Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-01-13
Gitp ann Gonmtp AnteIIlaenee.



The fourth lecture of the Mechanics Asso-
citation was delivered by Rev. j. c. Fletcher
of Newburyport. His subject was, Sardinia
and the Waldenses." He said he was to speak
of country which combined within itself all
that was glorious and beautiful in NATURAL pro-
auctions. Here was to be found not only the
grandeur of the Alpine scenery, but the fertile
and luxuriant plain from which comes the
name of Piedmont. Not only i'll natural pro-
ductions but in the people was found much va
riety and power. In the Croatian Alps was
people who had for principle undergone per-
secutions borne by no other people; Its histo-
~ is one long protest against the encroach-
ments of Rome. From the days OF Pllny TO
the present time great men and good hao
blessed this country by their labors and pray
ers. How we have been reJoieed III TINS DAY
to see the House of Hapsburg humbled, and
Sardinia leaping into the arena OF constitution
al liberty. Why is it that Sardinia has be-
come the bright and shining spot in Southern
Europe? He found the true cause in tracing
ita past history On the lake of Geneva was
the tower of Chillon, rendered famous by the
most beautiful poem that Byron ever wrote.
Since that castle was destroyed, Count Pierre
of Savoy became proprietor OF another on the
same site. This nobeman was a man who
would in any age have been a leading spirit of
his time, and from him is descended the pres
ent King OF Sardinia.
The lecturer traced the history of Sardinia,
and described its Mosaic character caused by
the union of the different states, all now COM
prising an area about the same as the state of
New York, and numbering a population of
eight millions. The variety of climate and
beauty Of scenery formed fruitful theme for
description, although he thought no sunsets in
Italy were equal to those we saw in our own
country.
In speaking of the Waldenses who inhabited
the valleys of the Alps, he traced the origin OF
their name to the Italian name of the valley
in which they lived, Taiendense, signitying
dense valleys, or thicky inhabited valleys.
They were driven by persecution to settle IN
the portion of the peninsular. They claim
descent from the primitive Christians of the
south of Italy, who were converted by the
apostles. Prosecutions continued until the
present century against this people because OF
their simple religion. They labored as mis-
sionares among the surrounding people, and
one of Whitter's poems Ia French translaton)
on this subject is familiar to them as house
hold words
Mr.. Fletcher in 1850, visited Italy. Having
long heard of this people as the blessing OF
that country, he had turned aside to visit them
ne gave All interesting ACCOUNT vi u OoDo"eh
he spent with them, telling of their hearty
welcome of himself and companion, as Amer
leans, and going at length in the description of
religious forms and usages in their worship.
He found many things to remind him of New
England customs. In the prayer meeting
held in the afternoon, Mr.. Fletcher was
called out by the pastor of the church, as the
representative of the churches in America,
and in his remarks, which were made in the
French language, he told them of the interest
which was felt in their prosperity by their
brethren in America, said to them in conclu-
sion, Brethren of the church of the Waldenscs,
the northern church of America salutes you p
Their salutation in return he now brought,
and it could be found in the last chapter of
Hebrews, "The brethren in Italy salute you"
After the close of the services, he visited
Gen. Beckwith, once an English soldier, but
who had, after leaving that service, determined
TO devote his remaining days and fortune to
the benefit of their cause. He had married
peasant girl of the Wadenses and was now
one of them. From him he gained many in
terestlng facts relating to their history and
present prospects. They have increased in
population, now numbering about $4,000. In
40 school-houses about 5000 children are
taught the rudiments of learning. They
might be considered the natural missionaries
of Italy.
The lecture was very interesting, and was
listened to with close attention. 1t occupied
about an hour and half.
SUPERIOR CoURT.-The replevin case of
Calvin Farnsworth VS.. Lowell Baker was de-
cided yesterday, by verdict for the plaintiff.
The case Of the Ladies' Collegiate Institute
VS.. William A. French, suit to collect an
alleged subscription for the benefit of that
institution, was then taken up and is still on
trial. Dewey & Williams for the plaintiffs !;
Devens & Hoar, and Ranney of Boston, for
the defendants.
WORCESTER DIRECTORY FOR 1860.-H. J.
Rowland has completed the City Directory for
1860, and it will be for sale tomorrow morn
ing. Itcontains $500 names, being an increase
of more than 500 over that of last year. This
indicates an increase of not less than 1900 in
habitants within twelve months, gratifying
evidence of the onward growth of Worcester
BY referring to the first directory of Worces-
ter ever published, issued in 1914, we discover
that it contained but few more than 1900
names, which denotes that a rapid growth
has been effected in sixteen years.
The BALL To.NIGHT.-It will be remem-
bered by all whom it may concern, that the
first annual ball of the Mechanics Club takes
place at Horticultural Hall tonight The occa-
sion promises to be very pleasant one, being
under the management of gentlemen as well
skilled in affairs of this kind as in athletic ex-
ercses.
POLICE CoURT.-On Thursday, Chas. Hen
ry, for selling one quart of new rum at the old
"Green Store" Jan. II, was fined SO and
costs, with the usual term of Imprisonment of
twenty days. He appealed and gave bonds in
500 to prosecute his appeal.
The DUDLEY INDIANs.-The Webster
Times gives sketch Of the condition of the
fragment Of this expiring tribe now remaining
on the lands set apart for their use in Webster
They number only thirteen, seven of whom
through physical incapacity, are wholly de-
pendent ON the charity of the state Their
cost to the Commonwealth in 1859 was S740
40. The state owns about twenty-seven acres
of land in Webster, and in 1857 erected a sub
stantial house upon it for their accommoda-
ton. The guardian ofthese Indians has made
some effort to promote habits of industry and