Tobago by W. G. Kneeland; I. H. Mathews

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 28, 1903

Tobago

By W. G. Kneeland; I. H. Mathews

THIS island is twenty-six miles long and seven and one-half miles wide, and contains one hundred fourteen and one-half square miles. It is situated in 11° 9' north latitude and 60° 43' west longitude, and is eighteen miles from Trinidad, to which it is politically connected. Its surface is rough and mountainous, and only a small portion is cultivated, although the soil is fertile. For the first one hundred and fifty years after its discovery and settlement, Tobago's history is full of tales of bloody conflicts and disastrous wars between the Dutch, French, and English. After varying successes and failures, the English gained full control in 1793, which they still maintain. Its many ruined forts and decaying buildings speak of prosperous times, disappointed hopes, and the vanity of earthly things.

Formerly sugar was the principal export, but low prices brought financial trouble, and most of the estates are abandoned or turned into stock farms. Cocoa and coffee partly supply the demand of the people. Other products could be profitably raised.

Missionary operations were begun here by the Church of England in 1781, by the Moravians in 1789, followed by the Wesleyans in 1810. A good quantity of our literature has been sold by our agents. Here where so many battles have been fought for worldly honor and power, we have entered in the name of the Prince of peace to sound the last message of mercy to a dying world. If faithful, we expect to have sheaves for the heavenly garner from this island.

W. G. KNEELAND, I. H. MATHEWS.