Discrediting Columbus

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 30, 1913

Discrediting Columbus

BACKED by a letter from Rear-Admiral George W. Baird, U. S. N., retired, prominent speakers of the Secular League yesterday afternoon bitterly denounced Christopher Columbus, discoverer of America, as a thief, an adventurer, a gold lover, and a pirate, at a crowded meeting held in the Pythian Temple, Ninth Street and Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest. Admiral Baird termed as ridiculous the efforts of prominent Knights of Columbus to have Columbus created a patron saint of the United States.

The letter from Admiral Baird was directed to Hyland C. Kirk, president. The admiral has made an extensive study of all histories dealing with the life of Columbus.

“I have read every history,” wrote the admiral, “on the subject which has come to my hand, and I am fully convinced that it is proved beyond cavil that Columbus was a Hebrew by birth and in his religious beliefs.

“At this time the college of cardinals in Rome has before it a bill to make Columbus the patron saint of the United States. It would be absurd.”

Professor Kirk opened the meeting by reading a long essay, asserting that Columbus was born in Porto Santo, a suburb of Pontevedra, Spain. His real name was Christo Colon, he added.

John D. Bradley, secretary of the league, assailed the Catholic Church for attempting to claim the so-called discoverer of America for its own.—Washington Post, Jan. 20, 1913.