Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, November 1, 1874, Page 9

THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1874—SIXTEEN PAGES. < 9 _— ¢ Gecpeviog. tle chanvel of thio Nows a3 far o parg. Thoe subjcct has been dis- S;]':keq“enfli during » period of 150 years. 0 pow being agitated in earnest. 1t sd B8 20 ded to construct s marine causl BT tadt to the New Por and gom OTORCC st St. Petersburg. The B iready absorbed largo sums of New Tort B9 W vids sre iuvited for the con- motss e canal. Its dimensious are uot sreon B depth of 22 feet will ensble tho g B in the Baltic to come along tho Hgm‘da at St. Petersburg. The commercial yald0 o city cannol be_overstimated. g le from distant ports lie been 1led to discharge their cargo into lighters e o new canal which has come 20 tagt. Th 4 R will trapsform the Russian Capital intoa to :,wm port of grest importance. . - FRENCH HU MORISTS. STS M TWELFTH THE rnra‘%’-‘&’é‘é"r’fi“cg‘é"uffi“u, WarTER 10 THE &7 hrist's Cobiege, Cambridge, Au- peeasny Mt p Barly French Poetry.” 16 mo., e % Bobeggs Drothers. i 7 ¢shoald hsve French blood in his r. Dessie oy has Tesprit Gaulois in his weins; B . by may of natural intieritance, bresat. Eiber T Gih tho Fronoh character hobsa 8DERE e or he has studied the sod e o wnd ltersture so long aud lov- French WECE inas become satarated with tho gyt e that pervado both. Taine s scarcely more of 8 Frenchman. s X,{;;, tolidity of acquirement which the f:’;;’; English trsinivg gives, croppiog out con- s bisrefiectious ; and tero is nndoubt- .y, undar the gaY surface, a warm English heart g bnt otharwiso Mr. Bossaat is iden- it the ity eatiical, brilliant, and mock- 1o Parician, Ths bumorists of Franco could not bave found s more sympathetic, ipprcf:inf T Yindly. and impartial eritic and historian. et virtes, their vices, their talonts, thew fings, aro comprehended with the clearnesa of experience. 85 well a8 obeervation ; and they are foplod with tho dclicacy, tho gontlences, the SSection, ons would ueo in anstomizing broth- e a consoquenco Gf this are mptitude for {bo work undertekon, M. Beasant's book is sin- sty captirating. Without the dradgery of Siting the literature of s half-dozen centuries, o bavo spread before us the choicest specimens 4 the foremoet humorists of all that time. And o amehelped toa right judgment and an in- telligent enjoyment of them bysn fullysxa of themselves and their suthors, which is as skill- ful and searching 88 it is brilliant and amusing. ‘Oce may not feel in the beginning that there ia sovthing particularly congenial in the subject of {bs French humorists, but it is impossible to re- Jist the fascination of Mr. Bessant’s style af Ziccossion. 1ts piquancy, verve, buosancy, and ysmrance, would invest the dryest theme with sdloring charms. v Nearly twenty representative writers of France gt for their portraits to Mr. Bessant, and it is semarkable what & strong likenees they all bear toove another, The national traits are present o oach character,—s little difference in the proportions constituting the distinct in- dividoalities. A description of ome, with & flight varistion in minor particalsrs, would do duty for them all, They aro invariably light- hoarted, good-tempered, satirical, irreverent, im- provident, sensual, and skeptical ; * they have 120 strong convictions ; they are capable of mar- tsrdom ; they are full of animal spirits and ani- ‘mal enjoyment ; they love iife with all the pas- eion of & Greek ; they are like children for mock- ery, mischief, and liphtnees of heart.” A com- binstion of qualities ot likely to call oat our re- Fpect.—not apt even to berelished by the Saxon ; - but, thanks to Mr. Bessant, one that we can rs- fand with that broad charicy that comes from s carefal understanding of either person or ques- tion, Theauthor prepares the way for the proper Presentatioa of tho humorists, by giving, in an introductory chapter, a brief review of tte condition of literature in France, in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. He clims for that pation the homor of having £rst broken through the blackness of the Middle Ages, and learned how to spesk, write, and sing. “France,” ho says, ** was the first in the fleld of modemn literature. She it was who changed the Latinfor the vernacalar; her people first taught, 20d bsve siways gone on tesching, the equality of msn, . She began the reformation of religion: it was ebe who most kept alive the fire of learn- ing, and most helped the long, slow development of the Renaissance. To her belong the great isjority of medieval poets ; England has only oae—Ttaly has four. She possesses the most glorions list, till the more sluggish blood of En- gland is roused, of writers, scholars, and philos- cphers. Hers is the largest roll of martyr-here- ticz” From the eleventh to .the fifteenth cen- twy, etire is the strongest element in French literature and art. It is vis- ible in every line of the fabliau. the conte, and the ehanson. The minstrel, the clarlatan, the geribe, the monk, the priest, tho £cholar, lxugh, and sneer, and mock at them- l:h'e_s, and each ofber, and the world at large. “Satire, open and andisrnised, went up and down the face of France, striking all, sparing nothing : ridiculing the Iadies for their painted faces, the Jords for their tyrannies, the Pope for his pride, the clergy for their svarice—knight, lawyer, bourgoois, villain,” With somo exsmrles of the earliest chansons, ud & general sketch of the frouveres and dungleurs of the thirteenth eentury, M. Bessant fuies {0 make as full a delineation as may be of l?‘_mm.\ns(rel Rutebenf and hus packet of melo- dies. In his esse, as in that of the other hu- morists, the worthiest of Lis pieces are given in glish, or, when their epirit refuses to be tanclated, they are produced in the original. Next in course is a chapter on “ The Bmance of the Bsse,"—a poem which, for 250 veare, waa held 28 s sort of Bible in France, *ad which, being revived after tho Renaissance, evjoved 2n upparalleled popularity. The first fizmon of the work was written by Guillanme . ‘ft;:m, probably about 1240; and, he leaving by 8 desth }mfluighed, it was concluded by n:‘mde Mo_znry! in 1250. The two writers were terly unlike in the aim and stvle of their work, —]tha one being, from the best acconnts, & Bim- Ple Poet, composing an allegory for the mero Pletsmro of it and the other being & scholar, :f}; in the fashion of lus times, a pedant, as b &8 bard, 2nd carrying on the tale with the ey Lol:jucz of ueing it s & means for expressing ‘m' tred of the monks, his contempt for s, bia knowledge of science, and his ro- Pablican opinions. His part of the book was l“’“fied With fearless and sagacions idess ; and, 0 the people .whose anxions inquiries in Mflxa‘ domain of thought it was intended 1o disha ressansble snswer, it provided great i velusble lessons. It taught the religion of mll:vm.l hnhnefgg. the sanctity of marzriage, the uu.n"; Buperurition, the equality of men, and o ol lhly of labor. This wisdom waa the fruit ¥hat is called the Dark Ages, sod, in the 88 of the centurie, it has searcely been hmfiupon‘ As Mr. Begsant remarks: * Af- vhuch years, the eame questions exerciee us s exercised Jean de Meury. Wo are still h::tnz 83 0 whether true nobility is inherited 3 We hiave not all made up our minds abont e 693 of marriage ; some of us still think hfi;:‘g;mn, because he wears a sm:p]ice, i other men; work Ias been quite re- rob o ud with much solemnity, pronounced pifi“i’!lumphet who—which is a thousand k forgot, while he was about it, to call (a0 Fespectable; men yet live who look Hon Sontific mou with horror, and quote, with m:fehnty. a text of St. Paul'sabout ‘Science, ey socalled ;* while the Jesson of personal o bis o be punched sgein and agein, e gcnenally forgotten in our squabbles B Yestments and creads.” o -0 over Enstache Deschampes, who lived fourtesnth centary, ana wrote mo fewer ol *,E“vgm; whose last light, prattling ":’I\d Minor of Marrisge,” suddenly came stihe thirty-five-hundredth live, bo- causo death palsied the zuthor's hand,—* other- ‘wise, like * The Ring aud the Baok,"or *The Earth- 15 Paradise,’ no reaxon’on earth why it should not 80 on forever, wuless the author bave mercy."— e come to Rabslais, the ecclesiastic, the intidel, the moralist, the bacchanalian, the buffoon, ** the glorious wit 2nd watirist,” of the sixteenth century. He was the most erudite man of bis day; of that day when schol- ara, leading clostered lives, lemrned the whole citcle of the sciences andail the known languages which had s literature worth reading. And be poured his Jearning into the ears of the people, striving to inform them how to die- tinguish the true from the false, the shadow from the substance. He rejected both the trappings and the tenets of religion, andyet—we quote from M. Bessant: *¢In this great and wonderful world,’ Rabelais might have said, ‘I seo everywhere the marks of a mind whose grandeur is beyond anything which the human intellect can conceive. In the wondrons forma- tion of the body, in the courses of the seasons, in the iostincts of animals, in the great and awful mysterios of birth and death, in growth and decay, inthe annval sleep of the world andits an- nual wakiog, in‘everything upon the earth, above it, and benesth it, I see benevolence, forethought, care for the happivess of creation. In the investigation of the lawa which govern the world, I sec the only hope of improving men's lives, shortening their paing, increaging their joys. To search for the secrets of Naturo i tho work of our days, a5 to caltivate tho puro intellect was the work of the ancients. Nature, on the obe hand; Plato aud Cicero, on the other band. Be- yond these, what? Only tho silence of the grave. To all our questioning, mo answer; to 3l our passionate longing, no lifting of the cur- tsin. Lightand joy beneath the sun; on that side, what awaits ? Let us go on in the protec- tion of that intellectunal sphere whoso centre is everswhere and circumference nowhere, vhich we call God. Wa bave no revelation; we have but one hope: that, since the things required for our life are made o incomparably well, tha benevolence of the Creator will continue, should existence cobtinue, beyond the grave.” **Not a Christisn. I am certain that Rabelais was not a Christian. And yet he never satirizes Christismity. . . . A great moral teacher. Yes. But it would have been better for France if, his book, tied to & mill-stone, bad been hurled mto the eea. Not on account of the just snd obvious charge which auy oue who opensits pages will bring against it. That is nothing. The filth and dirt of Rabelais do not {ake hold of themind ; a little cold watei washies all off. Ihave said above that he wholly failed iu his pgrpose ; e did more,—be graatly sioned, in & oancer which has never yet been pointed ont. *He de- stroyed effectually, perhaps for centurics yet to come, the earnestnees in France. He found men craving for a better faith, beieving that it was 0 be found, and left them donbting whethor any system in the world could give it Great and noble 85 are many of the psssages in Rabelais, profoundly wise s he was, I do believe that no writer who ever lived bas infiicted such lasting injury on his country. * As forhis fault of coarseness, his biographers defend #t on the usual ground,—taste of the eye, and 8o forth. Rubbish! Where is tho tasto of the eye in Erasmus? There has been Do time in the world's history, from Catullus downwards, when those who have sinned in this ‘way have done 80 in deference to the *tasie of the age.”™ Montaigne, the charming writer aud the typi- cal Frenchman, appears next in the procession. o be dismissed in a few pages, as he is already 80 well known to tho world. After him - there 18 an account of *“La Latyre Monippe,"—s fresh, clean, and healthy work, written by a band of unknown scholars. Maturin Regimer, Baint Amant, Voiture, and Benserade, succeed each other; and on their heels tread o troop of * The Parasites,"—scholars and poets of the seven- ‘teenth century, who were content to exchange freedom and manliness for the protection snd the patronage of some member of the French nobility. Boisrabert, the privilegad buffoon of Richelicu, was & representstive man of this order. Like most of the humorists, ho was sn ecclesiastic, =& wit, snd & profligate; and he was, moreover, & fine mimic, an admirsble story-teller, and s good comic actor. Like all the rest, heled a life of pleacure, until age dulled his senses and death gave repeated warnings; then be sent for an abbe, and propared to exchange his eins for deeds of repentance, his Atheiem for abeolution. As his deathbed-scene repeats, with light differ- ences, the experience of the other hoary satirists snd sinners, we reproduce it: *The death of Boisrobert was not 8o edifying 28 he wished it to be. He was, of course, re- pentant, and, after eending for his confessor, he ‘began in the most promising manner, ‘Do not, he said to his frieads, ‘think of Boisrobers liv- ing, but of Boisrobert dying.’ * This was very good, 8o far, snd quite what might be hoped. ‘God,’ ebserved his confessor, has pardoned greater sioners than you.’ + Qld Boisrobert's eyes began to twinkle again. ¢ He has,’ he said, *much greater sinners. Tho Abbe de Villarceaux, for instance—’ he = just lost money at play to this ecclesiastic—*is doubt- less a greater sinper thaa I, but I hope God will pardon him too." +One of the ladies at his bedsido said to bim, ¢ Monsieur I'Abbe, contrition is a great virtue.'” 4]t is, madame,’ hereplied ; ‘I wish it you with all my heart.’ - ¢« And his last words were, ‘T should be con- tent to be on a8 good terms with our Lord as T have been with Cardinal Richelien.’” And thus the merry rogne dropped into the grave, with a cruciix in his hands, unbelief in his heart, and & repartee oo his tongne. Overlooking, for want of time, his suceesaor, Scanon, wo stop s fow moments with the care- less, childish, improvident La Fontaine, who, be- canso ho was more heedless, more selfish, more recklegs, than most, wakens more interest and wonder s * Arguing from strong pointsof re- semblancobetween the two greatmen, one isdis- d to think that Harold Skimpole modeled his character on that of La Fontaine,—the disciple being iar below the mastor. For La Fontaine waa more Skimoplesn than Harold himself, He said to the world, ¢ Give me leave to live among you; a little light wine, fruit in the season, plenty of music and singing, the society of young, pretty, and pleasant women, and an en- tire freedom from work and anxiety,—these are allI ask. Give them tome, and let me enjoy myself after my own fashion.’ “The world took bim at his word, and gave him ail he ssked. For threescore yeurs and ton he did no work; hoe had no troubles; he dis- pensed with all unpiessant things; he enjoyed the society of pleasant women and the luxuries of rich men; and then, with & repentance com- fortaple and leisurely—La Fontaine was never in a hurry—for all sins and shortcomings not in- cluded or implied in the xbove, e quietly went out of the world in & green and serece old age.” With all this, La Fontaine was trathful; he never tried to hide hus faults, and the world will- ingly forgave them, believing that, with the sim- olicity of & chitd, he had a child's irresponsibil- ity. And truth is the great charm in his writings, 24 in his character. *‘Theroin, a5 in s mirror, every man saw reflected his own_impulses and thoughts; or, to use avother simile, the writer seemed to take each recder into his confidence, whilo he went about, like & curious girl, and, with a cortain feminine delicacy, litting up just the corner of the curtain of the soul, afforded the merest peep into what was behind, with his finger on hislips and s smile in his eyes; the play of a child, perhaps, but of & child careful never to wound.” Buot now enters Boileau, the one humorist out of the nomber who could. sey in honesty, on his deathbed, that he never wrote a word against morality. He was a master of tho French language. Every sentence was ex- quisitely cut and . polished, overy word wss'in its place, and every thought was perfectly ut- tered. Yot Le was o workman, sud not an artist. He was an admirable imitator; but not & post, And, alsa for his morality | he owed that to an absolute incapacity for love. There is not aline of his in which there is & heart-throb, He is cold and nnmoved in the presence of every spectacle, ** He is unaffected by the pomp of war; he is unmoved by music; women's eyes have no lustre for him; there is no trace of any love for children ; there are o tears in the man; be has no weaknesses, no foibles, no pet sins,— hardly a single thing by which We can recognize him 28 one of oursclves. Now, most of us are bapplest in the company of sin- pers.” -But Boilean's influence on the literature of France was strong and whole- gome. French poetry, for -a century af- ter he bad lived, felt the restraint which he had imposed upon it license. It dared not sgain run riot in form and thought, s it had done before he inclosed it within proper limits. Of Moliere, Regnard, Gressot, and Beaumar- chais, we have not space to say a single word. But, from Beranger, who closes the list, we can-~ not withhold a few parting lines, The sketch of this gontle, sel-sscrificing, sympatlietic man, is drawn by our suthor with a loving hand. There is tonderness and reverence in every touch. It is well that we take leave of ** The French Humorists” with our feelings softened by the contemplation of & beautiful poet and an exalted character. Such love as we give to Shakepeare, Ar: Brogsant declaros we must feel for Boranger,—* the grestest humonst, the most finished lyrical voet, the most tender- hearted friend, the simplest man, that his country, that any country, bas ever seen. . . . To Lve the simple and self-deaying life of Be- ranger, to work, save, gpare for others, to grow old in well-doing, and then, when the shadows gather which precede the night, to lie down with a sigh for the world we have found so full of love, and die, leaving the rest to the bon Dieu, proud, perbaps, like Boileau, that we have done no wrong, and helped on the world,—is not this the course of a good man? Itis, perhape, a Pagan doctrino,—one is astonished at times in considering how many Paganisms still prevail,— but it bas no lower an- suthority thau the author of Ecclesiastes.” g L Brilliancy, Bichness, and Splendor. At Mr. A. Lipman's, northwest corner of Clark and Mouroe streets, 1 now an view, and for sale at 25 per cent less than the usual price, a magnificent and ex- tensive stock of valuable watchies, both of American and European manufacture, composed of stem-winders, quarter aud split second movements, in open and huntiog cascs, Most of these tins watchos can be pur- chased in eithor gold or silver cases. A very choice assortment of gold chsing, in marvelously elaborate patterns ; brooches and earrings o coral, turquotse, ond cameo, in florsl and medallion styles ; lockets in great variety. Also, 8 few old violina and a fine col- luction of guitars. A(r, Lipmsn has long been known asa dinmond merchant, and he now has for sale & brilliant display of diamands of the first water, both set and unset, snd particulaaly invitea attention to this dazzling department. Even these peorless gems are offered at an immense sacrifice. Don't forget thin jewel omporium is at the northweat corner of Ulark and 3oaroe strveta. . ———— Steinway Upright Pianos. Within the past few weeks, tho fallowing well-known. citizens of Chicago aud vicinity hava become pos- sessors of Steinway Upright Pianos: Gov. R. J. Ogles- by, Gon. Joseph Stockton, Jucob Rosanberg, David Blakely, Dr. E. 8. Fowler, Frank A. Bowen, W.G, Hibbard, B. 4. Smith, W. F. McLaughlin, 8. B, Weber, E. W, Pect, AL A, Seymour, L. Bush, H.G. Powers, William Hughes, Thomas Lynch, E. ¥. Gals, 3. B. Cofield, H. C. Bew, John A. Yalo, Daniel Shaw, J, N© Bilings, A. C. A. Rosing, George L. Trac Mrs, J. Bslfour, G. B. Okeson, J. Keenzn, X. Ellis, V. A. Marsh, E. Allwon, J. J. Hylaad, F. Frost, ‘These superb picnos, owing to their mn- deniable zdvantagea as parlor instruments, are rapidly superceding all other styles. The many hondreds s0id in Chicago and vicinity bave given the most un— qualified satisfaction, Lyon & Healy, State aud Mo~ Toe streeta, Communicated. # Economy,” m his communication fo Tie Tam- UXE A few days ago, was 8o pleaced with the $£1.25 black silke, the 75 cent black and colored cashmeres, the 35 and 50 cent black mobair alpacas, the fine 25 cent dsmask towels, the 76 cent table-linen, the 65 cent cassimere, and cheap dress goods that he found at the New York Store, 284 and 235 West Madisch street, that he spoke of it in & communication, Now, to enlighten « Economy,” we will account for these prices only on the ground that they pay norent, buy strictly for eash, give credit to no one, and take advantage of all force Sales, making only £rom $ 0 10 per cent. **ONz WHO KNows.” Hallet & Davis. One of the most marked and curious features of the present musical season is the absenco of the conven- tonal signboard upon the piano in the concert-room. Itis understood that this is owing to two reasons : First, the dealers found that the signboard was apt to De placed on a poor instrument ; second, the Hallet & Davis Company, which has no siznboards, but sells its instruments purely upon their excellence and mer- it, has been outselling them. Wheu it comos to brill- iwncy, clearness, and long wear, the Hallet & Davis needs no concert advertising. ———— An Excellent Institution. One would think that the Bryant & Stratton Chicago Business College wna well known, and that almost any ome could tell what was taught there, but such in not the cise we find. A completo revolution has Leen effected during the past two yoars. The Inatitution is partaking mors of a polylachnic character now. The bigher mathematics and architectural and mechanical rawing have been introduced. A graduate of one of {lie beat German universities is ¢ the bead of this department. —_——— Clonks and Velvets. * Wao shall open Monday & large, fresh importation of Lyons cloak velveta, from $10 per yard up. A very clegant velvet at§12, samo 3¢ Sold last year at§18. We have also a spleadid line of lsces and closk trim- mings, and bave now open 200 Paris cloaks, which we will gell at half importers’ price. They were bought cheap, snd will be sold chesp. Wo have alsoa very Jarge stock of cloaks of our own manufscture, from $5 up. A splendid for beaver jacket for $10. Hotchkin, Palmer & Co., Nos. 137 and 139 Stato street. —_——— Will Open in our retail depsrtment in the next few days over 600 casee fall and winter dry goods, sll bought for cach at tho late forced saloa, eomprising black and colored dress eilks, rich dress goods in every varisty of style, obiade, snd color ; flannels, blankets, cloths, slawls, closks, suits, etc., efc. All of which will bo ‘marked at prices lesa than their cost to manufacture. 0. W, & E. PARDRIDGE, 114 and 116 Stats strect, E=— PRl i IMercentile Insurance Company of Chi- cago. W call attention this morning to the card of the Mercantile Insarance Company, one of our prosperous Tocsl institutions, organized and mansged by Chicago ‘mon, including some of our oldest and wealthiest citl- Zens, who have been long and honorably identified with the great commercial interests of our. city, and Whoso connection with the Mercantile is alone s guar- antes of its claim upon the public confidenco. gt i el Pay.Your Election Bets +with an order on Gatzert, “the popular taflor * of 183 South Clark strest, who still continues to mske to ‘measure, guaranteeing satisfaction to all. Pashionablo pantaloons from §8to §12; beautiful sutts from $25 to $10, and obby overcoats from $20t0840. Gentlemen Plesse examine our materials, Samplogarments and prices before ordering clsewhere. gl v i O Messrs. Bishop & Barnes, the populsr batters and fur msuufacturers, corner Btate and Monros streats, are showing the largest and ‘most complete stock of Isdies’and gentlomen’s fur , goods ever offored in this city. Furs of every descrip- tion altered, repaired, and made into the lateat styles. The reputation of this firm for falr dealing needs no comment from us. Insurance ! The Traders’ Insurance Company of thia city, with it £560,000 invested in United States registercd bonds, and s surpius of over $:00,000 well secured (all of which are on deposit at the Fidelity Safety Depository), tacked by eonservative and economical managoment, offers indemnity equal to the very best. Call at the Company's office, Nox. 25 and 27 Chamber of Comizerse, Lasiello strect, for purticulars ua to rates, ines, otc. Gentlemen Wanting Overcoats will plesge ramember that our $35, $45, aud 55 gar- ments we warrant ail imported goods the latter the very beat), and equal jto overcoats you will poy $5, $50, snd $75 for elsewhere, Can we convince you onco? ORDWAY & NEWLAXD, mecchant tailors, No. 209 West Madison street. Tooth Powder. Tou will not regret a trial of the tooth powder “Doudsn.” It gives a pearly whiteness; deliciously favored, and we warrsat it to contain 1o injurious {n- credient, Price50cents. Van Schaack, Stevenson & Reid, 92 and 94 Laks strect. Bottled Mineral Wasters for Families by Buck & Baynes, makars of ths “ Mars Cologna.™ BANK RCBBERIES. A Remedy for Bank Robberies. Description of the Iuterior of the “ Fidelity,” The Savings Institutions of Chicago. The public are too familiar with the many bold and daring bank robberies that have been perpetrated in different parts of the country duriug the past few years to require any sug- gestions at this time in the way of greater. caution snd caro in preserving their money and other valuables from the bold and often suc- cossful attempts at burglary snd robbery. The public prints fornish sccounts almost daily of daring robberies in difforent partaof the country. But a few days ago the public were startled by an account of a most daring burglary committed at Milford, N. H., in which the thieves were successful in securing some 370,000 in money. Then sgaio, but & short timo ago, tho First-Na- tional Bank of Quincy, in this State, was visited by theso light-tingered knights of the ““jimmy” and “ drill,” who wera also successful in getting away with 360,000 of tho bsuk's funds, and as yet the thieves havo not been apprehended, nor any part of the money recovered. And we might continue to cite a score of instances of the same nature, had we space at our command to do so. But bankers, morchants, and business-men generally, bave, for the past few yoars,fuliy com- prehended the necessity of providing greater se- curity, in the woy of bank-vaults and other con- trivances, for the eafe-keeping of money and other valuables. And we are happy to state that new and valnable inventions are being made which afford increased facilities for the mafe- keeping of eversthing of value. SiTE DEPOSITORIES aro by no means new institutions, a8 burglars for centuries past have found their iuvalnerable walls of stone and iron & barrier betweon them and the coveted prize tney contained. Yet the burglars of to-day are far suporior in their nofarious occupation to those of 100 years ago, and hence the neceesity of an improvement in tho safe depositorics of the presentdsy. It would seem, however, that modern ingenuity 3 -vaults, Jocks, and safes, hus reached 8 point that may well bid defisnce to the'most expert *cracks- man." In this coanection, we will refer tha at- tention of the reader tothe large safe-vaulis emploed in the pawn-shops in THE CITY OF MEXICO. as described by the late William H. Seward in his truvels throngh that country. Those vaults, with their massive stone walls, were con- suructed in the sixteenth century, and tho valu- ables there deposited, noless sooner withdrawn, romnin there forghe term of fitty years, when, 1f not claimed, they are taken out and sold, and the procceds applied_to the liquidation of the vault rent, and the interest accruing thereon. Thus we see that eafe deposmitorics are by no means s modern invention, however perfect modern ingenuity may have made them, for not until_recontly have thoy prove themselves an actual security, and o longer mere experiments. Tiys country can point to & fow of these institu: tions, some of which have succeesfully resisted the combined assaults of burglars and fire, and among the most prominent, we will meution that of the FPIDELITY SAVINGS BANE AND SAFE DRPOSITORY of this city, an institution which, a4 regards both mechanism and manner of construction, fur- mishes tho finest model in the world. This fact is o well recognized that compsnics in_San Francisco, Boston, and even in London, have written for the pluns of these vaults, or have sent their azents to give them porsonal inspec- tion. The * Fidolity,” a8 a guardisn of valus- bles intrusted to its care, has no equal. Its vaults are indeed complete in all their parts and arrangements, and in their eafoty as regards both burglary and fire. Althongh this enormous mass of solid masonry, immenso steel plates, bars, and massive doors is bat » few years old, it is the receptacle of TNTOLD MILLIONS in Government bonds, eurreucy, specie, bullion. certificates, deeds, wills, nozes, mortgages, ab- srracts, ete. It is also employed for the safe- keeping of valuablo jewelry of every kind and drese-goods of great vaiue, All tho means known to modern ecienco and human skill are employed in the construction of theso vaulis. ‘The long experience of our best detectivos, bauk- ers, and safe-manufacturers is woven into them, to thwart the schemes and devices of the pro- fessionn] and daring burglar. In fact, the value of this important acquisition to_the City of Chi- cago cannot be fully aporeciated until seco, snd yet, for the convenience of the reader, wo will attempt A BRIEF DESCRIPTION of this model institution. First, we will state that its construction involved an outlsy of 2125,000. Now we ill go down to the bottom of the concern. Hero we find the substructure composed of solid stone, and forming a ms«s of solid masonry that would seemingly withstand anything but’ an earthquake. Tle bascment walls consist of Leavy masonry aud corrugated iron, thus forming & fonndation for the vaultson the main flcor. The ceiling, sides, and fioor of these vanlts are one solid mass of stone of im- mense thickness. Their Lnings sud_casements are composed_ of six thicknesses of haif-inch altornate hardened and soft steel plates, welded and bolted togetber, formig break-joints, and at the corners are large plaics of the same mate- rial, adjusted in angle form. This metal is 80 hard that eightcon diamond drills employed in a test produced no improssion whatever, although the drills were ‘entirely destroyed. A englo cascment to ono of these vaults weighs 125 tons, while the outer door weighs threo and three-quarters tons. From this, ono can form & fains iden of the amonnt of metal there is to resist any attempt to bresk through. The doors of theso vaults are secured by four Excelsior ~Combination locks, thus retaining in their sock- cts_in the outer door sixteen two-inch boits, while the inner door is_secured by ten bolts of the same dimensions. Betwcen tho outer and inner doors there i3 & spaco of two feot, in- tended as an air-chamber for resiating heat, in case of conflagration, 1t may be proper in this connection to explain tha objcet of two or moro lacks, esch susceptible of many millions of combinations, to tecure esch door. It is mainly for the purpose of ren- dering the vaults inacceesible to_any ono of the cmployes or officers, cach combination being in charge of = different person, each being eutirely iguorant of the other's combination,—thus all must be present in order to_open the vaults. The necessity for this precantion is illstrated in the late rubbery of the Milford Bank in New ‘Hampshire, whers the Cashior was not only forced to roveal the combination, but even to unlock it. Now, if this bank Liad been provided with two or more combination-locks, the forcing of the Cash- jer to roveal ono combination would have been of no avail without securing the persons having a knowlodge of the second, third, or fourth com- binations. The vanlts are guarded by ARMED WATCIMEN both day and night, so that any attempt to force entranco would prove eatiroly futile. This in- stitution contsins eight vaulis i We ex- smined No. G, wkich 1s about 30 feet long, and contains 1,200 metal boxes, cach box being sup- plied with s different koy or combination lock, being thus eafes in themselves. In tius section there are being plnced 800 additional boxes. In tho rear of No. 6 thera is s large retiring-room, for the convenience of renters, ond is €0 con- structed that cach patron can examioe the con- tents of his box unobserved by any one, Above No. 6 is constructed vanlt No. 7, which is maiply usod o8 a dopository for shawls, laces, fine_clothing, and other articles of great value. Vault No. 1 and the jewolers' vsult above pasacd throngh the great fire of 1871, 2nd are now in such a state of preservation that the varnish showa no effect from the hoat what- over. The vault contains 1,068 boxes; intho back of this vault is & large burglar-proof sefo of the McNeale & Urban manufacture, intended for special deposits. In the basement, tho lsrgest vanlt coutsins trunks and other large packages of value. In the vaultin the rear of this is tbe vault in which tne over-faithful watch-dog, *‘Fidelity ™ Passed that dieastrous Oct. 9, 1871. " ** Fidelity” 1s a Nowfoundlsnd, crossed with the St. Bornard, and is always to be Tound at his post from G io the cvening until 7 in the mornivg. - In the southwest corer 8of tho Lasoment iaa vaultin which Thomas B. Bryan, tho founder of the institation, saved his library. The safo-deposit boxes ere within the resch of every oze, aa thoy arc reated 2t _the Jow prieo of from §10 to §75 per vear. Having briefly de- wcribed the safe-depoeitory, we will now call the sctantion of the resder to tha TANEING ANT) SAVINGS DEPARTAENT of tho inatitntion. It would soem almost guper- fluous to utter s gingle wand in the way of in- ducing those 1n modserato circumstances to prac- tice econcmy and thrift by becoming It Pa- g Togular trons of esvings baoks. It is the sure rosd fo oomfart and afflaence: ‘masees from poverty and degradation to a i- tionof comfort and honor. If conducted ou right principles, there is nothiug which has a groater tendency to plsce one_on s higher scale of morality, and is the foundation of any well- E)vnmed commaunity when liberally patronized. the teus of thoussads of clerks, ealesmen, and mechanica who now squander their earmings from day to day and from week to week cowd only be induced to become regular patrons of a savings bank, how changed would be their con- dition! It1athe difference between what one earns and spends, that weaves the cloak of com- fort, and makes one rich. To save the reader from a mathematical calculation of how httle it takes ovory dey to insure s competency we insert the following table: 10 23{ cta per day, in one year, ol s il amounts to, 10 § 10 900 B cta per day, e 3% amounts 20 260 5, 11 ctsperds oy amounts 520 11,690 2734 cts per day, in one year, amounts (o.... ..'100 1,30 29,000 55 cts per duy, in one year, amounts t0... .. 200 2,600 58,000 110 cts per day, in one yesr, amounta to. 400 520 116,000 137 ctaperday, amounts to 500 6,500 145,000 The “ Fidelit overy opportunity for the transaction of business, whether small or large. Itoffers depositors the bhighest rates of interest compatible with gafe and sound banking principles. Interest at the rate of 6 per cent is paid on ail sums, on the lst days of January and July of each year. The institution also acta a8 trustee, executor, administrator, or agent for estates, also makes loans and investments forindividuats. Asan index of the character of tha institution, it is only necessary to refer the reader to ite list of officers, which embraces the following widely and favorably known gentle- men: Jared Gage, Joh: Cnlfl‘ni:flonl:i‘ ok B, T ared Gage, John C. Haines, Fra i . Bhuteldy Judge B 8. Wiliama: ol G OFFICERS. John C. Haines, President; Jared Gage, Vice-Presi- dent; Charles J.” Haines, Cshier; George M. Gage, Assistaut-Cushier, In conclusion we will say that with ita past rocord, and with such able executive talent at its helm, the future of the * Fidelity” must in- deed be prosperous. i R~ = The Argus *‘ Anti-Clinker »? 13 the only perfect base-burning and illuminating par- lor stove made. Substantial and elegant in design, it cannot bo excelled in operation. Baxos Broa., Stata snd Van Buren streets. —— . Our Stove Store. Russoll. No, 144 Wost Madison street. is selling new and second-band stoves at great bargains, Better call there before you buy., Gld stoves taken in exchange. Open evanings. ———— Crockery and Chipa. The immense crockery and china establishment of Abram French & Co., 101 a0d 103 Wabash avenue, ia one of Chicago's greatest attractions, and should be visited by ouc resders in order to be spprecisted. e Pianos for Rent. Fine new T-octave rosewood piancs. Bent momoy deducted if purchased. Prices, $300 fo §700; war- rantsd ive years. Beed's Temple of Music, No. 92 Van Buren atreet. LADIES' UNDERWEAR. Ladies’ Underwear and Corsets. R. H. MDOWELL & (0., 228 West Madison-sti, (CORNER PEORIA.) For the next four weeks ladies will save 40 per cent by buying their Conets, and Cotioas, and Merino Undur- wear at our slore. Wae adrertme no BANKRUPT STOCK. bat will gusraates s grest saving to oar cusiom- ers in this line of . As we deal exclusively in thees goods, o house can undersell us, ~Ladios will remember foat wa refund the money when the £oods don't prove sat- iafactory. The followiog specia] bargatus, among max 1,000 pairs 5-bone French-wove sealess quality. in 4l sizoe, fram 17 (o S, st the low price of 2. 50-bono French Corsets for $1.15, sald else- rin 8. Onr 3 is worth 2.%0; our 75 cent Corset is worth $1.1 cent Coract Is wor:h 31. 1,000 Jadics' Fine Chiemises, with tucked and trimmed eorset-cover bosotas, for 35 ecnts, wortn S1. 1,000 ladies’ extra fine Chomisos, with embroidered aud four rows i sertion, for 50 cents; formor price $1.25. £00 ladies’ Chiemises (Fruit of the Loom cottoa), border and rutile, sloovos aud bands, for 76 cents; formor price $1.50. 500 Indics’ Chomises,” embroidered bosoma, sloois, and Saall. plthIont tows nsertons, i front for 51 worth others: isdies’ Chemisas, with bias-tucked bosoms, and bauds, and rutiles, for §1; sold clsewliers for . 30 Chomises with lace trimmings, for 25 ceats, 1. S shceat JOB LOT, i twonts patteras, ce. An 1,008 ladi stightly soiled, than balf pri immense at 2 stock of ladics' Night Dresses, Drawors, D: . Secques, &c., from 50 centa apwards. e 500 Ladies" §ilk Ties at 10 cents. 1,000 {adies' Kid Glovas, in 0dd numbers, at 45 cents; 50 dozen two-buston Kid Gloves at & cents. Ttomember tho croat Wost Side Ladies' Furnishing R. . \PBOWELL & 00, Coner Pearia and Mdisnis, LADIES UNDERWEAR! WE SHALL OFFER, ON MONDAY, NOV. 2, 60 doz, Plain Chemiseat - - - - - 85¢ 50 dos, Corset Cover do,at - - - - 450 50 doz, Tucked and Buffled Drawers at 350 50 doz, Full Skirts, Tucked,at - - - 50c 60 doz, Bias Front Night Robesat - T5c¢ And & large assortment of the finost good: betos o 8 TS A S oo that doty competttion. THE FAIR, 378 Vel Mol o Aerin HAIR GOODS. GREAT SALE HATR G0ODS! Desirous of reducing our Memmoth Stock of HAIR SWITCHES, we will affer, for the next 30 days, OVER 3,000 REAL _IBP RTED SWITCHES FOR 50 CT8. ON THE DOL- RBEAL HATR SWITCHES for 36, 76¢. $1, $2, $3, &c., &e. Our 810 Bwitches Rtedaced to §5.00. Our 135 Swilches Reduced to7.50. Our 20 Switches Reduced to 10.00. Ouzr B30 Switcaes Reduced to 15.00. Never bofaro was Homan Hair Goods offared at-such & foarfal sacrifice. “THE FAIR TUPORTERS AND MARUPACTURERS, 328 West Madison-st., cor. Aberdeen. POLITICAL. Cacaco, Oct. 19, 164, Poter Daggy, Exq.: Dean Stn: We, tho undersigned, eloctors xad taxpay- a3, residing in the Fifth Ward, mcognizing the Lmpor- tance of having men of exparisace and jntluonce in oor Common Coancil as & matter of grestor intorest (o m thao any political eroad, would respectfally ask permis- |, slon to s your name s an independent candidato for Alderman 2 tho omming moalciyalslection = ; . Burbank, Alezandir Cook, I oy ety b, Jamee lakes, I 7. J. W. 'v"u']v. der Graat, D. B. Georga B e A TSy 51 o, YicConnelL, J. V- Stascaa, Molert Stewart, and %4 other taxpayers. LLE;ICAGO, Oxc;.ll, lE;ild_” havo prrsantod im’with 8’ ca nomanusy ;rdwb ‘”bpcnne:: cizens of tae Vifth B ot ool a4 Liberty L Jznore ity becauso ply setting up my 1ndividaal mudgmont Joaion i expetie SN ey, Yo et d o 2 oty oavised ot ‘my formot exporince ta thd Gomman in your t “sad ebcdient servant, = PETER DAGGY. FIRE INSURANCE. DRY GOODS. - NIAGARA PRICES ON DRY 600DS Fire Tusmrance Co, Ve B OF NEW YORK. Cash Assets, $1,400,000.00, Tnvested in U, S. Bonds, over $700,000.00. Tosses Paid, over $4,000,000.00. 23 YEARS' PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. The “NIAGARA” IN- SURANCE COMPANY is not liable for any Pol- icy or Renewal issued | after 1st January, 1874, by the “UNDERWRIT- ERS AGENCY,” so call- BEVERIDGE & HARRIS, Managers Western Department, 116 & 118 LaSalle-st., CEIICA.GO.- SAVINGS BANK. The Marchants', Farmers', and Mechanics’ SAVINGS BANK, T8 Clark- 5 West Side 0fice, 0ld CourtHouse THE BUSINESS OF THIS COR~ PORATION is confined exclusive- 1y to the receipt and care of Sav- ings Deposits and Funds for In- vestment. No commercial or gen- eral banking business transacted. SUMS AS SMALLAS ONE DOL- LAR reccived from any person, and a bank book furnished. MARRIED WOMEN and minor children may deposit money so that no one else can draw it. INTEREST at the rate of 6 per cent per annuim, is paid on sums of One Dollar or more. THOSE DESIRING TO INVEST their savings upon real estate se- curity at a higher rate of interest than can be safely paid on Savings Deposits, should call at this Bank and examine its INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES. SYDNEY MYERS, Manager. DINING RCOM. ANDERSONS NEW DINING-RODH, 111 Magdison-st., Chicago. Breakfast and Supper Bill of Fare. 15 3Muttoa Cho) 15 Yeal Catlets. 5 Litor and Bacon... 15 > 15 16 15 2 5 1 H i 20 5 15 £ 35 B 10 ? Waseh Crina: 0 2o uckwhest Cakios, Jo ¥riod Alash.. 10 5 10 B BUCKSKIN UNDERWEAR. THE GREAT PRESERVER OF HEALTH. FIGLEDaA ravention aod. car of HILFUMA- T3l NEURALGIA, BRONCHITLS, SORE THROAT, LUNG DISEASIS, and_ various diseasns causod by ‘morit the astentin of ovesy Goe bealth and real cummiart. ELMER & HOYT, Corner Manroe and Markes-sts. 298 & 300 West Madism-t, Lower than any FIRE SALE or BANKRUPT STOCK. Here are a few of the prices, and the entire stock 1s equally low: Heavy AlLWool Beaver Furs, finlsh, for S3 periyard, || worth 4.50. Msuwrhr Dross Goods ju all new shades for e, worth cta. & Pioe quality Black Alpscs, e, worth 45c. ;:zu puro E:ol Cashmorow, 31, worth por glish Cassimores, for men's Wear, s grest bargals, onty $1.50 per yard. Heavy Blankets, 83 per patr. Heary Comfortables, st §2and §2.55, Good Red Flannels for 3. L;dm‘ and Geats' Shizts and Drawers, &I, worth §1.50 each. Black Waterproof, very good, only 5. Velveteens, superior finish, 66 por yard. ;u; clog:‘vmou. at 84.50 and upward. ‘aisley Shawls, from suction, a great drtve, and 12, worth $15 and 3%. iy lz;;lblh Blaaket Shawls at 5, 37, xad S8, worth 97, 9, and 311, : Xflluk Silks at 81, $1.35, $1.50, sad $2, musch balos valuo. ‘Beaver Cloaks for $5, ususl price 88. Beavor Cloaks for §10, nsual price 315, Beavar Cloaks for $12, nsaal price 315. Cloaks and Saits to order in first-class style at short. tice and for West Side prices. o b ~ Velvet Cloaks & specialty. REMEMBER THE ADDRESS, 298 & 300 WEST MADISON-ST. GROCERIES. GROCERIES! Buy your Groceries at Headquarters for Cash, and save 10 T0 30 PER CENT. Bost St Louis Whits Winter Wheat Flour, $8.00 Choice Missori Wiile Winter, - - 750 The Celehrated Hinnesota Patent, .00 to 10.00 Chaice Mimnesota Sprivg, - - - 600 EVERY BARREL GUARANTEED. Just received, 1,000 boxes New Valencia Raisins, 15¢ per pound; New Zante Currants, 8c per pound; German Mottled Soap, $4.00 a box. Kingsford's and Duryee’s Silver and Satin Gloss Stareh, in 6b. Boxes, - - - - - 6B Diamond 1oss, in 6-b. Boxes, Price’s Baking Powder, i 5Ib Cas, 406 per I, Royal Bakinz Powder, In 5 Cass, 40¢ Jer I, Royal Baking Powder, in Bulk, - 35 per I. Depot for Imported and (lear Havana Oigara C. H. SLACK, Wholesale and Retall Groger, 109 East Madison-st. Orders from the country will re- ceive prompt attention. GENERAL NOTICES. WATER TAX. EHLANNUAL WATER TAX DUE NOV. 1,1874. Qrrice or TEE BOARD oF PrsLic WORKs,) Cuicaco, Oct. 19, 1sH. '§ ‘Notice is hereby given that the Board of Pablic Workse 70 ausessed the amounts to be paid as wate: rents or as- semments for the six_months commencing Nov. L, 1874, 15 onding May 1, 1875, and the same aro her-by declared 10 be due and payabls on the first day of November neat, i3t the office of e Board of Public Works, inthe Cit) "Hall, corner of LaSalle and Adams-sts. As required by the city chartor, the water tax is assoss. +2d snd s & lien on &ll lots of land wbich abat or ld{aln any .street, avenue, nrnlhx mmnih ‘which the water D! gfl aro 3 bavo a buil ln{er ulldings thereon. whether ithe c 55 used in such bailding or onsuch lat or not. 1f not paid during Novembor, 10 per cont will be added 20 the water rent on ali lots where tho water is L. On the water assessmcnts on lots where the watar is ool ‘wsed a discount of 20 per cent will be made, if the same i paid during Novomber. R PRISDIVILLE, J. K. THOMPSON, LOGIs WAHL, Board of Publts Works. To Vessel Owners and Masters. We, the undersignod propristars and managers of tug- boats towing on thy Cdicago River and vicinity, hereby give notice that, on and altor Nov. 1, 183, the foliowiak Sow ratos of dircount will bo made from fail tasiff ratos, “tiz. : Oa bills paid within 3 days from data of tow, 13008 discount frum fall tarifl rate; on bills paid af {1ase, and withia 9 days from data of tow, 10 por cent jount from fall tarfl ratos; 1f not paid withis 50 day ‘dlscount from rates. On all bllls made In 197¢ orevions to Nov. 1, and paid bofore Jan. 1, 163, 20 par dent discount from Fall tariif rates: if not pald betcre Jaa. Do discount from fall tariff rates. % At :A. Barton. ‘Agt Burton's Line; A. Sevort, Agt Sevort & Shields fi50; E- Van Dolson, Agt tugs’F. 3. Eatler, A. Millor, and C. Nelsony T, H. Sith, Azt togs A. L. Siith and Martin Grezn; L. Wilson, Agt tug Monitor; E. Warner, Agitag A. Hustaphieve, ‘Chieago, Nov. 1, 184, RECEIVER'S SALE. {ace, snd tho sals o ma idder for cash. Bids will be received for the whols or any partof the above stock of ‘and fistares. The Tavoreo may bs examined at &3 5d 45 State-si. by persons dexiring to parchase. undenigned 1sectos the Hght to rejeot aay and all bide. GEORGE A. HEAD. Racetver. SCALES. FAIRBANKS’ STANDARD SCALES ‘or ALL xixDS. A FAIRBANKS. MOREZE & 00. 111 & 113 Lake St., Chicago. Be careful to buy anly the Genuine. ISCELLANEOUS, TR, GRAXFS FLUD LIGHTNING, B B e Hostoain. " Cares’alt Nervous Peins. BOARD POR THE WINTER ey T R T {eranoes e Sown of Lake. changod. Address, {all particaluss, Trands Houss, Unlea MEDICAL. NO CURE! BEFH Dr. Kean, 360 SOTTIL CLARK-ST., CIIICAGO, iy physician Lo the €ity W00 WAFTADLS crras or B0 D3Y- el are. S e 54 b+ Sandags from 3 th L2 OBSTACLES TO MARRIAGE. ‘Fapoy Reliof for Young slen from the efects of Erro e o e R T R taroa Lt o 2o vl Airous HOWARD AZSOC v1ed envelopos. o 2 ST10% 59 Noreh, Natbat., Fhisdelphis, Pe.,—a3 lo- Stitaslod having a hizh repuiation faf Kondiabls e=ausk = = o B o