The Miracle of Las Palmas
A young officer, Major Aintree, stationed in Las Palmas, struggles with alcoholism, which jeopardizes his career and reputation. Despite his past accolades, including a medal of honor, Aintree's drinking leads to disgraceful behavior, alienating him from his men and peers. His actions draw the ire of Corporal Standish, a member of the Canal Zone police, who once idolized Aintree but now sees him as a disgrace to the army. Standish, determined to hold Aintree accountable, witnesses the major's drunken antics and the negative impact they have on the soldiers under his command. The narrative unfolds as Standish confronts Aintree, urging him to recognize the consequences of his actions. Aintree, however, remains defiant, believing he can control his drinking and dismissing the concerns of those around him. As Aintree's behavior spirals further out of control, he becomes involved in a violent incident where he shoots a man in a drunken stupor. This act of aggression forces Standish to take a stand, leading to Aintree's arrest. Standish's motivations are revealed to be rooted in a desire to protect the integrity of the army and to punish Aintree for his betrayal of the values they both once held dear. The climax occurs when Aintree, facing the potential end of his military career, is confronted by Standish, who offers him a chance at redemption. Aintree initially refuses to acknowledge his problem but, after a series of events that culminate in the realization of the gravity of his situation, he ultimately vows to quit drinking. This moment of clarity comes too late to save his career, but it signifies a turning point in his life. The story concludes with Aintree's commitment to sobriety, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the loss of his former identity as a respected officer. Standish, having fulfilled his mission to expose Aintree's failings, reflects on the complexities of heroism and the fragility of human strength. The narrative serves as a poignant exploration of addiction, accountability, and the quest for redemption in the face of personal and professional ruin.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1907 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction · 8,117 words
First lines
This is the story of a gallant officer who loved his profession, his regiment, his country, but above all, whiskey; of his miraculous conversion to total abstinence, and of the humble instrument that worked the miracle. At the time it was worked, a battalion of the Thirty-third Infantry had been left behind to guard the Zone, and was occupying impromptu barracks on the hill above Las Palmas. That was when Las Palmas was one of the four thousand stations along the forty miles of the Panama Railroad. When the railroad was "reconstructed" the name of Las Palmas did not appear on the new time-table, and when this story appears Las Palmas will be eighty feet under water. So if any one wishes to dispute the miracle he will have to conduct his investigation in a diving-bell.
What this Textopian page supports
The Miracle of Las Palmas is listed on Textopian as a short story by Richard Harding Davis, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Richard Harding Davis
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Character Study, Social Commentary
- Length: 8,117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 140 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Miracle of Las Palmas by Richard Harding Davis
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Miracle of Las Palmas?
- How does this short story by Richard Harding Davis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of heroism, addiction, and personal transformation through character-driven narratives.
- Drama — The story presents intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas, particularly surrounding Major Aintree's struggle with alcoholism and its consequences.
- Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of the Panama Canal construction, it incorporates historical elements and military life of the era.
- Character Study — The narrative focuses deeply on the psychological and moral development of the characters, especially Major Aintree and Standish.
Tags
Adventure · Fiction · Historical · Romance · Spanish-American War · War · Novel · Classic · American Literature · 19th Century · Male Protagonist · Love Story