Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-08-08
DOING ITALY.
]. E. Nisslsy Writes Of His Expert
ences in That Country.

MILAN, Italy, July 2O.-Ever since
we left Topeka March 25th we have
been going continually south and
west, but now our course is north
ward and will be for sometime until
we reach Copenhagen, our farthest
northern point.
At the present time we are "doing
Italy" or Italy us, judging from some
Of the experiences that we have been
subjected to since here. fear that
the Italians have rather hoodooed us.
when in Rome do as Rome does"
is an injunction that we have literally
fulfilled, excepting to drink its strong
wine and eat its still stronger cheese.
OF course no one would 60 to Rome
without seeing Saint Peters, the
largest church in the world, as well
as many other saints churches. We
saw them all, at least, ! think we did
and il not, enough at least to give us
fairly good idea Of them | will
not, however, attempt to describe
them, only to say that Saint Peters
is the finest, most imposing church
that | have ever seen. Low mass
was observed during our visit, thus
affording us the privilege OF attend.
ing services in this world-iamed edi-
flee.
We were at the Vatican, saw where
Pope Leo XIII lives and only for the
fact that we were pressed for time
should have sent our credentials In
and paid him visit. A careful stroll
through the galleries Of the Vatican
was quite interesting and gave us an
opportunity Of seeing Raphaels mas
terpiece, the TRANSPORTATION. as well
as much other work OF bis and many
other noted painters.
The ruins OF ancient Rome, consist
ing principally of the Forum, the
Coliseum, Nero's palace, Constan-
tines arch and many Others that af-
ford rich food for the student Of
ancient history, are some OF the
sights compensating one for trip to
the External City," the city that was
built upon seven hills from whence
she once ruled the world, but, alas,
no more Books have been written
about Rome, therefore, | will not.
Have we seen Naples, Pompei,
VesuviusP Certainly we have, like
many others. | have read about
them, but to appreciate them they
need to be seen. Vesuvius, giant
like with a tremendous base that is
compared 20 its height, gracefully
slopes away from its crater miles and
miles and upon its slopes are village
after village that, who knows, may
some day share the same fate as
Pompeii did in A. D. 6S and 70, the
effects Of which cause many travel
stained pilgrims like ourselves to vis-
it it and look upon it with feeling
Of intense solemnity. A city Of su-
perb beauty, once the pride Of the
world, in three days buried by the
fearful vomitings Of what would
seem to be her natural protector. To.
day instead Of emitting a rain Of
lava, Vesuvius gulps up continu-
Gus volume OF smoke that ascends
heavenward and while at times one
admires it as thing Of gigantic
beauty, after all there is that undeni.
able terror-like feeling that overtakes
one while in its presence, aud why
not?
We have been to Venice and Milan,
but to write about them would be the
subject Of another letter and ! may
SO arrange later.
Thus we have seen Italy and love
it. Its mountains are grand, its val
leys fertile and dotted all over with
beautiful farms whose quaint build
ings and stilI more quaint people are
most interesting objects to look at as
one passes through the whole length
OF it from the south to Venice and
Milan on the north.
Italy has the decimal monetary
system and is, therefore, easily un-
derstood, but the currency is some
whate deprecated and hence one has
the advantage Of quite liberal pre-
MUM.
As to the language, it is difficult
and many amusing episodes occur to
US Americans as a result, which we
sometimes enjoy but more frequently
treat with sense Of contempt that
niobt not altoootbor ho in kaan;no