Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, December 27, 1874, Page 9

ATES RESET he ie, ine Ate TTR EE THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1874--SIXTEEN PAGES. 9 — yetate Dy aotrustee, and no ccrrapt 2dministra- sorof ci:7 or county affairs must count upon the forgiven’ of his eins because he knows bow to ‘This depends not fcith bet upon his works. - ‘a radical improvement is possible resent City Government, or whether ccs: gary to have another form of Gov- 3a question on which opinions differ. rems to ug certain: that a much more condition for our improvement than tform cf City Government is tho reg- ation in the administration of city oncrebie and capable men,. wel he varied relations of the communi cd tu regard it almost a diszraco to be the Common Cotncil, no change in our City Government will be of the benefit. Sa 73a German Baron Dx Donner trav- @ States recently, and he has pock, as well ca writing one. This German Baron is‘a man of keen observation, as already roted, having taken in and digested our entiro onal ci wrecter in al! aspects and peculiarities ina few weeks. Unfortunately, in opening his ears for fects and his eyes for realties, he has heard dud sen much that never exieted. Among ciker *onderfal discoveries mado by this ob- servant person is one of great diplomatic import- szce, aud, £2 the Baron is a diplomatiet, it will be wefal to Lim, He saya that the general be- lef in (2a country with regard to the Geneva avs :d is that “* England has capitulated, gad owned ‘:erself in the wrong. Nothing more " 1éthe astute Baron has really como gevosd 4 per ‘on entertaining any such opinion, it isnot snrpi‘sing that he made 2 note of it. Is vould rath: have become bim, however, to class this person 2mong the large number of lunatics st largo in the States than to haze any conclu- sion uyon te statement. But what can bo ex- pected of a man who wroto up New York City, its principe! features, municipal legislation, fa- mozs plsze:, theatres, society, and influence upon the coavtry et large, ond several cities thereof, fre thirty-six hours’ sojoarn thore. sion must havo supplied him wth mm tothe Alabama business as lib- emily os in (30 es3sy on New Yorl:, Baron Hvn- NER was citLar a pitiabie Innocant Abroad, or a painful genc cali PERSONAL, J. W. Baily, near Biskeeburg, recently killed s golden eay:e, and boasts of it. " ‘According {0 Punch, Gladstone has abandoned the works of Homer for those of Pope. ‘The Bishop of Galway directs his clergy to grant ebsolution to nobody who ells liquor on Sanday. An En: nobleman 1s said to runs variety theatre at Deaver. This would be elevating the singe, if it were not a fabrication. Bismarck protests against Sardou’s padded cell a, “La Haine.” If it resembles “ L’Oncle commen rerse will side with Bismarck. 2 school-teschers devote an hour o day uctica in the habits and customs of the epper. Jobo Si ‘1 is eo jealous of our reception of the Bing of Hawaii that the Sultan of Zanzibar is to be ciesned tp and clothed for a visit to En- gisnd. Lynch-iaw is working frightful havoc in Ken- t homes. All the children are trying to baaz one a other, and spanking bas proved hopelessly ineffectual. * Atseiril-scrvice examination at Washington, alaiy wheo xsked what clerical experience abe had had, replied: “Very little, as I only joined the Chuich last week.” The Obz2r, a newspaper published at Agram, in Croatia, gives the occupations sa well as nameg cf dezcased persons. These may bocalled isterestiag Obzorvations. Datlor’s mother deaigned him for the ministry. Butler “costing out Beelzebub” would have Wrought kavoo in Hades. We bave Scriptoral warrent for supposing so. If Potter Palmer and Col, Fred D. Grant wouidsne the Chicago Times for libel, they. would be doing an unpleasant duty, but s duty nevertheless. —Independent. Dayas, a ssloon-keeper of Fort Dodge, Ex-Senetor Harlan was once chicuit-rider under him. * Louisville, relying entirely upon the intelligent jery, no longer resorts to mob law. This is why tke ringers of auction-bells go unhung. But there is a Hezeafter.— Courier-Journal. Weston, tae pedestrian, sues Wilkes’ Spirit lor caiting him a fraud. The reason he has walked off on hia ear is that he will be able to “tako longer stepa and make better time. Arérew Bztes, of Hanover, Mass., captured 2,000 skunks this year, and, as the skins brought him 318 a dozen, he docsa’t care how much peo- ple turn up their noses at him.—Courier-Jour- zal, “Yeth, thir, if you yon’t eat me,” was the immbling reply of a chubby little boy whom Eing Kalekeus took up in his arms, and asked fcr a kiee, in the corridor of a San Francisco hotel, ASt. Lozis policeman arrested two Chinamen for gambling. He looked through the shutters tnd saw them shaking something io a brass bot- e. Tao poor heathous were only mizing a pro- ‘etintion. Breaker Blaine, observing that (pardon the Perpemal mention of his name) Kalakaua did 2otknow what to do with his hands st a reception, _ Udi ehook them and kept the King from look- tng ankward. Dean Stenley’s wife is a poreonsl friend of Qeen Victoria, He came nearly being the hus- band of 2 queen—of song, for he hed a sneak- 2g attachment for Jenny Lind, which the can- An affer of a delicate nature prevented Bret Rarte’s going to Oregon, Dil., to lecture. Not decause ke would rather bear the ill he had, but decenee he wanted to seo how it looked after be- 2g dresead and cradled. Ascn of Daniel G. Maynard, of Esst Long- besdow, Mass., tried to clean-out the teachers wf the grammar-school, and as he failed his hither threatened to teach the young ides to hoot the School-Board. Ben Batler nos been called » good many hard tamesin the course of his career, but it was re- ferred for ¥ Drych, a New York Welzh paper, toapply to him the wilting epithet of “Ymd- daogocodd y Cad Butler.” Somebody told a St. Lonis man 15 years ago ths population of Chicago was under 400,- The rumor has just becomo generally ce nd 315 pages bave been torn out of the est St, Louis directory. Glendenning bos preached his tirst sermon "nce bia arrest, andthe honse was, of course, emia. His text was, “Cast thy burden on a Lard,”—a recommendation he seems to bare loilaved out rather too literally. ious was acurions law-suit at State Contre, , the other day. Mr. Snider had a Mr. Mitten Seated for patting a crooked pin in his seat in ;tsths and tho examioation before the magis- }a'e was held with closed doora. aa Judd, of Springfield, ifaes., carricd Scorate of potassium in ‘nis vest pocket. And {et the explosion ceased Hr. Judd was there, rtthe looked as though he had juat come off ‘Ee stage in “The Black Crook.” The Indianapolis News publishes this singular a : “Why was Councilman Twiname, who the brick-work on the No. 6 Engine-Honse, Pointed by the Mayor one of the Commities Miia Examination and Reception?” the credo cf some xational-political. ALAMEDA. A Man with More “Stamps” than Sharon ‘or Cabral. ; He Regards a Couple of Hundred Billions as a Mere Bagatelle. | i What He Has Got Laid-Up for a Rainy Day. Thirty Bushels of Diamonds Already on } Hand, and an Ariesian Well | Continually Spouting | More, | A Modern Croesus Who Proposes Even- | tually to Buy the World. To the Editor of The Chicaso Tribune: Lexineton, Ill., Dec, 24—I have o friend afflicted with that cureless disease, consumption, who has been traveling for years; not in search of the Fountain of Youth, but in quest of a climate where the air is absolutely pure, and nas the power (only believed in by consumptives) to make worn-out lungs AS GOOD AS NEW. My fnond has traveled much. He ia very hope- ful. Iremeimber with what a mournfal emile I | contemplated his hopefulacas and jollitr wheo he started for Ital: “Ab! Henry,” said ho, “Italy is a delightful country. When I travel benesth its beautiful skies; visit. its ancient: cities; seo its St. Peter's, its Colosseum, its Tower of Pisa, its beau- tiful and enchavting Venice, its pictures by the old masters; and breathe its salubrious cir, Iehall come back with a new pair of lungs.” He went under the delusion of conaumptives, Writing mo from Venice, he said “that Italy haddono him some good. Ho had heard that Switzerland was tne Mecca of consumptives, and he would go there.” He traveled all over Switzerland. Whon ‘at Goneva, he wrote mo that Switzerland was most picturesque and de- ] lightful, but ho was satiafled the climate of France would. benefit him more. He went to France; fromthere to Cubs; from Cuba to Florida; and from there he came home. He had not been st home long until some one told him that’ California hsd the best climste in the world for consumptives. He was off atonce. He has been thera about a year. A few days ago I received from hima very eingu- Jar letter. Although it wes in violation of his express wish, Iam compelled, in view of certain facts stated in it, of GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THIS GOVERNMENT and the world, to give it to the public. ‘Lhe fol- Jowing is a copy: San Dreco, Dec, 15, 1874.—My Very Dear Friesp Hevzy: Your Isst affectiorate letter reached moe ot this superb old town. I spent September and October in Upper California, and had been hero about 2 month when your loving message came, Ab! my dear Honry, this is a magnificent country. Italy will not compare with it. Tho air is co galubrious and invigorating. Tho days are hot and tne nights cool, aud the breezes from the sea most refreshing. I wish you were with me toenjoy everything. While You are freezing m Dlivois, our days aro hike thogo of June; verdant fields delight our eyes, and our olfactory nerves are thrown into ecsta- sies by the perfume of ror2s und the odor of dowers. Ob that I could live elways in this dreamy, fietless Jand! ‘The rconey bere is as grand and romantic as anywhere in Europe. Bat the main purpose of thia letter is to ac- quaint you with asiagular advontare I had yes- terday, and a singular man I met. East of the coast range of mountains, at this point, are many delightful aad picturesque val- leyg, interspersed among the foot-hills. ‘hese are highly fertile, aud afford rich and luscious pasturage for many thonsends of caztle. In one of there valleys, about 40 miles from San Diego, lives a Spanish geutleman namod EMILIO ALAMEDA. When I first came here, 1 heard rumors of his immonse wealth. I frequently heard wen say, “If 1 were as rich as Alameda I would do this or that,” I gethered the following particulars cou- cerning him: His romote auceazora were among the firse sottlers of Californis, coming here iu Br ‘He was born upon theeztate whore he now resides; isa gentleman of culrureand literary tasto Many years ago he turned his. attention to the raising of esttle. My informant represented his finaucis! conditioa in this way: Iie owns tea beautiful valloys, containing three hundred aud ninety-seven thousand acres, and other land in the hills to the amount of three hundred thou- sand acros. His isnd is worth forty millions. Ou this ho is grazing annual!y four hundred thousand head of cattie, five hundred thousand sheep, and two hundred thousand horses. His annual income, clear of sli expenses, has been about thirty millions, derived from the sale of ive stock. He is constantly ouying lnod to accommodate his herds. He is principal owner of three of the "richest Mexican silver mines, which yield him the enor- mous sum of one handred millions each annually. Ho hasan immenee sugar plantation in Cuba; one of the largest tea-farma in China, which employs fifty thousand hands; and owns ten milbon acres of lend in Australia, upoa which eoveral gold mitnes aro in operation. He is in- tereated in cinnaber mines, and is said to bea dormant partner of aman calied Cabral in tho richest diamond mines of South America. It is said bo bas stock in every railway in the United States and Europe. His ivtereste, outside of Cal- ifornia and Mexico, aro estimated at A HUNDRED AND FIFTY DILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, When a gentleman told me this story, I laughed in bis face, and told him it was impossi- Die for any one man to besorich. ‘ Go and sce him,” said_be, ‘‘and be will confirm evory statement I have made. Ho isa gectloman of culture, dispenses a generous. hospitality, and hasavery boantiful daughter.” I resolved to visit thia Crassus, and. sccordingly sot ou: tho next day after hearing the wonderful story of hia wealth. On the way towards bis chateau I traveled through a cvarming country and ro- ‘mantic scenery, and enjoyed myself excoedingly. On the ovening of the socond day I neared the chateau of Alameda, As I came near it, I was deeply im- preseed with the romantic beauty and fildness of the surrounding hilis and valleys a lovelier pot was never acen by human eyes; nothing in Switzerland can compare with it in grandeur or rude beauty, Io the midst of a acene sublime, on an elevated plain overlooking a@ beautiful lake, sat bis chacelet. It was nota chateau en Expague, but ‘A BEAL, ACTUAL CASTLE in Csliforaia, with battlements, bartizang, aod barbacan. These battlemouts, bartizans, and barbacan,'scem to Lave been constructed more for the ornament of the building than for defongive purposos. It is @ grand building, and sppeared quite large cnough to quarter a regiment of soldiers, As I approached the entrance to the Caatle, I heard from window the touching and melancholy tones of a luto, accompanied by the sweot voice of s female. T entered the gates, rode to the porter's lodge, avd inguired if a stranger could be entertained atthe chateau over night. The porter politely informed me that Alameda was delighted to ex- tend his hospitality to strangers, end forthwith Ied me into the mansion and into the presence of ‘Alameda. He received me cordially, said he was delighted to offer me the shelter of his poor roof’ and introduced me to hie lovely daughter. T pass over most that was said at my introduc- tion'to thia remarkable man, and will attempt to givo you a description of the INTERIOR OF THIS CRESUS’ RESIDENCE. T can ecarcely myself believe that. what I write jg the wrath, although I saw all that I shell tell you of. Thero are in all 201 rooms in this @hateau, every one of which is farniehed in tho most msgnificent and eplendid manner. There aro 20 salons, 40 dining-rooma, 80 sleeping rooms, 60 boudoire for his daughter, aud one bridal’ chamber, which is being ' prepared for the marriago of bis daughter, and will not be finished for some time yet. The cu- ary department is eeparsted from the castle. ‘ach one of thee rooms is furnished iv Orien- | talatyle. The sppoistments of the grotto on the island of Monte Christo are commonplace in comparison. The flocrs aro covered with Per- sian cerpets; the walls are decorated ino simple manner with camel’s hair shawia and Gobelin tapestry. The ceilings are of tortoiso ehell, in- laid with diamonds, In each room are lounges, sofse, divans, and ottomans, from the best you poiug to do with all tais wealth ? years have pa sixty bushels of diamonds, then tic. ‘. AsTleft tbe gates of tho castle, Inez came to me, and whispered, “For Heaven's eako eay nothing about what you have seen. you are a dead man." I rode home wi:hont stopping. you, Hutter at Alameda’s. soon. In the meantimo, let us pray that he may never be able to cairy ont his fell purpose. Your loving friend, figare! I 5 levy, at which aunouncement Le did the clothes upholaterers ‘in the world. In covery win- dow thors is cunningly concealed an olin harp with pollen plays a tane of supernal eweetness at the bid- | Ging of every breeze. Kinds of wood are ured in eath room. Alameda told me that for each room, although he econo- mized clozely, he was compelled to make an out- Jay of four millions‘ond cighty-seven thousand dollars, excepting the bridal chamber, which is Five hundred different untinished. Wh3n completed, it wili cost A TRIFLE OVER TWENTY-SEVEN MILLIONS. ‘Wis daughter Inez was charming. She speaks three lanzuages, and, I am sure, would delight you in Spanish. ‘After eupner ee played on the Piano and sang. Mer voici very tine. I must not forget to mention that her piamo was inlaid with dismonda, aud cost ia London tive hundred thouvand pounds sterling. When bis daughter retired for ths evening, I talked in quite a familiar manner with Alameda fer several hoars. Ife told me mucu about his lustory and Low he had risen from poverty to present easy circunstonces ; told me about building his chateau, and tho cost ,of it, given sbove. Hoeaid ho lad a peculiar reason for building it, and might tell me before I Ief.. Alter we hal tatkea for a considcrable time, I frantly told lum that the only ab- ject {£ had in visiting him was to as- vertain, if certaia statements I had heard con- corning his wealth were true. Ithen gave him a detailed statement of his wealth a3 io d to me, and, when I had finisbed, ho replied, w: the utmost indifference, ‘** What you have heard is perfectly correct ; but that part of my wealth fat you have heard of, aud what you bave seca in my poor house, is nothing—a mere pittance— (A DAGATELLE. Como with me, and I willshow you my reserve Tunds,—what I have laid up for a wot day.” 1 followed him down eeveral flights of stairs, tod we at last landed 1m a great cellar, brilliantly lighted, in the centre of which was au artesian well witich threw up a largo strcam of water about 10 feet high. The water fell back into a basin having a fine sieve at tho bottom, through which it parsed into pipes, and was carried out of the building into a lake. Ilooked at all this in amazement. “There ia nothing peculiar about artesian wells geucrally,” -said Alameda, “but there is about this one. It is four thousand fect deep. One end of it you see; tho otber end is at the middlo of 2-diamond mine, end this well ia constantly pumping up diamonds.” I ehuddered, aud began to suspect that he was in- eano. ‘Did you ever see crystalized carbon?" said Alameda. ‘Look here!” and he went to tho basin, and grasped a handful of glittering convex pebbles. ‘Hero are your monometric gems! Here are your diamonds of the tirst wa- ter! ‘This well gives me six busheisa year. It lias been running five years. I dreamed there wag a diamond mine down there, and I dug it, and buils this exstle over it. Come and look at wy littlo etoel ‘T began to think it was all a dream, and fol- lowed him without a word, Ilo went to the side of the celler, and opencd a largo iron door ten feet thick; and I followed him: into a vault aboat sixty feot log. A chandelier hanging in the centre gave suSicient light tosce all over the yamit. Isawa great pilo of shining, glittering pebbles, nt the farther end of the vault. Ala- meda walked up tothe pile and said, ‘Hero is the miserable pittance my woll has given me in fivoyeara. flore are THIRTY BUSHELS OF DIAMONDS of tho first water. ‘Thirty bushels! Look at them! Doyon seo them? Ain't they beauties ? Don's they sine? Gods! don’t they. glisten ? Tm afraid they will put my eyes out!” — He ran to the pile, xnd dasied a scoop shovel into thom, filled it, and tossed them up to the roof. They fell in a great ehower, and almost blinded mo with their brilliancy. “* What do you think they aro worth ?” exid Alameda "I took samples of thom to tho best lapidarv in Amsterdam, and be said thay were worth half s million apiece. A gill measure will hold five thousand of them.” “tn the namo of Heaven!" said what are “Why,” said he, and, while he spoke, I no- ticed a hbethsh lustre in his oye, “when fivo when this vault contsins HEN 1 WILL BUY THE wort! 7 I will buy North and Socth Amesica, Europe, Asie, and Africa, Auetrelia and Oceauica. will buy this entire globe!” When [ saw his purpore, I was go horrified, so overwholmed with fear, that I immediately faint- ed. When I recovered consciousness, I was Iv ing in one of his besatiful salons, evd Alameda was standing neer me, looking penaively into my face. As soon as I could speak, I eaid, “My horse! my horse! I must go to Sau Diego.” Alameda said nothing, but signed to a domes- In a few moments my horse was ready If you do, Say nothing about what I havo told my dear Henry. I am in a perfect of excitement ovor what I saw I mill write you more about it Pav PINceNeY. I believe Alameda to be A DANGEROUS MAN, and I think that the Government ought at once seize his diamonds, and apply them to the ray- ment of the National debt. Pincknoy’'s statements I have not a doubt. Of my friend Heyy VINCENT. —_-—___ A Sargain in Napier. Charles Wargen Stoddard’s Navics Letter in San Francisco Chronicle, Have yon ever made a bargain in Naples? I have been oyeing ight cashmere suits for three days past, ond this moruiug mada a parclaso, tho nature of which I shall ever ceaze to mar- vel at., An Italian friend Laving volunteered to agsist at the ceremony, we eutered a gentleman's fornishing establishment, the proprietor of which greeted ua_with fraternal warmth. What would L have? Only command him aud I would be served with the utmost expedition. I wanied a light euit, such as a fellowiaight wear through ahot month and then throw out the window. ‘Ab, yes! he had tle very article ; and with that he roiled the clerk off from the counter, where he was sound asleep, and pulled down an sva- Ianche of ready-made garments, Thoy wero not stylish, but they would do. I ‘selectod what soemed the least objectionable of the lot, and approsched that delicate subject, the prico thereof. Beppo beamed upon me; I don’t know what his name was, bat it might easily have been Beppo. Beppo said, ‘Ouly 70 fiancs for that complete and lovely outiit.” It struck me that tho price was reasonable, and I wag about to settle the bill when my friend plucked me by the coat-nieeve with au expros- sion of horror, and exclaimed, ** You must nev pay. the price asked you; make him au offer!” woudered if he would fee! insulted were I to suggest 65 francs as a fair bergain. Again iny frieud saved me from a diagraceful sacrifice. “Offer the feilow 90," said he. I offored 30 franes and expecied to be stabbed on the spot. Bat no; Beppo thought it a cruel thing for so excelleut a gentleman us myvalf to thus rob him of “the finest suit of clothes in Naples at that He would take 50 fraucs and nothing upina parcel. “Make it 32 frauca aud stick there!” ‘This was tho last utterance of tho moni- tor at my elbow, and when I obeyed orders with -the calm deliberation of one who proposes to fight it out on that live, poor Beppo bu:st into tears and pload his cause. This was too much for a man with a large family aad no mean stomach; he might, owing to tho fact that he had secretly admired me ever since my arrival io Naples, maxo it 40 franca; but friendshic, un- selfish, and undying frioudsuip, alone prompted the generous act! With that annouucement my friend took me by the shoulder and walked mo out of the ostabliahment. We didn't go far: wo tarried about the threshold fora moment, and I was once more seized ond walked back ‘again, while Beppo embraced me tenderly, and cried with much emotion, “Take them for 85 francs—take them; I am a_ ruined man, but I wonld not have you go ont into’ the world naked and forlorn’ for the eake of afew sous!" Feeling by this time that I wos quite a brute, I reaolved to brass it ou, and, therofore, put down my 92 francs, which Peppo recetved without 2 murmur. A tragedy in tive acts could nut have zo woried upon my feclings gs did the picture of Beppo weeping in the midst ef o numerous and starving family, and this pic- tare haunted me as I left that unhappy spot. A moment later Beppo was ut my sido bexging that T would allow bim the price of « giase of wine,— only G sous! freely given; bat as I turned the corner cioge at hand. Beppo was still watching me, end I saw then thet there ways twinkle in.bit seemed to say, the best of vou, my boy.” is pasted togetax starch; but time is fleeting, and perhaps I euall «daa into cooler latitudes in seazon to save myself. It was conscienes money, snd was is eye that After all thia shopping Ihave Of course tue cloth and the buttons putoa with A Snake in His Boots. From the Troy Presz. A few mornings ago, Joe Niles, of North Ben- nington, pulicd on bis doot, which he bad ev outin the woodshed the evening before. He says he "felt something kindercold aud squashy like about his toes, and couldn't think what the plegue hed go: intew lus boots." but he went out and milsed tive or six cows. to the honse his toes ‘kept tickling so Le couldn’t +tand it,” so he took off his poot, ran in his band, and pulicd out a brown snake 2 feet Tong, that he bad shoved into the toe of bis boot. Joe don’t put hia boots in the woodshed any more, and sends a ferrot down into them covery morning to make suro that no uaweloomo atringa, that | visitor has crawled in over nighk When he gat back METROPOLITAN MODES. Holiday Goods Very Low..- New Year’s Calls and Clothes. Beautifal Reception Gowns for Blondes and Bronsttes—Black Velvet. Wide- ly Prevalent in the Toilette. Yelvet Petticoats Superseding Silk--- Street Hose Striped in the Same Shade as the Costume. From Our Own Correspondent. New Yorn, Dec. 24—Rapid. people that wo are, wo are already taluing more of Now Year's, its calls and clothes, than of Christmas, which bas not set come. Indeed, the Christmas oxcite- ment really culminates before the 25th, when tho fast of the preperations are made, the last present bought, the last wreath bung. Ido not think present-making is s@ goneral this year as usual; nor is tne class of gifts so expensive as it often is, I donot remember a year when the holiday-trade has hung off so long, or been so dull. All reports to the contrary, business fs as stagnant ag it well can be at this season. In shops whore usually one has to bail the clerks over two or three tiers of heads, one is now al- most entreated to buy; and in no place is there any special crowd. Goods of all linds, ornamental, usefal, and combining both qualities, aro marked at very low raies,—rates 60 very tempting as to magnetize a good deal of money out of people's pockets who at first had no intention of spending it. All gorls of clothing are cheap, and materiala—such as ailks, eatine, velvets, Jaces—aro remarkably 80; while, for those who can afford to purchase and lay away, this ia s harvest-time. It1s probable that, while on NEW YEARS, calling will be even more yoneral than last yoar, elaborate table-sctting will be much rarer. In fact, for every kind of entertainment the re- freshmeuts grow simplor and more wholesome every senson. The receptions where regular suppers sro given bear no greater proportion than ono in twenty to those where 4 Little eelad, and scalloped or poulotte oysters, with coffee, ivos, and cake, served in the drawing-room at intervels during the evening, form the refection. ‘This is the pleasanter as well as the less expen- sive custom. No ordinary dining-room is capa- ble of holding, with any degree of comfort, from one to two hundred guests in evening-dress ; tho break of 8 genoral move to the suppor-room is always awkward, ond certain vague sense of approaching departure renders the guests less easy and animated afterward ; whereas the refreshments served in the drawing- room are an incidental part of the entertaio- ment. Every guest may help himself when he chooses, or uo: at all, without being conapicu- ous, He may converse ‘with satisfaction while hho partakes of hts salad, or be may move about without reference to avy particular lady. All this bas little todo with New Year's, ex- cept that it shows bow the fashion of “feeding” ig changing. Many Isdies confino their New Yesr’s table to cake aud wine, or cako, sand- wiches, and coffee; while many who used to have refreguments have none at ail. Wine is quiotly, but surcly and steadi- ly, disappeering ‘from _refreahment-tables, especially at New Year's, It is almost tho ex- ception to seait now ; aud, where it is offered, ivis generally coniined to claret, or some other light wine. ‘Treacherous champagne iy rapidly receiving congeg, aud promises not long to be the favorite it has bees. As I have said before, , THE TOILETTES for New Year's are more and more medium in character, bear more the appoarauce of dinnor- dresa, oud less that of evening-dress. Gentle- men ‘adopt morning-costumo of dark, double- breaated frock-coat and vest, with light trousors ; and !ad.es do not outshine them. Isaw, the other day, s beauiiful gown for s pretty brunette to reccive in on the First, which is so intense in color and style that it will require ll her positiveness of feature to sustain it, The materials are cardi- nal-red gros-grain and black velvet. The train is guite Jong, and rather sharply rounded ia the back, It has two straight bresdths, vvo gores each side, as woll oa the front breadch. The skirt ig untrimmed across the back; but from the frovt of the second gore turns back a yery wide revors of black velvet (the skirt being silk), and back again on the velvet revers fulds a narrow ono of silk. The petticoat, thus simu- lated by the revers, is of tho silk, with a fnger- wide knife-plaiting of silk across the bottom. Above this, two-inch bands of black velvet, their width apart, are laid from the middle of the front breadth, in a sort of curved herring-bone, to the revers,—cunaing bows of velvet and silk concealing the meeting in trot. ‘Che waist is a jacket not quite tizat—that is, not as close a a cuirase—of wils, with ashort, plain, ronud bagque. The neck is cat in a deep, slender V, with a vol- yet collar, an inch wide and standing behind, and turned back in revera in front. The slooves are velvet, and tight to sho arm, witha triple cuit of silk and velvot. A full ruff of Mechlio lace ig in tho oock, and Geop rufflesof theeame falling back over the cuff, with narrow edge toward the keod, aro in the sleeves. ANOTHER LECKPTION-DRESS, for a bionde, is much simpler andnoless clegant than the ona above. It is pale, sulvers-blue failte, with ostrich-fringes. The train ie of me- dium length, and all the back of it en- tirely unornamented. The tablier, cousist- mg of the front breadth and gores on each side, is poffed--the puffs drawn on soft corda—from’ the boit to within eight inches of the bottom, Tho puffs sro about a finger wide atthe belt, increasing to twico the width at the bottom. ‘I'he lower edge of the puffed tablier naturally faila in sccllops, whic aro bordered by ostrich-fringe,—the same shade as the dreas,— aud fall over an eight-inch sbirred flounce at the bottom, A cord, of course, comes between the puffed aud plain breadths, and thus finishes them, A series of black volvot bows—the lower one quite large, the upper ono emall—are set down tho seam between the tablier and tho plain train. The waist is high, deeply pointed before snd bebind, closes in the back with little black velvet bows, and hag s aquaro puffed ¥ the body being plain below. The outlino of the yoke is marked by 2 row of the ostrich- fringe, which passes zcross tho bust and over: the shoulder. Thealeeves ara puffed length- wise from shovlder to wrist, and have s row of tiny velvet bows down the baci seam. MLACK VELVET plays a conspicuous part in all varieties of cos- tumes this year. Even where itis not mingled with the material of the dress, it is introduced in tho way of. coquettish bows, rosettes, or sashes, adding -muclr to the effect. A little Diack always sets off any light tint, and black velvet, having 80 mach depth end -snftness of tone, furnishes an -admirable contrast to any faint-tinted fabzjc. It ia emplosod largely with fabrics ea delicate even as muclin, tulle, and tarletan,—especially where these are combined with silk. At a reception, tho other night, was a Nile- green pros-grain, entirely untrimmed, except a siuglo shirred tlonnce about the bottom, covered with an elegant overdress of muslin and Valen- ciennes,—cniefly tho latter,—reacbing to the too infront, and looped on the sides with wide, heavy black velvet sashes. The body closed bo- hind, and bad o row of little velvet bows from the neck to the bolt, Trined around the sashes and through the bow on the overskirt, was a wreath of very faint pink morning-glories, which, though artificial, looked very pretty. PETTICOATS of black velvet seem to be taking the place of Disck-silk ekirte; that ig, among women who can atford such luxuries ; aluo, I fear, among a good many who can’t. I suppose the fact that their cost puts them above the reach of the many causes the few to set an unwarranted value on toem.- At any rate, velvet petticoats are the mode ; 3nd, though they are frequently made of an inexpensive, not to ssy cheap, quality,—even then they are very dear, You might suppose thst a plain skirt of this material would be suf- ficiently heavy; but tashion decrees that there shall be at least one, gonerally two, shirred bias velvet flounces. It is questionable if this excess of the fabric be not too much ‘richness ;” and is is unquestionable thst so woighty a skirt should never be hung from any woman's hips, ‘unsupported in other ways. Velvet petticouta are ao out of keeping with mu/l-atreaked side- walks, that, in the street, they lose balf their at- tractivenees. It is a gross outraze on good taste that this most’ royal of stuffa sho subjected to the wear and smear of the prome- nade during our most changeable of seasons. ODpD8 AND ENDS. It fs quite comution now to have thestréeb-hoss striped in thesame shade as the costume; but, | where that is black, thqugh black stripes are ‘Worn, it 1s prettier to wear rod or blue and white stripes. Itis reported that black-slk hoze are | coming in again, to be worn with bright-colored Ada shippera for moruing. Lace of various kinds ie now manufactured, or rather made, in New York. While it is vot, of course, equal to foreign specimens, it 13 stil! very cteditable. Lace that has becn badly eutor torn can be mended here so nicoly us scarcely to leave a trace of the unluci:y rents. ; Felt hats with distorted brims, sot on at ec- | centric angles, have almszt disappeared, and the veivet hats that have taken their pizce, being smaller and less grotesque, are an improvement every way. Muffy of the material of sireet-drosses, to mutch suite, with a brocd gros-gram ribbon tied ronnd the cantre, are the modi thing for shop- ping. Fur bands and fringes ore rapidly crowding worsted ball and bullion fringe oat of place ou camel's kuir and eerge suits; and far on velvot ig conudered the only suitable garnitnro. Fousetow. A TWILIGHT-THOUGHT. Dark clouds hang heavy o'er the Weatera sky, And through tne mist I gaze with eager eye: If I could catch one gleam of silver Uub! Ferchance ‘my own heart-cloud would seem more rig! Aa gold in purified by turning heat, So couly, that they their biessed Lord may meet, ‘Are cast'in furnaces of living pain; Torough bitter wutfering, God makes thom white again | It is tho“ pure in heart" who see their God; For that reward, we bow and kias the rod, Our Father loads us, a8 He thiuketh best, To realms of peace and evarlasting rest. —_-—__—_. Giving feip to the Heathen. From the Detroit Free Press, Aman about 20 years old, wearing a battered | plug-at and ecedy clothes, looking as hungry aga man who had been wrecxed on aa iceberg, softly entered a Gratiot avenue saloon yesterday, | and, leaning over the bar, whispered to the pro- prietor: H My dear sir, Iam canvassing for subscrip- | tions for the benefit of the heathen.” __ ‘Teh dat zo ?” replied tho ssloun-keeper, rins- ing a glass. “Yes, my friend, that is 80,” continued the man, taking out a very greasy passbook. * Yes, T am collecting mouey for the Lenefit of the poor heathen, who sre hving ina state of vico and ignorance. Some put dowu $10, some $5, somo $1—all give something. Here is the book, and You can subscribe such an umount as you think best.” _ "Ish it s betition to dem gommon gouncil 2” inguired the saloonist, as he looted at the book. "No, sir, you do nos understand my object. I am collecting subscriptions fur the benefit of the heathen, and you can write your name end give me such an amount as your conscience directs.” “Vere ish dem heathens?” inquited the beer- seller, looking coldiz at tho strangoz’s battered at. “In Africa,” replied the acent, “in far-off Africa, where all is gloom and loneliness because the heathen has no education.” “And vat gounty is dat Africa in ?” ingnired tho saloonist. “(My dear man, Africa is a conntry,—a great big country, far over the deep blue ges. Is it possible that you have nover heard of Africa7” “Ihaf lived im Toledo and Chicago, but I dido’t hear somo one ever say a word about Af- 1 ca. “Well, that is neither hero nor there. I am guthorized to collect subscriptions for tho hosthen, who is running about in a state of nakedness and sinfulneaa, and who must have bread for his miud and be brouznt to realize joathe should lve for something besides this 0. “Yah, das is 80,” replied th saloonist in a re- flective tone. “You contribute whatevor sum you may think best, and I forward itto Bastoa by firs?_mail, where it is turned into Bibles, and tho Bibles ‘eplied the man, and he bunt- ed up hie pencil, and, after much labor, wrote | his name on one of the pages and handed tke book back with the remark: “I dunno if yon cau’t read it.” “ Tpst is all right; but you have neglected to mark down the amount of your contribution. Let's see—will you say a dollar?” “Vat 2” “Will you give the sum of $1 for the heathen?” ‘Hal Vhat you spoke about?” “Will you give mea dollar to forward to the poor, benighted heathen?” * Money—gif you money?” “*Yea—for the heathen! “Gif you von dollar ?” “ Yes, a dollar for the benighted race who are dwolling in darimess.” The saloon-keeper looked at him for half a minute, and thon, reaching down for a club, id : “You'd better go out py dat door! Isigndat pook to get dat heathen some close by de pour- master, and dat is blenty! “It you athey here some little while more I shall hit you mit dis glub ou de head!” “i “My dear—” Go out mit dat door!” yelled the saloon- keeper, running from behind the bar, and the canvasser had to go. itchy” Famer & “eae SAVINGS BANE, er aia Lc West Side Ofice 16 Carkst, 2 Opposite tha Old Court House , THE BUSINESS OF THIS COR- PORATION is confined exclusive- ly to the receipt and care of Sav- ings Deposits and Funds for In- vestment. No commercial or gen- eral banking business transacted. SUMS AS SMALL AS ONE DOL- LAR received 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 annum, is paid on sums ot One Dollar cr more, THOSE DESIRING TO INVEST their savings upon real estate se- curity ata higher rate of interest than can be safely paid on Savings Deposits, should call at this Bank and examine its INVES£MENT CERTIFICATUES, SYDNEY MYERS, Mannger. TEMA & i SAVINGS BANK, CHICAGO. TABLES of increase of ** Investment Ceritfi- cates,” secured ov improved real esiate, bear- ing Interest, payable in quarterly iustall- ments, at the rate of 7 3-10 per cent peran- num. Showing the acnmulation of sums ine | veated for the beneGt of Children or others; Amount Inverted. Amount, Accamulated. ESTIMATED upon the basis that Intcrect, when due, Is credited on Savings Account, and Javested In “Investment Certificatcs,” whea- ever 8100 is thas ncoumnlated.s GROCERIES. GROCERIES FOR CHRISTMAS! SLACK’S - HLANMIOTH GROCERY HOUSE 109~East Madison-st., Between Clark and Dearborn-sts. Save from 10 to 30 Per Cent, and get Standard Goods. FRESE ARRIVAL Tine Fveel New Chop TEAS! At the following LOW PRICES; Oolong, - - 50c, 60c, Se, $1 Japan, - - 65e, $0c, $1, $1.10 Young Hyson, 50¢, SOc, $1, $1.10 Gunpowder, 60c,80c, $1, $1.20 ¢, Breakfast, 60,80¢,$1, $1.30 Per bri. Choice St. Louts White Winter Wheat Flo Choies Misxvuri Whito Winter, Cnoico Mis ‘fhe cclebrated preadard AC anexo'a Spring, jancsota Patent Sugar. 5. reas Baklos Powder, 15-1). cans, per Ib 5 And a fall, now, complote, and well-selocted stock of STAPLE AND EANCY GROCERIES of every duserip= tion, at pricea that defy competition. ‘Satisfaction guaranteed in every instance. CALL AND PURCHASE YOUR Groceries FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON OF Christmas. Goods delivered to any part of tho city froo of charge. Courtrr orders carofal’y sad promptly attended to. SUST RECLIVED—A largo invoice of Pure Vermont Maple-Sagar and Sircp. ’ C. H. SLACK, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCER, 109 East Madison-st. GROCERIES! Buy Your Teas, Coffees, and Groceries from First Hands, and Save Intermediate Profits, 31b. Tomatoes, best, per dar. 2 ib, Comatoes, best, per doz. 2. Kstox ibes Stach, 8b. bo: be 1 - . fa jor box. ferman Mottled Sospy 6 bars, 60ib., per box... 3.80 ‘The above Goods are all Standard Brands, and will guarantee thom to give entire satis- faction or refund tho monoy. Goods deliv- ered in any part of the city freo of charge, STOVER & DOLLINGER, Wholesale aud Retail Grocers, No. 97 West Madison-st. |Buy Your Family Supplies at | Rr { biqsest bidder furensh, an ob AUCTION SALES. By GEO. P. GORE & CO., 6S & 70 Wabash-av. A SAPPY NEW YEAR! REGULAR AUCTION SALE OF DRY GOODS. On Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 91-20. m., Wfomuallofera largeand vsricd assortment of soasoz- Hers fine lot of Custom Clothing for fea, Boss. eof Sheetings, Notions, Hosiery, Gloves, Ua- knit Goods, Woolens, Cla:hy, Cassimeros, becker Carlery, Blankeis, Qoverlozs, Quilts, &o. 5 Bmeke 5 Lines, Hats and Caps, &c. Full lang Incrain Carpets: "GEO. P. GO! co. Gand 70 Wabash OUR LAST AUCTION SALE OF |BOOTS & SHOES FoR i874 Will be held on Wednesday, Dee: 80, at 9:80 a.m. An effort will be made to close all of this year’s con- signments witnout regard to prices. GEO. P. GORE & CO.. Gtand 7 Wabash-av. AT AT OWTION, On Thursday, Dee. 31, at 9 1-2 ocleck, Parlor & Chamber Sets OF EVERY GRADS, Bleck Walout Bedsteads and Bureaus, Marble and Wood ‘op Tat Ss Lounges, Buokeasss, Wharnots, Wardrotes, Exteuson Tzbles, Walant Chaita a-d Rock- ers, Office end Parlu Desl:a, ‘Showcases, Carpzie, Sir- rors. Closing-out salo for the manufsctarers. Cot for bargains. GEO. P. GORE £ CO., Auctioneers, 64and 70 Wabash-av- By WM. A. BUTTERS & CO., AUCTIONEERS, 18 ZSST MADISON-ST. RUTAU, , SALE. GOLDAND SILVES WATOTES, DIAMONDS, AND GOLD JEWSLIY, FROM THR, LOAN OFFICE, G, DEC, $8, AT 19 O'CLOCK, T 18 BAST SIADISON-SE. Attention, Barbers! ‘To bo old at auction, by W. A. Ratters Co., to the biished anop, all com- ists and doin a good buslazs3; rent chean, with privi- jexe of lease for masy soars if wanted. There aro fivo Tooms above tho ehop vory convenient for a amall fatally. ‘The trado wil! ploaco czlland inspect same before tho day of sale, on Moaday, Dec. 24, at Wo'clock, at J. & AL LINOS) Nor lot Twouts-secomteste, upstairs. RETAIL SALE, ‘D. FOURS REGULAR SALE. HOUSEHOLD GOODS, PIANOS, AND P. AP CHAMBER UTLERY, HER GOODS, BAL OCLUCE, 20,000 Ibs. Wire Springs, ncal, At 94 O'CLOCE, nC. 2, 4 0% a DS, WOO! iS, CLOTHING, BOUTS AND SHOES, AT 103 RAST MADISON-S' By ELISON, POMEROY & CO. ATNo.146 CLARK-ST. BANERUPT STOCK OF Lignors, Store Fixtures, &c. AT AUCTION, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, AT 9 GCLOCK, By order of Bradford Hancock, Esq. Assignee, ‘We will sell the entire stock of liquors, &c., consisting of a_large stock of ice Whiskies, Brandies, Wines, &c. ‘Also the Furniture and Fixtures, Splendid Counters, Shelving, Large Mirrors, Walnut and Glass Partitions, Chandeliers, &c., at store 146 Clark-st., near Madison-st, ELISOK. POMEROY & CO., Auctioneers, Thursday, Dec. 31, at 9:30 o’cloc! (riday being a boliday)- Sere ae eel ee tment af New and Second-Hand tare, Bureans, Ward- robes, 2c. Carpats Bedding, Blankots, Mattresses, Stoves, &e., gud alarge stock of General Morebandiso: Holtday Goods. , KLISON, POMEROY & CO... and 8 Rando!ph-eh ROCKWELL, WILLIAMS & CO. Auction Sale to the Trade, BIONDAY, DEC. 23, AT 10 A, DI., HOLIDAY GOODS, Consisting tn part of a foll line of TOYS. Musical To- struments, 10¥ Clocks in various patterns, Gold and Sitver Vatches and Jewelry. Also tall line of Ladies’ Fa and a variety of other "nese goods are froe and ‘De sold in lots to suit. Also 150 Boys’ and Mi-ses’ Sleds. ROCKWELL. WILLIAMS & CO., Auctioneers, ‘Si and 206 Beat SMadiavn-ct, FARLOR BEDSTEAD. A NEW YEAR'S PRESENT, Say what shall we give as a preseut to-day, To swoeten the journey of Ilfe by tho way— What treasure of oarth or gem from the ocean, Asa ‘soureair” of the fund heart's dovotion— Somothing that mas, as time in ite Dight rolls on, ‘Remain to be prixed when the giver is gone? ‘There's nothing so fitting in our range of thouzht, Nothing so precions that with gold can be bought, As that ‘thing of beauty" and triamph of skill, ‘The EMPIRE BEDSTEAD that changos at will ‘Whoso protean powors, the woader of all, Adapt xt to parlor, to bedroom, or hal— Of all faventions the first of the are, Poerless it stands, and Is now all the rege. ‘Where can thera be found pver all the wide earth A household treasure that can claim half its worth ? To tho azod and feoble who seek for repose, Convenience and comfort in life at ite close, ‘To tho young who dream of connubial biis ‘Wher can you fiad auch an OFFERING" as this? ‘Tho warerooms of the EMPIRK PARLOR BEDSTEAD aro at 23 West Madison-st., whore Empire Parlor Bod- stod in eevan stsles, and farnivare and carpets of all kinds are-cold at bottom prices, on installmen's. BOOTS AND SHOES. NEW PRICES FOR 1375, COMMENCING, DEC. 28. BOUTS AND SHOES MARKED DOWN AT H. 8. FREEMAN'S, 211 WEST MADISON-ST., ONEzE PRICE HOUSE. N.B.—Bargalus in Gents! Embroidered she baresieeena taste Sere’ Stivers FLOUR, < WH SELL ONLY THE BEST GOODS, tnd ur a Keccwb.. eet St. Loam, y ted, $7.25. warranted unexcel Bost St. Locla, warranted gnod as ons sold 1or tbo $6.75. New Patent Process, a superior artlole, $6. Pee acetiest Garand Gora sieala: ver oan jour, Backwheat, Oa orn feats, very ¥ Every barrel delicored. Order on postal card 3 an C.0. De ARD & CO., 20 Stato-ste * OF ST. LOUIS, best White 38.73; equal to any Wiater 1g this marker, GARDEN STATE A, Choice Winter, 86.03, Ffoost Minnesota Spring, 25.5. Hackwheat lucr, only foper D. (And all in var ling Brat-clans goods and low prices. “Quality guatantood and dolive ‘any part Of the ety: Urdors ou postal card C. O. De GOLYVIN & CO. 73 Wost Van Boren-st, AUCTION SALES. By JAS. MeNAMARA & CO., East Wosbington-at, Trede sales of Boots and Shoes at Auction every ‘fuesdsy and Thursday 2orniags, at e 4 ‘Wednesday, Dec. 30, 9:30 a. my Isour next Anction Sale of Furnitre and Household Goods. ‘The Largest Stock in tho city, at Public Auction. 1 Parlor Suits, 25 Chamber Seta, over 3,000 yards ok Now and Second-hand Carpas, 140 Cook sod Hwa Stoves, and a gonoral variety of all kinds of New ‘Second-hand Furniture. ‘Buyers, examino this stock and buy at your own terms. ROCKWELL, WILLIAMS £ CG., Auctioneers, Si ond Sod Last Madison-at. = By SMITH & HARRISON. On Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 10 and 2 o'clook, AT 180 STATE-ST., Pawbraker's Sale FOR A. GOLDSMID. We shall sell all tho ‘uarade-ined Plodges to date, con- fisting of Diamonds Gold snd Silver Watches, Rings, Fins Sota Furs, Revolvers, Solid Silver and Plated Ware, eto., atc, Salo without reservo. SMITH & HARRISON. Anctionesrs, bpd on DNase sees By LEONARD & CO., 86 East Wasbington-st. (opporite Field, Leiter & Co}. HOLIDAY GOODS. Japanese Goods, Bronzes, Parians, Frenck China, Meerschaum Pipes, &c., &c., ON WEDNESDAY, DEC, 30, AT 10 O'CLOCK, ‘Wo shall sell the above without reserve, and close ali tn- voices of abuvo previous to Jan. 1. Sate positive. Nore sorvo. LEONARD & CO.. Auctiongers. NEW AND SECOND-HAND Furaitare, Cargels, Stoves, &¢, EVERY SATURDAY, AT 9:%, AT NO. 36 EAST WASHINGTON-ST. LRONARD CO., Auction THE BALANCE OF OUR STOCK (RETAIL DEPARTMENT) OF FINE 02 PAINTINGS, OHROMOS, STEEL ENGRAVINGS, Family Bibles, Photograph Albums Stereoscopea, Views, and Fancy Articles of every description, at ovr store. 42 Sonth st., corner Jackton, an Monday and Tuosday, Dec. “Bale ornlar, afternoon, and eroning. momIGOITWALS & McDOSOUGH. “Ry WIL F. HODGES & CO. At Our Warerooms, No. 638 West Lake-st, ‘Wo shall make a Great Closring Sale on TUESDAY, ‘Dec. £3, at 10a. m., of our entire stock of HOUSEHOLD GOODS, Consisting of overg:hing asualiy kept for hoasexsopines Carpets, Vol 1, Fareo-p and Inge arpel wet, i. B. Bracsale Matble-top Chamber Sots, with Furniture, Storce, etc., otc. must ba sold inv dor to cloce up this year's barinoss./ Louk ont for reat bargains, WM. B. HODGES 2 CO. Avtionosrs eat ae LAST CHANCE, TO-MORROW car citizens will have the last chance te view Bonsel's Groat Palating of THE ADVANCE OF CIVILIZATION, at 16 Siste-st., opposite Paimor preasing -Oase Hoase, which, togothor with many otber Fino Patntings, will ba poaitizoly clusod out ou MONDAY, at 10 o'olccs,, ard 91-2 o'clock. Jas. BOOTS & SHOES STION, Toestay Mi Deo. 24a 9:30 0% oe TO YM Ma BA's OO; Auctioneer : ‘93 Rest Washingtomar, “ SERZEPING GOODS. P.k&I.CASEY, 41 AND 423 FIPTH-AY., keep oa hand the largeat Ettorcmen: {5 the city of New and Second-bsad Gouda Duruitare, Carpets, Bedding, Usive Deeks, Cont, 2.0lm,