Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-11-18


where We saw things Of wonderful in
terest. The coronation robe of Napo-
leon; the beautifully ieweled mantles
of bishops; golden chalices given by
different kings of France; altar furnish
lngs of solid gold and studded with
jewels; relics of Charlemagne and
Clovis; a cross worn by Thomas a
Beckett at the time Of his death, and
things too numerous to mention.
Smaller and perhaps less magnificent
is the church of the MagdelIne; its
numerous Corinthian pillars are how
ever remarkable. And the facade with
the large relief of Christ judging the
world with Mary Magdalene interced
ing, is wonderful piece of art.
We saw the Louvre with its interest
ing museum and art gallery containing
the majestic Venus de Medici, the hand
some pictures by Raphael, David, Rem
brandt, Van Dyck and other wonderful
old artists.
The Hotel des Invalids and tomb Of
Napoleon arc places where one must
not fail to visit. Nopoleon resting in
glory and honor in the immense marble
sarcophagus. The pit is lighted by
Egyptian lamps and guarded by twelve
statues of victory. The base of the pit
is laid in mosaics representing the rays
of the sun, emblom Of power Of Louis
NV, and encircling the rays the laurel
wreath of Napoleon. He surely is hon
ored in death more than in life. How
many more people we noticed at Napo-
Icons tomb that at the cathedral of st.
Denis, where are the tomhs of the royal
monarchs of France since Dogabertl
Some Of these are very elegant but none
compare in magnifcence to that of
Napoleon; he is honored above all of
their monarchs.
Then we must see the Pantheon,
built in the time of Louis Nv on the
site of the burial place Of st. Gene
We've. At one time this was church;
was then converted into a memorial
chapel. At present it is being orna-
mented by paintings on the wall, Of
Saint Genevieve and religious scenes of
other saints and kings. The Pantheon
is mostly remarkable for its immense
dome which rises high above the other
buildings in the birds eye view which
one obtains so we'll from the top of
Eiffel Tower
So numerous are the attractions in
Paris, saying nothing about the interest
ing shop windows where one must stop
for just a moment at least, that q person
is bewildered to know which place to 90
first. 1t is interesting to watch the peo
Pile, all in the busy rush, some flying
past in such CAV colors, others thinly
clad in peasant garb; high and spirited
horses dashing by the slowly plodding
and heavily laden beasts Of burden.
Such is Paris; always lively and gay,
and giving no thought of the poverty
and filth to be found in its meaner
quarters.
We were there about ten days and
then left for Geneva. Geneva seemed
quiet after the rush and gaiety of Paris,
but it was restful quiet. Upon look
ing out of our room the morning after
our arrival we seemed TO be in the
midst Of the mountains. We could see
them on every side, and Mont. Blanc,
with its snow covered peak, looked very
near, but upon inquiry we found that a
walk to these mountains might prove
quite a tedious journey. So for the first
day we contented ourselves with drive
to Coppet to the chateau of Madam de
Stael. There was large party of us in
a four-seated carryall, drawn by horses
generously supplied with bells, a driver
whose proportions gave the impression
of generous diet, guide perched On
a high seat back, and with a crack of the
long whip we were off. We passed
through most beautiful country; past
what seemed to be the country seats of
wealthy gentlemen, but they were so
walled in we could see very little of the
grounds. We passed the chateau of the
Rothschilds' which is open to the public
only on certain days, but we could not
see it that day. We rode past immense
vineyards where the peasants were
gathering the grapes. pressing them and
pouring the juice into watts. Several
small hamlets were passed and at last
we reached Coppet and went up to the
chateau of Madam de Stael This is
interesting in that it is left for the most
part just as it was in time of Madam de
Stael; her furniture, pictures. paintings,
and all. There is an air of elegance
about it all that speaks of the magnif-
cence Of the times. Returning we came
all the way by the lake where Mont.
Blanc is more plainly visible, and where
we Ecould see the magnificent sunset
which is something one never likes to
miss, for sunsets in Switzerland are un-
equalied anywhere. We were not long
in Geneva as I was anxious to get
started in my school We came by boat
to Lausanne. 1t was most beautiful
trip, as all aIong the shore were the
ancient residences Of former counts and
lords, the quaint Swiss houses, the acres
and acres of vineyards. We stopped at
several towns and reached Lausanne
and agreeable pensior and | succeeded
shortly in finding IL school to my taste
And now we are Dleaslntly located for