The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-26


views, and being far from home. con-
cluded not to press doctrine that they
rejected yet one that Is 50 prevalent In
our enlightened country. Geneva is built
upon both sides OF the lake, or rather
II Is built upon both banks OF the river
Rhone, which flows through Lake Geneva
into France. The parts OF the city sepa-
rated by this river are connected by the
most superb bridges that are constructed
with much architectural beauty, being
broad. spacious, substantial. etc.
l well remember the pleasant hours
spent in this most delightful city. In my
moments OF reflection and cessation from
business cares there comes up many re-
collections OF peaceful. quiet nature.
that throw soft and gentle light upon
those sacred pictures that hang on
memory's wall telling the tales OF other
days. and recalling scenes so distant
yet not forgotten.
Geneva Is not Il noisy, busy, tumultuous
city like most cities OF the same size and
doing so much business, both in traffic
and manufacture. but it is remarkably
quiet and free from the fuss and ado OF
any other city have ever seen or known.
A HAVEN OF REST.
was aware before visiting II that II
had this reputation. and it was partly on
this account that went to 1t, desiring TO
rest and to recuperate myself from the
fatigue, the wear and tear OF several
months Of almost uninterrupted travel
ling both by land and water IL proved
a haven OF rest TO me, for l only lounged
and walked. and rode about, and went
bathing in the pure refreshing water OF
the lake, and during the bright, moon
light nights 1 could be seen sitting on
one OF the fine bridges fishing with the
49, 4 III IL
We would catch FISH about the size Of
our minnow. Ny amusements and re-
creations were quite various. and the
time Of my stay passed too rapidly, so
that when L again packed up my effects
IL was with a sigh OF regret, even with
my face turned homeward. that l took
leave OF place that had impressed itself
so indelibly upon my fondest remem-
brance. Il am not aware that the gem
eral reader, for whom we write requires
or expects any stilted writing I'm the way
Of profound reflection in n simple. con-
yersauOnal, narratiye-descrptiOn Of any
locality we may select as one among
others possessing rather more than COM
monplace interest; our manner IS our
own, wo think II natural and easy in
style, perhaps the same as we would
talk TO our friends, taking them into our
confidence, telling them what pleased and
interested us In our wanderngs; and now,
dear reader, this special and lengthy par
enthesis is the first and last In which we
will indulge: II relieves the mind OF the
writer, makes him feel nearer and better
acquainted with every class Of his read
ers.)
II one had the selection OF a home In
a foreign land; a person who had never
lived in Europe at all. he could not make
u wiser choice. after trying the different
countries of that foreign land" II II be
Europe, than TO settle in or near Geneva.
lie would find the people kind and hOspi-
table, the locality quiet and retired, the
climate temperate and delightful, the soil
fertile and productive the scenery eX-
tremely romantic, highly beautiful and
strikingly picturesque, the summers would
be all that could be desired and the
winters would not be uncomfortable. on
the opposite shore OF the lake, from the
hotel where I lodged. there IS lovely
piece Of country with rich green sod
and dark waving foliage, and there dot
ted about are a number of elegant villas.
tho homes Of English and American fami-
lies people of wealth who live I'm that
peaceful retirement that really must DO
the very acme Of earthly happiness.
THE MORAL.
Surely II ones mind and heart can be
in strict accord in tuneful harmony with
such surroundings. then the rush and the
tumult of the "madding crowd" might be
easily even thankfully forgotten. II ma
lures own true music happily dwelieth IN
his heart: II gentle poesy findeth well
como Judgment I'm his soul. Here all the
quiet, loving ways of sweetest peace Will
ever charm him 10 repose, then what mat
tiers IT If "the world forgetting, 10y the
world forgot" For our own part we lean
much to the opinion that one Is not al
ways the loser In forgetting and in being
forgotten; our mind and heart Is ever
with nature in all her peaceful ways, IN
all her gentlest. sweetest moods. We may
be ever so truly optimistic. yet the far
Their we get from the truthful domains
OF nature. the more we are convinced that
"all is vanity and cXation OF spirit.
The rich and generous wine may glow
and sparkle in the cup, IL may nobly
cheer the heart for a time, but the heart
must keep warm and true with NOME
impulses, or it will soon grow cold IN
world so full OF care, and toll, and SELF
ishness. While seated at my window
ono moonlight night, and looking out
upon that gem Of lakes, listening TO the
rippling Of its waters. INDUCING re-
verie. and enjoying the quiet loneliness
of the scene, my companion came INTO
nv room and suggested that we go down
and hire a boat for a ride. The pro-
posltlon met with my appreciation ana
we soon succeeded IN securing one OF
those little pleasure boats, and went nd
inc over the clear, blue water. We got
our boatman to row us across 70 that
verdant bank that looked so inviting.
After reaching It we stepped out ana
strolled about awhile, and then seated
ourselves. still talking and thinking over
varlous matters. and during an interval
y, silence between US, the poetic beauty
~ the surroundings appealed 20 me- ana
there came into my mind that gehue'
svveet line OF the "Bard Of Avon;
How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon
this bank" ,..
surely he must have been looking upon
srcb a scene as the one before US. l may
have seen in other lands az much' IN
every respect that was equally as neau-
,,fu, and attractive as In and about nc
s,,hiec, Of this sketch yet was NOT more
,,,nressed or viii remember any place
more fondly than dear, peaceful unity
i i.' c. A. r.
Toxing or Borrowing.