Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1891 — Page 6

SICILY’S SUNNY CLIME.

THE LAND OF THE TITANS AND CYCLOPS. V«* 4 * ■ A Region Favored by Nature and Cursed by Han—lts Fruits,"Ruins, and Brigands —Oddities or tbe Greatest European Volcano.

Y\T"\r"7HAT traveler has a I.W /not prayed to see yk / Sicily, the realm of / poetry 9 It was aliDfi ways the home of romance. For ages before the time of 7'Zlgij] Christ the pages of V 'iS-Mga Homer were full of the wonders of the Sicilian coasts. Even at that- time the islwas filled with m y ster y; Scylia and Mr Charyhdis, the demons of the coast. V watched for the ship of the unwary trav-

eler; it was the home of the Cyclops; there the Titans and the gods strove for mastery. No doubt the wonderful natural phenomena of the volcanic isjand gave rise to most of these stories, for then, as in later times, earthquakes, lava streams, volcanic eruptions were almost (annual occurrences. Tourists to Italy and the Mediterranean rarely see more of Sicily than the sea coast and one or two of its towns. But the island is worthy of an extended visit, for the diversity of its scenery is, 'in so small a compass, a wonderful feature. Its mountains, its valleys, its plains are a continent in miniature. Here there is a wild sea coast; there the island, through almost level sands," insensibly sinks into the waters of the Mediterranean, while above all towers the gigantic volcano, which is the most remarkable feature of its natural scenery. The island of Sicily has passed many'hands. Originally settled by the Phoenicians, it was conquered by the* Greeks, from them taken by the Romans, on the fall of ’the Western Empire wa3 appropriated by the Ostrogoths, these were driven out by Belisarius, then came the Saracens, after them the Normans, then it was independent, and last of all ruined by the Bourbons. Now a portion of the Kingdom of Italy, it is recov-.

SICILIAN BELLES.

ering from the misrule of the Bourbon Kings, and may in time attain a portion of its ancient greatness. The area of Sicily is 12,000 square miles, about onesixth that of Missouri, and it contains a population of 2,500,000. The population is engaged In fishing or in farming, Out old metho'ds prevail in both industries. The soil is cultivated in the present day much as it was cared for in the time of Theocritus; plows aro as primitive as the methods of using them There is no progress among the people; a largo portion of the island i 3 given up to forest land, and a still larger portion, although capable of cultivation, remains fallow, from year to year, because of the indisposition of the population to undergo the necessary labor of cultivation. Situated under a favorable climate, where winter is practically unknown, and where, 'being surrounded by large tracts of sea, the heat of summer is softened, it might become, as it once was, the granary of Italy and Rome; but that time is yet in the distant future. The Roman emperors from Sicilian ports drew/-no small share qf the grain which kept the turbulent; populace of Rome in good humor, but grain has almost ceased to be an export of Sicily. Wheat and other food grain require labor, the Sicilians do not love labor, so they have * planted thei* land in orange and lemon trees and in vines; so as to secure the largest returns for the smallest outlay of effort. Few countries in the world have greater natural resources; few have improved them less. v-

But Sicily is the island of the past. In no part of Europe are there relics of so many past civilizations. Of the various waves of culture which have passed over the now unhappy island, that of the Greeks is still the most prominent Here and there in the country are still to be found the temples of Attic deities, almost as perfect to-day as when they came from the hands of their builders. Whole cities, in such a state of preservation, if the expression is allowable, as to render the walls and houses plainly visible, are to be found in almost every district of the island. Palaces and theateis are in abundance. No part of the ancient world more richly rewards the labors of the d'gger. Every peasant has his little store of art works, coins, medals, statues,, which he offers for sale, and at rates that make the eyes of the antiquarian open with admiration and envy. Not of the Greek age alone are the remains, however, for side by side with relics of the time of Homer are relics of the time of Bomba. * Three cities in Sicily are well worth the time and attention of the traveler— Pa'ormo, Messina, and Syracuse. Palerra Happy is beautiful for situation; in f o t lies the bay, as entrancing in its 2ovebness as that of Naples. Behind are the fruit-producing plains, and the traveler passes through miles upon miles of orange and lemon trees, interspersed with the dark green of the vine, and here and there relieved by the white marble villas of the nobility and landowners, and far away is the deep green circlet of heavily wooded mountains which inclose Palermo and its bay like a theater. The city is far superior to those of Italy in general. It is we|l paved, well lighted; arid clean; the avenues are shaded with fines of trees, public squares find parks are frequent, fountains have been established in great Abundance, and two or three grottoes‘in

the public resorts give a romantic air not otherwise obtainable. Palermo has all the romance of an Italian city, with *ll the comfort of London or Paris. Of course the Cathedral is the principal attraction, and it is well situated for display, being placed opposite to the great public square. Its dimensions give it wonderful grandeur, while its walls, covered with interlacing arches, its Campanile, a giant mass of columns, towers, statuary, and tracery, make it a triumph of combined Norman and Gothic art It was founded on the site of a Saracenic mosque, and its walls were begun by an Englishman, Archbishop

Walter, who by some strange chance had found his way into this land far distant jfrom the place of his birth. In the crypt reposes his body, side by side with that of. the Emperors Henry VI. and Frederick 11. of Germany. Fabulous wealth is everywhere to be seenßin this great edifice; every altar glitters with jewels and gold; the shrine of St. Rosalia is composed of 1,300 pounds of pure silver, and not a year passes but on her feast day thousands of dollars are poured into the coffers of the Cathedral, the willing gifts of devout pilgrims But the Cathedral of Palermo Is not the only shrine in Sicily. Montreale, a half day's drive distant, is now only a country village, the brigandish inhabitants of which are kept exercising their profession by the constant presence of a large body of soldiery. Prevented from following their favorite occupation, the populace are perforce compelled to work, and at the doors may be seen the tailor, the shoemaker and other craftsmen exercising their trade in full view of the passers-by, while others, unskilled in handicraft, give to the orange tree the little cultivation it requires, and transport to the markets of Palermo donkey loads of the delicious fruit. Montreale, though only an insignificant village, has a cathedral known to artists the world over. Walls, vaulting, pavements, arches, almost every portion of the cathedral within, and much without, are covered with mosaics. Every sort of scene is represented in these wonderful pictures; bits of Scripture, history, transfigurations, assumptions, ascensions, and from the great arch in front of the nave there looks down upon the congregation a mighty face of the Redeemer in mosaic, of precious and semi-precious stones. Nothing like this church is to be found in the world; the wealth of mosaic decoration, the value of the materials employed, the marvelous char-

acter of the workmanship which dates from the eleventh cehtury, all combine to render the work ui approachable. Many other localities, many other churches and public edifices in the interior of Sicily are worthy of a visit, but are not often seen by men of other lands, on account of the dangers of travel. In spite of the constant efforts of the Government, in spite of the zealous patrols which day and night pass up and down the highways, brigands still swarm in the mountain districts. The mail coach, the diligence, on every trip are protected by a cavalry escort, and even this is sometimes insufficient to guard against the well-armed and numerous bandits. The traveler who would see Sicily in all its country districts must be protected by at least a full company of cavalry, and the expense of such an escort is too great for the purse of any but a prince. Palermo is in the west, and on the eastern extremity of the island is the town of Messina, situated on a bay which equals that of Genoa. The situation is superb; the bay, the protecting fortresses, the old castles, the modem houses, the scores of churches, the ranges of hills in the distance, combine ’ to produce a picture of exquisite beauty, Messina is an old new city; time, and again has it been destroyed in whole or in part by the civil wars and commotions which have prevailed in the unhappy

Island, but more destructive than wars have been the earthquakes, which are to the present day a common phenomenon in all parts of Sicily, and particularly in the east Messina is situated almost in a direct line with Etna, Stromboli-and Vesuvius, and -more than once has been leveled with the ground by the tremendous earthquakes which have devastated this part of the world. In spite of its earthquakes, however, it is a pleasant place in>.which to spend the winter, and is constantly thronged, though the danger 4s ever present, as may be gathered from the significant and rather superfluous hint to the traveler by the hotel-

A BOBBER OUTPOST.

keepers, that “in case of an earthquake he should a is speedily as possible seek the open air." Palermo and Messina are cities of the present. At Syracuse one is instantly transported to the days of .Cicero and Verres. The grand, the- glerieus'city of the Greeks, fourteen miles dn circumfer-

ence, and comprising five cities within its walls, is now a small port, the sole inhabited portion of the city being situated on an islhnd which was the limit of the original Greek colony. Almost the only trade of Syracuse is with Malta. The'town is dirty, low and uninteresting, but the neighborhood is the most noted in Sicilian history. Close by the walls of Syracuse rises the fountain of Arethusa, described by Cicero, where once Diana and her nymphs disported themselves within a the crystal waves. Many years

A GLIMPSE OF ETNA.

ago the fountain was ruined by an earthquake. Its waters are no longer sweet, but brackish and bitter,and until recently the waters of Diana served no more hon-

orable purpose than that of cleansing the Syracusan clothing. Qn the hill above were the temple and statue of Minerva,

A SYRACUSE TOMB.

! whose ahlniM shield was a land-mark !.for the Syracusan sailor many miles out jat -ea. Thlrt&six thousand temples and | altars were in.the five duties of Syracuse, • besides theaters and Amphitheaters .for land and naval combats, andfof all this immensity of buildings few remain, even in a state of advanced dilapidation. Not many ancient eities, however, are better known to us than Syracuse, for so close and accurate were the descriptions given that it is quite possible by their aid to trace the lines drawn by the Athenians, and the position of the Athenian camp established in the year B. C. *ls. Tbe downfall of Athens dates from the defeat before the walls of Syracuse, and Syracuse herself lias shared the fate of the Attic capital.

But transcending all other objects of interest is the great volcano, which from before the dawn of history has made iSicily known as the region of mystery. Etna is in every respect the largest European volcano; the circuit of the mountain base exceeds 120 miles, and its .heights, while varible from tbe frequent eruptions, is on the average about 11,000 feet Its summit is literally in the clouds, for the time has never been known when the.great crater has not been sending forth its fiery smoke. In Sicily the name Etna is unknown; the mountain is there called Mongibello, the Mountain of Mountains, and every zone is represented in its slopes. Along the base is a cultivated district of rich volcanic soil, which is fertile beyond belief. ‘The finest wines of Sicily are from grapes growD on the slope of Etna; the ,best oil comes from the same quarter; but evenln this fertile district may be seen evidences of volcanic action, for here and . there the black walls of lava streams are found in *the midst of fertility. Above this is the wooded region, a belt around the mountain from six' to eight miles wide, covered with a dense growth of pines, oaks, chestnuts and cork trees. In and above this wooded country found the cones of extinct volcanoes, aide issues of the great crater. Mere than 100 of these cones are known, and elsewhere they would be mountains es respectable size, some of them/exceeding 1,500 feet in height Large /as they are in reality, they'hre so trifling in comparison with the great mass of mountain above them, that, when keen from the Seashore, Etna seems tot be perfectly conical. ’Above the vineyards, above the groves of cork trees, the climber enters upon a region of desert, where not even .the hardiest moss can find sustenance, 'ln summer time, underneath the foot are lava, hot scoriae and ashes, thrown out at the last eruption. In winter the scene is varied by a mantle of snow wmch, from October till April, covers the upper

portions of the mountain. ./Eruptions of Etna extend back' into antiquity, so far that history does not record the earliest. The (list on record is that in the time of Pythagoras, six centuries before Christ, and from then tilldhe present, although ail the time smoke, ashes and lava are coming forth in greater or less quantities, severity-six great oruptidns, notable for their destructiveness, have teen noted. It is a curious fact, and one not commonly known, that the eruptive periods alternate. In 1843, for instance, there was a terrible eruption of Etna. Fifteen new craters wero v opened in the sides of the mountains; la v va flowed forth to an almost unprecedented* extent. After a few months the internal fires quieted down, Sid in 1845 a great eruption of Vesuvius occurred, followed’by a quiescence in that volcano and an eruption of Etna in 1852. The greatest on record was the outbreak of 1693, when over fifty cities and towns were destroyed, and upward of 100,000 lives were lost. Terrible earthquakes accompanied the volcanic outbreak; tidal waves rose on the coast of Sicily, of Italy, Greece, and even of far away Syria and Egypt. Great fissures in the earth opened, from Miich gases issued so poisonous as to destroy vegetation and prove fatal to animal life. Streams of lava flowed from the mountain to a distance of twenty-five miles. The island was almost ruined," and a generation passed before complete recovery from the terrible effects. But the eruptions of Etna, although frequent, excite little attention outside of the districts immediately surrounding the volcano. The people have grown accustomed to the -fires, the earthquakes, the nocturnal flames, and the lava streams.

That’s the Way I Shoot.

An officer in attendance at a shooting competition noticed two men firing with anything but precision. Approaching them, he exclaimed angrily: “You fellows don’t know how to shoot; lend me the rifle and let me show you.” “Barig!” and the target was missed. A tiroad grin overspread the features of the two privates, but the officer was equal to the occasion. Turning to the first, with a frown upon his countenance, he remarked, “That’s the way you shoot, sir!” A second attempt, and a siinilar result. Turning 'to the other, _ he continued, “And that’s the way you shoot^sir!” A third shot, and an inner was fluked. With pardonable pride the worthy officer returned the rifle, triumphantly adding, “And that’s the wayl shoot!” The men ever sibce have entertained a very high opinion of him as a marksman.— Exchange.

Splints of,Thought.

Beauty and truth combined art. The fool nevef does as he says; the wise man never says what he does. Wit, like unwholesome sleep, must come'unbidden and unasked. Three things thou canst not buy at any price: True friendship, lovetand woman’s loyalty. Whenever a new savior turns up there will also be a new Judas. Happiness is nearly always a thing of the past, or the future, rarely a fact of the present. Often nothing but our past stands in the way of our future. The mind is the Prometheus that is chained to the rook—body. Public opinion is like a vexingglass, which reflects thiags sometimes too large, sometimes too small, but always distorted.

A Philosophic Merchant.

4n Arab water seller who was in Turkey during the last war with Russia was wandering about the rear of a battlefield with two freshly filled jugs of water, calling out: “Clear, cool water, 2 piasters a cupful,” when a shot bounding along smashed one* jug to atoms. The Arab wandered on without pausing, but he changed his cry to “Clear, cool water, 4 piasters a cupfuL” —The Jerter*

HUMOR.

H« Told tbo Troth. President Board Of Police Cornmiseiouers.—Weare 6orry to say, Q’Hoo'ahan, that von aie discharged from the foroe. G'Hoolahan—An’ fer wphat cause, yer honor ? President—A jewelry store was burglarized in your district'last night. Hid you meet any one on your beat last night? O’Hool&han—Yis, your honor. I met a man an’ he said, said he, he vrus going to open a jewelry sture. President—He did open a jewelry store »nd stole *5,000 worth of goods. O’Hoolahan—The man may have been a thafe, but he wus no liar.—Jewelers’ Circular. Not a Mlsnouier. At a restaurant. Puffer—What do you think of this dessert ? Stuffer—What do you call it? Puffer—A Charlotte Russe. Staffer—Well, Charlotte knew her business when she named it; in my experience I never encountered a flimsier ruse for making a man believe he’d Had something to eat.

It Looked Like One. but Wag Not. Alice (in Henry Stanley’s library) Oh, Mr. Stanley, what a queer necklace that is over your mantel! How unique! Where did you find it ? Henry Stanley (quietly)—That’s a petticoat that a belle in Umji Jimji wore at Queen Oudu Hehe’s reception. Preparations for the Spring. First Boston niaiden—Oh, mamma and I have been awfully busy to day. Second Boston maiden—Ho say! And what has made you so busy? First Boston maiden—We have been getting out and cleaning our spring spectacles. 8« ience and Prices. Schoolboy— The teacher said that if there was only one potato left in the world, and that was planted, the total product in ten years would be over 10,000,000,000. Father (angrily)—Then how is it I’m paying 30 cents a peck for ’em this very day?— New York Weekly. The Barber's Elixir. A man who appeared to be at least 65 years old, and was lame and gray and almost toothless, entered a Michigan avenue barber shop she other day and said: “Guess I’ll kinder slick up a little or the spring campaign. Guess you may shave me.” “See here,” said the barber as he got seated in the chair, “let me go ahead and fix you up just as if you were going to get married to-night. ” “Say! Hid anybody tell ye?” whispered the old man. “No, not exactly.” “But you tumbled ?” “Yes. “Kinder give myself away by acting so colty, eh?” “That’s it.” “Well, it’s coming off to-night, and I suppose I orter fix up a leetle. How bid would you judge I am ?” “Well, you see, you have sort o’gone to seed by neglecting your appearance. I can fix you so you won’t look a day older than—than 50.” “You kin ! How much ?” “Well, shaviDg, hair cutting and dyeing will cost you a dollar and a half.” “Go in! Put on a little extra dye and call it $2! Guess Ido look purty old in the face, but you fix me up

there and I’ll throw away this cane, rub up my legs with liniment, and fur the next week I’ll jump on a street car without its stopping or break my back trying l”—Free Press. Very Expressive. Nabor—How are matters around to your church now, Parson Limberlip? Parson L.—Mighty active, sah! Mighty active! Nabor—Things are flourishing with yon, eh? Parson L.—Fl’urishin’? Yo’ struck onter der ve’y word! Es yo’d been yo’sel’ ter de ’sistovy meetin’ las’ night an' see de razors in de ’ar yo’ couldn' ’spress yo’sel’ mo’ plum’ wid de sittervation. It Didn't Take Much to Peel Good.

Widow Hardfare (landlady)—My husband used to say, poor man, that he always felt better for it if he got up from the table just a little bit hungry. Sarcastic Boarder (.only a week behind with his board and consequently independent)—l B’poae, Mrs. Hardfare, that your husband felt good pretty much all the time ' . ,

Taken away —sick headache, bilious headache, (dizziness, constipation, indigestion, bilious attacks, and all derangements of the liver, stomach and bowels. It's a large contract, but the smallest things in the world do the business—Dr. Pierce’s Pleasant Pellets. They’re the smallest, but the most effective. They go" to Work in the right way. They cleanse and renovate the system thoroughly-*-but they do it mildly and gently. You feel the good they do r—but yon don’t feel them doing it; As a Inver Pill, they’re, unequaled. Sugar -coated, easy to take, and put up in vials, and hermetically sealed, and thus always fresh and reliable. ~A perfect vest-pocket remedy, in small vials, and only one necessary for a laxative or three for a cathartic. They’re the cheapest pill you can buy, because they’re guaranteed to give satisfaction, or your money is return (*l. You only pay for the good you get. That’s the peculiar plan all Dr. Pierce’s medicines ayg. sold on, through druggists.

SHILOH’S CONSUMPTION CURE. The success of this Great Cough Cure it without a parallel in the history of medicine. All druggists are authorized to sell it on a positive guarantee, a test that no other cure can successfully stand. That it may become known, the Proprietors, at an enormous expense, are placing a Sample Bottle Free into every home in the United States and Canada. If you have a Cough, Sore Throat, or Bronchitis, use it, for it will cure you. If your child has the Croup, or Whooping Cough, use it promptly, arid relief is sure. If you dread that insidious ( disease Consumption, use it. Ask your Druggist for SHILOH’S CURE, Price io cts., 50 cts. and SI.OO. If your Lungs are sore or Back lame, use Shiloh’s Porous Plaster, Price 25 cts. ®4UL TEH POUNDS I 48 m™ o weeks ’ TtfStf THINK OF IT l ! «;f4lA*2i e * ,l v£s?S! ,cer ' l k er o can % no question bat that ) SCOTT’S EMULSION! Of Pore Coil Liver Oil and Hypophosphites J j Of Lliyir and Soda C lis without a rival. Many have ! I gained a pound a day by the use l f of it. lt cures ) [ CONSUMPTION, ) SCROFULA, BRONCHITIS, COU6HS AND 2 \ COLDS, AND ALL FORMS OF WASTING DIS- ) j EASES. AS PALATABLE AS MILK. I 5 Be sure you get the genuine at there are C | poor imitations. J ■ ■ M ■ lITP 1 || Secretaries and OrIHMuIw I rH&anizers by an As--IVW fill I Upsessment Order pay- ■ V ing 8100.00 in six months at an * estimated cost of $44. Reputable men and women can secure liberal compensation. Address M. McINTYRE, Supreme Manager, No. 1028 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. "TEECHAISTpiLirn ’ cure SICK HEADACHE. 525 Cents a Box. OS’ ALL DRLTGaiSTS. ■■sai—— CREAM BALM Applied into Nostrils is Quickly Absorbed. Cleanses the Head, ■CArioßr.l Heals the Sores and Cure* BCOlp hEAm CATARRHPH^I Restores Taste and Smell, quick- 11 ly Believes Cold In Head and Headache. 50c, at Drusgists. ELY BROS., 86 Warren St. N. V. ADVICE TO THE AGED. Age trlngi infirmities, each m sluggish bowels, weak kidneys and torpid liver. Tutt’s Pills have a specific effect on these organs, stimulating the bowels, gives natural discharges. and imparts vigor to the whole system. The Soap that . j Cleans Most ‘i is Lenox. !