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one of the first writers of the age, who was looked on as the guardian-angel of his neighbourhood,
and there heid in universal veneration. It is unnecessary for me to say who
he was, for his name will always find the place it deserves; and those who are acquainted
with the productions of his pen, both in philosophy and polite literature, will be at no
loss to estimate his fame.
Monsieur de Voltaire's beneficence was such to the inhabitants of Ferney, that, from
a poor miserable place when he first settled there, it now resembles a small town, and
is become happy and opulent. He likewise took advantage of the influence he at
different times enjoyed at court, to obtain for his vassals or tenants the suppression
or exemption of the greatest part of their taxes, by paying himself a certain sum to
government. Besides this very essential service rendered to the inhabitants of his district,
he afterwards succeeded in alleviating the whole province of Gex from acts of servitude,
under which its inhabitants had groaned for a length of time,—acts which assuredly dishonoured
those who imposed or inflicted them as greatly as those who were compelled
to suffer them. His generosity likewise led him to encourage the talents and industry
of his poor neighbours, which had till then been relaxed, and almost annihilated, by
excess of misery,—giving also great encouragement to Swiss and Genevese artists and
workmen, mostly in the watch-making line, who were desirous of establishing themselves
in his village. So rapidly did he succeed, that in a short time, having built
houses for them, Ferney was filled with workshops in full activity, where a considerable
commerce in clocks and watches was carried on. In those shops many youths were taken
as apprentices, who in a few years became useful members of society, and of course
contributed towards fulfilling the views of Voltaire, by adding to the happiness and
prosperity of his little community, of which this scientific man considered himself as the
parent, rather than the seigneur or lord.
Tliis village had been totally changed by Voltaire's residence in it, and its inhabitants
still retain nearly the same affluent and comfortable appearance as during his
life-time,—an effect doubtless owing to the activity and industry displayed through every
part of it. This forms so striking a contrast to the extreme poverty and indigence
exhibited in most of the villages of the same province, that few travelers visit Geneva
without previously stopping at Ferney,—not entirely by way of paying tribute to the
memory of that great man, but to enjoy a sight of the ease and comfort which characterise
this beautiful spot. It is certain that the local situation of Ferney considerably