The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1913-07-11
A CURIOUS COURT
1t Is Held Annually When France
Pays Tribute to Spain.
PRICE OF AN ANCIENT PEACE.

After More Than Five Centuries Three
Calves Are Still HumbIy Presented
ants of the Victorious Spaniards.
Every year there takes place in the
Pyrenean highlands remarkable fete.
1t is held at the boundary stone of San
Martin. which separates the French
valley Bareton from the Spanish valley
Of Roncal. Every year the representa-
tives of the French peasants assemble
there in order to pay the Spaniards
tribute, which consists of three calves
Of the same age and the same color.
and the delivery Of the calves is ac-
companied by ceremonies which suffi-
GENTLY indicate that the old inhabit-
ants Of the Roncal valley were once
victorious over their neighbors.
At 8 o'clock In the morning the may
ors of the various villages In the Bare
ton valley, bravely adorned with their
blue, white and red scarfs of Office,
march up to the boundary stone. In
front Of the column walks a lad, with
pike, from the point of which fiutters
little white pennon as a gage Of peace.
The three calves are dragged in the
rear Of the procession at the end Of
long ropes. Calves and scarfs take up
their position by the stone and await
the arrival Of the Spaniards.
They are soon visible In the distance.
In front walks q man clad In sheep
skins, who waves red pennon at the
end of pike as a sign Of war. Behind
him walks the alcalde OF Isaba, the
principal village in the valley Of Ron
cal, and following him come the a
caldes Of the other villages, their STATS
Of Office In their hands. The bulk OF
the procession consists Of shepherds,
stern looking fellows armed with old
sabers and matchiocks.
The alcalde of Isaba is all glorious to
behold in a long black garment fas-
tened by gold buttons, tall white ruff,
tight citing knee breeches, red silk
stockings and buckled shoes. A SON.
brero covers his head. and in his hands
hS hSAhS lht Eldu duOIutu Will bDNtA
knobs, the emblem in Spain of magis-
terial dignity.
As soon as the Spaniards reach the
rendezvous the alcalde of Isaba steps
to the front and addresses them in sol
emn ceremonial style:
Are you come to pay tribute and
swear friendship according to old Gus
tom and traditiong"
THAT is the reason of our coming"
answer the French.
Then the two standard bearers APP
proach the boundary stone and lay
few moments the Spaniard takes his
up again, sticks 1t into French soil and
then places 1t as before on the stone.
On the cross formed by the two shafts
the representatives Of the two valleys
swear to keep the peace with loyal
mind.
Then follows the delivery Of the three
calves to the Spaniards. They are ex-
amined by a veterinary surgeon and
accepted. after which all present take |
up their stations under a shady oak,
and, following the example of the good
St Louis Of France and Alfonso the |
Wise Of Spain, the alcalde OF Isaba en-
thrones himself among the gnarled |
roots of the oak and proceeds to act as |
a magistrate
Shepherds and neatherds pass before |
him and prefer their international COM ]
plants. The judge listens to both sides. |
bids them bring forward their witness
es and delivers judgment without de
law. in6icting a ine ON one. awarding ]