Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1877-02-17
NOTES BY THE WAY.
Special Correspondence Of tho Standard.
PANS france.

IARis, TRANCEs
After retracing our steps from tho
Pantheon, we next asproach tho
HOTEL DIES INvIIDEs,
an immense structure which was
founded during the latter part Of
the 18th century, by Louis XIV, as
a home for the MANNED and worn.
out veterans who had shed their
blood and wasted their strength in
defence of their country. The build
ing has eighteen different courts,
covering Hi area Of sixteen acres.
and has accommodations for 5000
inyalids. Some Of these are almost
always to be found at the principal
entrance, ready and willing to show
visitors about the premises. The
chief object of interest yet remains
10 DO seen. just at the back part
of the Hotel des Invalides, stands
the Domed Church, or what il moro
commonly known as the
DOME OF THE ISvAILpEs.
It's lofty gilded dome is one OF the
most conspicuous objects Of Paris,
being distinctly visible from almost
every quarter of the city. The prin.
cipal place of entrance is from the
Place Vanbau. A living stream is
continually pouring in and out Of
the church, and as You enter you
find yourself at once in front Of the
TOMB OF NAPOLEON.
Here sleeps the Imperial Conqueror.
Just beneath the Dome, in the centre
of this part of tho chapel, circular
marble ballistrade surrounds n sunkcn
crypt within the floor, twenty feet in
depth, in the centre Of which stands
an imposing marble sarcophagus, en-
closing the coffin OF Saint Helena.
The crypt, its pillars and ceilings,
are of white marble, while the sar-
cophagus is composed of the choicest
and most durable variety Of red
sandstone. Tho sarcophagus meas
ures four yards in length by two
yards in breadth, and more than five
in height 1t is formed by four
blocks; vat, a cover, and two sup
ports, ard stands Oh a pedestal of
Greece granite brought from tho
vorges. Just behind and beneath
the high altar are two winding stair
cases which lead down to the open
ing of the vault, au imposing brass
gate which defends it, aud on either
side of which are placed the two
sepulchral statutes of the Emperor's
faithful friends, Marshall Bertrand
and Divroc, equally attached to him
in his misfortune as in the splsndour
Of his power, and standing - il
were the guardians Of his sspulchore.
Over the gate Of the vault, inscribed
on q slab of black marble, you may
read the following immortal words
traced in the Emperor's last will
81 desire that my ashes may rest on
the banks of the Seine, among that
French nation I loved so much. "
This monument as it stands to-day
has cost over 100000. The church
of the soldiers, although Immediately
adjoining, is entirely separate and
distinct from the Dome. Beneath
the vault of tho church arc displayed
o great number of banners and stand
ards, while the tombs Of the princi-
pal warriors of France are to be seen
in the ground of the church. The
banners were conquered by the
French armies since the period Of the
nrst hepuDllc.
ENvIRONs OF PARIS.
In company with several Englisl,
acquaintances, it was my privilege to
make flying visit to several places
of interest outside of the city limitu.
Stepping on board Of one Of the
small steamers running up the river
Ssine, after an hours run We wers
landed at
ST. CLOUD.
This is q small but very pretty
place, and WAS originally country.
seat Of the Bishops Of Paris. 1t was
particularly celebrated for its palace
which was erected ON the banks Of
the Seine and which became the res.
idence of the Dukes Of Orleans.
and afterwards the summer resort Of
Napoleon I. Il was also inhabited
/ nv Charles K vho haro sicnAd ths