The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-03-31
AMONG THE CRAGS
IN SWITZERLAND.

! IFS AMERICAN DEPARTMENT. al
From an Occasional Correspondent Of the Sentinel
GENEVA, Switzerland, March Is, 1874
We have now been in Geneva four months
When we reached this place we were com
pletely worn out from incessant travel. We
needed rest, both of mind and body, resi-
from the I" works of the old masters''-rest
from mounting to the top of all the old
church towers and places in the land: and
rest we have had. We have rested our eyes
upon natures glorious works, which are far
more beautiful to us than all the works OF
man. Twill not attempt now to give descrip-
ton of this lonely country. Every one who
comes abroad travels in Switzerland. The
Swiss views are noted for being the grandest
in the world. have read glowing descrjp-
tons of the country ever since my early
childhood, and since then havealways longed
to travel through it. Suffice it to say, /
have not been disappointed. "The half has
not been told me-" Our pension on the
lake shore is a good one in every respect.
1t is modern built house. The rooms are
bright and cheerful, and kept clean and
comfortable. The fare is also very good,
We have lately had quite an addition to our
numbers in the family of Pere Hyacinthe.
They moved in about fortnightago and have
taken, temporarily, suite of rooms. Father
Hyacinathe's family consists of his wife,
their babe NOW four monthsJ and its nurse.
Besides the madame's son, by a former
twenty. As you all know-Madame Loyson
is an American, and as such, we are proud
of her. Believing that a full description of
her person, manners, &c. Will be of interest
to many, give it. She is a woman some
what above the medium size with a finely
al lori hos~
eyes, regular features, with a clear fair
complexion and good color. Her man.
ners are pleasant and cordial.
her bearing proud and dignifed. She is
past 40, but looks at least five years younger,
owing to her clear, fresh color. She is wo-
woman of strong sensibility and devotedly
attached to her family. Madam Loyson
takes decided interest in everything con-
nected with the reform movement, and is a
worker in the cause, of no small merit. And
last, though not least, she is a fitting CON-
panion for the great reiormer. / don't
know that / can say anything of
Father Hyacinthe that is not already known
to the public. His doings are of world wide
reputation. However, every little incident
concerning the pere or his church is of in.
terest to his friends, and, I may add, that in
this city, they are legion. Last Sunday week
we went to hear him preach; we started
we reached the church we found it COM
pleteiy filled, and scarcely any stand
ing room left. Being determined to
hear him, we wedged ourselves in, and
were willing to stand and listen to the elo-
quent man, although we understood not
single word. However, the tone of voice
and his very gestures were eloquent.
L knew from the way the vast
audience hang upon his words
that he was one of natures orators. Father
Hyacinthe in his earnest, jealous manner of
expounding the truth, constrains his hearers
20 believe every word he utters consequently
his church is gaining in numbers rapidly
and ere long they will be compelled to move
into a much larger church than the St.
German. The past week the members of
THE CATHOLIC REFORMED CHURCH
held fair for the benefit of the church. The
protestants and their own people went hand
and heart into the work. 1 never saw such
enthusiasm evinced by two distinct sects, or
a church fair conducted with more unity and
good feeling. The American ministers here,
their families and church members assisted,
by their presence and encouragement, and
did everything in their power to make it a
success. Almost all nations and denomina-
tions had representatives at this great fair.
The Masonic building was offered them free
of charge and the society accepted it to hold
their fair in. Two large rooms containing
some handsome statuary, the walls lined
with elegant oil paintings, many by the old
masters, was certainly choice place in
which to hold festival. 1t was surely a feast
as well as fair. The good people could not
only feast their appetites upon the rich food
before them, but also, while doing so, they
had the pleasure of feasting their eyes upon
the rich and rare treasures of art. The tair
lasted four days, and each day it appeared to
increase in interest. We were on hand to
render assistance when needed and to take
notes. 1 will now draw upon my notes
for few items. February 24.-This is the
first day of the fair. The weather is fine
and the prospect good for a day of success.
The rooms are filling up fast and the beau
tiful things disappearing from view. The
American table is constantly thronged with
customers, and the American ladies are
doing themselves great credit, as well as
reaping rich harvest for the church. The
two large rooms were filled with articles of
every design both useful and ornamental.
They are generally donations from the
friends of Pere Hyacinthe and wife. There
are quite a number of valuable articles
which, if not sold during the fair, will be
ratified off at the end of the sale.
AN AMERICAN CORNER.
AS the auction begins the excitement
becomes greater. The people pour into the
american. corner" until we poor natives
are almost crushed and are obliged to seek
refuge behind our table. The postoffice and
fish-pond are the most attractive and popu-
lar of all the American contrivances for
catching the francs. 1t is really amusing to
watch the contrivances of the numerous
applicants at the postoffice. There is scarcely
a rerSOn in the vast thrOpp who does not
make call at the Office. Many of them
are completely mystiied, they cannot un-
derstand how it is that they receive letters
through that medium. They don't. know
that so soon as their names are given, a
young lady behind the screen, directs an
already written and stamped letter,
and hands it out. An old German
lady, having son In America
and hearing of the American post-office,
called for a letter, and on receiving one, ap
peared so astonished and delighted that she
actually shed tears over it. The post-office
u