New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-02
CHANCES AZ HOLLAND AND BELGIUM
JOHN L; sroDDARD's 1EoruRE AT DALY's
THEATRE.


THEATRE.
At Days Theatre yesterday morning at II o'clock,
before charming audience of ladies which filed
every seat of the house, John L st0ddard gave the
second lecture of his Course in his Lenten series
OF illustrated lectures on European travel He was
followed throughout with pleased attention and with
frequent marks of approval A vivid account was
given OF the dscomforts Of crossing the Channel,
and OF the experiences OF travellers who found them
selves unable TO resist the disturbing influences OF that
uneasy body OF water. After some interesting de-
scrfptions Of life at ostend and OF the system Of
bathing at that wellknown watering place, Mr..
stoddaIi passed to picturesque old Client. He spoke
of the days OF its former splendor, OF the homage
which was paid to the Counts of Flanders In its
famous market place, and displayed It's ancient gate
way, Its marvellous old tower and It's attractive
streets. He said that Client is now iourishing
and prosperous city, and the seat Of important
manufactures. A great contrast TO Its bustllng
activity is afforded by Bruges, which IN medieval
times was, like Ghent powerful rich and restless
city but in this century the currents Of tradc and
traffic have passed It by and one-third Of Its popu-
latjon paupers. Its canals are neglected,
and In every part Il shows dlapidation and decay.
The superb belhy, however, OF its magnificent town
han st towers above quaint buildings and the quiet
streets. MT. stoddard repeated In an effective way
the we'll known lines Of Longfelow on the belry Of
BrugeS.
The lecturer had many words OF praise for Belgium.
BE considered people among the bappest anywhere
in the world. With their liberal Government, with
their activity and energy, with their readiness to take
advantage Of every opportunity to advance their
interests in legitimate way, with the attractive
features Of the country, lovely parks and handsome
buildings, Mr. stoddard considered Belgium fortunate
indeed among the nations of the earth. A vvacious
ana attractive description given Of Brussels with
excellent pictures of all the points and buildings OF
interest. The splendid new Palace of Justice was
shown In all its imposing proportions, and Mr.
stoddard expressed the opinion that IL is the finest
p,e0b Of modern architecture adapted to secular uses
In existence
Brussels Is rich In monuments and statues as 1t
s also In gardens and perks ana these were described
In entertaining style. Memories Of the martyred
heroes Counts Egmont and Horne, were recalled and
the audience was touched by the pahos OF their fate
Passing on to busy Antwrp Mr. Stoddard showed Its
elegant Stock Exchange, the tide Of commerce In Its
thrifty streets and its superb cathedral spire When
he reached Holland he made pleasant references
10 the extreme Aatness Of the country and enthusiast
cally commended the doughty Dutch for their cease
less virls, their unbounded resolution and their
tremendous tolls In preserving their country nom
the sea. CHARACTERISTICS Of life and manners In
Rotterdam, Amsterdam and The Hague were pro
sented with a light and easy touch After showing
what peasant life by land and boat life the canals
are like in Holland, and glsncing at tho salient
features Of tho existence Of the lover and middle
classes among the Dutch, Mr.. Stoddard paSsea ~
the costly and elegant buildings, the signs VI ~,
nemsnt wealth ana iuxury v. anops gssrInc place
scheveningen and Of Dutch fishermen conoinasd
Lecture OF rem srkabls interest AT. u.o-,i,,
In Course B. The next, like the third Lecture N
Course A, win be delivered on EhuSdsy OF iis Meoh
al IL O'Clock, and the subject VIII Do Caruii'@
Richelieu.