Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1908-06-10
The ALPINE GIANTS.
Exception to Rule That Familiarity
Breeds Contempt.

Breeds Contempt.
The Swiss Alps, known to the eau
casian race long before Hannibal and
Julius Caesar led the Carthaginian and
Roman legions through their passes.
are IN exception 20 the rule that IA
miliarig breeds contempt Although
known for SO many centuries. 1t is only
within the last hundred years that the
chlcfest Of the great family OF noun
tain monarchs crowding the Swiss con.
federacy have been conquered. IL was
not until 1860 that the Matterhorn was
first assembled Thousands today make
the bumped up little republic with its
hundreds OF peaks more than 10000
feet IN height their summer play
ground. They never trine with the
SUBMITS, however. and the ascension
OF some Of the mountains today is coz
sidcred feat almost worthy OF more
than local record
There are many legends told OF the
neighOorhOod OF the Mattcrho-n. one
Is about the origin OF the name OF the
Ihcodulc pass, which joins Piedmont.
Italy. and the canton OF Nalais. be-
tween the Matterhorn and the Brett
horn. az an elevation OF 10000 feet. II
IS supposed 10 commemorate the name
OF st. Theodule, who lived I'm the fourth
century and was the FIRST bishop OF
Sion, ruling for ten years. from Isl 10
ovl The remarkable manner OF his
passage, according 10 tradition, OF this
elevated gateway out OF Italy on one
occasion was the origin OF the name.
The pope had given the prelate fine
bell In recognition OF his efforts In Oh.
talning the conversion OF the valley OF
the Rhone 10 Christianity. The bell
was Tor some time white elephant on
his hands. He did not know how TO
set 1t over the Alps into his see. At
THIS juncture Satan appeared ANA Of
ieTed to carry the bell and the bishop
on his back over 10 Sion II TIM bishop
would agree TO give over the dominion
OF his soul forever 10 the prince Of
darkness in the event OF the connie
ton OF the task before cockcrow. The
bargain was struck and the Journey
begun Long before dawn the devil
had reached the city walls and was
about 10 bound over when the hishop.
fearful OF the consequences. cried.
Grow, cocks, crow. or forever hold
your peace.' Immediately the ROSTERS
erowed and thus formed the habit of
Growing betimes in the morning. Sa-
tan, seeing victory slipping from his
clutch, became SO angry that he hurled
the bell with all his force, ana II was
buried many feet in the ground.
Unlike the MatterhorA. the Jmgfrau.
In the Bernese Alps. did not resist so
long the efforts 10 reach its summit.
In ISL the Meyers Of Aarau climbed
10 the crest OF the slender. majestic
White mountain. While In the course
OF the succeeding forty years the
ascent was made only four times. to-
day 1t is accomplished not infreauent-
" The frowning crest of the Mat
terhorn was not attained till 1861.
This feat was performed by Whymper.
or all the peaks that surround the
picturesque valley in which Encelberg
lies none is so captivating to eye and
mind as the giant form of the Titlis.
1O,627 feet high. In the evening when
the village is clothed in n cloak of
shadows cast by the mountain chain
the SHOWS of the Titlis flush I'm the aft
erglow and the peak seems no longer
cold, but illuminated by a hidden fire.
the flames of which threaten to burst
from 1t at any moment 1t is typical
OF the scenic beauties Of Switzerland
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