The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-12-09
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~ UGH as we enjoy the grandeur OF
Switzerland and the ability of the
J kpeople, 1t Is their character we are
reed to admire most. The Swiss are a
tong and healthy race. though In some
rts the unfavorable influence Of the fac
y and. still more, that OF alcohol have
hde themselves felt. They are God-f
3 people; 1t is a common sight to see a
tie chapel on the highest mountain sum-
e and q shrine along q forest path.
hey love their mountains and the free
% these have given them. The most
cultured Swiss peasant often says to
tourist: els there anything better
In our mountains?" They love their
vernment and never let private enter
Ice stand in the way of serving their
hntry. All classes are interested In
titles and are well Informed as to the
~ that govern them. Even the pro-
|sional classes enjoy the time spent at
maneuvers. Men of wealth and cul-
Fe give much of their leisure to public
airs. 1t Is their chief ambition to
ID some large political position, not
the emoluments, as these are moth
but for the recognition. One of the
ZEN men In this government has been
ksident three times. He was an emil
BIT physician and held many minor
|ces before he was made q member of
government council.
mother man, proprietor OF q large
bel In Lucerne, gave up a successful
iness to devote himself to politics and
Lting on public affairs The Swiss
great believers In education. Nearly
the cantons have their universities.
ere students from many parts Of the
hid come to study languages, sociology
philosophy.
they give the same opportunities to
ID sexes. Every large town has its
mmar and preparatory schools. Some
these are free: In others they ask a
Ill fee. and for this pittance they are
light three or four languages.
fhe Swiss are kind to one another.
hotels work comparatively and the
gest establishments, when crowded.
Q much custom to the smaller hotels.
they are exceedingly kind to their
|r. They have many associations to
bply people with employment. The
rms and cantons help the poor. pay
ir doctors bills and rent, II neces-
y. They have splendid institutions
the aged and deficient. The most
rked trait Is their love for work.
erybody works In Switzerland: men.
men and children alike. II employ
ht Is slack. the men go to other coun-
%; IL they cannot work at their own
de they do something until fortune
les on them Thousands 60 to Italy,
nce. England and America. where
y work as hotel employees. hotelkeep-
confectioners and engineers. and
pr they make a certain fortune they
urn home.
be peasants are the Understanding
pie In the world. The country lends
II poorly to agriculture. The climate
the soil are not adapted to this oc-
alton. But what the Swiss peasant
ses In farming he makes up in cattle
Hing. cheesemaking and allied pur-
.. The Canton de yaud Is the para
of the Swiss peasant. He works
d. but the return from the grapes
ally gives him q good living. The
est gives him his lumber for his
ses. outhouses and wagons. This
and another he manages to lay
ething aside for the dowry OF his
ghter and provisions for his sons.
the Canton de vaiais In the spring
poor peasants come down from the
|dren and household belongings, to |
BE their abodes among the vineyards. |
, work Is often extremely dangerous |
the vineyards have to be irrigated |
eonduits, and these are sometimes car |
! to dizzy heights- ttle-brecding and |
ese-making are valuable means OF sus- |
hnce to many OF the Swiss peasantry. /
y are supported by their goats. while |
cows supply the milk and cheese. In /
spring. when herd Is removed to |
Alps, the herdsman dresses himself In /
bis 6nery. He selects his favorite and /
dsomest COW, he adorns her with
vn of flowers. and ties his largest bell
Ter neck The COW Is 50 proud OF her
that she refuses to let any other
get ahead. Another carries the milk
stool. and they all wear changing
=. Singing the yodel. he drives the
b and cows up the mountains. Some
hese ascents are extremely hazardous.
places are so steep the cattle are
ID with ropes and planks.
more daring man is the grass mower.