The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1906-05-30
From France.
PARIS, FRANCE, May n, 1906.

PARIS, FRANCE, May II, 1906.
EDITOR REPUBLIcAN:-In spite OF
warning and little nervousness, our
party ventured into Paris before the
fateful May Day and were none the
worse. 10000 troops patrolled the city
and the police were everywhere. The
day passed off as quietly as any holiday,
but everyone breathed more freely when
it and the following Sunday election
day. were over. 1t is the general opin-
ion that only the military control Of the
city prevented more serious disturbances.
There is a widespread feeling of unrest
among the laboring people, and political
demagogues are doing everything possi-
BILE TO foster it, as so often at home.
Many of the stores profited largely
from the fears of the people before May
Day. One enterprising man who has
several groceries, advertised largely,
dwelling on the danger of a siege, star
vation, etc., and announcing the purchase
of enormous quantities of hams for stor-
age during the emergency. The result
was, all Paris bought hams while Potin
filled his cash drawer.
Paris is at the height of its season."
the yearly art exhibitions open and pen
sions and apartments full of visitors.
After much trouble our party found suit
able apartment almost in the shadow of
the Invalides, where Napoleon rests in
accordance with his will, 81 desire that my
ashes may lie on the banks of the Seine
among the French people whom | have
loved" Opposite is the Ecole Miitaire,
so we have soldiers galore. The English
Tommy, even of the lowest rank, is al
ways trim and well groomed, his uniform
well fitting, and with his little cap cooked
over one ear and his "see the conquering
hero comes" swagger, he appeals strong
ly to the feminine imagination, but the
French soldier is dirty and unkempt, his
hideous uniform always too large, and as
he shuffles along the street he is certainly
not attractive in appearance.
We are out of the Latin Quarter this
year, but 60 back to its restaurants for
dinner every evening. These restaurants
are unique. The small rooms are taste
fully decorated, well lighted, and always
attractive, but visit them the first warm
evening of early summer and behold a
transformation. Great pots of boxes form
sort of hedge along the edge of the
pavement, an awning is lowered, lights
arranged, the passers by goodnaturedly
walk outside in the street, the improvised
summer house is filled with little tables,
aud all summer every one eats in the
open air. Here congregate the artists,
the musicians, the students of every kind
and country, and tue freaks, or, in Latin
Quarter parlance, the "teepies" (typies)
Long haired, heavily bearded or mus
tachioed, with baggy corduroy or velvet
trousers drawn in suddenly at the ankles,
a blouse or jacket of any sort, neck scarf
floating over the shoulders and hat the
wilder the better, they look like figures
in comic opera. Truth compels me to
admit that the freakiest are usually
Americans. They all know each other,
and shake hands vigorously although
they may meet every night. No one is
in hurry, the food is delicious, and
pleasure rules the hour. Here comes a
flower vendor, her arms filled with beau
tiful roses, making her way from table to
table; now a wandering singer, street
musician or impersonator stops outside
the box hedge aud give their share to the
general entertainment for the few sous
soon gathered; gale of laughter and
commotion at one table is caused by
some ones pet cat tired of feeding from
its mistress shoulder spriDging into the
middle of the table; perhaps crippled
beggar is next-no one goes away empty
handed; there is much talk and laughter
and much cigarette smoking-it is all
part of the evenings entertainment. But
we have loitered long and dined well, so
we pay our bill of, perhaps, thirty cents,
and the queer, top heavy tram, look ing
like some ugly monster, soon chugs us
home TO rest and sleep-another day in
beautiful Paris is ended.
KATE G. DUNN.