Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-07-23
NARTYROOM OF JOHN HUSS
Life and Labor of the Great Bohemian
Reformer Recalled,
CITY OF CONSTANCE AND ITS HISTORY
Monuments of the Past That Speak
Across the Abyss of Years to
the People of the Pres
emit Day.

In view of the fact that my visit to the
city of Constance is so imminent to the
anniversary of the day that the great Bo-
hemian reformer and martyr was con-
demned to death by the Universal council
OF 1A4 and burned at the stake the follow
ing year on July 6, feel constrained to
write a few lines about the city.
The historic landmarks that have left
their imprint upon this storm center of the
reformation are very we'll preserved today
and only go to exemplify and commemorate
the horrors and absolutism of a papal de-
cree. The papal schism was indeed
scheme of universal enslavement by estab-
fishing a universal sect. The council was
oonvoked for the purpose Of matchmaking
very diversified priesthood and exter-
minating originality OF thought called
'heresy." John Huss was man of orig
innl thought and his teachings comprised
OF immortal words, which condemned him
to death, Hold the truth, hear the truth,
learn the truth. keep the truth, defend the
truth even unto DEATH"
About as High as Omaha.
Constance is one of the most beautiful
towns In all of Europe, situated about 400
meters above the level of the sea, at the
point where the Rhine issues from the Lake
old city Of Constance chief town Of the
Lake district of the grand duchy Of Baden.
with 1000 population, is by it's active trade
and industry, its curiosties and historical
remembrances, the most important on the
lake.
The climate is very agreeable in summer,
as the vast surface OF the lake has neu-
tralizinK effect on heat and cold; the heat
| OF the summer is especially tempered by
| the breezes blowing from the mountains.
Constance, itself, owns a sight of most
picturesque charms, with a commanding
view OF the vast sheet of water, which, by
continually changing its colors. produces
an incessant magic sensation and beyond
It of the mountain colossi encircling the
attractive scenery.
The Chronists Schulthais mention Con-
stantius Chloren as the founder Of the
| town. adding that already before him
Drusus Germanicus had built castle on
the Rhine. In 511 st. Fridolin is said TO
| have established here a Christian com
munion. Between $50 and $40 Constance be-
came see; since 1897 the bishops resided
at Meersburg, having been forced to leave
| Constance by the storm OF reforms. In
1888 the Peace Of Constance between Fred
eric Barbarossa and the Lombards was
concluded here.
Freedom Early Established.
During the middle ages the town was a
free city of tho empire until 1913. Already
in 800 its money. weights and markets were
honorably mentioned. In 1912 Constance
decided the destiny OF the German empire
by opening it's doors TO Frederick II and
by shutting out Otto ~. In 14l4 and 141i
It was the stormy center of the Reforma.
ton and the focal point OF the events dur
ing the struggle for religious reform. Here
Is where the famous council of Constance
q4i4-1Hs) sat and there were present, be
sides Emperor sigismund and Pope Johr
XIII, twenty-six princes. $40 counts, more
than twenty cardinals, seven patriarchs
twenty archbishops ninety bishops 800 pre-
lates and doctors, and about 400 priests
The mandates and DEGREES Of this council
are well known TO the reader OF histor!
and the scars that mark the wounds en-
acted by that body OF unreasonable mel
are still unhealed and never to be for
gotten Huss and Jerome were burne'
alive. and the papal schsm was brought Z
an end. The landmarks Of the martyrdOn
OF those who dared TO think for themselve
and who stood by their convictions in tn
face of the most painful torture and dealt
are here. They are here for generations
but in the hearts Of men forever.
where Husa Was Tortured.
) The dungeon tower in which Huss wa
} tortured, his home, the council hall wherein
sat that august assembly Of unchristial
prelates, led by the whims OF an ungodl
pope 10 deeds at which the world dot
shudder, where Huss was adjudged
, hereto. The cathedral Is a magnihcen
! structure OF the eleventh century, but
tainted by a blue spot where stood tn
great Huss when he was condemned L
death by being burned alive at the stake
This spot Is often pointed out TO visto
: with reluctance. Shame should indee
creep into the hearts OF those who lov
their God and revere their church. 10