Middletown transcript., 1876-12-16
Written for the Middletown Transcript
Centennial Notes No. 16.

written for the Middletown Transcript
Centennial Notes No. 16.
THE NETHERLANDs AND THEIR COLONIES
The Netherlands or Low Countries
were once nothing but fat marshes, and
dreary forests liable at all times to be
overfowed by the sea, until the COM
meBccment Of the christian era. Until
then it was but poorly and thinly set
tied by German emigrants. who lived
in miserable huts built on piles which
were frequently washed away by the
sea and indeed whole forests were laid
low by this element. The rites Of Druid
ism were observed as the only religion.
and us time rolled on agriculture was
taken up. the lands redeemed. corn and
cattle were raised, and the people con-
sisted Of two classes, chiefs and slaves.
Enlightenment came gradually, and
christianity bad taken a firm hold Of the
people upon the reign of Charlsmagne.
In the eleventh century the country was
divided into duchies. counties and cities,
and at the end of the fifteenth century.
one city alone had four thousand looms,
and another fifty thousand weavers -
About this time Van Dyck invented the
beautiful oil colors for which the Flem-
ish school is renowned; history. poetry,
learning we're cultivated, and the Uni
versity of Louvain was the most cele-
brated in Europe. Though for centu-
ries the Netherlands has been the field
Of many battle, through insurrection.
Inclusion and otherwise, she stands to
the front to-day in our exhibition, and
is in no way inferior to her neigbbors,
as regards education. painting and
manufacture. Belgium sends her mag
ni6ceut laces in curtains. dress. edgings
and other articles; 10 the dresses was
one Of garnet silk trimmed with exqui-
site Brussels lace quarter of yard
deep; another dress Of grey silk with
Aounces nearly yard deep, and looped
up with boquets Of lace flowers; still an
other dress Of blue silk trimmed cross
ways with corn color and black lace.
looped up with scarlet berries. Some
exquisite lace 6chus, handkerchiefs,
collars. fans. parasol covers and wreaths
Of lace flowers, &C., whose prices we're
something fabulous. are shown. A
lovely lace dress over blossom colored
silk was much admired. A magnificent
black lace shawl valued at $148O 90 is
to be seen here, also a white one at
1856. 90. Some lace founcing at $780,
90 which had lace flowers in raised
work on it. A lovely fan in rare lace
is shown and valued at $4,000. Just
next to the display of laces. are the
guns, boots and other articles Of utility.
for to tell the truth guns nowadays
must come under that head. for it seems
that nothing can be done now without
guns, even to the assembly of our ma
tional congress. But when people put
military 6gure-head at the head of the
government, they must expect to have
everything done in military style, even
to counting the votes in Florida vii
lage. and holding an inquest over
piccaniny found in creek. 1t is very
strange that our western settlers and
even soldiers are butchered daily by
Indians, who are treated" with and
supplied with rations to keep them in
good humor and fighting trim and the
cry is there are not troops enough to
subdue them! yet the whole South has
been over-run by soldiers to superin-
tend the voting. No matter how many
womens' tresses hang from the belts Of
Sioux, so the voting is done the right
way this is depression. but will be
2ardoned on account Of the state of the
country Belgium sends any quantity
of linens, in damasks. canvass. and
other strong material. Some splendid
blankets are exhibited; large display
Of brushes are seen. Braids for the
hair are shown but Indifferent in quail
ity and short in length
Sewing machines are exhibited. but
inferior in every way to our own. A
monstrous case Of velveteens Of every
shade Of the different colors, arranged
in sortof triangle form, is regarded by
some as something beautiful This re-
minds me Of little story, as old Abe
would say: An invalid friend Of mine.
in her only visit to the Centennial, told
the rolling chair man that she wished
him to show her all the most notable
and interesting things He quickly took
her to these velvets. and in the voice Of
an orator said, '.See them ere? them s
all welwets." He next took her to the
display Of Philadelphia drug firm say
ing. s.See them ere pillows =? them'a all
alum" Belgium has large display Of
cassimeres, shawls and dress goods, but
of ordinary material. Fancy soaps form
part of her display. A pavilion for the
display Of Spa water attracted much at
tentioD; around this are views in oil Of
the most attractive scenery around the
Belgium Spa. This is the oldest, most
celebrated, and richest in iron in the
world. and attracts crowds from all parts
Of the globe. Window glass of immense
size is shown. also quantities Of glass
ware, such as goblets, desanters, &c
Magnificent marble vases in the Medicis
style, and rouge royal. are greatly ad-
mired and are marked $40 at and up
wards. Ssme beautiful clocks in ebony
are shown A unique pulpit In carved