The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-08-23
EUROPEAN LETTER.
Rev. Mr.. Fisher In Denmark.
CopvsuIcvr DrHuAPK Auv. 1875.

W. ANhAd6ANl NAsAASA@a4AAAi AANE9t
Editors IntellIsencer:
This is one OF the most pleasant cities
OF Europe. It stands on the island OF
Seal, and Is therefore usually approached
BY water. The shores to the north-the
direction from which We came-arS quite
picturesque. They are considerably ele.
waited above the sea, and are covered with
the beech forests for which Denmark is
celebrated, or are under high state OF
cultivation. Amid the trees and fields
stand villages, watering places and pri-
yate residences Of various degrees OF ele-
ganee. The city itself, in point Of archi'
lecture and the Wilderness and regularity
OF its streets, is the superior Of many OF
the European, capitals. -I.
EDUCATION.
There are many things,here which will
repay visit. Most OF them relate to sci.
ence, Literature and art, for the Danes are
an intelligent and even highly cultivated
people. The system Of compulsory edu.
cation has long been in force, 50 that all
the people are instructed in the elements
OF learning. Numerous Latin schools
under the control OF the government pre-
pare, at very small cost, pupils for the
University. And both in them and in
the University liberal provision is made
for the instruction Of youth who have
not the means to pay the small fees which
are ordinarily required. One result Of
this liberal system Of both lower and
higher schools is that Denmark can boast
OF an unusual number Of names which
are acknowledged az eminent in the world
Of scholarship and art. ..'F
THE ATHENS OF DENMARK.
Here in Copenhagen is the centre Of
these influences. This is not only the
political and commercial but also the lit
erary capital Of the country. This Is the
seat OF the University. And here are
gathered number OF unique museums.
The photographic in a very striking way
illustrates the modes Of life which pre-
vail among savage tribes the world over.
That OF Northern antiquities was arranged
by its late director, Mr.. c. Thomson. He
it was who advanced the celebrated the
ory Of the succession Of three stages Of
early civilization, characterized BY the
use respectively Of stone, bronze and iron
utensils. And this collection has been
arranged for the purpose Of illustrating
that theory. 1t is said to be by far the
largest and most complete in Europe in
the line OF antiquities in the precious
metals. Any which are offered to the
museum are paid for at fun value by the
Danish government.
In Rosenberg Castle, which was for.
merly royal residence, is the Chronolo9-
icaI Collection Of tie DGaih Kings. 1t be.
gins with the reign Of Christian ~.
(l5SS-16is), and, coming down 10 the
present day, devotes one or more rooms
10 the reign Of each sovereign. These
rooms are decorated in the style Of the
respective periods, and are, filed with
articles derived almost exclusively from
the royal residences-such as furniture,
jewelry, garments, portraits and arms. II
Is the Judgment OF those who are qualified
to give an opinion that the collection in
size aud value Is surpassed BY few, and
in arrangement BY none. : |
TRoRvALpsES's MUSEUM.
But the one incompatible thing in Co.
penhaeen Il Thoryaldsen's Museum. BE
was Dane, and after having in foreign
lands achieved success beyond any other
sculptor Of modern times, he was tri-
umphanhy welcomed back 70 his own
country q few years before his death.
The building in which this museum is
gathered was erected by the city Of Co.
penhagen. In It are many Of the original
works Of Thorvaldsen, and copies in plas.
ter Of most OF the others which were pro-
duced by him. Here are the models
which he used, and some OF his Juvenile
efforts. Here too are his pictures, books,
canoes, and the like, which he bequeath.
ed to the city. And in the middle Of the
court yard, around which the building is
arranged, and under q bed ofivy, lie the
mortal remains OF the great artist him
self, The granite frame bears the simple
inscription, aBertel Thorvaldsen, born
l0th November, ITO, died 24th March,
1874" The edifce itself is very ugly.
An apology Is offered for It's appearance,
because Il Is intepdsd to be a mausoleum
as well as o museum. l can freely ap-
preciate simplicity as becoming tomb.
All paudy ornamentation is there pecu'
liariy In bad taste, But why so insight.
Iva building as the ThorvaldSen Museum
should have been erected. i cannot under
stand. Nevertheless Its contents amply
atone for all deficiencies in external ap'
pearance.
OUR LADY's CHURCH.
rrt-. ....IosA attraciinn in Conen. |