Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-11-07
LETTER FROM EUROPE.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA,

means of this place. | have beer
here some time and had time to looR
about and be impressed with the man
ners and customs. was here in time
for the great Sangerfest singers festl
val in August. All lands were repre-
sented-United States by a-half dozer
of its large cities. To give you al
idea of its size, etc, will give you q
few figures 1880 singers, and they
with floats, etc, made procession
which took four hours to pass given
point. Singing was to be heard on
every side, and the gardens were very
popular places, and much fine singing
was to be heard. Cost Of the feast
was S13O,0OO. \ brewer paid $4,000
for the beer privilege, and served
about 100000 quarts daily. The city
was gorgeously decorated.
About the first of September the
Danube river was up very high from
heavy rains that prevailed all over
the country. The flood caused much
excitement, and flooded part of the
town, but did little damage.
On October 1st the German Emper-
or came down to visit the Austrian
Emperor. \ little friendly visit and
take hunt. The streets were nicely
ecorated-Austrian and German
flags. The papers requested the peo-
pie to turn out and welcome him
which they did in large numbers.
They were not very enthusiastic.
They only got glimpse OF them, as
they drove through in "a lively trot.
So Vienna has had many attractions,
and done her best TO make it interest
ing for visitors. Also has had an az
ricultural exhibition going on for two
months. Most of the European coun-
tries are represented. | paid one visit
and felt quite at home among the hay
seed. Found some American machln-
ery. and | don't think the price has
increased any by the long distance.
| felt sorry for the manufacturers; no
doubt they are losing money. But
then they are philanthropists, and
wish to do some missionary work, and
charity always begins at home.
Religion Of the people is Catholic,
though most all denominations have
service. A Scotch Presbyterian holds
service in English. Found Il German
Wesleyan doing some missionary work.
The Vienna dialect is wonderful,
though it is not strange, as there are
eight languages in the province.
Women here occupy about the same
position as in Germany, only it is a
little lower.
Vienna is beautiful city-fine
streets, houses and parks. The build
ings are monotonous and one color,
all of brick, and covered with stucco
Ca cement or mortar), which they fin
ish up very artistically and is good
imitation of stone. The color is not
very cheerful or bright, and it is not
improved by the wash that is used to
freshen it up. The prettiest part of
the town is the country. Mountains
come up to the city, and the hills
make a pretty picture, which is quite
contrast TO the town.
Theatres are all fine. Built on an
open space and doors all around.
They profited by the large fire in 1880
or so, when the theatre and about
300 people were burned. There Is n
church now on the place, and at ev-
cry anniversary prayer is offered for
the souls of the dead. And now it is
impossible to enter "a theatre with a
lighted cigar Theatres have special
attractions on Sunday. Without a
good memory or an almanack you
can't tell when Sunday comes. Bus
mess goes on, also public work ON the
streets, and think some special Jobs
in the busiest part of the town are
saved for Sunday. Many take holi-
day and go for short trips on the rail
road and walks in the mountain. |
made trip one Sunday. Walked out
through the mountains, and on top of
one found a regular picnic-riding
donkey, boating, dancing and re-
freshments. This was back up on top
of the mountains, 6 or miles from
the railroad, and they had all walked.
One poor idiotic fellow was there who
had two wooden whistles, both alike,
and he played one note, but changed
whistles every few minutes. 1t would
have been better had he changed
notes. He only played between times
He was paid to pass on.
They have most effectual way of
clearing up the streets by 10 p. IN,
and | think Vienna alone enjoys the
monopoly. Houses are all closed at
10 and the house-besorger collects ten
kreutzers, about 4t cents, TO let YOU
in. You see some high squirting about
1O-fellows moving to save their ten
kreutzers.
There are a few very good things
here, and one is the postal package
delivery. Goods can be sent by post,
money collected and returned for
few cents. But, OF course, that would
not do in the United States. Whilst
it would be a fine thing and would
benefit 65, 900, 600 people, more or less
and would pay the government well,
il would injure some one mans ex-
press coInpany's business little, and
people must pay % cents to sent 30
cents worth of goods.
There il also "A good institution and