The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1873-05-23
Letter From, Rome.
JAMES W. FORSTER,
J. B. HARDIEe,
Q. q. EATON.

/ AG%AAR ~ 4 AAfC 4Ob HAASlCn "
you in particular before, take this opportu-
nifty to do SO from this ancient and interesting
city. Rome, once the most powerful and
populous city on earth, having had during the
most AOurishing periods Of its history, popu-
lation of about four millions, equal to that of
London) has now but 24s thousand inhabit-
ants, War, food and Ars have swept over it
again and again, and in the course of their
devastation, what were once her proudest
temples and most magnificent edifces, have,
with few exceptions, crunbled into ruin
These ruins however, still speak of her former
glory and greatness.
The Coliseum, the grandest ruin and monu-
rnsut of ancient Rome, was begun by Yespas-
/ ian in 4. D. Y, and dedicated by Titus about
nine years later. The Inauguration lasted
nearly hundred days, during which 5000
wild beasts and 10000 captivss were slain in
the arena. 1t is said TO have afforded seats
for upwards OF SO. .OOa spectators. The thoughts
of the gladiatorial spectscles, of which it was
the scene for nearly 400 years, chills cur blood
even at this time. Permit me here TO insert
few lines in which Byron, with his unequaled
genius, describes the dying gladiator.
II see before me the gladiator lie;
He leans upon his hand--his manly brow
Consents TO death, but cOnquers agony.
And his droop'd head sinks gradually low
And through his side the last drops ebbing slow,
From the red cash fall heavy, one by one,
Like the first of a thunderstorm; and now
The arena swims around him; he is gone,
Ere ceased the inhuman shout which hailed the
wretch who won"
During the persecution OF the Christians,
the amphitheater was also the scene of fearful
barbarities. In the reign OF TrajAn, St. Igua-
thus was brought from Antioch purposely to
be devoured by wild beasts in the arena; and
the traditions OF the church are filled with the
names of martyrs who persisted within its
walls.
A large portion of this stupendous structure,
has been from time to time destroyed, fur
nishing material for building churches, pala-
ces, &c. To prevent further entertainments,
in 1850 it was sacredly consecrated to the
memory of the Christian martyrs who had
perished in it, and since which tims it has un-
dergone some restoration. l see that 1 could
I'LL page after page of paper and still give you
but very imperfect idea Of the NUMEROUS
places and objects Of interest to be found
here. will therefore omit them for the pres
ent.
have been to Naples, Capri, Pompeii, and
to crown all, made the ascent Of Ves1vius. 1t
rrlO I hal bav IN
ing for Pisa, then to Florence, Venice, Milan,
Genoa, sc. From this on, my face and course
will be directed gradually homeward, and 1
hope to be with you all again about the goth
Of June. 1t has been some time since 1 have
had letter from home, but hope to find
some at Florence. The weather here has
been very warm ard pleasant until within 2
or three days, since which we have had very
frequent showers which interrupt going about
somewhat To-day we had severe hail-storm.
With much love to oil, am your affection
ate con, ROBERT.
Constitutional Convention Summary.
MAY 1.-The Convention met at 0 A. NJ.
A recess was then taken until 2 P. NJ. to per-
NIT the use of the hall for a bar meeting in
respect 10 the late Chiof Justice. Upon re-as-
sembling the Convention proceeded to the
election of assistant officers. r. F. Hurlburh
of Delaware, was chosen FIRST Assistant Clerk,
and David s. Fisher, of Allen, Second Assist
ant. James Morgan, of Hamilton, vas elected
First Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, and Fred.
Blenksr Second Assistant. Charles Rhodes. /
OF Jackson. was elected Postmaster. The
President announced the appointment Of five
messenger boys. Resolutions were offered
and laid on the table declaring that the pres
ent Constitution shall not be changed in mere
phraseoloRy and arrangement, and providing
for the appointment of committees to consider
and report such amendments to the several
articles of the Constitution as may be expedi-
ent. A resolution was adopted inviting the
ministers OF the city to open the sessions CT
the Convention with prayer. Adjourned.
( May l5th.-The President announced the
Business, with Mr. Hitchcock, of Geaugs, as
chairman. A resolution was adopted provid-
ing that the Convention shall be governed by
the rules of the last House of Representative
as far as applicable. A resolution for the sp-
pointmsnt OF a committee TO procure such
printing as the Convention may need was re-
fsrred to the committee on Rules aud Order
OF Business; also resolution for committee
to arrange for reporting and publishing the
proceedings. A recess was then taken until
4P. NJ. Upon re-assembling, the following
resolutions were adopted: requiring informa-
ton from county auditors to railroad sub
seriptions, and stock taken by counties, cities
and towns; asking the Governor of New York
for copies OF the report of the commission on
Finances and Taxation; instructing the Sec
rstary to procure the necessary printing until
other arrangements are made; directing the
fAg to be displayed during sessions OF the
Convention; fixing the hours OF daily sessions
at 10 A. NJ and p. Nj directing the pro-
curement OF 200 outline maps, showing county
boundaries and populations. The committee
on Rules and Order of Business submitted
report, which was recommitted TO the COM
mittee with the exception of rule No. 6, which
provided for the appointment by the Presi-
dent Of a number Of standing committees.
The Convention then adjourned.
MAY I6 The President announced the
standing committee on Reporting and Pubi-
cation, with Mr.. Albright OF Guernsey, chair
man; also the committee ON Printing, MIR.
Greene of Defiance, chairman. Resolutions
were offered as follows: For payment Of
mileage and per diem on certificate of the
President tabled; in reference to amending
the provision of the Constitution relative to
appropriations for the payment of special
cIaims-r referred; providing that a copy Of
each days proceedings be laid on the mem
bers' desks-referrsd; for the appointment Of
a committee of one from each district to report
! upon any alteration deemed proper Of section
6, article 8 OF the constitution-table reqnir-
ing information of the business of Probate
Judges of 1872, A resolution was adopted