The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-01-05
Monks Of The Famous Pass Of St. Bernard And Their
 Heroic Rescue Work
Interesting History of the Great Hospce and the Men and Dogs Who Risk Their Lives for Christianity's Sake

nous passage of the road with 35,- 900 men, May 15-21, 1900.
 Following the counsel of the na- lives he had the cannon transported in hollow trees by his soldiers and peasants. One the summit of the Pass the monks had already set the tables in the open for 35,000 men and a plentiful meal, consisting of cheese, barley bread and wine was served to ; the entire arn1y-Two years after the Hospice received sum of 36,000 Francs, but only half of this amount was finally accepted by the monks. The Trip to the Hospice. The ascent to the Hospice is a most interesting one from the Swiss side Starting out from Martlgny, a historic town in the Rhone Valley, the travel CT proceeds first by train to Orisers, MONKS OF 2.-
 in one hour from which point he continues his journey by diligence. including a stop-over at Bourg-St. Pierre for luncheon, the Journey be- tween Oriseres and the Hospice re- quires seven and one-half hours
 
 The Hospice.
 The Hospice itself has by no means any claim on architectural beauty. It is a plain gray structure, with small windows and massive walls which have been specially strengthened to resist the furious storms which are common in the region of the Great St. ard.-Approaching the Hos pice in the evening lantern fasten- ed to a tremendous cross directs the traveller to this haven of safety and hospitality in a wild mountain dis trict- Nearby stands a wonderful statue in bronze of Bernard de Men thon. It was erected as a token of gratitude to the founder of this worldfamous Hospice by representa- tives of many nations and various creeds.
 The interior of the Hospice is simple, but comfortable. It has ac- commodation for about 300 persons and it is calculated that an average of 30,000 people enjoy the hospitality of the monks every year. The vast. majority drawn thither by pure curi- osity, come in the Summer, but there are still a great number of unfortu- nate ones who are obliged to use this dangerous Pass in Winter and in their case the Hospice and the won derful rescuing work of the monks has often proved the only salvation from peril.
 The reception accorded to all by the hospitable, generous hearted monks beggars description. Rich and poor are received alike; no name is asked and no payment is demanded from anyone. It stands however to reason, that those who can afford it, i. e., all the tourists who are able to treat themselves to this drive to the Hospice, should leave an amount at least equal to what they would have paid for the same accommodation in a mountain hotel-It is a rule of the Hospice that no one shall spend two consecutive nights there, if in a fit condition to continue the journey.
 While large portion of the visi- tors to the Hospice show a remark able lack of appreciation of the noble work done by the inmates, a few noted guests did present them with generous gifts.-Among these is for instance a. fine piano-a donation of the late King Edward VII, also a beautiful organ presented by a party of English tourists.
 The most sumptuous part of the monastery is the church which con- tatns some exquisiteIy carved stalls and some very interesting pictures and relics.-The ancient library, the small Alpine garden and the now closed up morgue are all sights which are included in a visit to the Hos p1ce.- = However they are but of minor Importance compared with the valiant inmates of the Hospice-the monks and their faithful companions. the St. Bernard dogs.