The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-19

II is probable that the thoughts and
emotions called up by the word "Switzer-
are very different in the minds OF
different people. To the tourist who has
passed through the country more or less
rapidly it is an ever-changing panorama,
a rapid movement from one scene OF nat
ural beauty to another. To one who has
spent considerable time in the country,
living the life of the people and getting
acquainted with it's lights and shadows, the
sound of the name probably eXcites quite
different emotions. Those who have had
this experience say the dominant notes OF
Swiss life and character are simplicity ana
sincerity. These characteristics are not
wanting in other peoples, but in the SWISS
they are said to be very marked. AS a rule
Switzerland is a poor country, and these
characteristics fit we'll with poverty. Mr..
Alfred T. Story, the author of Swiss Life
in Town and Country" lived quite a length
of time in Switzerland and is therefore
qualified to write concerning the country
and its people. their lives, customs, instftu-
lions. habits and manners. His book is IN
teresting and instructive. The Swiss are a
people who seem to bear acquaintance
''For myself says the author, having
spent a very considerable time in the coun-
try, and having been brought into intimate
touch with the people. both as regards their
social and their political Ire, concelVeo
the very highest respect, and even admlra-
ton, for them, not only for what they nave
been but for what they are. They form a
unique people and may truly be sald TO
have as their home a unique country.
Among the subjects treated in different
chapters are the sovereignty of the people,
the form of government. public e~oucauon,
philanthropic work. vine culture, life ana
work in the Alps, Swiss women and Swiss
homes, Swiss children, popular fetes ana
festivals. types and characters, etc. Under
the last-named topic the author speaks
among others of the Alpine guides. There
is one trait" he says, which characterlzes
most. if not all, of these men IL Is thelr
large-heartedness. They are IKE a proNl-
dence haunting the most perilous places or
the Alps. There is hardly any risk they
will not run, scarcely any exposure they
will not endure to save lie or nelp tnose
in danger or difficulty. The common run
of men in East Switzerland give one the
impression of being rough and a little hard;
but these men, rugged though they are II
externals, can be as gentle as women. AN
who know them are ready TO sing their
praises in this respect. | remember once,
three young men, strangers. wandering
about in the n~eighborhood OF m
and losing their way Late at night two
of them CHANGED upon a lone hut. in which
they found one of these peasant mountain
GERS. Without a moments hesitation he
set out with one of the young men TO fetch
their Communion. an American student.
who. having sprained his ankle, babe the
others leave him and seek assistance. IL
was, perhaps, a small matter Tor d mah OF
his breadth of shoulder ana strength Oh
limb. but 1t seemed a marvellous thlng 10
those to whom he gave his assistance that
he should be able to bear a youth OF twen-
tv-two over several miles OF rough noun
tain road. and almost in total darkness.
When they were finally landed In an nm
the young men made up a sum OF twenty
francs to reward him for his pains. But he
would not accept a sou. Keep me in your
kindly remembrance said he. and that
will be paw enough" The book is prettily
illustrated and is published in Our Euro
mean Neighbors' series by G.. p. Putnam S
Sons.