A visit to the European Continent.
I am in Monte Carlo and have visited the famous Casino, where so many fortunes have been won and lost. But before I attempt any description, I wish to assure my friends that I have neither won nor lost any money. Monte Carlo and Monaco constitute a. principality, under the joint protectorate of France, Germany and Italy. Monaco is the capital of the principality, but the business is almost entirely transacted at Monte Carlo, the gambling at the Casino being the chief interest at that place. The people pay no taxes as the Casino society or club make all the improvements, and do everything for the two towns that may be deemed necessary for their physical welfare, as a return, I suppose, for the privilege of carrying on their gambling. And centainly there is every indication of, the Casino's prosperity, for there are no cities In Kurope that are more beautifully laid out and substantially built. The public buildings arc palatial both In regard to design and magnitude, and for situation, the whole principality cannot be excelled for its picturesque position, overlooking from high hills the Mediterranean sea. The trees, flowers and vegetation are all tropical in character, while the buildings have many oriental features, both In regard to internal arrangements and architecture. The avenues of palm trees and other tropical plants, with the excellent landscape effects on the sides of the hills, make the whole principality a gorgeous scene never to be foregotten. In the interior of the Casino we found four large oblong tables, situated under an immense dome, where the gambling was being carried on.
Each table accommodates twenty-four persons, seated round it and all were crowded by men and women, placing their stakes on the different figures, while the wheel was being turned. Thousands of dollars were won and lost during the two hours we were looking on. Just as the ball was about to reveal the winning or losing of a take, the nervous twitching of features and limbs of those seated at the tables was easily discerned. It was an exciting, but sad sight. There seemed to be a fascination In the play that held the devotees to the tables whether winning or losing. I was accompanied to the Casino by a young merchant and a student from Cornell university whom I had met several days ago, since which we had traveled together. Unfortunately our student friend appeared in a bicycle suit, which disqualified him from entering. He returned to the hotel to change his clothes, only to find on reappearing at the Casino that he was disqualified by his age and occupation, no one being admitted under twentythree or who Is an undergraduate at a school of learing. His disappointment was very deeply felt, but he consoled himself, with the thought that in another year his disabilities would be removed. A few days were very pleasantly spent in Nice, one of the most delightful cities in Europe. We saw the Palace, where the Queen of England makes her abode In the early spring months. It is built of snow white marble, very large and has most extensive view over the highest buildings to the Mediterranean. There were many other interesting features of Nice of which I am tempted to write but must forbear, as the train which is to take us direct to Paris is nearly due.
Each table accommodates twenty-four persons, seated round it and all were crowded by men and women, placing their stakes on the different figures, while the wheel was being turned. Thousands of dollars were won and lost during the two hours we were looking on. Just as the ball was about to reveal the winning or losing of a take, the nervous twitching of features and limbs of those seated at the tables was easily discerned. It was an exciting, but sad sight. There seemed to be a fascination In the play that held the devotees to the tables whether winning or losing. I was accompanied to the Casino by a young merchant and a student from Cornell university whom I had met several days ago, since which we had traveled together. Unfortunately our student friend appeared in a bicycle suit, which disqualified him from entering. He returned to the hotel to change his clothes, only to find on reappearing at the Casino that he was disqualified by his age and occupation, no one being admitted under twentythree or who Is an undergraduate at a school of learing. His disappointment was very deeply felt, but he consoled himself, with the thought that in another year his disabilities would be removed. A few days were very pleasantly spent in Nice, one of the most delightful cities in Europe. We saw the Palace, where the Queen of England makes her abode In the early spring months. It is built of snow white marble, very large and has most extensive view over the highest buildings to the Mediterranean. There were many other interesting features of Nice of which I am tempted to write but must forbear, as the train which is to take us direct to Paris is nearly due.