Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1871-08-16
THE ST. LAWRENCE TRIP.

LIE ST. La ~ ENENJE EhlI.
Through the Rapids TO Montreal.
A series of letters to the Elmira Ad- |
giving an account Of the recent !
excursion of the teachers and pupils of
the Elmira College down the St Law
renee to Montreal, contain some of the
best descriptions that we have met of
the features Of that most interesting
of Summer Journeys. We extract a
few passages
THE LONG SAULT
After leaving Prescost a new interest
begins to attach to the Journey. The
rapids are near, the descent of which is
to form the grand excitement Of the
trip Within half an hour few tell
white caps, far to the front, gave an
nouncement that We are about to enter
them. These are the Gallops, and are
of trifing moment. The steamer goes
through these without difficulty, simply
shutting off steam and keeping head on
in the channel. For an hour We sail by
green pastures and through still waters
again, and then we come to the Rapid
de Plat, which We pass quickly and
with little excitement as before. Again
the engineer puts on a steam and crowds
the vessel along at a magnificent rate
until we reach the Long Sault, dash
ing, roaring, furious rapid of several
miles IN length. Into this the vessel
fearlessly leaps, and is steadily guild
by the skillful and experienced
pilot whose one absolute and impera-
tive duty is to keep her head straight
with the channel, every foot of which
he knows with unerring certainty, and
in which he must keep his precious
craft or death will claim us all in a
twinkling. Upon the bow of the yes,
sci, and leaning over the sides, intently
watching the furious Iashing of the
waves, are gathered all the members of
our party. This is the first real e1-
element, and byit every one is thor
oughly engrossed. Swiftly and ire
sci ploughing its way through the wild
and reckless torrent, stunning the
rocks and whirlpools which are ready
on every hand to Overwhelm it. Now
a fearful gulf yawns under it's bows,
and now wild and furious wave strikes
it with terrible power, dashing the
water over the deck, creating stam-
pede and a screaming which only the
musical lungs ola hundred bewitching
girls can produce. Out of the rapids
into the still waters again. What a
wonderful passage. The trip is a sue
cess, and all voices Join in unanimous
acclaim that this excursion surpasses
all the rest.
THE LACHINE RAPIDS.
After safely surrounding the dangers
and excitements of the Cedar Rapids
we enter the quiet and expansive waters
of the Lake st. Louis. Steaming
through this we are soon opposite the
little village of Lachine, at the head of
the Rapids of that name, and the last
which we pass before reaching Mon
treal. Here Our vessel stops while q
little canoe darts out from the neigh
boring shore, with the Indian Pilot
Baptists, under whose charge we are to
be taken through this last and most
thrilling passage. Coming on board,
this 5talwart descendent of the sons OF
the forest assends to the Pilot House
shakes hands with the Captain, says
- Ugh big Indian me !" relieves the
white pilot OF the wheel who has thus
far brought US safely on our way, the
engine begins its revolutions anew, and
on we go to the perilous and exciting
descent. Meanwhile our company
have gathered in the force on the
bow Of the vessel, all standing, some
on chairs and stools, and each striving
TO secure a place where the whole can
be seen. On shoots the vessel down
the furious scene. On shoots the YES
sci down tho furious rapid. We are
literally II the hands Of Providence
and the big Indian. Human strength
and human skill can guide the vessel,
but no human power can stay it IN it's
onward course. Come what viii, for
good or for evil, our fate is sealed
There are five minutes, and no more,
of intense excitement. At the side of
us, and now fairly in front Of US,
huge ledge OF rocks uncovers its fear
full face, the vessel seems rushing di-
rectlv upon it when suddenly and with
the force and speed Of lightning the
helm is up, and the obedient vessel
aided by the rushing torrent turns with
the channel and glides out into the
smooth waters below Hence to Mon
dian safely pilots the vessel through
quiet waters, narrow channels, and
devious ways Under the Victoria
Bridge and up to the wharf we quickly
come. 1t is six o'clock on Sunday
evening, and safe in their comfortable
hotel we lesve the party until to -mor-
row.
THE JESUIT CATHEDRAL IN MONTREAL.
Of all the churches in Montreal the
new church is that of the Jesuits, com
monty called the Jesuite Cathedral. is |
the most gorgeous in appearance and
elaborate in decorations. Its great |
walls are literally covered with the |
most beautiful frescoes, representing |
innumerable scenes in the lives of the |
Savior and the Apostles. High up in |
the very top of the dome, surprisingly /
beautiful In the softness and perspective |
OF the distance, is a life like picture of
the babe in the Manager. Thus are the |
walls made beautiful and impressive |
while IN sharp and striking contrast
the peWs and floor are severe in their
plalnness and simplicity. Worshippers
IN this building have no cushioned seats,
and fashion finds here no chance for
display. It is great building, and it
IS always open. There may be times
when its audience room is filled with
people. At mass and other great relig-
ious festivities We suppose it is. But
the stranger is not apt to see it on such
occasions. He usually goes in on a
week day, when all is quiet and only
here and there Worshipper. We sup
pose that at no time is the great
without some person at its
OF her devotion. It is solemn scene,
and one which cannot fail to deeply
impress the stranger, as with hat in
hand he walks reverently and quietly
Gown the long aisle, and, away out in
the midst OF the vast Wilderness of
arches and columns, finds a solitary
person, usually OF the poorer class of
people, kneehng before the crucifix,
WVors hiping God In secret, and with a
devotion which seems to be genuine
and