Evening Star Newspaper, March 1, 1890, Page 6

- uf THE. EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON, D.C., SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1890—TWELVE PAGES. CITY AND DISTRICT @@ No city in the world is so thoroughly covered by the circulation of a single news- Paper as is the city of Washington by that of ‘Tux Eventyo Stan. It reaches all readers in the city and vieiuity. i swears to its circula- tion. No other Washington paper has yet done -_ — REAL ESTATE GOSSIP. Ex-President Cleveland and Other Lucky Investors in Suburban Property. HOW A SYNDICATE PROPOSES To RAISEpMONEY FOR IMPROVEMENTS—THE COLONIAL STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE LIKELY TO BECOME GENERAL BERE—OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST. The handsome profit made by ex-Prosident Cleveland in the sale of his home on the Ten- leytown road is rogurded by many as only au- other illustration of “Cleveland's inck.” There have been, however, quite a number of others who have disposed of their property in the same vicinity upon very advautageous terms. A large portion of the land there has changed hands several times in the past four or five years, and it has been no uncominon experience to clear forty or fifty thousand dollars by the sale of a farm that seven or eight years ago could hardly have found a purchaser. Ex- Sceretary Whitney, ws is well known, bought his place beiore Mr. Cleveland made his iu- Yestment, and after holding the property about three years Le disposed of it, netting the handsome sum of 000. The Davis farm on the Loughborough road, which will be the site of the proposed new Meth- odist university, was purchased for $100,000, Mr. Davis, the owner, bought the farm some ur $9,000 and has since lived there. dreate which purchased in the spring Nourse property. now known as Richmoud Park, for 732,600, the next spring sold it fer =79,000. About one-half of this tract was recently sold for $105,000 by the Riebmond Park syndicate to the California syndicate. The Iturbide tract, just beyond Oak View ou the north, was sold in the fail of "87 for #3.200 per acre. having been bought the preceding spring for £2,500 per acre. The Var- nell property, opposite Oak View, was sold in the tall of "86 for about 31,500 per acre. The Countr: club property, adjoinmg Grasslands, was sold in Ucwber, ‘6, for over 200 per acre, and in the iollowing spring about $1,640 F acre was paid fer the same property. ‘The Keagie tract was purchased about four years ago for $1,000 per acre, and was recently sold for nearly three times thatumount. In the fall Of '87 $32,500 was paid for the Mason farm and afew months age it was suid for $72,200. In same vicinity the Bradley place, known as Cherry Chase, was purchased in May, ‘87, for 241,500 and in November it was sold for 265,000, ‘The purchasers were what is known as the bul- sitt wyndicate, at the head of which is John Bullitt, the wealthy Philadelphia bunker, he latter in conjunction with Anthony J. Drexel of Philadeipiia and Senator Cameron purchased in 1887 the Kaloramu tract and paid for it $400,000 m cash. ‘Lhis property was sub- divided and it is said that lots to the value of a half a million of dollars were sold at once, thus paying back not only the original purchase money but the amount spent in improvements, interest, &c.4 and besides a large number of lots are still retained by the vyndicute. All these trausactions, as faras the price paid acre is concerned, are thrown in the shade by one of the purchase reported to have been made by the California syndicate. It is stated that they paid for the 70 acres in the Wal- bridge tract the sum of $500,000. This is over $7,000 per acre, which is the highest price ever paid for suburban property & PROPOSED ISSUE OF REAL ESTATE SCRIP. A rather novel idea is now being considered by a syndicate for developing their property. They propose to issue scrip which will have a certain par value and which can be located in the lots in the subdivision owned by the syndi- cate. The price per toot of the ground will be determined and this valuation will fix the amount of scrip that may be donated on each lot. The value of the scrip will fluctuate with the value of the ground. If the valueof the ground is 25 cents per foot then the serip apon the basis of $1 per foot will be at a discount of TScenta. When the land reaches « valuation of @1 per foot then the serip wiil be at par. The ground owned by this syndicate, which is known aa the Thompson syndicate. hes on each side of Massachusetts avenne extended from Rock creek to the Teuleytown road. ‘the in- tention is to subdivide the entire tract of 440 acres and grade and open the streets. One- fourth of the money derived from the sale of the serip will be expended in this way. If the plans now under consideration are carried out 2% will be one of the most extensive enterprises im this line ever undertaken by one set of men. Itis probable that the section of this tract bordering on the Tenleytown road will be first subdivided, as the expectation seems to be that owing to the building of the Tenleytown elec- tric road there will be ademand for building sites in that locality. This probable demand is given as an explana- tion of what some regurd as the high price paid for Gak View. It is said that the property can be subdivided at comparatively litle expense aud im such « way as wiil leave undisturbed the dwelling, house surrounded by about two acres of land, It is claimed by those who have made the calculations that the lots in the subdivi- sion of Oak View at the current prices prevail- ing m that section cau be sold so that the Owners will realize 700,000. RESIDENCES UF THE COLONIAL TYPE. The residence which the widow of ex-Sena- tor Zach Chandler is building at the northeast corner of 16th and K streets will be a notable one in many respects. Its chief point of inter- est in the opinion of many will be that it rep- resents a new type of architecture in this city. ‘The design is said to be purely colonial. One of the chief features of this style is the yellow or buff color and in this house the exterior walls will be built entirely of buff-colored stone and brick. The plain iines and ornamentation peculiar to colonial architecture will be faith- fuliy adhered to. The prinerpal entrance,which will be from 16th street, will be marked by a circular Pore resembling in a general way ‘the porch of the old octagon house at the corner of New Tork avenue aod 18th sreet. A line ge pillars support the roof of the ch an the flight of steps will extend sround the en- tire porch front. ‘The size of the lot, which is larger is usually available fora city resi- dence, as well as its location on a corner, will enable the architect to introduce many details which have made this style of architecture so =. years. Washington can boast perhaps of Sreater varicty in house architecture than any other city in the world, yet for some reason the colonial bas never been mtroduced here. There is only one modern residence where this style may be said to have been employed, and that is house owned by Mr. Cropper on M street near Connecticut avenue. Tho front is built of buff brick and white marble is used for the trimmings. The introduction of a circular projection extending to the third story is A necessity due to the location of the house on 2 city lot of the usual size in the midst of a block of houses. ut the wood work of the front door frame and the door presents a beau- tiful example of this style, with its fluted col- umns and pilasters. The wood work of the in- terior is consistent with this type of architec- ture and the doors are of heavy mahogany, which were formerly, it is said, in an old house. It is probable that this season may witness the birth of a new architectural fashion. While there is plenty of nondescript architecture yet the period of the prevalence of certain types is clearly marked. What was known as the Ren- aissance period with a kind of eruption of French roofs was followed by the Queen Anne , and the numerous beautiful specimens of that style contribute materially to the repu- tation which this city enjoys for handsome and picturesque residences. Then came the Roman- esque period, which was stimulated by the ad- vent in this city of the great architect Rich- ardson, who made his influence or rather that of his style felt here as he did im other parts of country. Now it seems that there is to be & period of colonial architecture and its prog- ress and effect will be watched with great in- terest. The fine residence which is to be built for Mrs. Hunt at the northeast corner of Massa- chusetts avenue and 2th streets will be, it is said, of colouial design. Mr. Harvey L. Page, the architect, is now prepering the plans and the work of building, it is expected, will be be- Sun in the course of a few weeks. COL, BLUNT'S RESIDENCE. A fine residence is bemg built for Col. C. E. Blunt on the south side of Massachusetts avenue between i7th aud‘18th streets. The front will be built of brick and stone. The brick work of ‘the upper portion will rest upon.a solid wall of Stone extending up to the first story. Stone will be introduced to relieve the brick and the front will be further enriclied by handsome cary: A feature of the front will be a frieze, ill be an attractive design carved on The interior is to be vi Ly i jake ball, the library hall and the dining room, ‘The an room. T' room. the siding of which will be will be circular in form, and in two of corners fine oak cupboards will be built in with canopy tops. The stair case in the library hall will stand out from the wall aod will form i one of the features of the interior decoration, | Written for Tax Evewme Stan, ith its carved newel post and ornamental bahasdars: The architect of the honse is Harvey L. Page and the builders are Addison & Larcombe. ‘MR, EMMERT'S FINE IMPROVEMENT. The triangular piece of ground at the inter- section of New Hampshire avenue, 18th and Q streets is to be improved by the erection of » block of three houses for L. H. Emmert, esq. This lot adjoins the two el t residences re- cently completed for Mr. Emmert and Mrs, Miller of Cincinnati and designed by Mr. T. F. Schneider. architect, who is also the architect of the three now to be erected. The house on the point will contain some twenty rooms and will have a frontage on New Hampshire avenue of 50 feet, on Q street of 32 feet and on 18th street of 65 feet. The other two houses will each have a frontage of 25 feet and a depth of 80 feet,extending nearly to 18th street, with bay windows, and treated like fronts on that poms | with stone porches and entrances, The main entrances will be on New Hampshire avenue, ‘The fronts are to be entirely of light Indiana stone, with terra cotta tile roofs, and are treated quite elaborately with bays, towers, chimney tops creeping up beside quaint gable and ‘minaretes growing out of ob- seure corners, Columns in quaint designs with carved capitals grouped about the win- dows and supporting the huge Roman arches of the entrances enrich the front, The interiors will be fine examples of comfort and elegance, with wide halls and broadoak stairways. The hall of the corner house will be 18 by 30 feet with an oak-paneled ceiling and walls and an elegantly carved ouk sercen at the stair case, supported on columns. The starting steps of the stairway are eight feet wide and extend up with landings toa bay or alcove looking out on 18th street. The stairs thon continue up to the floors above. IMPROVEMENTS AT BROOKLAND, It is expected that a number of new houses will be erected in Brookland during the com- ing season. Among those intending to build Carmick of the adjutant general's of- Mrs. Rosina Powell, Mr. Fred Halton, Col. Lewis, Mr. Kinan, Mr. Geo. W. Will- iamson, Mr. J. F. Bancroft, Mr. Fred Chandler, Mr. Leonard Fowler, Miss Mary Elmer and Mr. Fred Ohm. A citizens association has been organized, with Dr. J. H. Brooks as president and Harry Barton as secretary. The object of the association is to secure as nearly as possi- ble such improvements as can be obtained from the surplus of general appropriations un- expended and to represent to the Commission- ers the needs of the subdivision. Messrs. Harry Barton and W. Lone! Walker, representing a syndicate, have purchased for 85,000 the Queen property, known as the Bunker Hill tract, immediately north of and adjoining Brookland. This property has alarge frontage on the Bunker Hill road and is near the Catholic university. It is the intention of these gentlemen to immediately subdivide and place the property on the market. ‘The streets jand sidewalks are to be made in a first-class manner, shade and ornamental trees are to be planted, gutters are to be paved with cobble stones and all roadways and sidewalks graveled. THE BIG REAL ESTATE DEAL. The extensive real estate purchases along the line of Connecticut avenue extended which have been made through Maj. George A. Armes, real estate broker, for the California syndicate represent an expenditure of over a million and a half of dollars. This immense deal is now being consummated as rapidly as the titles can be searched and the deeds made out. For sev- eral months Maj. Armes has been working on this project and its successful termination marks the close of the largest real es- | tate transaction ever undertaken in this city. | As has been stated in 'lur Sra, the California | syndicate, represented by Mr. F. G. Newlands, have under consideration plans for the imme- diate improvemeut of the 958 acres included in this purchase. The following detailed list of the properties sold was obtained from Maj. Armes: 98 acres of the Belt tract for John E. Beall and B. H. Warner for 230,000, 10 acres of the Chuppell tract for S. R, Bond for $2,750. 46 acres of the Payne tract for Wm. K. Ryan and H. R. Dulaney for 23.480. 63 acres of the Sterrett tract for A. D. Ster- rett for 44,100. 70 acres of the Walbridge tract for H. D, Walbridge for $300,000, 51 acres of the Noonan tract for John Noonan for $40,000. 5 acres of the Carberry subdivision for J. S. Bremmerman for $5,500. 18 acres of the Soapstone tract for W. F. Porter for 316.000, 20 acres of the Mitchell tract for J. J. Mur- phy for $6.000. 20 acres of the Rowe tract for J. D. Rowe for 000, 50 acres of the Ryan tract for W. K. Ryan for $100,000, 20 acres of the Chappell tract for J. W. Col- lias for $8,000, 9 acres of M. Brock’s heirs’ tract for Geo. M. and Frank A. Brock for %12,000, 104 xeres of the Bradley tract for R. E. Brad- ley for $31,200. S acres of the Drewis tract for Lewis and Ellen Drewis for =6,000, 3 aorex of the Chappell tract for J. W. Chap- pell for $1,000. 65 acres of Richmond park for R. H. Golds- borough for 2105.000. 434 acres of the A. Collins tract for W. Col- lins for $1,900, 20 acres of the Baugesten tract for F. and C. Baugesten for $15,000, 11g acres of the Price tract for Edmund E. Price for $4,500. 15g acres of Fletchall’s Chance for L. E. and M. Shoemaker for £1,000. 45 acres of the French tract for Adele B. French for $32,097. 10 ucres of the Queen tract for Mrs. Arthur Queen et al. for 3.000, iby acres of the Collins tract for Mra. J. E. Collins for $1,200, 68 acres of the Klingle tract for J. P. Klingle for $129,200, 7iby ucres of the Ingleside tract for W. H. Ashton for $300,000, 4i acres of the Lyle tract for Austin Herr for 366.500. 7 acres of the Barr tract for John Barr for $7.00. % 1 acre of Reno for James Keene for $1,000. 13g acres of the Giles Dyer tract for Lucy 1. Lightfoot for $1,500. 2 xcres of the Haynes tract for Geo. G. Hamilton, trustee, for $9,220. 2secres of the Taylor tract for Langdon Taylog for $1,500, — acres of the Friendship tract for A. and A. Payne for $7,500. a WARDING OFF OFFICE SEEKERS. Secretary Blaine Retired to the Inmost Kecesses of His Sanctum. The Secretary of State has come to the con- clusion that there is a good deal more in the administration of the affairs of the department over which he presides than the disappointing of applicants for office, and has retired into the depths of his office even more impenetrably than ever in order to grapple with the yeight- ier questions of state and international rela- tions than whethe: or not John Brown shall go to Siberia as a consular clerk. The result of this decision on the part of the Secretary 1s to be seen in the innumerable printed placards tha: he has caused to be hung all over the de- partment—in the corridors, on the doors, m the ante rooms and reception rooms and even on the great globe in the little waiting room next to the office of the chief clerk. This gives notice to the world that hereafter all business connected with tie matte? of consulsbips must be transacted with the assistant secretary of state, who is Mr. Wharton, there being "two others, so that it is always well to specify which one is meant, This move on the part of the Secretary is prob ably one of the many results of the death of his son Walker, who stood to him much after the fashion of a protector from the wiles and importunities of the hordes of office seekers that have not yet ceased to haunt the precincts of this department. Walker was of infinite value to his father in this matter as well us many others, for his knowledge of men. and especially of men who wanted something, was almost equal to that of his father. WALKER DLAINE’S SUCCESSOR. The position which he held, that of solicitor for the Department of State, is still vacant, no nomination to it having been yet made. There bas been some talk of Mr. Moore, the present third assistant secretary, being made solicitor, but of this there is no confirmation to be had. Mr. Moore was appointed to his post by the last administration and was found to be so well posted on the questions of international law— which he has made a Uy omen study— that Secre- tary Blaine has found him to be of great assist- ance to him, icularly in the matter of the disputes with the Dominion of Canada in regard to the fishing rights of this country, Mr. Moore was the secretary of the fisheries commission id ad- that sat in this city during the Clevelan ministration upon the cod fishery dispute, and he thereby acquired a knowledge of the subject that will probably be of Breat value to the de- partment when question comes up for fina! settlement, which is not very far off. kee, Moore was a close friend of the Dr. Wharton, who was solicitor of the ent when he died. and was appointed one of his executors. Dr. Wharton was recognized us the tending author. ity on the subject of :ternationai law, and was on that account one of the most useful solie- ilors the department has ever bad, ATTRACTIVE HOMEs. What Can Make Them More so Than Children. DAY PARTIES FOR THE LITTLE ONES—A DAINTY BIRTHDAY EXTERTAINMENT FOR A THREE-YEAR- OLD MIS$—A PLEASING NOVELTY—BRIGET SAY- INGS OF THE LITTLE ONES. ‘ITH all that is dope for amuse- ment of children at the present time they ought to be well enter- tained, Whether or nota child is the happier for these efforts on its behalf is possibly question, with argments pro and con. Certainly the children themselves are sufficiently enter- taining with their funny and wise sayings and actions that show so much of individuality while still being in a way common to all chil- dren, The graceful, unconscious and pic- turesque attitudes that a pretty child will as- sume make one feel that one should always be provided with a photographic outfit, so thatsuch charming effects might be perpetuated. So much is done in amateur photography now that a collection of children’s pictures might be quite easily acquired. CHILDREN’S PARTIES. Luncheons and teas are the forms that chil- dren's daytime parties take just now, and very pretty are these entertainments. The baby of one household lately attained the dignity of a birthday—number three of her little hfe—and to celebrate it with becoming honor a luncheon was given to five other little maidens of the same mature age. The young mother made it her special interest for the time being, and the result was so dainty and pretty that I will give an exact account of it as a suggestion and help to other mammas whose ideas are more vague on such a subject. In the first place there was no sentiment of ‘anything is good enough for children,” but the best and prettiest of DAMASK AND CHINA were set forth as if to be appreciated and ad- mired by older folk. In the center of the white tablecloth was a silver tray filled with bon bons in pink and silver papers, On ono end of the table was a candelabrum of Dres- den china iu which pink candies burned. Acrosa from this was a rose bowl of crystal full of pink carnations, Small dishes of pink confectionery and orange strips were scattered about. At each of the six places were a Dresden bread and butter plate, a punch glass for milk and a claret glass for water, with the various spoons vnd forks for the little fingers to use in the dif- ferent courses, There were also atiny bunch of violets (the favorite flower of the baby host- ess) tied with violet ribbon anda little pink sutin bag filled with chocolate wafers. Bibs Mey ready to be tied over party frocks and en THE FAIRY FEAST BEGAN. The first course was chicken broth served in bouillon cups with pink decorations, and with | this crisp hot crackers. Then came quail, jeliy, bread and butter. Next was the dessert, pink ices in the forms of different animals, and the 7S phage birthday cake, with its three candles and one to grow on! Iu turn each child blew at the burning candles until ir little light was gone. Then came the excitement of finding a ring embedded in one of the picces of cako— a love knot of gold, which slid onto the finger of the lusky midget, to her great delight. The behavior of the children was as perfect as their surroundings, and the whole a charming pic- ture to the few older ones permitted to look on. After the bon-bon caps had been ad- justed, the final games played, and the children were taking their leave, alittle package was given each one, in which was a mite of a doll’s handkerchief, wrapped in soft paper and tied with pink ribbons. This is the way the chil- dren live their little lives in 1890, A PRETTY NOVELTY for a child's party is to have small frosted cakes and in the top of each to stick a tiny doll—the inch-long species. These are dressed by winding the narrowest of ribbon about thém and are pretty souvenirs for the chil- dren to add to their caps and name cards, ‘These last come in many forms, some of them being paper animals covered’ like life and with a standard back so that they stand up with a very knowing air. CHILDREN’S SAYINGS, The amusing things that children say are in- numerable, but unless quickly chronicled are soon dim in the memory and then lost entirely, Some years ago a young mother in ‘deen a weekly letter to her mother, who lived at a dis- tance, used to send an extra sheet of “‘chil- dren’s sayings.” This to the fond grandparents was the really entertaining part of the letter and the idea has been kept up in the family ag young cousins have filled the places of the first children, From these letters the sayings were collected and written in a book, which was al- ways amusing to look over. Another mother had an ornamental book made in which to transcribe the childish wit and humor of her baby boy. Fortunately her expectations were reahzed and the boy said some things worth setting down for future entertainment. From the pages of this chronicle I will pick out a few of the speeches of the boy and the little sister who followed him as principal contributor. One day little Rob asked mother if “when Jesus was a little boy and his mother went out shopping. did his nurse always tell his mother that te had been a good boy?”—this being his interpretation of Jesus never committing sin. After his hair had been closely cut for the first time his little sister remarked that he couldn't curl his hair any more, “If I had a flea's curling stick perhaps I might manage to curl it a little,” was his quick reply. The children’s uncle came home fri lege one time with a mustache and it was tioned betore little Elinor. When she saw him for the first time she climbed into his lap. ex- amined the appendage very carefully, then turned to her mother and asked, “Is zis de new mustache you were telling about, mudder?” es,” she replied, “Well, Uucle Jack,” said Elmor, ‘do you wear it every day?” “Mother, does beefsteak come out of a cow?” asked Rob one day, but before his mother could answer littie Elinor spoke up: “No, Rob; cows lays milk.” One day Rob was describing Christmas joys to his sister: “You know that day when we have so much racket and fun and pandemonium?” Rob's last question one night was: “Mother, if tomorrow isn't a stormy day, if it’s a cola, hard, white, damp, puddly day, will you let me have on my rubber boots and go out and play with those boys?” Atone time Elinor took a fancy to say her prayers before a little trunk in the nursery, and as she knelt there one night ob jumped up on the trunk and seated himself before her. On being asked what he did that for he replied: “Oh, I'm pretending I am an idol and Elinor is a heathen praying to me.” One day Rob's mother said to him in very de- cided tones: “Will you pick up those toys, as I have asked you to do three times?” to which he replied in exact imitation of her manner: “My dear friend, I will!” TOO RICH FOR NIM. At dinner one day Rob asked, after being re- fused something he wanted, “‘Mother,may I ha a drink of water4or is (hat too rich for mi with a tonch of sarcasm in histone, While traveling once on the railroad Rob looked out of the window while the train waa passing over a high trestle work; he quickly drew his head back, however, exclaiming “Why we are going on nothing but air and criss-crosses!” “I'd like a little more of the wilted ice was Elinor's way of ask- ing for some of the softer part at dinner. One day Rob had been rather impatient about things in general. Finally he cume to his mother and said, “I know why I'm getting cross; all boys are that wi bout this age— I'm getting too old for my playthings.” Little Elinor was complaining about some lit tle pain, aud, haiferying, said, “Oh, dear, I wish Iwere an angel and died before I had all this trouble.” visit to Mt. Vernon Rob was overheard After describing the tomb thus: “Yes, there they lie, im two marble bath tubs ina kind of brick summer house with an iron fence in front.” One day he observed: “Well, England's color is red, Ireland's color is green and 1 suppose Scotiand’s color is plaid.” ‘The friend who asked me to write out some of these sayings remarked: ‘What can be more attractive about a home than children?” which L repeat lest my title seem a misnomer. coe —— CAPITOL TOPICS, AMENDING THE BRIGHTWOOD RAILWAY CHARTER. Mr. Harris yesterday, from the Senate com- mittee on the District of Columbia, reported the bill amending the charter of the Brightwood railway company. The committee have struck out everything after the enac' clause and_prac- tically reported « new bill. The amended title pron tis bill to authorize hs Brightwood compan: construct a ad branch line to Tacoma,” ‘The bill allows the company to run a branch from such point = their or} os — such route as may ve the Com- mussioners to noo The = rate of fare is not to exceed five cents for a continuous ride on the main line and is author- €50,000 for cvnstructed if horse power is used; $6,000 mile 1¢ elec- trie power be used, sad $100,000 per mile ‘it NEW YORK NOTES. WAS HE BRUTAL? Echoes of the Week From the Great; Commander McCalla Makes a State- tropolis. TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS TO GOTHAM—LO8S OF THE ment—What the Men Say. Capt, MoCalla, the commander of the unfor- WORLD'S FAIR AND THE CONTENTS oF THE! tunate corvette Enterprise, has made a state- ASTOR WILL—WHY ARTISTS ARE IGNORED BY NEWYORK JOURNALS—CHURCH ACTIVITY. ‘Special Correspondence of THE EVENTNo STAR. New Yoru, February 28 ‘The week has been notable for two great surprises. The first, of course, was the failure of the city to capture the world’s fair after it had complacently agreed on second thought to take it. Never was a great city put in a more humiliating position and it is undeniable that Platt and his political yoke-fellows are ina very awkward plight. Republics proverbially have short memories, but the present fiasco will undoubtedly be used to the damage of the republicans im New York in ‘92. The second great surprise and disappointment of the week was the Astor will By universal consent the spirit of this document is very mean. The richest man in America, perhaps, certainly one of the very richest, dies and his total recognition of the public's partnership in his fortune amounts only to one-half of one per cent of his possessions. At first thought it might seem it $700,000 in public charities was a toleraigly respectable bite out | of any fortune, but if we consider the colossal | essions of the deceased the eum set apart for public benevolence becomes ridiculous. It corresponds to legacies aggregating $7,000 out of a fortune of $1,500,000, or to $700 out of snug little fortune of $150,000. In other words it is scarcely more than throwing a dime to a beggar. It must be considered, too, that almost all this money goes to the support of family heirlooms—?450,000 is applied to the farther development of the Astor library which is not a cent more than its needs require. Another $100,000 is give to the cancer hospital in accordance, no doubt, with the pltns of the late Mrs, Astor, who was specially interested in this cause. Then, by a supreme effort, the giant millionaire pulled himself together and donated $50,000 to the Metropolitan museum of art—about the price of some one good picture, St. Luke's hospital got a $100,000 plum, and that is all. One of the most surprising omissions is the absence of any legacy to the cathedral fund, a matter in which Mr, Astor was supposed to be deepl interested. By the side OF this stingy wealti the testamentary inclinations of such a close- fisted man as Stewart become philanthropic, The Vanderbilt will was a great disappoint- ment, but the Astor will broken the record, WHAT WILL HE DO WITH IT? The question now is what will William Wal- dorf Astor do with his almost unparaileled for- tune? He is in the prime of life und he isa man of more ambition and breadth of scope than any other member of the family. He has shown considerable aptitude for both diplo- macy and literature und he would, no doubt, like to succeed in politics, With such inclina- tions a man worth nearly or quite $200,000,000 could, if he chose, obtain great distinction, But he would have to set about his work ona better plan thun that he adopted when he ran for Congress against Flower, when he went about scattering %20 gold pieces in low bar- rooms and dancing with the Bowery girls, That campaign made him a laughing stock; but he w older now, TEN NIGHTS IN A CYCLUS, The Wagner “‘cyclus” has begun at the Met- ropolitan opera house and will furnivh the town with its central items of musical interest for the coming fortnight, The series of ten perform- ances opened on Wednesday night with rather an indifferent rendering of Wagner's earliest work, ienzi.” There is altogether too much “tune” in this work to make it acceptable to the true Wagnerian and it was given only to make the series complete. Tonight the com- pany give the “Flying Dutchman” as number two in the cyclus and next week is devoted to “Tannhauser,” “Lohengrin” and “Die Meis- tersinger.” Then comes the real unmitigated article in the shape of ‘Tristan und Isolde” and the four operas of the ‘‘Nibelungen Leid.” By the time the fatal ravens flit across the stage at the close of the ‘Gotterdammerung” the most rapacious Wagnerian appetite shoul d be appeased. The season needs the help of the cyclus to go off brilliantly. The manage- ment has had very bad luck all winter. The grip in general and Herr Yogi's illness in par- ticular have nearly spoilt all plans; and apart from these causes the “novelties,” both of singers and operas, have not caused sucha popular furor as the management hoped. The ox holders are down for another heavy assess- ment, but they are used to this little tax on aristocracy by this time. NEWS BENEATH METROPOLITAN JOURNALISM. After the lapse of several weeks the ) York newspapers have heard that George Inness broke « bone in his right wrist recently and, not to lose valuable time, rapidly acquired the knack of painting with his left hand, I was discussing this item of news a week or two ago with the managing editor of one of the “great dailies,” He said he had told a sub- ordinate to look the matter up and get a good report by some competent man. He then dis- missed the subject from his mind. Several days later he had occasion to recur to the topic, but was told that a reporter had “covered” the story and that there was nothing much to it, And so the matter rested. In other words, perhaps the greatest living landscape painter of America met with an accident that disabled him in the midst of a press of unportant work, to cope with which the great artist set about acquiring the mechanical skill of nis profes- sion afresh, and not a word was said about it in any of the “great dailies.” Could alike item ment of his position in regard to the statements made as to the recent cruise. He says: “As far as I can judge from the accounts as printed, the story that I attacked a sailor named Walker with a sword is the worst. In my de- fense I admit that the story is true. I did use asword in Walker's case, but that I was justi- fied I am willing to let my superiors at Wash- ington decide. This man Walker came aboard the Enterprise while she was at Southampton. He was in a beastly state of intoxication. That would probably have been excused had he gone to his quarters without saying anything. “Instead he ran wild about the decks after being hauled from the water, swearing and shouting all the time: ‘I was a rebel and fought two years in the war, and I baven't enough of fighting yet. I'm not afraid of the biggest man aboard your blasted plug and I won't keep quiet—no, I won't! “I sent an orderly to quiet the man but bere- fused to listen to reason. His disorderly con- duct continued until fins IT was compelled to gotohim myself. He tried to strike me, and I used the eWord on him,” The records in the s1 's books show that the wound inflicted by ord—which was half long at the vi oa in inch back of the head, exter tothe bone. Mc- ‘here was no other Calla, continuing, said: remedy as far as the latter was concerned. My action was perfectly legitimate. and 1 am will- ing to take my chances for it with my superiors at Washington, I uever had further trouble with Walker after the occurrence until he de- serted at Southampton.” WHAT THE SAILORS SAID. After making his statement the captain gave his interrogator leave to goamong the men and iuquire if they thought that he had overstepped his authority as commander. The men, with one or two exceptions, coincided in the state- ment that the voyage had been one of great brutality and unnecessary barshness, COMPLAINT OF A JACK TAR, An old, weather-beaten sailor, who said he had been in the navy neurly twenty-four years, waid: ‘He's the worst man in the navy. Every man who ever sailed under him detests him. He wears at his men and, besides heaping abuse upon them, resorts to all sorts of petty mean- ness to vent his spite. He hates to see us un- occupied a moment and when he finds us doin, nothing, if it is even for a moment, he will cal us @ pretty lot. not worth a hard biscuit. Oh, we know him and there isn’t one mayer § us that don’t want to getaway, I'd like to hang him—and I'd buy the rope to do it with." Another man said it was a frequent thing for the commander to order fifteen or twenty men placed in irons aud to make them work polish- ing the brass while chained, ———— Jobn Cain, a retired merchant of Baltimore, ninety-one yeurs of age, stepped through « window Yhursday night, falling to the side- Pras distance of fifteen teet, and causing his ath. Mrs. Margery Horstman won her libel suit against the Cumberland, Md., Times, securing $3,000 damages. Seven hundred new miners at the Punx- mauney coal mines are protected by armed ice. Parobert Garrett, who has been ill for so long, attended Dixey’s performance in Baltimore last evening. NEW PUBLICATIONS. oO oT T oDpayt, INSECT PESTS, (Ilustrated.) BY PROF. JOHN HENRY COMSTOCK. The first of series of six articles showing the value of those insects which are useful to the farmer; also telling how to destroy harmful insects. These articles scientifically demonstrate how sn average annual loss of 830,000,000 has been occasioned in the South by the cotton worm alone; and that an average loss per year of nearly $2,400,000 has been brought about in the apple crop of Illinois by the Tavages of the codlin-moth. /W | FIVE YEARS IN AFRICA, Clustrated Adventurec.) BY HERBERT WARD. ‘These articles, running through eight numbers of the Ledger, are of the most iuteusely interesting description, and cover five years of adventures in Africa, and they are illustrated by sketches made by Mr. Ward, and by the reproduetion of photographs taken by him in Africa These pictures throw much light upon the manuere and custome of the hitherto unknown caunibal tribes of Africa, aud they have the unique value of illustrating Africun life in many Unexplored regions where no other white man, not even Stanley, has ever penetrated. about Meissonier have gone unreported for | THE JOURNEYINGS OF A JOURNALIST, weeks in a Paris paper or a similar one about Sir Frederick Leighton or Alma Tadema been ignored by the London press? Still it can be said, on behalf of the news- papers, that the artists of New York are not identified with the lite and times of the world BY MURAT HALSTED. about them. They are not interesting person- | AN OCULAR DELUSION, (Illustrated Story.) alities; they are uot great or even picturesque citizens. The time was when the great artist was the great man, when kings picked up his brushes and when he was the cause of wars between nations; when he was himself a gen- eral, @ diplomat and the arbiter of culture and fashion. ‘Such # personality, for example, us that of Leonardo da Vinci mukes a very differ- ent stamp of man from the leading artist now- especially in this country. Once let to American life of the year 1890; once let them go to Congress or organize great social reforms or compel the four hundred to make their studios a focus of metropolitan society and there will be no trouble about their get- ting their namesand work into the newspapers, Let them even give anvble message to the world through the vehicle of their art and preach sermons in pigments that will thrill the community and the, will be no longer ignored, But so long as they content themselves with doing “bits” of Patchogue and meeting their race in pretty littie studio teas the newspapers, as the clearing house of the nation’s news, will inevitably pass them over as of slight conse- quence, ‘THE CHURCH MILITANT. The artists migbt learn u lesson in life at the feetof the preachers in our day. Ouce the cloister was as far from the madding crowd as the studio, but now the leading religious spirits show a most aggressive zeal. During the week two of the strongest men in the church—Philip Brooks aud Mr, Moody—have been conducting most wonderful campaigns, tne former at fens chee and the latter at the Collegiate church. Old 1 has been jammed every iness hours by the proa- rous und typical business men of ‘New York, the interest has been very Jeep. Mr. Moody's audiences have been quite as remarkable, as he, too, has made a deep impression. There ia less of revival excitement than of yore, but no one who is familiar with the more serious side of New York life can fail to notice the strength and volume of ite religions current, ENRY BaKINe oe Absolutely Pure. never varies. A marvel of i Ser ee, Gees BY FRANK HOWARD HOWE. ‘This is sparkling and brightly written novellette with New York society life for ite frame, The char- acters are types of actual life, ican artists reconcile their mighty souls | THE FAKIRS OF INDIA. lustra ted.) BY GEORGE FREDEBIC PARSONS, ‘The Above Will be Found in . THE NEW YORE LEDGER OF MARCH 1. FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, on The Ledger will be sent to you for one year, postage paid, for @2. Address ROBERT BONNER'S SONS, it Nx gp R AE CheGGhATE ry PUREST, HEALTHIEST AND BEST. ASK FOR YELLOW WRAPPER MENIER CHOCO- LATES AND TAKE NO OTHERS. 4 CENTS 4 POUND FOR SALE EVERYWHERE. ity, | BRANCH HOUSE, UNION SQUARS, NEW YORK. ‘JAS. L. BARBOUR & 8ONB, Wholesale Agents for the District of Columbia, NOVEL REAL ESTATE SCHEME | Purchase Money Refunded IF DESIRED. eo} SOA MONTH (at. —_— HENRY N. COPP OFFERS FOR SALE LoTs ST END PA AT ROCKVILLE, POR $300 EACH. $5, ONLY ! il Stop Wasting Your Money on Landlords and Boarding- house Keepers and be Happy. The West End Park of Rockville is 450 to 500 feet above Washington ; sixteen miles out on the Metropolitan Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road, among the hills of Montgomery County, high and healthy, with deli- cious water, no malaria, and no mosquitoes. NOT A SPECULATION, BUT A CERTAINTY. A contract is signed with lot-purchasers, that if, from any cause what- ever, they do not choose to continue paying the monthly installments, then, at a date specified, the money paid thereto will be refunded. Rockville is the County Seat of Montgomery Couty, is rapidly growing— its present population is about 1,600—has a refined society, embracing many professional, business, and official people from Washington, with representa- tives of the Army and the Navy. The unusual advantages of a thoroughly organized community are offered. Rockville has a National bank, three newspapers and printing offices, three hotels, eight boarding-houses, six general stores, one grocery store, one dry-goods store, two drug stores, one jewelry store, one furniture store, one millinery store, two tin and stove stores, three blacksmith shops, four livery stables, and other business establishments—seventy in number. It has also eight churches—three Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Episco- palian and Christian. Also five public schools, an academy for boys, and an institute for girls. TWENTY-THREE (23) TRAINS DAILY. The railroad facilities are remarkable. Twenty-three (23) trains daily run between Rockville and Washington, whereas but four (4) and eight (8) local trains run on the other railroads out of Washington, except the Baltimore and Ohio. Two trains (one at 4.30 P. M., and the other at 5.30 P. M,) after leaving the city, do not stop until they reach Rockville. SPECIAL NOTICE: All the lots are put at the same price—corner lots and interior lots, lots in the Chestnut Grove, in the open squares, and among the odorous pines. All one price $300. Lots on the 66-foot avenue, on the 50-foot and 60-foot avenues and streets; lots facing the circles, and lots overlooking Watt's Branch, are all one price. WHY? To give enterprising people the first choice. First Come, First CHoose. DO NOT DELAY. Several of the Lots are worth to-day $500; come and get them for $300, at FIVE DOLLARS A MONTH. Your purchase money will be refunded in accordance with the contract. The proprietor has such confidence in the rapid growth of Metropolitan Branch real estate that he is willing to obligate himself to refund the pur- chase money at the time specified, feeling certain that the lots will be so en- hanced in value that no purchaser will apply for repayment. ‘ SEIZE THE COLDEN OPPORTUNITY. You have allowed good chances to escape you heretofore because of the uncertainty of the investment. HERE IS A SURE THINC. You will make # profit or get your money back. Will you let this opportunity escape? Be wise and come early to pick out the best lots. For Plat and Further Particulars, Call on or Address HENRY N. COPP, 706 Eighth Street Northwest, Washington, D. C. _ © JUST NORTH OF PATENT OFFICE.