Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-11-29
VISIT T0THE EDEN MUSEE
An Albanian Finds Much to Admire at
That Institution.
Instruction as Well as Pleasure for
the Beh0ider-Wa figures
That so Closely Mimic
Life.

lutionary period that ever had existence.
A constant unfolding of ideas that are
premature merely by a rstaEive faculty is
the essence of all advancement.
In this connection there is nothing
stronger or of more solid worth than the
creative impulse. Men of genius bow to
it with submissive awe. In literature ano
art il is the key note to successful
career 'Originality." says Carlyle, sis
not novelty, il Is sincerity. When man
conceiYes new thought tor himself, it is
as truly original tn him as though it had
never before been uttered. To different
natures it comes in different ways,
and consequently often leads 20 various
fields of knowledge.
The artist and the author realize this
more wildly than Others for unto each
does the inner soul of things reveal it
self, and with restless, ceaseless ctamOr,
demand u6terance. Far Gown the courts
of truth do they peer with eager eyes and
coming forth. give to the awaiting as
semblies glimpses of the marvellous in
nermost.
In relation to art the soul u5terance is
expressed in strong, pressing symbols.
The conceptions of the artists brain have
as their outcome material creations of
power aEd genius. IL this age of ad-
vancement and culture we have many
practical demonstrations of the above
statement. If one is inclined to doubt
the fact,
VISIT To THE RDEN MUsEE
in New York would speedily confirm it..
The wonderful results of the great power
of art are there displayed in full. Any
person who goes to New York without
spending a5 least two hours In the build
ing will lose much instruction as we'll as
pleasure. Indeed two days could be very
profitably spent there without regret
1t has been the effort of the directors
to afford a realistic representation of
some Of the popular scenes of the day.
Travellers from other countries may go
there and obtain q glimpse Of their own
nationality, while Americans may see de-
picted important scenes Of OR own
native land. Children may learn there
lessons OF history that will be ineffatea
bly, stamped upon their memories, while
Older ones will go away having obtained
from The realm of art a deeper, richer
meaning.
There are many facts associated with a
visit to the Eden musee that are interest
ing TO note. The large wax figures pre-
sent lite-like presentations of the human
an family. The close resemblance is
peculiarly striking. Indeed, tits i'm possible
for casual observer to discern the differ
enoe. Amusement is often created by the
numerous visitors who make such a mis-
take. The wax form of t. man who sits
on ono of the benches reading a news
paper might easily be taken for
AN EAGER POLITICIAN
scanning with close scrutiny the election
returns. Several wax policemen who hold
up their clubs threatingly might without
difficulty scare away crowd of depraved
urchins.-.
In the vestibule OF the building stands
an English tourist, who, with his daughter,
is reading an advertisement pasted a. in
front of him, which tells him to beware of
pickpOckets. At that very moment how
ever, an amateur pickpocket is quietly
removing from him his pocket handler
chief The whole scene is ridiculously
impressive.
In close guard of the ticket Office and
not far distant from the parties above
mentioned, stands tall, good-looking
policeman. At first glance one shudders
with terror at the terrible penalty of non
payment, but q closer view reveals the
fact that the figure is merely life-like
representation in wax.
Within the entrance hall the first sight
that greets our attention is sn Interesting
group of Romeo and Juliet, which doubt
less receives much consideration from
the happy young couples who view it
Within the days Of their honeymoon.
There Is also the vivid representation
of the surrender Of the army Of General
Robert E. Lee, at the Appomatox Court
house. The sad countenances OF some of
Lees soldiers are portrayed with stirring
vlvioness, as Is also the authoritative de-
meanor of the military leader, Grant. It
is SAID that the room is an exact copy of
the ono in Mr.. McLean's house at the
time of the surrender, and the furniture
is almost entirely the same.
Next to the entrance hall is the spacious
central room of the building, which for
moment, perplexes the visitor with its
numerous artistic offerings. The atten-
ton is at once attracted by the large as
sembly of distinguished men that crowd
the hall. On all sides are representations
of
MxN OF GKNIOUs AND PRoM1NRNCE,
SO real that it seems as if conversation
must issue from their lips. Truly naught
but modern Prometheus could produce
such startling effect. We can almost
imagine that the goddess of wisdom, of
which mythology tells, will descend ere
long and impart the soul.life to her hon
ored children. Then 1t is that we realize
the limitation of mans power. He can
only represent life, he cannot create. The
law of biogenesis is infallable. None but
the creator can give life and vitality.
We find ourselves Immediately con-
fronted by such men as Gladstone, Victor
Hugo, Beethoven, and others of like
character, while not far distant stand the
rulers of the world with august power. In
the centre of the assembly is seated Pope
Leo XIII. On his left stands PresideE
Cleveland, and not far OF sits Queen Vic
toria. Surrounding these, in close prox-
unity, are our other distinguished rulers,
who look as if naught but the breath of
life were needed to insure q command
that would turn the destiny of fortune.
These wax figures wildly represent
various phases of character. On every
face are depicted, in strong outline, the
distinct characteristics of each individual.
The expression of the mouth and eyes is
displayed with skill that is truly Won
derful.
CARL DUNDER.