Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, December 17, 1876, Page 10

10 'H JEMBER 17, IB76—BIXTMEN PAGHES. 4 |. Commission money whenever they requestes her name, “that is be marriage; Ass Mortimer, long connected with the Mil- waukce Female College, a8 instructress. This lady is enthusiasticslly devoted to art and its historical treatment, and by extensive reading 2nd travel is welignalifed toimpart instruction. Ladies who have the lefsure will nodoubt gladly avail themselves of thif fine opportunity tostudy he history of 2rt. A letter has been received and published from - Mrs. Alcxander Mitchell, who is now in Florida, 10 the effect that, if any citizen of Milwaukee would to zssist In the rebuilding of St. Luke Hospital, Jacksonville © Mrs. F.J. Crosbie, No. 453 Van Buren street, is" authorized to receive donations in money, y or useful articles, until January. Mrs. 2Mitckeil s entbnsigstically interested in this “ work, and is herself engaged in preparinea buok containing sclections of Bryant, Long- fellow, and Mrs. Stowe. The proceeds of the sale of the work will be devoicd to this hospi- tal. When last in Milwaukee Mrs. Mitchell en- gazed Rovert Davies,a well-knowa builder here, 1o superintend the erection of this building, uud e isnow absent in Jacksonville for that purnose. The Milwaukee Temperance Band entertained the soldiers st the National Asylum witi; a tree concert Wednetday eveping, The Ll was crowded with eoldiers and vicitors from the city, and at the close of the concert the Band Waa treated to a good supper. An extra concert was fiven by the Musfeal Soddcty Thorsday evening, complimentary to iiss Ling Allardt, who sang at the regular con- eurt Fridey evening of Iast week to 2 very siim zudience, the severity of the weather preventing tendance. This lady has bad an unfortu- Dete cacountel With arctic waves, as avotlier reached Milwaukee in time to prevent the pub- tic from hearivg hier Thursday night avd judg- 1wz whether her high reputation was el - founded. e 11 is said umctaiflss Lflm;‘ Carl[;ecna\;elr, f#cugxfier of ex-Senator Carpenter, Las becone G- eamplishied and delightful musidan. Miss Car- venteris at Dr’?l.‘nt the quest of Mrs, Sartoris a2 tiie White House. "4 arand charity ball Is announeed for the 20th of Decembi Is to be given under the aus- ices of tne Milwaukee Mission Band at the f‘zam:lmm: Elguflz. thech&nmct of the hnfimr «an e foretol that ol-ihe persuns who are futerested fn it, a{zd by the place in which the ‘sl will be held. All the world and the rest of woman-kind think of iittle else than the comivy Clristmas just ahont this time. Sovial matiers uncon- necred with Chistmas are of little moment in cumparison with the mysterious manipulations repariory totne present-giving season. Christ- 1nas crops out everywhbere. 1L 1s advertised in eyery directign; from a shoo-string 1o 3 s tairc, no article is exempt irom dlaims to_being a suftable Christmas ent. This sonual giving of mfts is growing into such’ aligatory proportions that it is beginuing to be a hore to somé people. Liberal natures with limited ° purses are slmost inclmed to vote Clristmas oat, or at least o wish that its meaniug might be modified tv more reasousble metnods than most persons praztice at preseat. Oply for the bicssed little cliidrea and the very poor, Christmas _giit-giving has its drawbaks. To thein it is franzht with nothing Lut z00d. Taoe lacics of the Industrial School are con- plating a Christmas festival for the pupils. The ladies of the Milwaukee County Charitics il provide 2 Caristmas diuner for the inmates of the Couuty Poor-House, sud the gentlemen «of the cityhave held 2 mceting to maxe arrange- wents whereby ¢ll the poor shall have & com- fortavle dinner- So let the cynic cease tirades uzanst Christings drawbacks, and cverybody cnjoy his Christnies chear: J NEW YOREK. YTLL DRESS TOILETTES. NEw Yonrx, Dee. 14.—The sozal atmosphere iz just now pregrant with balls and rumors of balls, and sn zll-cnerossing subect for ihe ladlics is that of full-dress toilettes.. The real festivitice of the winter in this direction . have mot yet buzan, but alrcedy extenzive prepara- tions arehelng made to produce ball dresfs 1nat shail te incomparable diefe-Panrres. A 10w ginaralities aud some detailed descriptions may possibly be of service, or at least of inter- e-f. The grand Ilcbrew ball wili usber in the winter gayetics, aud for this occasion our princi- 1:a! todistes have heen taked to their utmost to inraish toilettes that shall edipee all previous ones. And for startliug and gorgeous costumes, cemmend me ta the dasghiters of Isreell One ciezant dress is a combinstion of two vay popular colors, Geep maroon and dmk ravy-blae. The skirt nroperis of the latter in Leevy, lusirous silk, and is made sfter a plain _gored pattern, Jong-traived. Across the front are three Tolls of maroon vélvet, placed on onglly. Each feld is oue-fourth of a yard ad and is clged on ts lower side by a deep tringe of nctted eilk and chenille of both colors. Toe fuot of the frunt breadtk is plain and un- trituned, bat the baci sod side breadths bave a ivet flounve. This flounce is putonwith ¥ iwisted cord of blue silk and maroon Tae botwom iscut in decr. Vandykes, ong cdged with a fine knife-pleating, three inthes deep, of silk. “Across the back, emerz- ing nown- ihe side widths, are elaborate searf siraperies of silk ond veivit. ‘Frie Pompadour Lasyue is of velvet, wwith peculiar decorations of Lotd waterials. dress, owing to its sub- dued tivts, is rather sombre, and, as mizht he presumed. Is intended for one of the * Mutlers wm Jsracl? ANOTHER CHARMING DRESS' ie of striped mauze, one stripe being of damask pettern, the other” an open lace desimn. Tae sormer i delicate straw-color, tbe lattes white, und the eiloct is pecutiarly beautiful. The sidrt 3s of delicafe straw-colored silk, the bot- tom ornamented by a deep double boz-pleated dsunce, surmounted by ‘a2 paf, which has a narow plested heading of white. The over- Jruss is of tiie striped gauze, with gatbered ruf- fles of the same, which are edred with daisy Tleatings of the silk. The dairty elbow sleeves aretriiamed to match, and ti¢ becoming Y- risped corsage has similar rufilings of silk end geure. Dressy garnitures of deep-scariet chry- sauthemums eerve to give the necessary life and. artictic finish t thislovely costume, Jui everybody docs nof prefer heavy damaosks . and trane nt grenadines, and still others can- nut afford them. ~ For these two classes nothing is more charmng than slmple fine white India muslie. A Gress of this material is not neces- earily plain or urdinary becpuse it is wiite and of Swiss. It wmay be cizborated to a depree, and Is always preity and * youthful.” A lovely toilet, then, of the sheerest Indis mull has at the bottom of the ekirt a deep athered flonnce. At the Jower cdge of this flource is a three-inch knite-pleating under wialch is 3 scant gathered raffie_of-pale rose-volored silk. Heading the decp fiounce are two full pufls of Swiss, divided from cach other and from the flounce by deli- cate pipings of rose sils. These pufis arc sur- mouuted by’ a mathered, upright ruflle of Swisy, underleid by oue of &flk. There is no regmlar overskirt, but four breadths of the muslin are draped across the -frunt, from the right hip to the npver puff on e left. The lower edge of eachof these breedtis is bordered by 2 ruffle of pink silk nn- derone of Swiss, the rufies falling over the breacth telow, and thus jurnishing 2 headiug for'each other. At the hip, where this drapery starts, is a darge fau-like bow of silk and Siiss, ana a similar one confines it at the lefy; hence the scarfs pass to the back and form voluminous sashies. The corsage fits like a glove, and is cut i two points back and front. This bodice 15 of pink silis, 204 over it 1s one of Swiss. This is edged with the ruffles, and has lovely elbow sleeves trimmed likowlee. It Is Jaced twith pale pick corde before and at the back. The meck is Ligh and dose around the throat, with soft foll ruches oflace. Al over the dresses are cxquisite clusters of azaleas, fush-pink, aud white, and o wreath of the same encircles the throat and the arms just above the elbow. The pretty effect of the costume 18 enbanced by edeing each rufile with real Valenciennes laze. Another lovely tollet is of white berege ith daintity-clegant’ garnitures of * clel-blue satin and French pinks 2 shade or two darker. A peculiar but com- mendable faney for white rages among our ball- foers. Every material almost is used in this color, and not the lecet fashionuble among them is beautifullv-inished white ceshmere. Elcgant ball toilettes of tius are richly embroidered with silver bullion, orbraided with slendersilvercords, while others are marnificently wrought with chenille in leaves, vines, fiowers, or some fanci- ful, perhaps grotesque, design. THE LATEST AND PRETTIEST NOVELTIES {or full dress is a new garment which makes its debut ss the vestal-robe. It is nothing more than the “Jewess!’ overdress, bnt underits pew name {s wonderfully l;mpulm. It is fastened on the Jeft shoulder, and passes down under the em ot the right. Of cowse it demonds a bodice underneath. The “vestal-robe” for svening wear. is made chiefly of some diaphan- sus fabric, of gauze, gold or silver em- frofdered, of grenadine, or of crepe de chine worked al} over with roges done jn Hoss. This garment of suitable material, such as cashmere, or any silk orwoolen suiting, is considered quite “the thing* for afternoon and diuner wear. It is then appropriately trimmed with fringe, or oneof the many lovely galloons, Nexttoa Jady's dress, probably the first object in her thoughtsis = - HER FAX. Indeed it sometimes comes drst, a5 with an ac- quaintance of mine. Some years ago herhusband visited Buroge, and on bis retarn brongit her a dozen superb funs. When my friend settles to the labor of declding wpon her ball costume, ehe lays Ler_dozen treasures before her, and, (burned last fall),,| PO I after selecting that one which then most pleases her, she arranges her dresses, flowers, etc., to correspond. A feature of many lovely fans con- sists of pictures, hand-painted, and requiring the nicest skill and taste of the artist. ~Some fashionabie imported fans have a ground of car- dinal red, with the figures or designs in pnl,c blue. Ofhers, when closed, exhibit the owner's 1nonograim or crest, done in enamel or precious Et]?:xfs- iuA }mndisome mu.-,lm!‘v:gmnct .in 1'3; s‘glx; plicity, is of glistening white fatin, the 10 edgcg With a full quilling or ruffle of Mechlin in 5 In jewelry the fancy s for plain gold and emamel. The latest ear-rings rggr;saesgt Jong straps, which have ap appearanc - ing throu?d the ear. Some superb earrings con- sist of u line of diamonds hung in the same ‘manner, and looking like an icicle melting foto drops. Enamel jewelry is highly favored, andis seen In grotesque forms, generally those of ani- mals. Eiucng thiese the Beads of bull-dogs and rabbits are much esteemed. Exquisite orna- ments are_made of the plumage of tropical Dbirds, much of which rivalsin _teauty and brifi- far..§ the rarest gems. These glittering feathers ure made ivto larze etars, cresceats, and other eraceful s2apes, and show exquisite blendinasof every color. Malachite set in rubies is much worn, ciielly in_ bracelets and ‘neckiaces, being adirired oply when in close nnion with the fesh, as the neck and arms.’ - AMONG THE HNOLIDAY NOVELTIZS are some lovaly Jittle chatziaine watcehes. They are of various sizes, and in cascs of tortoise- shell, cbony, jet, ivory, and bog-wood. They are hung on chatelaines to mateh, aud are use- ful as well as pretty. In price they come with- in the reach of pearly every one, sud make an aceeptable and Jovely Christmas gift. Apropos of these latter are all sorts of distracting little articles that make a body out ** boliday-purchas- ing” change her minda dozen times at least betore buying. There are lovely scts of siiver filngree and bezutiful silver jewels in three com- partinents, lined with pale-blue satin, and &ndnsedls'in silyer frames in fn'lflch to keep them. The boxes them- sclves ere 5o delicate and lovel that one al:nost Jongs to wear them too. handsowe present for s zentleraanisa dressing- case and ghaving-bureau of highly polished white onk, julaid with painted porcelain tiles or with silver. The writino-desk has made its esit, and in its place are beantiful portfolios. ‘They are in great demand, and deservedly. Some excecedingly bandsomne ones are of Russin leath- ery others of wuod, metal-iulaid. There are many novelties in this attyactive Russia leather. The prettiest, perhaps, are easels for holding a laree photograph or a small and choice painting. Were Ito tell of the beautiful things for the children, I might write on until Christmas had come, for there are so many and ali so lovely, that each seems prettier thap the last. 1none word, whatever you desire or imagine, you can ‘procure, and who could wish more? AMarrie 8. — ¢ PARIS. DINNER-COSTUME SDIPLICITT. Special Correspondence of The Tribune. Parss, Dee. L—Although the shops of Paris still prescnt great elaboration in toilettes, there is an evident tendency to simplicity in other di- rectiond. This is particularly noticeable in din- ner costumes, and appearances denote thag ere long these will be equally grave as the babili- meats of aJudge. Atastate dinner given re- céntly, the bestarred and beribboned titled gen- tlemen appeared more like butterfies of fash- ion than the sombre-dressed ladies, who, never- theless, were cxquisitely elegant in a1l the perfection of true Farisian taste. Ball dresses do mot exhibit so many contrast- iog colors 2s in the commentvemcnt of the season, and embroldery snd trimmings are less varfed in their shades. Among those in prepa- ratfon for a grand ball tobe given by that aristo- cratic Club, the “Cerde de Paris,” several are covered with raised embroidery of chenille and floss silk, and others with embroidery “a jour” on sa‘).in grounds. Long, trained pumerre skirts ‘are frequently opened from the waist on the left side, and, being drawn back fn grace- {ul " drapery, display underskirts of Brussels, point, and otber laces, sad sometimes foamy blond, One of themis an antique amber satia, with deep, massive wreaths of- embroidery Lor- dering the skirt and extending up- the opening on the side. Thecorsage isdecolletteand draped With lace similar to the underskirt and theshort tight eleaves are covered with embroidery. The refreshing simplicity of this toliette is the ab- sence of -supcrflucus trimming, presentinga cherming contrast to those over-burdencd with plumes #né puflings so profusely displayed in stores. The *Ccrcle de Paris " gnd the St. Honore Skating Club are the most aristocratic assoclatious in Paris, and are cven more exclu- sive m their selection of members than the “Prinee’s Club ™ in London. The former are undver supervision of eizht geptlemen, oceupy- ing the highest coclal position in Paris, and none cay be edmitted without the approbation of Viscount de Hurcourt,-Duke de Guiche, and six others of equal rank. - AMONG OHRISTMAS NOVELTIES the new parchment fanis deeidedly most unique. Some arc-painted in Louis XV. medallions; others represent old historical chateaus, aud on onc i8 scen a walk in the park of Grand- Trianon, with personages of the time of Maiu- tenoh minutely and artistically painted. An- other represents a _scene near Fontainebleau, after & puinting of Delacroix, which ouce adorned the humble tavers of Pere Martine in the village of Barbizoe. is was a simple country iun, but posseszed attractions of which a paluce might be proud. It jvas the forest re- treat of urtists, and Delacroix chose it while gelecting scenery for his renowned paintings at Versaifles. Whilst' there be painted several mementoes for his humble host and hostess, which established a precedence for otlers, and Vernct, Disz, Descamps, Rosa Bonheur, Ingres, aud - many others of high renowy, added their donations to this wonderful collection, until tie vaiue became almost fabi- Jous. Many of the pictures were on pauels, some on tha walls, -and the broad framcaof a locking-zlass was wreathed with flowers that would have dope credit to the pencil of Red- oute. ‘Pere Martine has pussed away, the movable pictures -have been scatteréd, but those on the walls that could be preserved in the alterations of the premises for a new pro- prietor still remain, and attract many visitors. Another chef dmuvre among the ians on exhibition st .the Palais de @’Indus- trie is a copy of Nesa Bonheur's plowin, scene now in the Luxembourg Palace, and whicl is 3 marvelous proof of the cuncentration of art fu the small compass of z fan. Thaese classical arrangements are not suitablefor balls or rece) tions, whitl occasions require the lace and deii~ cate feather fans, in fanciful mountings, with their incrastations of :aany-rolored roid, closely resembling the antique style, and which have truly reached tke acme of perfertion. TUEATRRICAL. An order was lately received in Paris from Buenos Ayres for a large amountof exquisite “ bijouterie,” with the “accompanying in}nnn:\- tion that it was to be presented to the celebrat~ ed actress, Mlle. Alhaiza, in appreciation of her talents. Itis well known here that Mlle. Lam- bele assumed this nawne on_hér departure from the Theatre Lyrigue in 1557, when she resolved to test her powers in a more conge- nigl realm. After her farewell benefit in Buenos Ayres the horses were taken from her cearriage and many prominent citizens exchanged places with the quadrupeds and conducted Mile. -Alhaiza to hier lusurious home. Traly, art must be in {ts infancy in that Southern cliine, and, as has been remarked in Paris, “ Theresa is far more worthy of being thus transported to As- nicrs and Judic to the Rue de Boulogne.” AL~ ter varlous dlsappointments and “delays the theatres are nowin a prosperous condition. Tlie repetitions which I mentioned are continucd and _many, and “The Scven Castles of the Devil 7 still__attracting crowds at the M. Masse’s ambitious dreams, which have pictured Nilsson ‘or Patti as his Vir- gbu’z for three lopg years, are slightly clouded; ut Pgud Ims far exceeded bis expectations, and Capoul Is periection to that role. Jt is true the tender and melodious music js° well adapted to the voice of Alle. Ritter, but there isa feeling of distrust rezarding her ability at times which creates an unfavorable impression. You will 5000 have the oppartunity of judgiug the merits of this opers, asit is to be produced in America this senson‘ rumor speaks the truth. -The Opera Comique is now siving **Lalla Rookh,” whose suceess promises many repetitions. : A4TamDE. OUR DARLING, Death sought and found onr little one, - And wooed her soul away, — Leaving, as if in mockery, Her beautiful, liteless clay. Sadly we shrouded the Tittle form, Swicothed back the roft, brown harr, And folded o'er the rflent breast The little hunds so falr, One little lock of brisht, brown hatr, Shorm from that cold, ite brow, nd the litdle, siiling, pletared fa 15 il (hat 13 Jeft panan, e 1568 The soft. clear voice is silent, ‘The bright face hid from view: The sweet, frail flower hes porished, 'That in dur household grew, i Alittle, siient. lonely grave - J« now onr Darling’s bed, Treail lightly near that little monnd— Wake not our lovely dead! &7 s LouisE Lonyz, - THE SOUTH PARKS. A Brief Sketch of Their His= tory and Development. What the Commissioners Have Accomplished in the Past Seven Years. The Grand Boulevards---Miles of Sewers and Leagues of Stately Avenues. All About the Attractive Fea~ tures of the Great Breathing-Place. | B ! The Botanical Gardens and Acres of Rare Plants and Gor= geous Flowers. Whet the Manarers Propese to Do 1 the Near Future---A Thing of Besury Is a Joy Forever. In this Centennfal year, the onc-hundredth anniversary of our country, the historian’s at- tentionis naturally drawn towards the broad fields of the American Republic, whose wonder- ful deeds and progress are now fally recogaized by every nation of the giobe. Among all the great metropoli of this truly marvelous land; noncaffords so excellent an ex- ample -of the miraculous . Power of 1 institutions and’ intrepid energy as .the youthful City of -Chicago. Although of the comparatively insignificant age “of 45 years, and subjected in its brief earcer to the most destructive disasters and devastating calamities that have ever fallen tothelot of martal habitations; yet every trouble has been undauntingly surmounted, aud every barrier to prosperity broken down. Is it then stranee that sho should combine the greatest grain and lunber marts, pecking- !mu]sus, railroads, hotels, and parks of the Un- Jion iz the almost incredible perseyerance with which her denizens bave toiled and endured to 1orward the great design of laying out the most estensive and. magniticent system of parks and ‘boulevards that'ever originated in the brain of man. By farthe larcest and most prominent {eature of this vast pleasure-system is that por- tion designated by the term “South Parlks.” THE FIRST ATTEMPT to found thesc parks was made in the year 1866 by the tollowing prominent gentlemen: George M. Kimbark, Paul Cornell, Chauncey T. Bowen, J. Irving Pearce, J. Young Scammon, aud Mil- ton 8. Patrick. Two park-bills were framed,— the first taking the requisite acres as an addi- tion to the city, and providing for the taxation of the eutire community; the other stipulating that the land be chosen’from tracts lying botn ‘within and without the city’s limits, and rezn- lating the taxation of property in proportion to its proximity to the park iwmprovements. For the reason that it was found 1mpossible to ob- tain the unanimous action of the whole city in the scheme, owlng to a spirit of jealousy and rivalry which as long existed between the ‘threce divisions of the city; the last bill was adopted by the project- ors, and was laid before "the Legislature in the winter of 1867. This bilt provided for the appointment of five Commissioners, the first Board to be cihosen by the Governor, and all subsequent oncs by the Judges of the Circuit ourt. Thelocation of the parks was Ieft to the Com- missioners, and, as was universally anticipated, they endeavored to acquire the 120-acre tract known as Egandale, lying eastvf Cottage Grove avenue, between Forty-seventh and Fifty-firs streets, for the commendable reason that it con- sisted ot hirh ground, and had previously been, materially improvea by its owner, Dr. Egan. Thelr worthy designs, however, were frastrat- ed by the opposition of Mr. Drexel, then heir of the estate. L If he could have foreseen the great enhance- ment of values, which jmmediately followed the establishment of “the parks, he would undoubtedly have - seized the the chance to dispose of this portion of the 300- acre estate, and effccted a2 much better bargain than he did in sclling the land in small quanti- tivs during that and the following year Finding that Igandale could ‘not be pur- chased, the Commission amended the bill g0 as to place the location of the parks west ot Cot- tage Grove avenue, 'his Park bill was passcd and submitted to the peopleat the spring clection of 1368, but, owing to a misunderstanding, was defeated. In the Yollowing spting, however, it was adopted by a very large majonty. The zeal of those wito had thus far taken the lead in publicopinion didnot end here. Patiout- limrnfunv the next sesslon of the Legislature they introduced K A SECOND BILL, in which the location was definitely decided upon by a committee of citizens chostn for that ‘purpose. The mnames of these advocates ere: Y. Scammon, George C. Walker, Joseph 1. Dake, George K. Clark, J. Irving Pearce, C. T. Bowen, H. H. Fonore, A+ Emigl, . R. Westfall, S.'S. Benjamin, John Fiteh, and J. 0. Jenninzs. - "L'his bifl was drawn up and intrilted to Mr. Baowen for adoption at Springfield. This carn- est workcr presented it before the Legislature, 2ud causcd, in great measure, its adoption by lis eloguent argumient. Joha C. Dore, then 3 Scuator from Cufcago, iasisted upon its ratifica- tion by the residents of Hyde Park, Lake, and South Chicago, at 2 special clection. The can- vassing was immediately bezun, and resalted in one of the most exciting contests in the history of Chicago. The act was ultimately passed by @ inajor.ty of 3,737, This matter being decided, Gov. John M. Palmer immdiately appointed Jobu M. Wilson, L_cverett B. Sidway, Paul Cornell, George W. Gage, and Chauucey T, Bowen ta constitute the “first Buard of South Park Commissioncrs. At the same time the positions of Sccréfary, Auditor, Treasurer, and Chicf Engineer were filled by Mossts. Cornell, Gage, George W. Smith, and George W, Waite. K Bonds were at once negotiated, and $100,000 of them hadbeen eold and 120 acres purchased, when an action was commenced in the Cirenit Court to test the constitutionality of the bill. By this intervention the Commission was delaved in the exercise of its duties, and so lost the remainder of the year 1869. But the greatest loss was caused by the rapid increase in the value of the Iand to De procured, for when the Commission- ers were at liberty to continue their purchases they were compelled to pay a hirh ad- Yance on the fgures previously demanded. The Commissioners consulted " five prominent real-estate firms in relation to the cost of the land. The highest estimate placed upon the 1,100 acres and boulevards was EI, 865,750. The upper or west park was valued at $1,550 per acre, and the lower or ecastern at $700.. The strip taken from Kankakee avenue ior the Grand Boulevard was placed at $30 per foot. ‘This was in the winter of 1868-"70. Its prescut value is $125 to $200 per faot. ASSESSING PARK BENEFITS. The Circuit Court appolated a committee to ascertain in what decree the property affected Would be benefited by the park improvewments. They reported the beneftsat 315,600,000, before any improvements whatever had been secom- Ehshed. More recently the real benefits have een estimated ot nearly four times that amount. The assesement necessary to'the pos- ;a:ssxglg }g& 1.:};;2'1;t Eéln;zlscé oé the requisite kmdi c atively uri £1.800,000. v el s ot The actual cost of the property considerably exceeded the estimates, for a5 soon as the suc- cess of the Park acts became apparent, the greater portion of the property-owners con- cerned sought the most exorbitant figures. and the Comumission was often oblized, after severe- ly-contested law-suits, to pay their demands. ‘This matter of condemnation has been pro- ductive of decided embarrassment and dissen~ sion, and is still causine great dissatisfaction. Theterm “South Parfs” fncludes a western and an eastern division, comprising, fa all, 1,180 sacres, - besides numerous boulevards, and a twenty-ouc-acre park at the June- tion -of Pavilion boulevard and Western avenue. Thewestern division contains 830 acres, lying between Fifty-first aud Sixtfeth streets, and Cottage Grové and: South Park avenues. This gunlun of the pleasare-ground was origi- Dally level prafrie land, with' slight elevations towards the' west, possessing not the slightest natural beauty or facilities. It would in any . ordinary city bave been condemned as ungt for park purposes; but with the people who made no booes of bullding 3 metropolis in a2 mud- bole, axd, when qestroyed, rebuilt'it in two One of the most remarkable traits of the city’ . finished it il years, the sceming impracticability of the sub-. Jject only served as an incentive. ~ - The eastern division forms the main portion of the grounds, comprehending 700 neres. Un- like the western portion,.it abounds in eleva- tions and groves, and is centered, tor the mast part, by low swamp-lands. Along the west edec cxtends a slight ridee, increasing in aititude towards the north, while the eastern boundary is formed by the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, - This portions extéuds southward from Fifty-sixth fo Sixty-seveath strect. It is 12{ miles long, three-quarters of & mile wide at the north end, and 1;% at the south. IN ITS NATURAL STATE . it was considered n Leautiful park. This, in fact, on account of its size, position, and origi- nal adaptability, is destined to constitute the great resort of Ll_xe public, aud, althoush now in 2 somewhat aboriginal state, will soon take the lead of the upper park. “The west park hos been nearly completed so far ag labor s concerned. 350 acres have ver 33 been tilled, seeded down, sod planted with young furcest trees. " THE FIRST OBIECT to be attmned was the drasnage of Grand and Drexel boulevards and of those portions of tle park to be first reclaimed. This was accom- P\isbcd at 2 large expense, and 5o thoroughly, it s believed, that it will last permnneufl{. ne same plan proved of great value on Fifty-fifth street, now Pavilion Bouleyard. The Comimis- eion also joined with the Village of Hyde Park in the expense of building the Fifty-first-strect sewer, which, owing to the vexativus delay of the contractors to whom the work was let, cost $10,000 more than the estimsates. Suwers have also been constructed alonz For- ty-third and -Forty-sccond streets to serve as outlets for the Iower honlevards. The enterprising Viliaze of Hyde Park, more- over, recently attempted to leta contract for & new sewer on Fortg-third street at o cost of $80,000, although the Commission offered to scll the one already there, and which s suf- fident for ten yems to come, for only $7,0005 but for ouce the property-cwaers would uot be defrauded, and the contractors -had to * come out of that.” P Good, stronz sewers liave been built along Grand, Drexel, und Pavilion boulevards, and.: Bayard and South Park avenucs. Up to De- cember, 1875, the Commissioners had built about : TIFTGEN MILES OF GOOD DRATNS, This year several. miles more were added. The “nest thing after the sewerage was the constraction of Grand = and Drexel boulevard. This was done in order to furnish the people of Chicago, wholtare always impatient, an immediate otiraction, and has so0- far succceded that the parkways are more fre- uented thap any others in the city, and are ex- ?nflcg 85 Ioudly by visitor as by our own breth- rem. . Grand boulevard is the fashionable thorough- farc of the parks. Starting at the corner of Lower South Park avenue and Douglas avenue, it runs dircetly southward for a distance of two miles, connevting with Drexel boulevard on the norih by Oakwood bonlevard, and at the sonth by Bayard avepue. It has a fifty-five-foot centre roadway, bounded on both sides by plauting- spaces twelve feet ide, and _ which contain in all thirtcen seres. Beyond thess spaces are side-drives flanked” on tho outside by eement sidewalks. With the cxeeption of the stretch on tho east side from Oakivood boulevard to Fopty-seventh street, and a block or two onthe west side, the side drives have not been graveled. The former portion s paved with one block of asphalt and the remainder of Joliet gravel. . t ig just one mile long, and forms the trot~ ting-course, and on Suturday, Tuesday, and Thursday eveu‘mga; the visitors are very numer- ous, aud “brushes * on theroad quite Lively. It is here that the great moving masses of fashion- able turn-outs congregate in such numbers that order is only preserved by stries exercise of the admirable driving regulations. - Drexel boulevard extends” from Oakwood boulevard south to Fifty-irst street, there con- necting withi Bayard avenue. It consists of two rives, forty feet each in width, separated by a magniecent planting-space 100 feet wide. Winding walks interlace themselves in this lawn, and many THOUSANDS OF BRIGRT-ETED FOWERS and graceful plants and shrabs have been set out for the adimiration of the thousands of fianeurs who seck relaxation from the turmoil of the city. The beauty-and fragrance of its sdornments have won for this driveway an en- ‘viable reputation. The cast roadwayhas heenlong since complet- ed,and that ontheivest is macadamized from Fif- ty-tirst street to Forty-seventl. During the past few monutis Mr. Fred Krantz, the gardener, has introduced m:m?' new forms . and arrangements among the horticultural embellishments which lave attracted much attention and afforded Frcne pleasure, Among them are the name *South Parks,” worked out with various spe- cies of flowers upoa the lawn, and an artificial mound handsomely decorated. Many neat bask- " ets and urns have also been set out, and literal- Iy covered with vines and flowers, and at the southern extremity many small trees bave found an anchorage, & Bayard avenue fs finished a distance of two and o half miles, completely encircling what is known s the South Open Green. The portion along thé north end is _formed of Joliet gravel, and thoroughly sewered. In forming the bed of the remainder, the Commissioners brought into practice their system of economy, which is a noticeable and pleastg feature of their admin- istration, by using lake-shore gravel with a foundation of clay. The experiment turned out suceessfully, for while it produced fully a3 food a road as that in which Jdolict gravel ivas the prineipal ingredient, the object was accom-~ plished at half "the cost. The same plan has therefore been nsed upon other by-ways. Pavilion boulevard oriiriuates nvar the cenire -of th® West Park, and stretehes westward to Western avenue three and a half miles distant. It resembles both Grand and Drexel boulevards, the length between State and Reuben strects being similar to_the former, and the remainder tothe latter. Thut resembling Grand boulevard has a centre roadway fifteenfect wide. A single roadway has been built through. the eatire Iength, and the propeity otherwise improved. WESTERN AVENUE. extends from Pavilion boulevard-north to the Illinois & Michigan Canal. It hus been com- pleted and §s arranged similar to Drexel boule- vard, which it equals in every respect. This driveway should be connected by the West Parlk Commissioners with the West Side Park system. ‘This conneetion, togetirer with a short link on the North Side, is all that is now necessary for the completion of a drive of some twenty-five n_\élfl; entirely around the three land sides of the city. When finished it may be asserted withont ex- azgeration that ChicaZo possesses one of the finest and most extensive chiains of boulevards in the world. 3 Qalwvood bonlevard ‘runs east’and west be- tween the nortiern extremity of Drexel and Grand bouleverds. Up to the present year it consisted simply of a single- forty-foot road. Water and gnswm have been faid ou this avenuc by the Villege of Hyde Park. During the past four or five months the entirc appear- ance of Oakwood boulevard ias been changed. Its plan now consists of a fifty-foot centreway, bordered on each side by two seven and a Ll feet planting-space, intervened with a ten-feet cement sidewalk. This is 2 ®mewhat peculiar construction, and its present appearance pre- diets an attractive future. 2 Acting upon the suggestion of TAE I'RIBUNE, made fast December, two rows of elm trecs have already been stationed, with every proba- bility of nuning thethoroughfare Elm Parkway. Titis fall a new sewer Was built along the Iower, western edge of Drexel and throughout the whole length of Oakwood boulevard. The Iatter will be macadamized in the “coming spring. New residences are springing up all along the boulevard, with a bright prospect of the immediate erection of many more. Even now, in jts torn-up condition, the appearance of the street {3 materially heightened. SOUTII PARK AVENDE has heen constructed of Jolict gravel a distance of 2,600 feet, joining Grand and Pavilion boule~ vards, and aToyding = west entrance to the Park Retreat, throogh which it conneets by second- ary drives with Bayard avenue. v The Midway Pinisance ligks the east and west parks, which at this poiut are just 2 mile apart. A casual observer would scarcely imagine this route to be the future glory of Chicazo. But this is Indeed u fact,as the following descrip- tion will show It is 600 feet wide, ana constructed on & plan howmogceneous with Drexel boulevard, but on a far grander scale.” On each side will be a forty- foot trackway, ana in_tze cenire a magnificent chain of lakes the cntlre distance, bordered by broud Jawns adorned with delicate flowers, trees, greenswards, winding walks, ete. The lakes will ne embellished with finciy-executed rustic °| bridges, cool fountsins, artificial islands, swans, boats, and every outdoor convenience and lux- ury. ‘The Illinols Central -Railroad track is to be raised above the ordinary level so that the limpid waters of the lakes .may flow on trap- quilly beneath. This series of smail Inkes will be connected with the Park Retreat lake ' by other streams and ponds, and with ‘Lake Michi- zan]l)y the channel and larger lakes in the esst park. The northern roadway of the Midway Plaisance bas been- macadamized along the south side, elms bave been planted, «nd. When the work s develop the finest parkway s America, if not in the world. At mg scuthynm‘; of. Grand Boulevard is the Park Retreat, a charming grove, filled with noble trecs, sweey flowers, md rare plants. Promenades are cut through in all dircetions, leading, emong other places, to a fairy lake, on whose glitteringbosom the haughty swan floats gracefully about. Upon an island at the west end of thissheetisa swau- house,—~a perfect model of architecture, while n ear the opposite cxtremity plays o fine foun- tain. Lawns slope softly to the water’s cdze, and umbrageous trées offer a moment’s respite to the heated pleasuro-seeker. Tilis is now the aradise of the park, und patronized as such, On he couth edge of the bnilding, serving as & restaurant or ¢ half-way house,” which is .open in summer. through the Retreat” uniting with and other uvenues. garden the Commissionersbave erected a PERMANEST BAND-ICOUSE, where concerts are given every Thursday in the 0: Bayai verb season. This house is built upon a smali trian- surihu- grass-plot, and surrounded on all sides by jveways. 'he crowds here are sometir <~ even srestar than on trotting-evenings upow Grand Boule- vard. The musicis exccuted by the most accom- plished orchiestra iu Chicago, and is alwayspleas- ing. -At & low estimate 60,000 people have lis- {ened to these concerts duriny the past scason. To those of moderate means these concerts are very convenient and agreeable. The lawns of the Lark Retreat are open for all pedestrians, and hundreds may be observed listening with . grateful hearts, wh‘lle the children romp about the rich grounds. Fe- dustrinns formerly reached tbe parks by horse- cars dummy,.but this year the Commission establisiied a-new institution, viz: the park phactous. They are commodious open carriages. capable of seating twenty porsons, and are ran upon the same principle as those fu- Fairmount %, Philadelphia, and in Central and Prospect Parks, fn New York and vielpity. They proved to supply'na long-felt want, and have beenin so great demand tnzt the Commission has decided to purchase. five more for next sammer. st of the Park Retreat and inscribed within Bayard avenue fies the South Open Green, o reproesentatfon of an Euglish lawn, and one of the largest and best laid-out in the United States. The nursery, which was first formed here, has been rapldly removedto the south end of tho parlk, leaving thelawn totally unobstract- ed. Sixty sheep are pastured herc, and a vast number of quails find in it a conzenialabode, for . NOSIQOTING 13 ALLOWED within the limits of the park. except at the Ig;fl es of the Chicago Rifle Club in the east yision. The water-supply of the upper park is fur- nishied by an artesian well north of Bayard ave- nue, and a smaller tank has Deen placed at the Stock-Yards railroad crossing on Grend boule- vard, which, zlthough it has a_capacity of but 2,000 gallons, has beun found of material ald in maintaining the supply. Upto 1675 the natural flow of the larger well was considered amply suflivient, but during that year the demaud in- creased §0 much that the Commission decided to aud did establish an engine and ereet o res- ervolr. This ungainly tank has since been boarded over and ornamented with neat archi- teetural designg, till it even adds to the appear- ance of the par] In the ecast division tbe Commission have as- saciated o the cxpense of building Slu:!‘y Island avenuc, which runs north and south along the west border of thc grounds. A row ofash, ¢lm, and linden trees has been stationed along the park side. The first roauway attempted in this division was the lake-shore dvive. This has peen graded and macadamized from the termin- ation of the Iifty-ninth street, or Midway Plajs- 2uce, to the lake shore, and a short distance southward alongthe latter. It isaveryattractive drive, sloping downin long curves from thehigh- er land, is 40 fect wide to the lake, and there 100. Numerous other routes, as yet ungraded, are being prepared for. Work was not commenced in this park until last year, but is now being pushed ahcad rapidly. The existing induce- neits to ingpect this pleasure-ground are THE TWIN LAKE’ ~ and thefr assocfations. They licin the north- west corner, and arg easily . accessible both by }9’60 Park avenue and thie_ Midway Plaisance. ‘When these were cxeavated the adjoining tract .was covered with a patural growth of fine trees, which the Commissioacrs wisely zllowed to re- main. With alittle care they will equal any in the entire park systcm. The lakes are spanned by u peculiar rustic bridge, with a massive foundation of stone. This bridge was designed by the Commissioners themsclves, withont the aid of engineer or architect. The railings are painted in brilliant colors, and graced at both cuds and centres with hugre vases filied wich grargeous flowers. It is ad odd piece of cagineering, and is, in fact, 23 a Commission~ er remarked, *‘a pretty good bridge for four greenborns to make,”? » ‘The bauks of the lakes are high, and in the centre of one is & besutiful island. ‘This portion; including fifty acres, of the park is now all laid out, and completed, with respect to Isbor. It is tilled-with trees, flowers, and foliage, and a marked stillness and secdusion reiges over i, A number of geese, ducks, and other birds roum at larme cranes, v Axg hcre, without fear ° or molestation. This_ winter the ~“lakes are to be fitted out for a siating park. A warm house will be erected, with stoves, ete., and the ice Rmpcr}y ticoded to secure leveluess and safety. [lic young people will tucreby obtain an enjoy- able treat.,” The lakes are scarcely a block from South Pari Station, where all of the Illinois accommodation trains stop. Skating facilities are also provided at the Park Retreat lake, as previously. . i LAKE MICAIGAN i3 waging a_perpctual war against the property, and the Commission has baen obliged to erect piers and otherwise fortify their posses- sions. Of piers there are two, one at Fif minthand the other at Fifty-seventh streets. Both are built of strong pilvs, and filled with rocks. Their dimensions are 300510 and 300x0. South of the flrst picr a chaunel thirty feet wide by twelve deep has been’ excavated by a dredge. The swamp-lands in the central part are more convenient for lukes than anything else. ‘The Commission jntends to excavate alarge lake right in the centre, to serve asa sort of “ headruarters ? for the streams in the vicinity, and this will be connected with the channel, an also with the Twin Lakes, ~Midway Piaisance, cte, . makinz a complets Venetian highwey. These lakes.and channels . will do away in a grreat measure, with the build- ing of drains and sewers, and thus, while they beautify the parls, become instruments of ceonomy—anotner ¢xdmpla of the Cowmis- sioners’ frugality, The material dug from these ‘uds is used in grading roads, ete. At Sixty-third strees are the ranges of . the Chieago Kifle Club, Here Is u club-ouse, built at nvest of $300. Basc-ball frounds, and other plats 1or outdoor sports will eventualiy be Jormed, and there has been considerable talk of laying oat a race-vourse on the land known as Puilips’ track, Perbaps the greatest attraction of the place are the pienic grounds. Thess ure situated near Woodlawn Station, on the Ilinois: Central, and are unaturally adaptel for {he purpose. Of Iate the dewand for rooui has ynereased to such a de- gree that new_grounds_were provided. The; were: engaged every day, Spndays cxeeptes during the past swnmer.” The other portions of the park will soon _be. adorned with' forest- flowers, Jawns, shrabs; walks, drives, arbors, ete, and fountains will be placed to advantage in both parks, . The Comumissioners are still at & loss for . names. Those already given are deficient in many cases, 'I'bis is a matter of more impor- tance than it be supposed, as & park with- out names is a thought without expression. In several cases the parkways especially bave been yuy INAPPROPRIATELY NAMED. TFor iustance, Drexel bouleyard s ealled after 'a Mr. Drexel who is not. n non-resident of Chicago. It could notbe too strongly urged upon the Commission to change this name to Egan Bonle- vard, in_memory of Dr. Egan, who was the means of causing our citizens much 1plessure by extensively improving bis tract of land known as Egandale, aud through which the boulevard esses, betore. the Park actwes acted. Last ecember TAE TRIBCNE susgested that Oak- wook beuleyard should be lined with elms and designated Eln perkway. As previonsly men- tioned, the first part of this suggestion hus been carried outy and the Commission could not do buiter than .follow, with the name. As for % Qukwood,” it hasmot the siightest meaning here. [ts mearest relation isa’ cemetery five miles distant. The road alongr the west side of the Park Re- treat, joining Grand and Pavilicn boulevards, is known a8 Sontix Park avenue. Now this is no name at all. There is one Eouth Park avenue extending sonth from Twenty-second street to Grend boulevard, and two suzh names only cause’ confusion. Puris i3 everywhere recog-- nized as the great centre of civilization and re- finement. 1a Franet to name a street or boule- vard after sn individual is copsidered-the high- est possivle honor that can be: conferred on him. Caicago s the eentre of cvilization and refinement on the American Contiient; there- fore, it bchooves Chicago to uame at least a ortion ot her boulevards aftér distinguished toericars. Would it not ‘be a compliment to one the memory of America's greatest prosc-writers to title the laSt-men- tioned park-way Hawthorne ‘avepue 1 the worsi-named of all the drivesfs Pavilion~ boulevard. The word pavilion denctes atent or temporary havitation, but the Commissioners have not the Ieast idea of furnishing the public with Jodgings pratis, §2 the sooner they change tie name the Letter Wil tiieir mission be accom- plished. ‘Let it be named irving or Longfellow boulevard. BAYARD AVESUS was justly named, in honor of ‘3Ir. Robert Bay- ard, of New York City, wito bousht of the first bonds fssued ie Commission, and has pur- chiased F300,00¢ 4ls5v Joaned the Retreat is a, Gethic Just east of this su- Tt is but proper to let the world know that Chi- cago remembers her friends. o e denomination ‘*Midway, Plaisance™ is objected to by the Commissioners, who desire to alter it. “Centrul boulevard” would be appropriate. _‘The short avenue joining Midws: Plaisance and Bayard avenue is still unnamed. Biuce it passes between the Botanical Gardens and the nursery, and along the entire length of the former, it would be convenient to call it “Botanie Drive.” The two parks, takenas a whole, are styled the South Parks, but each division is open to a scpfirate appeliation. The upper might be cailed Grand Park, and the lower Lake Park, but for the fact that there s already at least one park of the Jatter name in Chicago, The twenty-acre park at the junction of Pa- vilion bonlevard and Western avenue 13 nEpro- priately named after Mr. George W. Gage, whoge recent decease deprived the city of one of its most earnest and efficient Commissioners. “The southeast forty acres of the West Park has been appropriated for the botanical gardens, one of the most brillinnt achievements of the Commissioners, and probably to scientists of more interest than the remainder of the park. ‘The first action taken towards the starting of these gardens was the request of the Commis- sion in December, 1874, that five gentlemen of Clicago and Hyde Purk, members of the Chi- cago Academy “of Sciences, should undertake the manazement and direction of the gerdens. The Committee immediately orzanized, and in January, 1875, issued circulars to all the FLINCIPAL BOTANIC GARDENS - of the world. Their proposition was reccived with an interest exceeding the most sanguine expectations, and letters full of congratulation snd cencouragement were received from every country, accumpanicd by over 8,000 packets of seeds and living plants. There are now 5,000 spectes and varicties in the ground and moder ass, Four propagating-houzes yere erccied in §S‘i.5, arfd this ycara new one 60330 feet was added. Among the attractions are many decid- uous and other trees, and large numbers of plants are still received Ifrom time to time. Chicago has been fortunate in obtaining the scrvices of Prof Bab- cock and his assoclates, to Wwhom is due the perfect production of one of the rarcst aod most uscful works on the Amcrican Continent. A elight idea of the success of the gardeus may bo obtained from the fact that, in spite of their youth, the famous Kew Gardens, 0 pride of London, bas obtained therefrom over 200 varietios of secds not to be found in all its vast collection. These gardens have a prac- tieal a8 well as an esthetic yvaiue. They fur- nish almost the eutire material for the cmbel- Hshment of tbe parks, aswell as affording a pleasing attraction for visitors and an nnrivaled tield for the labors and advancement of science. - There are fow gardens of this choracter in the world, and but two in North America. That Chicago should have one of these is but in kecp- ing with the temperament of ber jnhabitants. Connected . with the Botanic Gardens is a nursery. The greater portion of the trees'in this are of varicties known to be best adapted to the sofl and climate. There are smaller quantities of the. finer, hardy sorts, and als6 a few which arc being tried in an experimental way. The success in_tucsc experiments and in transplantation bave been so unusual as to sur- prise the most versed narserymen, who haye previously declered the accomplishment to be imposaible. Tls is especially the case in the TRANSPLANTING OF LARGE TREES. Up to this year several thousand maples, ash, linden, and other trees have been removed from the nurgery and planted along the park-ways and in various other places. A peculiar feature of the parks is the construction of a ramble in the northeast corner of tie upper park. It con- sists of thousands of vines and shrubs from 1 10 15 fect bigh, planted in tasteful groups and forms, covering about 13 acres. These are in- terzpersed with a perfect labyrinth of paths, Icading in every conceivable™ dircction. For children it {s a perfect fairyland, and cven those of more sedate years find a quiet pleasure bere, This year, besides other improvements pre- viously ‘mentioned, the pursery has been re- moved south of Sixticth street. It nowextends gceross the entire south end of the West Park. By this removal over 100,000 trees were trans- ted. Three or four thousand trees have also been taken fron the nursery aud places about the West, Paric.. The short drive connect- ing Bayard avenue snd Midway Plaisance has peen thoroughly sewered. Bayard avenue has been sewered from Fifty-fifth “strect to Sonth Park avenue. A box sewer has been built along Midway Plaisance from Woodlawn to Cottage Grove aveuue, and for about laif this distance the surface has been plowed up, preparatory to gecdiug in the spring. Little has been done upon Grand and Drexel boulevards except planting o few new trees where the first bave died. The arrangement of flowers on the latter parkway has been grad- ually improved. Mouy of the flowers have been removed to the park green-houses for the winter. The roadway along South Park avenue from Fifty-fifth street to Sixtieth, and thence east to Cottage Groye avenue, has been ded. Treea have been planted nlong both sides of Pavilion boulevard from Reuben to Western avenue. The side roads of the boulevard have also been graded from State street to the Fort Wayae oad crossing. IN THE LOWER PARK, TFifty-ninth street has been macadamized to the lake, and a drinking-fountain placed at the cor- ner of Stony [stand avenue sud Midway Plais- ance. A driveway bas been graded from Fifty- ninth to Sixty-seventh strects, along the extreme west of the parlk, and passing the picoiegrounds, forming by its unusualily hard bed an excellent but me maidey at yer Bervice,n condactor, I hay, name is Bridget Maloney, “Very well,” spoke the Just received a telegram frg Lushand—-"" “Me phati? “Ynur::sbni?fl ““Me husband, is it? isthor lave this now, and don’t ve come ar?ufim‘l'v insultin’ a daceut widay. If me Mike, Gog B his sowl, wus livin’ to-{lny, surrv\{nfll;?é ({:%‘Z Ll would be afther tryin’ to' mind some of s ‘bones for vere insuit; moind that, now ' A):{egh assuring Mrs. L. that she was not the Jad (qu whom the dispateh was {ntended, M. ik forward into the baggage-car, and after 3 - geliberation considered the joke too good t:'%: lost. ~ So he telegraphed a Teply stating thae Mrs. L. was on his train. The' Happy bmb::a started on the first train to meet the wife of his bosom. ~ Readers, you can well imagine hia g Erlse ou being presented to Mrs, L. -He wo&fi ave =~ revenye,—r-c-v-en-g-e,—but Mr, 4. [i bleading his casestated hiow bo himself fadhed. Sold, and that mare badly thau e (Mr. 1) 1> changed Kis thirst for blood, and the canduo. and disappointed husband joined fn a fong g hearty laugh. It is but justice to Mr. L to so that Mrs. L. did arrive a day or two later, and- all is well that ends well. Yours truly, Ep Warp, THE GAME OF CHESS Cur'ss DinErrony. —Chicago Chiess Club, Nos and 65 Washington strcet; .open YMO"‘L;'?: 20p. m Chess players meet daily at the Tremopt se (Exchange) and the Shy Honas ge) Sherman House (Bage. All commnnications fntended for this departmens shonld be addzessed to Tz TRIBGN; stould be e 2 TRIBUNE, and indorseq TO CORRESPONDENTS." *:Cazss. "—~The tableg at the Tremont and Sher man Houses are free to the publc, * **E. B."—Enigma No. 5% is correct lished. ThePawnatK B+ in Prodlem Bluck. Correct sofution 'to Problem No. 53 receiveq from W. H. Ovington, D. IL. Kiukead, E. Bahe, E. A. Swarth, E. S. Watts, G. S. Porwe)), Mast L. ). Clawson, Ir., §. Jt. Faller, C. B! Saacr and 70 Adams street, city; C. Brodie, Ausiin, 11+ x “rl:’,digi e Gk Lischog, 'reepo .5 W, M, Colvi 3 3. Shexander, Cilnton, 1o Lowadkee, Wis.; Correct solution to Enizma No. E. A. Swarth and W. 'IL chotf, Freeport, 111 ENIGMA NO. 55. BY M E. A. SCHNIDT. 38 pub- No. 54y N0. 53 received f; Ovington, city; E. his: it Black, Kipgot KR 3 EfngarkBs ueen at K B2 Tishopat Q3 RookatQ R 5 Bishapatk 3 AW 8L K. Bishopat R Kt 6 < B Puvnut KR4 ‘White to play and mate {o two moves, PROBLEM N, 55. road; and many other improvements in lakes, lawns, tres, etc., have bren made. Next year snecial attention Will be paid to this portion of the parks, Several fine residences are going up on Grand and Drexel boulevards, and proy{nny—owners are only walting for thie Village of Hyde Parkto lay gas and water-pipes to commence buildinz operatfons. A horticultural company has also ereeted a very complete set of houses on the west of Graid boulevard, which both adds to the appearance of the parks and sccommodates the public. The South Park Commissioners have been chosen from _our best citizens, and in spite of the many and great obstacles which beset their path, ave Rreservcxl the rights .of the c‘mfic and the management of the parks Fn a most ingenious and profitable man- ner. Yet they bave suffered o perfect tirade of abuse from illiberal and narrow-mind- cd porsons, until patience almost ceased to bea yirtue. Very few men could or would haye Deld out in their places, and they deserve infl- ai‘tcly more praise than has been bestowed upon €. The amount of work to be done next year will be necessarily less, on account of s reduc- tion of $100,000 in the park tax. This rednction is said to be necessary, owing to the hard times, but can bardly be considered absolutely indis- pensable, as it will searcely make $3difference to any one tax-payer. MICHIGAN AVESDE. Suggestions have bcen made that the South Park’ Commission should assume contral of Michigan avenue, from Lake street to Thirty- ninthor city Jimits; plant two rows of fine trees the ecutire length; remacadmize the roadbed, and thus furnish the long desired grand drive to the parks. This proposition should immediate- 1y enlist the attention and patronage of the pub- Tie. It i3 a fact to be regretted that there is now no proper connection with the parksand the city,—an evil whith must be remedied sooner or later, ir the parks are to become a popular resort in the fullest sense of tho term. - It h¥ also been suggested that the Lake- Front Park, from Van Duren strcet to Park TRow, be deeded to the same body. -If so deed- ed, no power could scll or otherwise dispose of it, but it would e sacredly and perpetually kept asa public park. This, moreover, would settle forever the contested title to the'land, and insure to the people an attraetive and con- ‘venient breathing place. Ovringxoits?mxlmityw athickly-settled poMion of the city, thiscommon is in constant requisition, but the place always has a neglected, inelancholy air, that, insteadof relieving, only agsravates, the weary mind. Nor i3 there any visible prospect of future ameliora- tion, for its present managers seem to have no definite ’ihm!' except the everlasting engage- ment of labor at the people’s cxpense. 8o soon a8 any distinguiable improvement s accom- plished, the management is suddenlyscized with 2 new idea, and, in little more time than it takes to tell, not 2 vestize of that improvement remains. Wounld it not be just as eco- nomical to experiment their varied schemes uémn paper, instead of upon the public expense, at least until-they can arrive at some permancnt conclusion? It has been cisimed, and with some show of right, that, independent of the cost of the lands, folly aslarge an amount of money has been expended u%un the Lake Front, Park as upon the creat South Parks, and what a contrast between the results, ——— ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, To the Editor of The Tridune. Booxe, Ia., Dee. 15—A iweek or two ago a conducter on th€ Chieago & Northwestern Raifl- | road received the following telegram: “Is my wife on your train, from Chicago? Sizned, "'L." Mr. A, the Sentlcmanly conductor, ever Teady to accommodate a fcllow-being, went -to worlk at once fn scarch of Mrs. L. Commencing at the sleeper, ke failed to find the ohject of his search until arriving at the second-class goach, .when, in reply to his “Is there 2 lady in this car named Mrs. L.?” ashort, stubby woman arose, and, after removing 2 basict and several valises #o that she conld tum: sround and face ber questioncr, intormaed Mr. A. that sach was BY MB. E. BANBE, CHICAGO. Black. nE N % W T 7 WW!/// / %%7//}%////%/%//% 1 7 2 775 ‘l{‘ //’ ; ) I B RN i I ] Z Yt vV w0 Yy V7 ‘White. 4 ‘White to play and mate in fonr moves, SOLUTION TO PROBLEM NO. 53. ? Black., 1..Qrakey Pch ! aldeke 1.9t QRt2d §io23 ‘White. 1.Rto Q8 2R Gzdsch 3. EtoB2 mate 2. RtoQKt6discl 3..Rt0 & Be mnluh _SOLUTION TO ENIGMA NO. 53 Black. 1.KtwQé 2..K moves I 1.EW0QELT 2. Ktakes B - 3.Q ©E. B.,” Freeport, T, slso solves it by 2..Q to Et+ inanswerto1..K to Q6. PROPOSED NATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE . TOURNAMENT. The fotlowing circular has been lssued by th Lexington (Ky. ) Chiess Club: 4 79 the Chess Clubs of the United Slafes: For the purpose of encouraging the game of Chees, the Lexington Chess Club propose to ix augurate s series of Correspondence Tournaments, between the Clubs in the United States. With thit end in view they hereby offer a chess Trophy, valus one hundred (100) dollars, to be contested for by saidclubs. Entrance fee to be $10 for each club. Said contest to be governed by the Tourna- ment rules, to ¥e established by the Lexing- ton Chess Club, and the tropdy to be knowb as the Lexington Chess Trophy. e tournament this year is to be held nnder that of the Clab holding the trophy. The fees this year to accrue to the Lexington Club, who expect to nse them to pur- chuse the trophy snd defray expenses of fonrpa- ment. Hereafter the fees to belong to the Clab under whose anspices the tournament is held. Ten entries will be required tofill. Any Clubor- ganized prior to Jan. 1, 1877, may enter, Playfo commence Feb. 1. g The Clab winning the trophy shall Bold a aimilar tonrnament ender the same rales, Play to becin within six months after the closé of the preceding. one. Entries must be made 2nd fees Bn!d prior to Jan. 20, 1877, Fees may be sentby Post-Office ozder. payable to G, N. Whistler, Secretary Lexington Chess Clab, Box 142; Lexington, Ky.,.who Wil forward in return s receipt and certificate of entry. Printed coples of the rules may be obtained by applying to the Seeretary. & $ G. N. WrrsTLEE, Secretary. 10 Q B sqg mate CHESS IN ENGLAND. An fnteresting skirmish, contested in the Grand | Cigar Divan, London, between Messrs.DoVereand Mundell. X ‘The notes are from the chees editor of Londas Field. E. KT'3. OPENING. Thize-Me. ¥ LEK4 Black-1 A Py 2. DrY. & 2 1T RO @ 1g) ) obpuy ] =B i Fyes 5w :‘;,Ecn o 1% B st 3 Lt PIE oy o P, Togns ue oo MEE HFLTLEOXC] O ROO R ¥ N Bi7ch *0,.REt8ch - . And the game was drawn Ly perpetaal check. (@) Very well played. It Black o attempts t0 witfthe Kt by P R 4, White would reply with Kt B % ch, and after the exchange of pieces with P, th# K (Pb.)h,mng. fine game. s, agnin, 18 very good. {c) Tiia’ move, aa will afterwards be seen, was very hazardous. Q Kt 3 would, perhaps, bavw en better. (d) Had White taken the Rook, mate woald hate followed in & few moves by Q Kt 3 cb, K anywhere, ln:JQ_ Kt6. The move in the text is very in-' genious. s (e) The only way, cariously, to draw the game. . (& L2 e ————— . FATHER OF LOVE WITHOUT CREEDT Father of Love withont Crzzo, Giver of strength for all need, Hymn we our praise unto Thee. White are the fields in the Vale of Contention, Peacefully glesnérs are bindinz the sheaves: Sweethearts are vying in blithe condescension: ‘Time hath not withered the evergreen leaves. Sweetly the song of the toilers Is ringing Over the waters that glide thronzh the vales Plesaant the sheaves that the zlcanersare bringitdy Up from the opulent meadows’ broud trall Stealthily shadows are gathering o'er them, Weaving the weh of a wonderful wool; Silently Death i# now paseing before them, Leaving us only a poignant reproof. Happy sre they who do glean for the Master; Blest are the spints that mourn by the seas Deep is the gloom, but the sunlight s vaster: Peace 15 come o us oy sweet Galilee. TFather of Love withoat Crzz=p, Giverof etrenzth for all need, Ly we oar praise unto thee! WaLEn Spescy Pazws