AN ANTI-GOSSIP MONUMENT
Mulhouse, a delightful old town of Alsace, possesses an unusual monument which, instead of glorifying the virtues of some historic character, symbolises an ancient andl modern vice—namely,
ecandalmongering. It is known as the Anti-gossip Stone, and it hangs outside the city hall, which is a magnificent example of sixteenth century art. In days gone by this stone was placed about the necks of tattle-tales as a punishment. The likeness of a woman sticking out her tongue is carved in the stone, also an old ditty which, roughly translated, reads as follows: ■ I am the tattle-tale stone, To each poisoned tongue well known. Those who are chatty, Quarrelsome, catty, Must carry me all day long. Doubtless the stone served its purpose, for across the centuries Mulhouse has developed a race of intelligent, industrious artisans who mind their own business, and who are expert in the manufacture of cotton goods, silks, muslins, etc. But they keep the tattletale stone as a quaint relic of the past.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19360919.2.26.3
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Evening Star, Issue 22448, 19 September 1936, Page 7
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167AN ANTI-GOSSIP MONUMENT Evening Star, Issue 22448, 19 September 1936, Page 7
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