Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1902-08-21


part OF the cathedral was built BY Charlie
mague and consecrated by Leo III. At
once we recognized in the octagonal struc-
ture reproduction Of the old court church
at Rayenna, San Vitale. Indeed from Ra-
VIENNA some of the pillars were brought by
the royal builder. The great candelabrum
was the gift OF Frederick Barbaross. Up
in the galiy Of the octagon is the throne Of
CEarlemague, his seat during the service Of
the church and used by his successors at
their coronation.
From the church we passed out into the
cloisters and turning to one side looked
out upon a far different scene than that
which we had just left The soldiers were
drilling in preparation for the review by
the Emperor. The narrow sidewalks were
blocked with people, among whom the wo-
men with great market baskets occupied no
small space. But it was a good-natured
crowd, ready for the fun of the hour. A
large body Of horsemen occupied a square
nearby. A band marched and counter
marched, evidently seeking its proper
position, while officers passed to and fro in
consultation. Then company of infantry
passed to take up its position in the street
beyond | was struck with the marching.
My attention was called to the jar of the
accourtrements, and watching more closely
l saw 1T was caused by the manner of pac-
ing the foot, the heel being brought down
with heavy impact. Ii was the more
noticeable because | had seen the easy,
springing step of the Italian light infantry,
step which must make marching pleas
ure.
we were not so fortunate at the Rath-
haus or Town Hall as we had been at the
cathedral, no one being allowed to enter
fortunately 1t has most interesting ex-
terror and, after the manner of Aesop's
Iox, we could console ourselves by the
thought that the interior was not near as
interesting. Then there was the great
market place with its busy scenes of pre-
paration, great stands having been erected
around it, and now receiving the last
touches.
we did not wait to see the Emperor, but
read later OF his visit and admirable ad-
dress. We were glad that the anticipa-
tIons OF the people were realized and that
In the lives OF SO many there would be one
more memory OF happiness. Our faces were
set toward France, for there were many
places yet unseen and the DAYS of our Op-
portunity were passing.
In order to reach Paris by the route we
selected we had to pass through a part of
Belgium. One can say little of land
seen only from the windows of passing
train, but even those glimpses will leave
impressions. What are they, do you ask
| They are OF land of thrift, people of
| energy. We passed large mills and foun-
dries, as well as carefully titled fields and
busy towns What impressed me most was
the hard work done by the women. /
have spoken of women's work in Italy and
Germany, as | saw it. In Belgium / saw
the women pushing the heavy cars of coal
and ore, work which we at home think
should be done by men. Yet we may not
draw hasty comparisons. May not that
Toll winch taxes every muscle be an easier
TASK Than work which seems lighter?
The scenery of northern France is not as
varied as much of that through which we
have passed, but there were many land
scapes to be remembered. Here and there
one would look down long vistas of watery
way, as the train crossed some canal shaded
by the poplars along the banks, the trim,
clean boats and their crews giving pleas
ing touch OF life and movement to the
picture. Then there were the old mills
with the race shaded like the canals, but
the stiff and formal poplars relieved by the
more graceful willow. Often one could
glance into some delightful glen and see
the water lilies floating on the surface OF
the quiet waters. But most OF the way lay
through harvest fields or pasture lands
crossed and re-crossed by the long sentinel
lines of poplars. Here l saw the mistletoe
growing in great abundance, its large,
round masses often giving an old appear.
ance to the trees on which it found its
living. Carefully as | watched, could
see it growing on no other tree than the
poplar.
On this ride we saw the largest variety o.
locomotives. A fellow-traveller told me he
was photographing the different types, and
| am sure it will make an odd collection
The corridor cars combine the idea of the
American and European cars, and are very
comfortable, but 1 prefer the American
type. | had often read of the exposure o.
the European engineer and how for years
there was no cab to protect him from the
weather. was, therefore, surprised to SET
how the freight cars were provided with
little hoods to shelter the brakeman
1t was early evening when we reached
Paris, but of that must write at another
time.
w. HERBERT BURK.