatives of the American Indian Move-
"So when Cape Canaveral space center
ment, supported by a group of university
holds its 100th anniversary, are you going to
students, began picketing the "First Encoun-
call it the Werner von Braun celebration?"
ters" archaeology exhibition mounted by the
I was grateful to Ramon for alerting me,
Florida Museum of Natural History as it trav-
in his way, to the sensitive character of this
elled from Gainesville to Tampa, Atlanta,
anniversary. Soon afterwards I learned that
and Dallas. (In Tampa, their presence was
"Discovery," too, is a term freighted with
welcomed because it boosted paid atten-
ethnic and cultural contentions, as many de-
dance.) In 1992, a loose confederation of
scendants of the native peoples in the Ameri-
North American Indian groups will picket in
cas argue against its Eurocentric and pa-
all U.S. cities where the Columbus replica
ternalistic coloring. "We were already
ships will dock. They seek, one of their lead-
here," they remind me. And they were here
ers told me, "not confrontation but media
so long ago, 10 to 25,000 years the an-
attention to present-day Native American
thropologists say. I was left to wonder,
problems."
which was the Old World and which was the
African Americans also remind their fel-
New?
low citizens that the events of 1492 and af-
As the past ten years have shown, the
terwards gave rise to the slave trade. And
Spanish-Italian tension has softened, but the
Jews appropriately notice that 1492 was the
European-Native American disjunction has
year when they were forcibly expelled from
hardened, as historians, epidemiologists,
their Spanish homeland. In a counter-coun-
moralists, romanticists, and native spokes-
teraction in all this Quincentenary skirmish-
persons have clashed over the benefits, if
ing, however, the National Endowment for
any, that European entrance onto the Ameri-
the Humanities decided not to fund a pro-
can stage brought the societies of both
posed television documentary about the
worlds, particularly this one.
early contact period because, reportedly, it
Certainly huge numbers of indigenous
was too biased against the Europeans.
people died as the result of the collision:
(Spain, by contrast, is acting uncommonly
some, it is true, from the sword, but by far
large-minded: It has agreed to fund the
the majority from the Europeans' unwitting
Smithsonian-Carlos Fuentes television pro-
introduction of pathogens-smallpox, mea-
duction, "The Buried Mirror," a show that is
WQ AUTUMN 1991
82
COLUMBUS
highly critical of Spain's colonial practices.)
third now being stripped of its funds.
It is this "politically correct" dynamic
But now the good news: In anticipation
that, most likely, will keep 1992 from being
of the 500th anniversary an enormous
quite the exuberant and careless celebration
amount of intellectual activity has occurred,
that the Bicentennial was in 1976.
in the form of archival discoveries, archaeo-
Anglo-Saxon and Celtic Americans felt
logical excavations, museum and library ex-
comfortable with the Bicentennial because
hibitions, conferences, and publications.
it reinforced their ethnic and cultural givens
Some 30 new and upcoming adult titles
(Plymouth Rock, Virginia, Washington, Jef-
have been enumerated by Publishers
ferson, the English language, Northern Eu-
Weekly. Over 100 exhibitions and confer-
ropean immigration, etc.). Today, nervous
ences have been counted by the National
about what is happening to "their" country
Endowment for the Humanities. This re-
and learning that citizens of Hispanic origins
markable efflorescence of original research
are projected soon be the largest U.S. minor-
and scholarship will leave a lasting legacy of
ity, the old-line white majority may not be
understanding and good. On the twin princi-
enthusiastic about
celebrating the
500th coming of the
Hispanics-espe-
cially since they
sense no continuing
need for Columbus
as a unifying princi-
ple or symbol.
What is likely to
happen in 1992? Oc-
casional public cele-
brations and obser-
vances will be
produced by civic,
ethnic, and cultural
bodies. Reproduc-
tions of Columbus's
ships will arrive in
various ports from
Spain. Tall ships
may parade in New
York harbor. Fire-
works will explode
Father of a country he never knew. This 1893 painting establishes Co-
here and there. Peo-
lumbus with Lincoln and Washington as America's "holy trinity."
ple will view two
television mini-series and read countless
ples that cerebration is more valuable than
ambivalent newspaper stories.
celebration and that correcting one para-
The Federal Quincentenary Jubilee Com-
graph in our children's schoolbooks is
mission that was appointed to superintend
worth more than a half-million dollars
our exultations is in disarray, its chairman
worth of fireworks exploded over Biscayne
forced out on a charge of mishandling
Bay, 1992 should be the best 1492 anniver-
funds, its coffers empty of federal dollars, its
sary ever.
principal private donor, Texaco, pulling the
-Michael Gannon
plug. Some states, and numerous individual
cities (especially those named after Colum-
bus, 63 at last count), have plans for obser-
vances, large or small. Florida which has the
best reasons, geographically and temporally,
Michael Gannon is Director of the Institute
to do something, has no state-wide plans,
for Early Contact Period Studies at the Uni-
two commissions having collapsed and a
versity of Florida.
WQ AUTUMN 1991
83
COLUMBUS
took its place in world history.
America and its original conqueror. Colum-
In the 18th century, however, European.
bus, Johnson said, had to travel "from
intellectuals did engage in a searching re-
court to court, scorned and repulsed as a
appraisal. A scientific movement, encour-
wild projector, an idle promiser of king-
aged by the French naturalist Georges-
doms in the clouds: nor has any part of the
Louis Leclerc de Buffon (1707-1788),
world had reason to rejoice that he found at
spread the idea that America was somehow
last reception and employment."
inferior to the Old World. As evidence, Buf-
The French philosopher Abbé Guil-
fon offered denigrating comparisons be-
laume-Thomas Raynal (1713-1796) chal-
tween the "ridiculous" tapir and the ele-
lenged others to consider the following
phant, the llama and the camel, and the
questions: Has the discovery of America
"cowardly" puma and the noble lion.
been useful or harmful to mankind? If use-
Moreover, Old-World animals introduced
ful, how can its usefulness be magnified? If
there fared poorly, declining in health and
harmful, how can the harm be amelio-
size, with the sole exception of the pig. It
rated? He offered a prize for the essay that
was Buffon's thesis that America suffered
would best answer those questions.
an arrested development because of a hu-
The respondents whose essays have sur-
mid climate, which he attributed to its rela-
vived were evenly divided between opti-
tively late emergence from the waters of
mists and pessimists. Although "Europe is
the Biblical flood.
indebted to the New World for a few conve-
Buffon's ideas enjoyed a vogue through-
niences, and a few luxuries," Raynal him-
out the 18th century and inspired more ex-
self observed, these were "so cruelly ob-
treme arguments about "America's weak-
tained, so unequally distributed, and so
ness." Not only were the animals inferior,
obstinately disputed" that they may not jus-
so were the Americans, and even Europe-
tify the costs. In conclusion, the abbé
ans who settled there soon degenerated.
asked, if we had it to do over again, would
Unlike the proud patriots in colonial
we still want to discover the way to Amer-
and post-Revolutionary North America, Eu-
ica and India? "Is it to be imagined,"
ropean intellectuals began expressing
Raynal speculated, "that there exists a be-
strong reservations about the benefits of the
ing infernal enough to answer this question
American discovery. There was no gainsay-
in the affirmative?"
ing its importance. Few disputed the opin-
Pangs of guilt and expressions of moral
ion of Adam Smith: "The discovery of
outrage were futile, however; nothing
America, and that of a passage to the East
stayed the momentum of European expan-
Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, are the
sion in America. Most of the immigrants
two greatest and most important events re-
had never heard of the "American weak-
corded in the history of mankind."
ness" or read the intellectuals who ideal-
But there were negative assessments,
ized or despised the Indians or deplored
not unlike today's. The anti-imperialist
Europe's bloodstained seizure of the lands.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) wrote: "The
By the millions-particularly after the in-
Europeans have scarcely visited any coast
troduction of the steamship and on through
but to gratify avarice, and extend corrup-
World War I-immigrants flocked to a
tion; to arrogate dominion without rights,
promised land where people could make
and practice cruelty without incentive." He
something of themselves and prepare a bet-
was also one of the first to make an unflat-
ter life for their children. There had been
tering connection between the conquest of
nothing quite like this in history. This was
WQ AUTUMN 1991
84
COLUMBUS
reflected in the image of Columbia. Little
America has become controversial.
wonder that Columbus's standing in history
And perhaps the greatest controversy of
was never higher than it was when the
all is whether or not to celebrate the
achievements and promise of America
Quincentennial. The critics who advocate
seemed so bright and were extravagantly
not celebrating it are correct, if to celebrate
proclaimed at home and abroad.
perpetuates a view of the encounter that ig-
The "primary factor behind our [cur-
nores the terrible toll. This must be ac-
rent] reassessment of the encounter,"
knowledged and memorialized in the hope
Crosby writes,"is a general reassessment of
that nothing like it is ever repeated. Even
the role of rapid change, even catastrophe,
so, it would be unhistorical to ignore the
in human history, and even the history of
more salutary consequences. The New
the earth and of the universe." The earlier
World, for example, changed Europe
faith in progress was founded on a Western
through new ideas, new resources, and
belief that change came gradually and al-
new models of political and social life that
most invariably for the better. In 19th-cen-
would spread through the world. William
tury science, the uniformitarian geology of
H. McNeill is one of many historians who
Charles Lyell and the evolutionary theory of
believe this led to the Enlightenment of the
Charles Darwin were widely accepted be-
18th century and thus to the philosophical,
cause they seemed to confirm the idea of
political, and scientific foundations of mod-
progress: The present world and its inhabi-
ern Western civilization. It should not be
tants were the products not of global disas-
overlooked that this is the kind of society
ters and multiple creations but of slow and
that encourages and tolerates the revision-
steady change.
ists who condemn its many unforgivable
By contrast, Crosby observes, the 20th
transgressions in the New World.
century has experienced the two worst
Of course, attributing so much to any
wars in history, genocide, the invention of
one historical development makes some
more ominous means of destruction, revo-
historians uneasy. In cautioning against the
lutions and the collapse of empires, ram-
"presentism" in much historical interpreta-
pant population growth, and the threat of
tion, Herbert Butterfield recalled "the
ecological disaster. Catastrophism, not
schoolboy who, writing on the results of
steady progress, is the modern paradigm.
Columbus's discovery of America, enumer-
Even the universe was born, many scien-
ated amongst other things the execution of
tists now believe, in one explosive mo-
Charles I, the war of the Spanish Succes-
ment-the Big Bang.
sion and the French Revolution." No one
"The rapidity and magnitude of change
will ever know what the world and subse-
in our century," Crosby concludes, "has
quent events would have been like if the
prepared us to ask different questions about
discovery had not been made, or if it had
the encounter than the older schools of sci-
not occurred until much later. But the im-
entists and scholars asked."
pact of that discovery can hardly be under-
estimated. And it did start with Christopher
Columbus.
That brings up another issue central to
I
f Abbé Raynal held his essay contest to-
the Quincentenary debates: Columbus's
day, the pessimists might outnumber
responsibility for all that followed. It must
the optimists. Indeed, almost every-
be remembered who he was-not who we
thing about Columbus and the discovery of
wish he had been. He was a European
WQ AUTUMN 1991
85
COLUMBUS
Christian of the 15th century sailing for the
whereas the great majority managed to
crown of Spain. There can be no expiation,
have only a negative share of the con-
only understanding. His single-mindedness
quest
One of our worst defects, our
and boldness, as well as the magnitude of
best fictions, is to believe that our miseries
his achievement, give him heroic standing.
have been imposed on us from abroad, that
Others did not have Columbus's bold idea
others, for example, the conquistadores,
to sail across the unknown ocean, or if they
have always been responsible for our prob-
did, they never acted upon it. Columbus
lems
Did they really do it? We did it; we
did. In so many other respects, he failed to
are the conquistadores."
rise above his milieu and set a more worthy
example, and so ended up a tragic figure.
But he does not deserve to bear alone the
blame for the consequences of his auda-
P
eople have choices, but they do not
cious act.
always choose well. One wishes Co-
We must resist the temptation to shift
lumbus had acquitted himself more
blame for our behavior to someone dead
nobly, in the full knowledge that, even if he
and gone. Mario Vargas Llosa, the Peruvian
had, others who came after would have al-
novelist, finds little to admire in the early
most surely squandered the opportunity
Spanish conquerors but recognizes the
presented to them to make a truly fresh
dangers inherent in transferring to them an
start in human history-a new world in
inordinate share of the blame for modern
more than the geographic sense. But
America.
wishes, yesterday's self-congratulation or
"Why have the post-colonial republics
today's self-flagellation, are not history.
of the Americas-republics that might have
Columbus's failings, as well as his ambi-
been expected to have deeper and broader
tions and courage, are beyond historical
notions of liberty, equality, and fraternity-
doubt-and are all too human. The mythic
failed so miserably to improve the lives of
Columbus of our creation is something
their Indian citizens?" Vargas Llosa asks.
else. His destiny, it seems, is to serve as a
"Immense opportunities brought by the
barometer of our self-confidence, our
civilization that discovered and conquered
hopes and aspirations, our faith in progress,
America have been beneficial only to a mi-
and the capacity of humans to create a
nority, sometimes a very small one;
more just society.
WQ AUTUMN 1991
86
BACKGROUND BOOKS
COLUMBUS AND THE
LABYRINTH OF HISTORY
H
istorians treat it as axiomatic that each
From European scholars, however, a differ-
new generation, by building on past
ent, more plausible Columbus has emerged.
scholarship, knows more than those that went
From Jacques Heers's Christophe Colomb
before. By this logic, we must know more about
(Hachette, 1981), which showed a typical mer-
Columbus than scholars did in 1892 during the
chant mariner of his time looking for profitable
fourth Centenary. Unfortunately, that is not the
opportunities wherever fortune took him, to
case (or at least it was not 10 years ago).
Alain Milhou's Colon y su mentalidad
Popularly, much lore that was common cur-
mesianic en el ambiente franciscanista espa-
rency about Columbus a century ago has been
ñol (Casa-Museo de Colon, 1983), which de-
lost, and, in scholarship, few American histori-
picted a mystic who believed he was helping
ans now specialize in the sorts of topics-navi-
spread the Christian message to all the world, a
gation, shipbuilding, exploration, mariners and
more complex Columbus has taken shape. Two
merchants, etc.-that once constituted our
current biographies in English embody this
knowledge of the "Age of Discovery." Instead
new understanding. Oxford historian Felipe
there is an increasingly acrimonious debate
Fernandez-Armesto reveals a Columbus (Ox-
about Columbus-and, by extension, about Eu-
ford, 1991) who was "the socially ambitious, so-
ropean world dominance. The current vilifica-
cially awkward parvenu; the autodidact, intel-
tion of Columbus, however, is not necessarily
lectually aggressive but easily cowed; the
more accurate than the uncritical praise of a
embittered escapee from distressing realities;
century ago.
the adventurer inhibited by fear." And John No-
Washington Irving's three-volume Life and
ble Wilford's The Mysterious History of Co-
Voyages of Christopher Columbus (1828) set
lumbus (Knopf, 1991) is, arguably, the most
the tone for the 19th century. Irving aimed to
thorough and up-to-date narrative about Co-
spin a good yarn and also to promote Colum-
lumbus available in English today.
bus as a role model for the nation. His Colum-
A second new direction in Columbus stud-
bus displayed the virtues which citizens of the
ies came from those earlier works that placed
new nation should have: piety, high morals, a
him within the larger history of global conquest
scientific spirit, perseverance, rugged individ-
and empire-building. Yale historian J. H. El-
ualism, and so on. The immense popularity of
liott's The Old World and the New (Cam-
Irving's biography influenced, well into the
bridge, 1970) focused on the Europeans who
20th century, virtually every American history
had to assimilate the unexpected reality of an-
textbook. Indeed, as recently as 50 years ago,
other world suddenly looming into existence.
the Harvard historian Samuel Eliot Morison, in
"The discovery of America," Elliott wrote, "had
effect, rewrote Irving's Columbus for the 20th
important intellectual consequences, in that it
century. In his magisterial Admiral of the
brought Europeans into contact with new lands
Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus
and peoples, and in so doing chal-
(Little, Brown, 1942), Morison, an admiral him-
lenged
traditional European assumptions
self, literally went "to sea in quest of light and
about geography, theology, history, and the na-
truth." He retraced Columbus's voyages and,
ture of man."
by focusing on his maritime achievements,
University of Texas historian Alfred W. Cros-
skirted Columbus's more controversial career
by's Columbian Exchange: Biological and
on land. "We are right in so honoring him,"
Cultural Consequences of 1492 (Greenwood,
Morison wrote, "because no other sailor had
1972) traced the migrations of plants, animals,
the persistence, the knowledge and the sheer
and, most disastrously, microbes and diseases
guts to sail thousands of miles into the un-
across the ocean. In Plagues and Peoples
known ocean until he found land."
(Doubleday, 1976), William H. McNeill of the
WQ AUTUMN 1991
87
COLUMBUS
THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE
There is an old American folk song which tells of a "Sweet
Betsy from Pike" (Pike County, Missouri) who traveled out
westward "with her lover Ike, with two yoke of oxen, a large
yellow dog, a tall Shanghai rooster and one spotted hog."
Not only Betsy but practically her whole caravan of animals
were in a sense "immigrants," descendants of Columbus and
other two- and four-legged adventurers who had crossed the
Atlantic from Europe. They were part of what historian Al-
fred Crosby describes as "a grunting, lowing, neighing, crow-
ing, chirping, snarling, buzzing, self-replicating and world-
altering avalanche." Today, writes Crosby, a "botanist can
easily find whole meadows [in America] in which he is hard
put to find a species that grew in American pre-Columbian
times." In his The Columbian Exchange (1972) and Ecologi-
cal Imperialism (1986), Crosby describes the plants and ani-
mals and diseases that crossed the Atlantic in both directions
in the wake of Columbus's voyages, thus recreating ecologically the Old World in the New and the
New World in the Old. Here are listed some of the immigrants and transplants.
Plants
From the Old World to the Americas:
From the Americas to the Old World:
Bananas
Pomegranates
Avocadoes
Peanuts
Barley
Radishes
Beans
Pineapples
Cabbage
Rice
Chile Peppers
Potatoes
Cauliflower
Sugar Cane
Cocoa
Pumpkins
Daisies
Tumbleweed
Coffee
Squash
European Melons
Wheat
Maize
Sweet Potatoes
Figs
Wild Oats
Papaya
Tobacco
Kentucky Bluegrass
Wine Grapes
Tomatoes
Lemons
Lettuce
Mangoes
Olives
Oranges
Peaches
WQ AUTUMN 1991
88
COLUMBUS
Diseases
From the Old World to the Americas:
From the Americas to the Old World:
Amoebic Dysentery
Malaria
While European diseases ravaged indigenous
Bubonic Plague
Measles
American populations, only one disease, Trap-
Chicken Pox
Meningitis
onema pallidum (syphilis), is believed to have
Cholera
Mumps
been brought back from the Old World. No
Diphtheria
Smallpox
Old-World human fossils from pre-1490 show
German Measles
Tonsillitis
signs of syphilitic damage.
Influenza
Trachoma
Jaundice
Typhus
Whooping Cough
Animals
From the Old World to the Americas:
From the Americas to the Old World:
Anopheles Mosquitoes
American Gray Squirrels
Cattle
American Vine Aphids
Chickens
Chiggers
Domestic Cats
Guinea Pigs
Donkeys
Muscovey Ducks
Goats
Muskrats
Hessian Flies
Turkeys
Honeybees
Horses
Larger, fiercer European dogs
Pigs
Rats
Sheep
Sheep
Sparrows
Starlings
WQ AUTUMN 1991
89
COLUMBUS
University of Chicago described "the world's
gist Kathleen Deagan has established, by
biosphere as still reverberating to the series
excavating Columbus's first colony La Isabela,
of shocks inaugurated by the new permeability
the astonishing alacrity with which the Span-
of ocean barriers
after 1492." McNeill esti-
iards adapted their diet, clothing, and dwellings
mated there were 25 to 30 million Native
to the New World environment. Eugene Lyon,
American Indians in Mexico in 1492; by 1620,
at the Center for Historical Research in St. Au-
after exposure to European disease, there were
gustine, has uncovered the first manifest for
1.6 million. In his Conquest of Paradise
any of Columbus's ships-for the Niña's third
(Knopf, 1990), writer and ecological activist
voyage-which describes its rigging, cargo,
Kirkpatrick Sale penned the most extreme in-
crew, and even the medicine aboard ship. The
dictment of all: Columbus's legacy of unbroken
mining equipment on the 1495 Spanish ships
environmental despoliation has left us no
bound for La Isabela shows us, Lyon reports,
choice but to start over again. "There is only
how early the Spaniards planned a permanent
one way to live in America," Sale writes, "and
mining industry in the Americas. Deagan's dis-
that is as Americans-the original Americans-
coveries about La Isabela and Lyon's about Co-
for that is what the earth of America demands.
lumbus will be presented in an upcoming issue
We resist it further only at risk of the imperil-
of National Geographic (January 1992). First
ment-worse, the likely destruction-of the
Encounters: Spanish Explorations in the
earth."
Caribbean and the United States, 1492-1570
It might be thought, at this late date, that
(Univ. of Fla., 1989), edited by Jerald Milanich
there is nothing left to learn about Columbus or
and Susan Milbrath, describes the past decade's
his voyages. All the original documents by Co-
most significant archaeological and historical
lumbus are now in print: The Diario of Chris-
breakthroughs in understanding the Hispanic
topher Columbus's First Voyage to America,
penetration of the Caribbean and the South-
1492-1493 (Univ. of Okla., 1989), translated by
east. And it would be almost impossible to com-
Oliver Dunn and James Kelly; Cristóbal Colón:
pile a more complete reference work than The
textos y documentos completos (Alianza,
Columbus Encyclopedia, edited by Silvio A.
1982), edited by Consuelo Varela; and the mys-
Bedini, to be published by Simon and Schuster
tical Libro de las Profecías of Christopher
next year. Such publications, and the scholar-
Columbus (Univ. of Fla., 1991), translated and
ship they represent, recapture-and, indeed,
edited by Delno C. West.
substantially advance-the knowledge about
The most exciting scholarship inspired by
Columbus and his voyages that was current a
the Quincentenary, however, refutes the as-
century ago. After 500 years, we are still discov-
sumption that everything about Columbus is ei-
ering Columbus.
ther known or unknowable. Florida archaeolo-
-Carla Rahn Phillips
Carla Rahn Phillips is professor of history at the University of Minnesota. She is coauthor, with William Phillips, of
The Worlds of Christopher Columbus, which will be published by Cambridge next year.
WQ AUTUMN 1991
90