La Junta tribune., 1909-01-02

There we're tWenty-eiS In our party.
I did not find any one In that num-
ber whom I could go about sight-see-
ing with. One or two were somewhat
laciined to go with me. but always I
would finally come in alone. I would
visit the industries. investigate the
modern conditions OF the people. lin
ger longer In the galleries and see
hundreds Of things that none OF the
others saw or cared to see. II
travelled longer distances, was out
earlier and returned later. and gave
up ease, pleasure and social enjoy
ment In order to make the most Of
my opportttnity-an opportunity had
never before enjoyed, and might not
have again. For instance. in trav-
cling on the trains, generally rode
on the outside-always did SO when
permitted, ald whether on the plat
form or within. always had my
map and guide book. so I would know
the course of our journey and the
country and places We passed
through. The other travellers could
read looks. engage In social chat.
play games and sleep. l saw and
studied the nature of the country.
the kind of crops and their condi-
tion. the farmers improvements. and
the farmers themselves. the scenery.
any old castles, churches. or noun
tains, the live stock, and what l could
see Of the towns and cities. II one Is
travelling for pleasure and pastime. he
cannot pursue my footsteps. for I
have found travelling a strenuous life
and hard work.
Since leaving the tourist party
have seen what | wished. remained az
long as desired at any place visited
and travelled to suit myself. Even at
times whAn l did not understand the
language, had but little trouble. or
course. there Is more trouble In trav.
cling In a country whose language
you do not understand. but there is
always way to get alOng. English
is understood and spoken through
out Europe-not at every hotel or
shop. by any means: yet l met but
few emergencies that I did not find
q way to make myself understood.
The French language Is more gener-
ally used than any other language.
Many people In every town Sud city
understood and spoke French, at the
hotels, stations. shops, galleries,
and many cabmen.
There Ii one Inconvenience In rail-
road travelling throughout Europe tha
will refer to here. There Is no
checking system for baggage. Every
body must look out for his own bag
gage, must see that 1t is put on
the train. and that 1t is taken off.
and must take care Of 1t after 1t
is taken off. This Is a very great
annoyance. In some parts you are
permitted to take what baggage you
can carry with you into your COM
partment free. but II you can't carry
1t there. you must pay for its car
riage. Generally. however. a passen-
ger is allowed transportation for q
certain weight Of baggage aside from
what he carries in the coach with
him. Above the seats are racks for
baggage. Here you will see great
valises and grips. boxes and bags.
and you will often wonder what
would happen should the train have
very sudden jolt. The coaches
cars they are called, and depot alwa,s .
station-are divided into about eight
or more compartments, running cross
wise, with door on each side Of
the car for each compartment, and
step running the length of the car
plain plank, on which to step In en-
tering or getting out of the car.
The seats run also crosswise and
face each other, so that one-half OF
the passengers ride backwards. There
are always porters at every station.
ready and willing to handle your bag
gage for a very trifle. Often five
cents In American money will sat-
isfy one. II the baggage is large and
the distance Considerable, then the
charge will be greater. but nowhere
excessive. l said charge. There is
really NO charge, but the fee is
a customary fee. or whatever you
choose to pay them. II you do not
pay them enough. they do mot hesi-
tate to let you know 1t. AS the
train comes into a station. all one
has to do is to simply look out Of
the window or wave his hand, or he
may shout whatever he pleases II he