Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 151, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 June 1919 — WHERE GREAT WRITER SLEEPS [ARTICLE]

WHERE GREAT WRITER SLEEPS

Grave es Hobart Louis SUvonson In Samoa Located Amid Scene* of Rare Beauty. The Samoan Islands have two shrines— the home and grave of Robert Louis Stevenson. In his search for health, Stevenson built a home on one of the islands and called It Valliina (Five Waters). Here he, spent the last four years of his life. Vailima lies far up a steep mountain road. It is a rambling, green wooden house, half native style, half an English country home. Stevenson Im. said to havF enjoyed contrasts of native and English life. It pleased him to havg his household appear In evening dress at dinner, and to bewailed upon by Samoan natives. His many kindnesses toward the natives so touched them that they were aroused to enough energy to build a road up the mountain to his home. The crude hut important piece of work they called “The Road of the Loving Heart.” "It shall never he muddy, it shall ensure, this road that we have dug.” prophesied the natives on presenting their gift. ’ 7" 'l'he grave of Tusltala, the story teller, lies far up the mountain beyond Stevenson’s home. The trail Is so difficult that the services of over fifty natives were needed to carry the casket up to its destination. The mountain path leads through a tropical forest of the gorgeous flowers of Samoa. Hibiscus, cape Jflsmine, orange blossoms fill the air with their perfume. Many birds sing and flash through the underbrush, for native chiefs forbid use of any firearms on the mountain where Tusltala lies. On a tiny plateau at the top of the mountain" is the tomb with the memorial verse that Stevenson hintself wrote carved on the stone. Far away from even the quiet life of the native settlements Stevenson’s grave is the most peaceful place in an island of peace—"Niksah” in Chicago News.