The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1909-06-03
Gondolas and Gondoliers the
Main Things of Interest
in This Odd City
By THOMAS F. MARSHALL.
Venice. italy, May 20, 1909.

up into tens of thousands of small plots.
Many apple and other trees are in bloom,
but all over Italy and Spain as we'll
there is noticeable absence Of fruit and
fruit trees, which I am at a loss to ac-
count for in this climate.
Venice is city Of $50 palaces and
houses built on piles, occupying an
area six or seven miles in circumfer-
ence within which are 11s small islands
formed by $50 canals which are crossed
by nearly 400 bridges, mostly stone.
1t is the capital of q province of Venice
and is heavily fortified, population
150, 900 people, and 5000 gondoliers,
accent on the second syllable. Introuble
sometimes the inhabitants on the main
land sought refuge from their enemies
among the islands in the lagoons and
for greater protection some Of these
united, conquered others and thus the
nucleus for the city was formed.
Poets rare write songs and stories
about the beauties Of romantic Venice
particularly by moonlight, and artists
paint pictures that lead you to believe
the city is one vastglow of color almost
like fire. The truth is that there is
very little color in Venice. Time, and
the action of the rain and sun and salt
laden winds have toned the colors to
very mild pinkish cast on down Though
the grays, to dirty brown and black
but with all that there are many pic
lures pleasing to the eye. But do not
let either author or artist mislead you
to believing there is anything enthrall-
ing about the views in Venice. The
dirty, shallow, stagnant water in the
narrow canals, from which the sunshine
10 shut out by the buildings, throw off
odors that are apt to appeal to the
senses through your nose and detract
somewhat from the novelty and
romance. Particularly is this true after
sundown.
Most of the traffic is along the Grand
Canal, which is about $50 feet wide,
and winds in the shape of huge letter
''S" across the city. It swarms with
steamboats,, barges, flatboats, power
boats. launches, and the gondolas Of
song and story, which are light boat
about thirty feet long with bow and
stern sharpened to a knife edge, and
beautifully curved we'll up out Of the
water. The bow and stern are decked
oyer, the whole being painted and up
holstered in black, and a procession Of
them reminds one Of q funeral.
A gondola is fitted with a substantial
post eighteen inches high, carved out
in peculiar shape at top and bottom to
form oar locks. This post is set in the
left side Of the stern deck, on which the
gondolier with an oar about 16 feet
long stands up facing forward and runs
the boat by pushing on the oar, and
using the whole weight Of his body.
Their skill is admirable as they row and
steer the boat with the oar always from
the same side. They pass under
bridges and pass and repass other
gondolas and other craft often with
scarcely an inch to spare, but never
touch. They are husky bunch and
choice rascals. The sun and salt
breezes have tanned their skins on the
oar side, and filtered through and hard.
ened their hearts, and warped their con
science ON the inside. We have heart
much Of their singing. Their voices ars
about as soft and melodious as q buzz
saw. They talk continually much Of
the time swearing Ut each other in
mixed Italian and French and punctuat
ing it with their hands and heads. Blu
when they know you are posted, ans
know how much they are entitled t!
!. under the legal tariff they are goo.
Indians and accept meekly what is com
ing.
The Piazza Of st. Marks is . pave,
sauare-the center Of business life h
Venice and is considerable block o
j dry land. On the east is the gran
cathedral Of st. Marks, and on tn
other three sides are imposing building
many Of which were originally palaces
y but are now used for shops wher
8 beautiful jewelry, carved wood, vene
tiap glass and laces which are th
/ ehi6 products Of Floreneeared displayed