Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1877-01-13
NOTES BY THE WAY.
Special Correspondence of the Standard.
LUCERNE. SWITZERLAND,

from whence we diverged from our
direct line of travel, we passed
through Kehl, place of considera-
BILE interest as associated with many
incidents of the late war. Change
cars at Appenweir. As European
trains are usually on time, we were
not long delayed, but soon rolling
over the country towards Switzer-
land. German railway trains are
not noted for making fast time.
The whole system, however, is SO
perfected with special regard for the
comfort and security of passengers.
that very little apprehension is ever
experienced of danger from acct
dents. As we approach the borders
of Switzerland, the general appear
ance of the country becomes more
picturesque and broken.
Nothing worthy of note occurs un-
til we arrive at
This is O quiet town of consider
able Importance, and is one of the
best points by which to enter Swift
zerland. Its population, numbering
$4,000 inhabitants, is very largely
Protestant. Is is finely situated, on
the left bank of the Rhine, possessed
of great wealth, and doing q thriv-
ing business. Much attention is
given to educational interests. It
boasts University of some reputa-
ton, more noted in the past, how
ever, than now, and contains pub
lie library of $1,000 volumes. For
some unaccountable reason, this
city formerly kept her clocks one
hour in advance of the true time,
and it is only within the last three
quarters of a century that she has
been satisfied to move along at On
even rate with the rest Of the world.
On again from Basic to Lucerne,
a distance of over fifty miles. The
Swiss cars are a decided change
from anything have yet seen on
this side. There is an endeavor to
copy after our American system of
railway carriages, and while the
change is superior, in some respects,
to the English and German system,
the accommodations are much infe-
rior to our own.
Our route through the valley, and
skirting the slopes of Mount Jura
for miles, presents a variety Of
scenery of the most romantic and
picturesque character, and is said to
be, some of the finest in Switzerland.
Suddenly the train pierces the
mountain, by very long tunnel,
after which splendid views are OBJ
tanned of the Bernese Alps, and as
we approach Lucerne of Mounts Pill
etus and Ripi.
This is place of some interest,
and is one of the most ancient and
largest towns in Switzerland. It is
the capital of the canton, situated ct
the northwest corner of the lake of
Lucerne, and is strongly Roman
Catholic. There is not very much
to be seen here in the way Of
"sights." Among the curiosities of
the town are three wooden bridges,
very old and singular, spanning the
river Russo. One of these, called
the Muhlenbrucke, is decorated with
q singular ornamentaton, called the
"Dance of Death" It consists of
thirty-six pictures, SO arranged as
to be seen by every one passing,
and extends the whole length of the
bridge.
A very rare monument, which is
known as the "Lion of Lucerne, -
is also to be seen. It is carved in
the natural rock and dedicated to
the memory of the Swiss Guards,
who fell at Paris in the year 1892,
whilst defending their sovereign
Louis XVI. Lucerne forms the CEN
tire of many popular excursions in
various directions, hence, its great
notoriety.
One of the most interesting ex-
cursions with the English tourist
is the ascent OF mount Rhigi, the
chief object being to see the "sun-
rise" This is certainly o praise
worthy object, and, judging from
my limited experience of English
habits, it is sight they seldom en-
Joy at home.
LAKE OF LUCRnNE.
This is sometimes called the
"Lake of the -Four Cations" OF
all the Swiss lakes it is next to the
lake Of Geneva in size, and is also
said to rival it in beauty.
Our steamer was crowded with
passengers of various nationalities.