South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-09-12
ALLIED STATESMEN At
LUCERNE HALLOW SCENE
or WILLIAM TELL SHOT

Lucerne. scene Of important con-
ferences among allied statesmen. IS
described Ia "a bulletin from the
Washington, d. G.. headquarters Of
the National Geographic society as
follows
"Lucerne Is n precious jewel
among Swiss cities. with the lake OF
the same name for its setting
lake where varied beauty and his
toric association are blended
"On that lakes shores William
Tell Is reputed 20 have exhibited his
Fundamentally 10 the discontinue
Of Gessler. and on its waters tradi-
ton holds he won his revenge by
Selling the rudder OF the vessel on
which that tyrant held him prisoner
and guided 81 20 the rock where he
aimed. not at an apple but at his OPP
Lressor's heart.
Home OF Confederation.
Less picturesque. but more signi-
ficant. was the formulation Of the
Perpetual league. That famous In
strument not only was the antece-
dent Of the Swiss confederation. but
marked a miie-post in humanity's
political freedom.
Beloved by tourists and crowded
with them IN normal years Lucerne
has retained many Of its ancient as
poets. It's crumbling wall with its
watch towers give II a medieval
stamp: two OF it's covered wooden
bridges also serve as art galleries.
On the walls OF one are depicted
scenes OF the city's history and the
other has paintings OF the Dance Of
Death.
Perhaps the most famed art OBJ
- - - ~
cerne, considered by one critic the
most appropriate and touching mon
ument In existence In a grotto.
hewu from the natural rock, Is dy-
ing lion pierced by a lance. with his
law protecting the feur-de-lys of
the Bourbons. Thorwaldsen, Dan
ish sculptor. designed this tribute 10
The Swiss Guard who died I'm seeking
TO protect Louis XVI against the
mob OF Paris revolutionists that
stormed the TuIleries IN 1892.
An Old Mule Path.
"Lucernc is situated on the Reuss
where Il rushcs from the cross-like
Lucerne. The city grew as the St.
Gotthard pass improved, first from
mule path 20 carriage road, and
from roadway 10 a railway tunnel.
BY the St. GOtthard line Lucerne Is
90 miles from BaSel ana loU miles
from Milan. It's citizen population
is less than $4,000. supplemented by
nearly as many more tourists yearly
before the war. It's chief industry
lies in its more than three score
tourist hotels. and the establish
nents which supply tourist needs.
The mountain views from Lu-
cerne are thought by many travellers
10 be unsurpassed in any Swiss city.
Cut in half by the river, IL lies in
natural amphitheater. overlooking
the blue expanse OF the lake, which
is dotted by craft OF many kinds.
The Pilatus range rises 10 the south
west. and the Riga mountains span
the eastern horizon. World famous
panoramas may be seen by walks In
almost anv direction out Of the city.
Many quaint houses remain. IN
Guiding the wooden structures whose
inflamma hility gave rise 10 curious
flrc regulations Wood for building
could not lie IN the streets more than
twenty four hours. No snithy could
work between vespers and early
mass. Every citizen was n pOten-
tial fire fighter and the citizens bril-
gade when called 20 n fire had to
await word from the mayor for dis
missaL Women were required 20
lid at night by holding lights In the
doorways Until two centuries ago
the city fathers were assigned spe-
Cial duties in fire fighting.