The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-05-30
A GOOD PLACE FOR REFORM
Soldering Ground for the Cornwall
and Rest for the Weary,
The Natural Reformatory at the
French Lick. Where the Air is
Impregnated With Sulphur for
Miles. Avery Interesting
Entertainment.
Ispeeinl Correspondence.l

z 10 Is CiiiS1 Un9 SODerlnR up ground lot
Kentuckians" for the reason that once
or twice year the bibulous portion of
the Blue Grass State empties itself into
this natural reformatory. say "natu-
raj reformatory, for to imbihe old Bour-
bon, tanglefoot or any Intoxicating iq-
nor in conjunction with the waters of
the place is considered sure death
1t is amusing to see how some Of the
old soalsers tempt the grim monster.
How lovingly they look Mt the bottle of
old Bourbon, brought along Sin case of
an accident" and with what $50 near
and yet so far" air they replace it i'll n
convenient place, for transfer to their
pertlnaateaus when the welcome day of
departure shall arrive!
The waters are mostly sulphur, and
so strong are the fumes arising there
from that the dir for miles around is i'm
pregpated with them. One old kentuck-
ian, who is o constant visitor, says tho
air alone is 80 suggestive Of the lake
of fire and birthstone" that it would
keep fellow sober without tho aid of
the water.
Tho first class hotels of the neighbor-
ing cities, both in Indiana and across
the Ohie, are represented by fair con-
tingent during the season.
Some of the hotels in Louisville emp
ty themselves when the SOLDERING time
comes round. The corridors no longer
Tesound with the jocund laugh and joke
the click of the hospitable glass is tenn
porarily silenced, to be renewed per-
chance with increased vigor when the
days Of penance are over.
When follow who has been "going
it, at rather rapid pace is suddenly
missed by his companions, they do not
notify tho police of mysterious dis
appearance, but naturally take it for
granted that he is lat the Lick. In
nine cases ont of ten they are correct.
Apart from its being tho inebriates'
SOLDERING ground, it is n delightful health
giving resort, to which many sober
minded people go in search OF rest and
health.
The whole country around is dotted
with mineral springs and is most pic
turesque. West Baden, similar resort,
is SO near the Lick that tho guests of tho
two places exchange hospitalities, those
of one hotel always attending the func-
tons of the other
Not long since the guests of the Lick
gave an entertainment and invited the
West Badenites, among whom was
James Whitcomb Riley, the poet. Spec
ulation ran high as to whether or not he
would accept. He came, and with him
rs queer lot of people rs ever were
seen outside of Indiana or the circus.
He entered the room with tall, gaunt
woman, her dress flounced up to the
waist, fashion of quarter of cen
fury ago, and artificial flowers in her
hair. The whole party had strong
Hoosier mir about them.
They walked into the middle of the
room and performed the queerest sort of
dance marching and countermnrching
like SO many soldiers on drill, Riley all
the while looking as if he were at his
own military funeral His face never
relaxed, and it was difficult to associate
the sober looking individual with the
mirth provoking poet Everybody want
ed to hear him talk, but everybody was
disappointed. A sphinx could not have
been moro silent.
One lady, with more temerity than
the rest, ventured the question, "Why
are you SO silent, Mr.. Riley?" Towhich
he replied, II never talk. pardon
me, She continued, 81 should have
known that great thinkers seldom talk"
never think" came the laconic re-
ply in drawling tone. The lady, look
ing first amused and then provoked
SAID, What pity you hadn't been born
an oyster''
Yes, I'd have made good bivalve,"
he quietly remarked, "but 1 wouldn't
have liked being served on the half
shell It's too much like being made a
Living picture Of. -
Inc fair questioner returned to her
little coterie Of friends, to whom she had
made the wager that she'd "make him
talk"
well, what success did you havef"
was asked.
None at all. He's as stupid as an
OWL, was the reply.
He redeemed himself in the ewes of
the guests, however, when, few mo.
ments after, he recited o few Of his
poems, among them:
The signs is bad when folks commences
A-findin fault with Providence
and balkin cause the earth don't shake
AT every pranctn step they take
NO man is great till lie can SEQ
How less than little he would be
~ stripped to self and stark and baro
He hung hiB Sign out anywhere
ny doctrine is to lay aside
Contentious and be satisfied
Jest do best r,ra =,