Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-02-26


''Wel what is the programme for to-
day." asked Mr.. Lollard, after the first
general greetings had been given. "Are
you to travel together:'
eyes," came in chorus from the en-
tire party.
81 had thought we would visit Colorado
Springs first, and take orr bearings from
there" said Mr.. Lollard.
agreed" said Melvorne. eve VIII
pass some interesting places there, but we
cannot see everything"
We were soon on our way southwark.
ooh, there" cried Stella, "see the little
steeples with hats on.''
THAT is Monument Park" said Mel
yorne as we rushed along.
what queer mountains" said Lady
Irving; sit seems as though there had been
mighty river here once that washed
away all the earth except these little pill
lars that are left standing, like Lots wife
Is that the theory of their creation?"
NO" said Mr. Lollard, consulting his
guide book. ''They are said to be formed
by the currents of air which descend from
the mountains in funnel-shaped currents
and tornadoes."
Colorado Springs"' cried the porter
We gathered up the bundles, counting
them to see that none had been lost. We
had bundles now, for we had lady compan,
ions. Ladies and bundles, roses and
thornS.
This is beautifully located city, 1 said,
, offering Stella my arm as we walked up
the slight ascent to the hotel.
"Where are we going, Lollard?" asked
the duke.
ITO the Antlers."
It was an elegant building, occupying q
prominent position on the rising ground.
After securing our rooms, depositing our
bundles and arranging our toilet, we met
on the balcony to enjoy view Of the SUI
rounding country.
"What is that massive outline that we
see to the west?" asked Lady Irving.
THAT is the range of mountains and
that prominent peak is the famous Pixies
Peak of history"
"What is that red tower which looks
like a brick fertilization, there to the
northwest?" asked Stella.
THAT'S the gateway to the Garden CT
the Gods" answered Mr.. Lollard, who
stood with his guide book open in his hand
ready to answer questions.
''ThOse mountains to the southwest are
the Cheyenne. In them are some famous
canyons" said the duke.
why, where has tn. sun gone to?r'
| asked Mrs. Lollard. 'It has disappeared u
cit has hid behind Pixies Peak" said
Melvorne. eve have long twilight here,
for Colorado Springs lies under the after
noon shadow of ten thousand feet of eter.
nal granite"
| After an hour or two of quiet converse
| ton we strolled out upon the streets.
| Here, as in Denver, they are lined on
either side by tall, graceful trees Some of
the broad avenues are laid out with double
| roadways, separated by two rows Of Shade
trees and walk, while on either side is
! another row of shade trees and walk
The city is under a thorough system OF ir-
rigation. Besides, the water brought in
open bitches, there is an iron pipe to Rux-
| tons creek six miles away on the noun
tain side, which brings pure cold water
| from the melting SHOWS ON the mountain
top.
This must be a very wealthy city," said
Stella, Judging from the beautiful houses
and expensive public buildings which we
see."
"It hardly seems possible that within
ten or fifteen years wild barren place
could be changed to such charming
CITY," 1 said.
"T cannot comprehend it," said Stella.
'In the old world some of the cities we
visited were some of them thousands Of
years old and yet we did not see such evil
! dence Of wealth and culture as we find in
| the west"
''This is an elegant building. What is
| it?' | asked, pausing until Melvorne and
Lady Irving came up.
THAT is the opera house built for enjoy
ment by the people," he said.
81 wonder if there will be anything to
see tonight" asked Lady Irving.
1--WE can inquire. I see the door is open.
| Some one must be here" 1 said and
stepped inside. An old man was inside,
| busting and arranging things.
| Sir" | asked, twill there be any kind
Of an entertainment here this EVENING""
Eyes, SIR" said the old man, "our own
people give the Spy of the Rebellion here
| tonight
| When | made my report it was agreed
| that we should see what home talent
could do in this wild western town. We
returned to our hotel and had a most sub
stantial supper. The pure mountain air
gave us keen appetites.
The opera house was q perfect jewel in
/ side. Everything was III perfect accord
with the most cultivated taste. The music
was given by full orchestra and was of a
! high grade. The play of thrilling interest,
! from the opening to the closing scene.
| The home of wealth and comfort, where
love had fed the vestal flame, was broken
| by the call ITO ArnlSr The maiden
crushed the throbbing love within her
heart rather than give her hand in mar
rage to rebel to his country
The training of the Dutchman was the
| only mnthtul scene in the whole play.
| His awkwardness brought forth peals of
laughter The prison scene must have
| been magnified to produce effect. No peo-
pie on earth, in this enlightened age,
would put such fortunes on their fellow
! men. The scene of revenge was hendiSh.
Stella sat as though filed with horror.
AS soon as we were on the street she said:
Can that be true? Were there ever such
scenes of horror during the American
WARP"
at is hard to tell" said. 81 have heard
of their terrible prison life, but never could
form any idea of what it was"
When we met in the parlor the play was
the topic of discussion. Not the merits of
the actors, but the historical scenes which
| were represented.
II do not believe they are true to life,"
said Melvorne. 1.-The South is full of
warm-hearted, hospitable people. It is
the people of the north that are cold and
heartless."
But the North was very generous with
them, certainly, in the time of reconstruc
ton. They would do well to remember
| thatv' / said.