The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-09-21
OUR YANKEE IN SWITZERLAND
AND PARIS.
FRANKFURT-oN-MAIN
August 28th, 1871.

AuSuSI 0OLu, 1CtA.
1t was no little disappointment to our
whole party to be compelled to leave the
mountains on account of the weather,
but as we had been highly favored In
that respect the entire season, we had
little cause for complaint. We had
planned various expeditions to the gla-
ciers, mountain passes and peaks, but the
slippery paths rendered them oil impass-
able. It is pleasant to linger In Switzer-
land during July and August, . the hotels
are invariably good and honey plenty,
the valleys romantic, the mountains
grand, the climate invigorating, the PEG
pie plain and unpretending, and the ex-
pense as in any other part of Europe.
We were almost at the base of Mont
Blanc, and all around we could see "hilTs
peep DER hills, and Alps on Alps arise"
The cost for guide to make the ascent
of Mont Blanc is one hundred francs, and
the fatigue exhausting, and few attempt
it. A few days before our arrival at
Charmonix, Russian Prince made the
ascent, accompanied by his servant and
two guides, with so little ostentation that
| it was not known in the village until his
return,
Accidents occasionally happen among
the mountains, but if accompanied by 3
skillful guide, they are of rare occurrence.
We notice by the Swiss papers, that a
lady lost her life at Mt. Rigi on the day
which we left there. In attempting to on
gather flowers, a stone gave way on which
she was standing, and her mangled re
mains were found several hundred feet
below.
A mountain party looks very much
like the pictures in the geograp ply
marching in single file, with q mountain
staff, with spike in the end. Where
practicable, mules are used at the pleas
urc of the tourist, party of half doz-
en- sometimes employing three or four
mules, and riding and walking alternate
ly. Then
s'First march the mules securely slow,
O'er hills, DER dales, DER rocks they CO."
But we were at Geneva at our last
writing, and have been progressing
backwards. This is fine city situated
on the lake of the same name ,and On both
sides Of the river Rhone, Astounding in
large hotels, which are crowded at this
season with tourists from all nations, the
States are as well or better represented
than any other. The great feature of
the city is its extensive manufacture of
watches and jewelry., In purchasing,
there is little danger of being deceived
in regard to quality ofgold. The gov
eminent, in order to maintain the reputa.
ton Of the trade, appoints commission
to inspect the quality in use, and any
one exposing for salej work inferior to
eighteen carats fine,, is subjected to
heavy. penalties. Purchasers, however,
may be deceived in reg ard tolithe me-,
chanism of o watch, orpay too high for
any article. After making due allow.
ance between gold and currency, if the
purchaser have a duty of twenty-five per
cent. to pay, it is questionable whether a
great saving is made between buying in
Geneva or at home, provided he is sure of
the same quality of gold. Few who pur-
chase, however, expect to pay duty on
then, own personal effects, and then there
is the novelty Of purchasing abroad-ar,
ticlesJ ar fetched being of greater value.
Aside from the fine jewelry establish
ments, there is little to ,detain the travel
Ter, except the fine situation and the excur-
sions to be made in the vicinity. 'The
mountains are in full view, and Mont
Blanc, covered with snow, is seen in the
distance-a ride of a few hours. The
Rhone issues from the lake in afrushing
| torrent. ~ etaQ {
The eastern part of Switzerland is Ger.
man, the western is French At Berne,
the names. of the streets on the corners
are nboth languagesand the shop signs
are the same, One Frencaman whom
we asked if he spoke English, replied
'tplenty, zectle." We had travelled but lit
tie among the French, and the language
was new to US, but we felt adequate to-
the task before us,-+--We could accomplish
1T the same as we had other languages.