Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-06-18
LETTER FROM GERMANY.
Observation-Disclosures 53-54,
BERLIN, w. GERMANY,
Nav 80. 1896.

of over $50, 600 is situated on the banks
of the Isar River. The region surround
ing the city is comparatively level. On
the north, stretches an extensive sterile
plain. On the south, at distance of %
miles or more, the Alps Mountains are,
in clear weather, plainly visible. Large,
finely wooded backgrounds, handsomely
laid out with walks, driveways and ter
races form the eastern urban limits. The
Isar. with its rapids, adds to the last
named section a picturesque element.
Nv first impression of this really de-
lightful South-German city was one of
1t was false impress
sion. Nuremberg had, in two short days.
completely won my heart, and there was
nothing about the external appearance
of Munich sufficiently unique and strik-
ing suddenly to break the charm. The
peculiar beauty and interest of Nurem-
berg are reflected from almost every part.
The attractions of Munich are various in
kind and often separate in location. Con-
Sequently Nuremberg captivateS the fan
CIV at first sight. while Munich grows,
with increasing knowledge of ii, into IA
vor In spite of rather numerous more
or less isolated structures whose archl-
lecture i'm every feature reveals genu-
irh i in
al appearance distinctly a modern city
With the exception of comparatively
small central section, in which most of
the very old buildings stand, the broad
streets are regularly laid out, frequently
adorned with shade trees, and studded
on either side by rows of modern Struct-
ureS. The extensive use of Stucco as the
material of construction, here as in Ber-
lin, gives an impression of cheapnesS.
The ever recurring features of RennaiS-
sance Ornamentation moulded on the
large five-StOry buildings, which have IN
variably common entrance for the five
to ten or twenty families, and the preva-
lence Of certain shades of paint produce,
as also in Berlin, mOnotonous effect.
While the predominant color in Berlin,
however, is dull and dark-almoSt mud
like-that in Munich is light-giving the
general impression of very light yellow
and the characteristic geniality of the
South German is reflected IN more
agreeable adaptation of the same gener-
al style of ornamentation.
After all. few cities are, like Nurem-
berg, interesting in nearly every part.
1t is, therefore, unjust to be diSappolnt
ed in Munich, because it is not so.
Though its population is only one-tifth
that of Berlin, the South-German me-
tropolis surpaSSes, as an art center. the
imperial capital There are numerous
specimens of handsome architecture in
which the material of construction Is
genuine. The grouping of them in GER
tain sections is imposing in effect. The
Max Joseph Square, with the superb
Statue of Macmillan | in the center and
the admirable Opera House. ReSidenz
Theater, Royal Palace, Postoilice and
Mint Buildings on the sides is eminent
ly worthy of its central location. The
Macmillan street, leading out of this
square, to the northeast, is Hastily orna-
mented with trees. shrubbery, flowers.
statues, foot-wayS. and bordered by a
group of noble structures, most impoS
ing among which are the Government
Buildings and the huge Bavarian Ma
tional Museum. a fine bridge spans the
rapids of the lsar and the street termi-
mates in front of magnificent structure
the MaXimilianeum-a the entrance
TO the park. To the west of Max Joseph
Square, the elaborate Royal Palace, with
four inner courts, extends over severa.
acres. Still beyond its impressive west
side is the Hofgarten. This public
ground. several acres in contents, is en-
closed on two sides by open ArcadeS
which are adorned with numerous freS'
Goes of landscapes and historical sub
iects. From this side of the palace, the
broad Ludwig street leads west. 1t alSC
is adorned by series of fine buildings
most noteworthy among which are the
exceptionally handsome library build
ing The Ludwig Church, the Maxi
milan Gymnasium (high schOoD, the
Blind Institute. the University, and, 4
little to the left in Academy street, the
splendid Academy of Arts, near the two
buildings last named and almost a mile
from the Royal Palace, "A magnificent
Gate of Victory arches the Ludwig street
This is an imitation of the Arch of Con
stantne at Rome. 1t was erected, 1913
so, by Lewis |, ITO the Bavarian Army.
Admirable reliefS on its sides represent
martial exploits, and typify the provin'
ces of the Bavarian Kingdom. A colossal
bronze on top represents Bavaria in a
chariot drawn by four huge lions. Al
right angles to the Ludwig street, the
attractive Bremen street-about three
fourths of mile long-leadS southwark
from the Royal Palace. Two blocks
from its farther end, at Kings Square,
this street is spanned by the Propylaeer
another grand Gate. This Gate, com
pleted in 1862, is more elaborate and-eX
cept for lack of such an exquisite bronze
quadriga on top--probably still more mag
nificent than the Gate of Victory. TIL,
reliefs on it represent scenes from thu
Greek War of Independence. Construct
ed in the Greek style, ii is supported with
in by a dozen or more huge Ionic columns
without by eight Doric columns Or
either side of the broad. green King
Square, facing each other and forming /;
triangle with the Propylaeen, stand tive
other impressive structures-the Glypto