The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-08-17

perplexiiies of the Frenchman, behind let us
advance to Montreal only two, hours distance.
We we're evidently getting into French
region The ceaseless gabbling of little and
larger Frenchmen saluted US long before We
approached the line, and constantly while in
Canada. But what shall say concerning
Montreal The most. notable objects of at
traction, are the, Victoria Bridge across the
St. Lawrence, the Cathedral and the hume,
ries, beside number of scientific associations
The Victoria Bridge is the most; stupendous
colossal structure I ever beheld. It is
about two miles in length, aud is made up OF
a number of iron tunnels from two to three
hundred feet in length. The abutments on
which the iron tunnel rests, are specimens of
masonry worthy the attention of all lovers of
the marvellous, The tunnel is twenty feet
high and fourteen feet wide, built of sheets of
wrought iron, rivited and bolted into one SOL
i'd mass, the whole elevated seventy feet above
the river. About six years ago the great Eng
lish engineer, Stephenson came over and
planned the entire construction of the bridge.
1t is another trir uph of English brains over
the the brute forces of nature, and will be
looked, upon by. posterity with the awe and
wonder with which travellers in the tenth cen.
| tury were occasioned to look upon the ruins Of
the early Grecian and Roman civilization. IT
is worth six months travel to carry away the
Impressions one receives in contemplating a
structure which deserves, as work of Art to
stand over against the majesty of Niagara OF
the peerless might and grandeur of the White
Mountains
. The Cathedral at Montreal is the largest
l building of that nature in North America
excepting the one in the city OF. Mexico. Here
/ all the power ard .magnifcence of the Catho
lie Church, its enchantment of view, the su
pernatural awe in which it wells God, the su
perstitious observance of ceremonies it en-
ljoins-all that makes it the grandest and mos
powerful organization which has ever existed
are made manifest by pompous rites celebrat
ed day and night. Standing within. admirins
the paintings and architecture, one feels tha
the whole building is grand triumphal cho
rus Of hallelujahs and barping symphonies
the music the wild music of the beautiful ant
fsnblime flows out from it as if. struck b.
more than mortal hands-no adequate, ma
rather no conception of it can be obtained b.
mere description, o-.,,,,;,'..- 80, 90,
The Nunneries of Montreal are as noted a
any in this country. We visited the Ora
Nunnery. We went there and into the nun
chapel about twelve o'clock at noon, the hou
for their prayers. Whilst we were seate
i there, the hall door was thrown open, and tw
by two they came in, a portion RESPOND
ed in Latin to some things uttered by one VIII
seemed to lead. There were about fifty, mostl
young women from eighteen to twenty five
Such a pale, sckly, lifeless, hopeless, cole
toni never beheld. They all looked ver
meek and humble to be sure, but they SCENE
10 me living testimonials of Gods displeasur
at the follies and superstitions of fmen. / sha
never forget the deep sorrow that looked OF
upon me through two brilliant black eye
u that seemed dim with mourning for the loy
r. and sympathy which every soul CT aves. ~
But my sheet is full. and / close with Il
promise next time. to speak of a trip down tt
st. Lawrence, and my visit to Quebec, 2
;,.ssr,-.-5 f.E 5.... r..s--z 7.5.lga. . ID. II.