Daily Kennebec journal., 1900-06-23
# IN B0UL0GNE.
1astt Tsr ---
Interesting Letter from That
Famous Watering Place.
Mrs. Hermann koizschmar's DesCrip-
ton Of Town and Inhabitants.
Drawbacks Of Freach Baggage System Guide
With The Benevolent Smile.

Especial Many centuries ago the
wfsest OF men. cried, There is time
for everything under the SUM- or
course We knew this included time
to leave the "Maasdam" and board the
Tender" for Boulogne, but foolishly
hoped said time would come at an hour
we had planned-namely, I A. NJ. IN
stead it stole upon us like a thief IN
the night" and landed us at the pier
at, midnight. Our hearts were light II
the city was dark when our 1907
touched French soil, for had not every
passenger and friend left on board the
good ship. still a day distant from her
destination Rotterdam, crowded the
side and amid waving handkerchiefs
and cheers for the captain and Amerl-
ca hidden us heartfelt good bye,
making US feel that We were not alone
IN 4 strange land? AS We stood shlV-
ering in the extremely black blackness
OF Boulogne all this changed, We real
izod that there was a still blacker "B
before us-namely baggage" and for
an instant We quailed. Like con-
demned cunvicts we solemnly filed into
long barren room. but by merely un-
clasping and clasping our bags they
were soon marked with the magic
stamp Of France. All this was SO ele-
mentary that w. Immediately assumed
jaunty air. and turning to f. with a
smile childlike and bland remarked.
''Ynu Miss Fabriant and the others
secure our rooms at the Hotel des
Bains, and Madame and i will get the
trunks in moment" In a moment"
Oh. the rash confidence Of age, 1t was
two o'clock in the morning before two
disgusted, exhausted mothers were
rlasped in the arms Of two distracted
daughters.
The first blow TO our moment" was
given when We were told ten trunks
would be inspected TO satisfy the
official conscience: II ours were there.
well and good: il not Here the
'inspecteur" walked off with a shrug
which needed no words to be intelli-
gible, but az he turned the corner he
utterly demolished our time with, The
remaining ninety and nine will be
locked up till next day" Fear will
give wings to matrons Of even one
hundred and fifty pound weight. We
flew by loaded teams. we stayed not
for stone" but our unfortunate garcon
did Vainly trying to keep pace. he
1IlDulittu up bINh siitt VI IL n ~ lII'
partially torn up street. shouting,
"AttendeZ, mesdamps." till he struck
against the highest pile sprawling over
bag and bundle We had no place for
idle mirth. we were brimful of trunk
We reached the depot just in time to
see four vans filled sky high with bag
gage. Everything was deposited helter-
skelter on the platform. Seventy-five
- Nh -.
ing, talking, crying in French, German
and English played tag with those
trunks for two mortal hours. Is it a
wonder that Americans rise up and
call our baggage system blessed?
Many question, is it worth while to
stop in Boulogne?'' We answer
strongly in the affirmative 1t Is
picturesque, and gives one a glimpse of
foreign life and dress most distinctive.
We looked from our window about
nine o'clock in the morning and saw
women with baskets filled with fish
strapped to their backs. hurrying
toward a large stone building at the
waters edge. Donning hat and sacque
after a European breakfast of choco-
late and rolls. with delicious new un-
salted butter, we made our way to the
fish market. Here women reign
supreme over fish Of every conceivable
shape and wonderful variety of color
Thousands of fresh "creVaSSe" were
kicking their innumera Bile tiny legs as
If to make the most Of their time be-
fore being turned into beautiful shrimp
pink. Fish of unknown species and
unpronounceable names. but beautiful
to look upon in their gurgeousneSs of
crimson coloring. Yards OF fish
stretched across the marble floor, look
ing like the veritable sea serpent. and
all pre- sided over by smiling fishWives.
their contented. even handsome faces.
framed in by their white caps, which
nave stiff plating standing out like
n halo. This all made a new and de-
lightful picture for the memory. 1t is
pitiful To see at what an early age
little girls bear their wicker baskets
burden. We met group Of three. the
oldest not more than nine. each carry
ing the badge Of servitude. and SO on
through youth TO middle age. We saw
old women loaded down with fishing
nets wet from the sea. The mcn-oh.
where were they? Asleep. or perad-
''nture they had gone on journey"
isoulogne being watering place all in
terests centre mainly on the shore. The
hu'-is all face the sea as well as, the
casino, which Is a beautiful building con
tlining theater, concert han. ballroom
and is the one place in the season where
all the fashion of Boulogne congregatcs
1t is in the midst Of a charming garden
trees loaded with blossoms, and locusts
SO covered with bright yellow flowers
that they looked like huge bouquets.
Five of MS filed carriage and started
on tour of the town. Our first stopping
place was before the old cathedral whose
altar to 'Notre Dame is famous Its
chief glory is the solid gold statue OF
N" Madonna and child and a wonderful
diamond cross. Indeed the whole altar
was covered with many precious stones
ana adorned with white flowers The
wedding Of the marquis is TO be celebrat-
ed az llS9-What, shall you not stay
meSdames? gaSped the old guide hts
astonishnent that the nuptiais Of the
niarquls did not affect US, taking away
hi hhis preath. We turned to go, giving him
ms Zee, as we were in advance Ii was
pur turn to be astonished, as he walked
nich 10 the man In the party saving with
most benevolent smile. as of one con-
ierrinS favor, If you desire monsieur
,y you may also give me something" II is
httiess 70 say he received a "pnur
,h me country is rather hillv ami
.ile steep sides covered with bright prean
r,uure We're very attractive Or coiIrse
so ...