Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-20
RUBENs' HoUsE.

hUBENS HOUSE.
Flemish style and the tapestries which still
cover some Of the walls, the antique cabinets
and tables. the richly carved and tiled fire.
places and old brasses create envy in the breast
of the collector. Thus we follow the famous
artist. tracing his handiwork in pictures and
Ornamentation until we reach his last resting
place. the Church Of st. Jacques. Here lie the
werp and among others the family Of Peter
Paul Rubens.
THE SEAT OF THE SPANISH INQUIsITIoN.
Antwerp possesses fine docks, and much of it's
wealth arises from maritime commerce One
of the most interesting buildings along the
river is the old castle or Musee Steen. which
originally belonged to the feudal lords and
afterward to the city. At one time it was the
seat OF the Spanish inquisition, and contains
most CHASTITY relics of that time By the dim
light Of a candle we explored the dungeons,
deep underground, some entirely dark and
dripping with water. others having fSint light
from "a small window high in the wall. We
found some holes in the wall which looked au-
spiciously like openings through which the river
water might flow, flooding the room and thus
forcing the rebellious captives to recant. The
chains are still fastened to the wall, and we
imagined the wan and haggard prisoners
chained, lifting their eyes to heaven, and i'm
ploring strength to cling to their convictions in
spite of hunger, cold and torture.
With feeling Of relief we passed ont into the
sunshine, followed only by the regret that we
had been inveigled into having a gold piece
changed by the dignifed gentleman who guards
the castle entrance and had left good share of
il in his hands. We really had not the courage
to demonstrate with such high and mighty
parsonage and had visions Of a solitary confne-
ment in some obscure and dreary dungeon.
THE FEEINs SYSTEM
is 80 universally condemned in America except
in the case OF a gentleman who understands the
quickest way to obtain a good dinner that
hesitate to lift my voice in its favor. There are
really many advantages to it. but the trouble ia
that very few understand the art. An Ameri-
can waiter. for instance, can receive fee in ad-
vance and still fulfill his obligations, but in Eu-
rope it is not so. We tried that plan once to
our sorrow. In travelling from north Germany
to the Black Forest we were particularly de-
sirous Of obtaining comfortable seats at each of
our three changes of train. Faithfully. each
time, we bestowed in advance an ample fee
upon the different guards with the request that
we might be provided with comfortable seats at
the next change. And each time he pocketed
his fee and basely deserted US. This experience
was sufficient for US. 1t ia wise to make your
request with a smiling face in the language
which is most effectual, according to the conn
try you are in, and put one hand in your pocket
This always has the desired effect. The feeling
system may have the disadvantage-for the
native-of reducing his self-respect and may
promote desire for gain on his part but it
certainly gives many comforts to the traveller
Better forget while travelling all phianthropic
notions Of elevating mankind and bestore ju-
diciously a moderate fee.
''HAND-wERPES."
One Of the most interesting souvenir spoons
to be found in Antwerp. and one which Is
really an antique, has hand engraved on the
handle. In ancient times there lived O great
giant, Antigonus by name who guarded the
river Schelde and demanded toll of every
vessel which passed through the rivers. II
the shipmaster refused to pay, the wicked
giant cut of his right hand and threw il into
the water. IL is really sad to think of the
ownerless hands which must cover the bottom
Of that peaceful looking river. There came
finally brave man, Salvins Brabo, who killed
the great giant, and, cutting of his hand, cast
It also into the water to keep the others COM
pany. Two statues OF the mythical hero are
found in Antwerp and the name Of the city 10
derived from two Flemish words-"hand" and
''werpen," to throw TAuNus