Evening Star Newspaper, April 9, 1892, Page 9

SOME SOLO PIANISTS. Players of Whom Washington May Well Be Proud. THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE. ‘Those Who Have Reached Their Present Po- sition by Long Study and Careful Practice— Natives of This City and Those Who Have ‘Made the National Capital Their Home. ists, of whom mention has already been made in Tux Star, Washing- ton bas some pianists of whom she may well be proud. It is not in- ended to speak now of the great number of ex- cellent piano players thatare found in every circle of society who gratify their fri their performances in ‘the parlor, but to select a few of the noted solo | Performers whose work has commanded the attention and commendation of the critics, and who have reached their present position by long study under competent instructors and by the most diligent and persevering prac- tice. No instrument is more abused than the piano. It is in nearly every houge and children bang upon it unmercifully, to the dis- traction of the older_members of the famil, and the neighbors. Every mother thinks her girls must learn to play the piano and few have ‘the sense to know how their early musical edu- eation should be directed. ey select a sually taking one who is cheap, and impatient until the child knows a ‘Then the youngster is put on exhibi. never a visitor calls and is made to ‘Maiden’s Prayer,” “Whisper- 7 some other of the many similar ng — Compositions. to the delight of the parents and i the disgust of the caller, if the latter happens to he a musical ear or ® musical taste that has beer educated. If the child has any musical ability in nine eases out of ten it is dwarfed or crushed out by {incompetent instruction, for the poor thing is hurried through the instruction book and ex- ercises that it may be given compositions far beyond its intelligent comprehension in order that its mother may say: “My daughter plays Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven and Wagner and she has only been taking lessons two or three = So the piano is anathematized by those who have been compelled to listen to such imper- fect exhibitions and gets the blame for them. Bat it’s not the fault with the instrament. Un- der the touch of those who have made it an in- telligent study it will “discourse most excellent Music,” as Hamlet says of the pipe. But those who wouid compass its capabilities, who would be able to caress its keys so as to bring out the delicious poetry of Chopin or to Grasp them firmly and fly with almost lightning Fapidity up and down the key board in bring- ing out the virile harmonies of Liszt or Bee- thoven can only acquire the requisite technique by laborious study and persistent practice. These make the piano talk, and they draw the listener to them irresistibly by the magnetism of their work. Of such players there are a few in this city. Some were born here and gf them Washington can be justly proud. Others have made the national capital their home so long that they are almost as completely identified ith its musical progress as if it had been their ESIDES THE VIOLIN- |" ds by | + HENRY XANDER. Mr. Henry Xander is « familiar figure at all concerts in this city, both as a soloist and as an accompanist. He was born here in 1865, and began music atthe age of nine under the in- struction of Prof. Heyman, i teacher, and who still lives to take pride Jin the’ success of his bright pupil. At the early age of cleven young Xander gave great promise of future excellence and delighted his friends by the readiness with which ie played almost everything {he heard by ear. Several of his compositions and piano arrangements date from this period. | At the age of thirteen Mr. Xander was the pianist of a popular trio club, the other of. Rowe, the violinist, and who was an exceptionally fine ey gave many public perform- flutist, and ances. gave him great skill as au accompanist, an the next two years he was frequently bi concert with a gifted young violinist, Wm. Shepherd. After having gone through the pabii schools Mr. Xander determined to music his life work, and, with a view of iring the most thorough instruction, he left for Stuttgart, Germany, in 1880 and’en- tered the conservatory there. He studied the piano with Mr. Schuler and later with Prof. Alweus, harmony with Prof. Gortechtus, in- strumentation with Court Director Doppler, counterpoint higher musical forms and organ with Dr. Fasst, a pupil of Mendelssohn, and singing with Prof. Kock. During his tive years’ vy in Stuttgart Mr. Xander was for three vears a member of the Oratorio Society, played with success at several conservatory concerts and was highly complimented by the critics on the organ sonata in a con- His practice with these gentlemen i for panist at the conservatory and also prepared upils for some of the teachers. In 1885 Mr. Kander wont to Berlin, where he spent one Winter studying under Prof. Klindworth and Herr Oscar Raif of the Royal College of Music. In the following year Mr. Xander went to Paris, where he spent his seventh and last year abroad. There he played with much success 1m # concert given at the Salle Kriegelstein, by the well-known teacher, Prof. Decq. On his return to this, his native city, Mr. Xander made his debut’ in a concert at the Congregational Church, assisted by Miss Me- Nichol, Mr. Paul Miersch and an orchestra the direction of the Inte Prof. Bernays. cess was instantaneous, and since that time he has been constantly before the public. Three years ago Mr. Xander, with Messrs. Rakeman, Miersch and Morsell organized the well-known Washington Musical Club, which has given some of the most successful concerts of any local musical organizatio though Mr. Xander became quite proficient upon the organ he gave up that instrument and has de- voted himself entirely to the piano. He has also won reputation as a composer and among his piano works may be mentio: relude, “Slumber Song.” “Impromptu. ise Bril- liante” (dedicated to Baron Zedtwitz, Gavotte and Springtide). He also wrote “The Hunter's birthplace. and the community takes not the Jess pride in their success. MISS LOTTA SILL. Miss Lotta Mills is the youngest pianist in this city now Lefore the public and her succese fs the most recent. She was born in Goshen, September 30, 1874, and is consequently ¥et eighteen years old. She received her first piano lessons from her mother, Mrs, Har- Fiette H. Mills, when she was less than five Years of oge. and when she was but six she Played an eccompaniment for one of her Mother's songs at the Academy of Fine Arts in Puiladelpbia, on which occasion the audience coutinued applanding until the singer retarned with the young pianist. Her first appearance as a solo pianist was at the age of ten, but her mother wisely held her back, and as the family soon removed to this city she her talented girl under the ers here. They quickly perceived the girl's ability and took great pains in laying a good groundwork for her future success. She re- sponded quickly to their teaching and prac- ticed all the time she could take from her school studies, and when she resolved to make music her tife work and devote all her energies to the piano she left school and put all the en- thasiasm of her nature into her work. For the past three years she has been the favorite pupil of Mr. Richard Burmeister, the Baltimore pi- anist, who has given several recitals in this city.’ With Mr, and Mre Burmeister Miss Milis attended festival at Bayreuth last summer and spent several months traveling ‘and stud) 2 Last season Miss Mills gave a recital in Balti- more and was received with marked approba- tion by her audience and by the press of that eity. She has also played in Baltimore this season and in Philadelphia as soloist with the Marine Band at the Academy of Music, where she received a most emphatic encore by adience of 4,000 people. She has played the Georgetown Orchestra and will be the soloist at the next concert of that organization. Her playing is characterized by clearness and Perfection of techinque and she exhibits ex- QUisite taste and purity of artistic sense. ertainly Les a brilliant future before her. MRS. ERNEST LENT. ‘Mr. Ernest Lent made her reputation asa elo pignist before her marriage, when she was Miss Mamie Simons. She was born in this city, teing the daughter of Mr. A. Simons of Teesury Department. Her first teacher was Ur. Harry C. Sherman, who discovered the taent in ‘his young pupil and gave her every assistance in ite development. Subse- ment she received instruction from Mr. tonGloetzner and the finishing touches to ber musical education were given by Dr. Hans 3ischoff, the great reviser of the Bach in 1886 by Han the t success Gicndemobn ‘Capriccoso brifliatte with the Georgéowa Orchestra, under Mr. Ernest 0 was ite conductor that year. She latr played in several concert with Anton Bebott,the Hichard Wagner Society and the Philbammonic Club. Among the works she has jorned may be mentioned Lisz! ge. Holonel i 4 Z Ht ry Wi y I I Return” for grand orchestra and a violin ro- mance. He is easy and affuble iu manner and is popular both in musical and social circles, WM. WALDEGKER. Mr. Wm. Waldecker is known both as an ac- complished pianist and also as an organist, although it is in the former eapacity that he will be now particularly treated. He, too, is a Washingtonian, having been born in this city on the 25th of October, 1857. He took his first piano lessons when he was about seven years of age, with Mr. Adrian Enders ss his teacher, under whose instructions he remained for three orfour years. He was encouraged in his mu- sical studies by his paronts, who were fond of of good music and were proud of the rapid rogress their boy made. Subsequently young ‘aldecker had the benefit of Mr. Carl Hichter's instruction. as well as that of that talented musician. Mr. George Felix Beukert. Mr. J. Remington Fairlamb gave him his first in- at Eichstadt, where in his leisure hours he his musical studies particularly chant nage hy og og! latter he as well as Piano in his ninth instruction the there he went to the schooi of music at Munich, receiving instruction from Prof. Rheinberger in counterpoint and organ and from Dr. Hans Von Bulow, Bauerman aud Buonamici in piano. He was rewarded the second year with the Brite for orgun and counterpoint, and during third and fourth years was advanced to the Position of assistant ‘teacher. In the year "72- he was engsged as teacher at the Foldburg School of Music and as organist at the cathe- dral, He started a small singing society thero and gave organ concerts there and in Basel and in several towns in Bavaria at the erection of Rew organs. Mr. Gloetzner came to this country in the autumn of 1873 and went directly to George- town University, where he remained as in- structor and organist for seven years. He was for awhile the leader of the Philharmonic Society and it was under his direction that the reat masical festival was held here. Later he started a small singing society that contained the cream of local singers and formed tue nucleus of the present Choral Society. He founded the Wagner Society, an organization that iasted for several years and was notabie for the high character o¢ the music it presented swell asthe excellence of ite members. It Was this society that brought to this city the Great Wagnerinn singers Schott and Alvary. With this society Mr. Gloetzner played the Piano and it was his work ut these concerts that first attracted the attention of critical musicians, He played the Beethoven Emperor concerio with the Georgetown Orchestra two seasons ago and this season he has piaye the Henseit concerto in F. Hi peared in concert characterized” by ligent reading. “On the occasion of its conten- nial Georgetown University conferred upon Mr. Gloetzner the degree of doctor of music. Although he has devoted himself mainly to the Piano since he came to this country he has not neglected the organ, and is at present the orgn1 ist of St. Augustine's Church. |He is an ei thusiast in his love for music and conscientious 4a all his work. MR. GEORGE ISEMAN. The above does not by any means comprise the list of pianists of high ability in this city. It only mentions a few who have won dis- tinction by their solo work. The ranks of pianists suffered a severe loss in the death last ember of Mr. George Iseman, who had made rapid advancement in his art, and who was thought to have a brilliant future. Mr. Iseman was born in this city in 1865 and began the study of music when seven years of age, i iano lessons from Profs. Thierbach sometimes the violii he went to Weimar, Germany, where he studied piano under Prof. Miller Hartung, theory under Prof. Gruotzmacher and violin under Prof. Hahn. At the end of his second year he received the highest honors. In 1886 Mr. Iseman played before Liszt, memorizing Chopin's E minor concerto and Liszt's Hungarian fentazie, and the great pianist, who was then paralyzedand specchicss. ad his attendants carry him on the stage that he might honor the young pianist. In 1887 Mr. Iseman played before the Grand Duke of Weimar and was declared to be « finished artist by that royal musician. After an absence of five years Mr. Iseman returned to Washington and made his debut at Albaugh’s with decided success. He subsequently played with the Marine Band and several times with the Georgetown Orchestra. His death just at the time when be seemed to be reaping the reward of his long and arduous study and upon the threshold of career that promised so much was deeply re- retted by all who knew him end wase real joss to musical circles in this city. SOME OTHER PIANISTS. Among some of the other well-known pian- ists, many of whom have been heard in con- cert, but have lat‘erly devoted themselves more especially to the organ, may be mentioned Mr. Harry C. Sherman, Dr. John P. Caulfield, Dr. J. W. Bischoff, Mr. Fabien, Mr, Chas. S Miller, “Miss Huttie Glennan, Miss Annie Kearon, Mr. Edward Droop, Mr. Stanley Olm- stead, "Miss Mabel Ewan, Miss Esther But- torfiel Flora Rhees, Miss Freybold, Mrs. Thos. W. Cridier, Mr. Steven H. Jécko, Mr. F. E. Camp, Mr. Btein, Mra. W. B. Burdette (who made » phenomenal success as Miss Mamie Morric Mr. D. B. iavuaties agen the a wae hei trageaine 1S , Mrs. Orme, Miss Miller, Miss Sinias, Mise layed in the recitals that were given by Mr. | S©Ve? Miss Mulally and Mrs. Frances Manu Fairlamb’s popile in the Amembly Church. Ta the summer of 1375 just previous to his leaving for Europe young Waidecker filled the position of organist of St. Peter's Church, and says he felt very proud when he took home to his “parents the salary paid him. Mr. Waldecker entered the Liepzig Conserva- tory on the 6th of October, 1875, and remained there for two years, having as his teachers Profs, Alfred Kicter, Louis Maas, Oscar Paul and Carl Kemecke in piano; Profs. Ernst F. Richter and Julius Lammers in theory and Carl Piutti, organ. At the graduation concert which took place in 1877 he played Hummel's A minor concerto to the satisfaction of hi teachers and received the conservatory gradua- tion diploma which now adorns the wall of his music room. On his return to Washington Mr. Waldecker's services were in great demand anibe took part in many concerts both as soloist and a>companist. He has plaved with Ole Ball, Ovide Musin, Miss Emma Thursby, Paniine L’Allamande and Anton Schott. He was the organist for the Philharmonic Society and played the “Messiah,” the “Ancient Mari- ner,” Sullivan's “Prodigal Sox" and Rossini’s “Stabat Mater.” In September, 1885, Mr. Wal- decker was elected director of the Washington Sengerbund, and under his care that body has been steadily improving. At the Sex th took place at Balti- more in the summer of 'S3, the Sengerbund had the fewest credit marks in the singing con- test. At the last fest held last summer in Newark they stood third out of 20 societies in the prize singing contest; making 108 points out of a possible 125. The four concerts which the ‘bund gives every year for its mem- bers exclusively rank among the best that are to be heard in the city. Mr. Waldecker has published many piano compositions, all of which have met with suc- cess. He is now the organist at St. Matthe Church, where he played for the past five years. ‘MR. ANUS GLORTZNER. ms Although Mr. Anton Gloetzner is nota native of Washington he TWO TRAGEDIES. As Told by the Revolver and the Ring in the Pawnbroker’s Show Case. From the Chicago Times. “Heigho!” yawned the Revolver in the show case of the pawnbroker, as the ing through the dingy’ pan day to be lived through. How monotonous this is after that adventurous youth of mine.” “I suppose you think you're the only one he hat gets tired of life,” put in the Ring, ut I assure you I get exceedingly weary of it myself. After such romance! Ob, it is un- T think back to that last great tragedy—the one that landed me in this deso- late prison—I feel @ sort of bitter-sweet joy. Have I ever told you the story?” “Never.” it is really touching. this story. There was @ man, my master, and the girl who had stolen his heart. She regretted very much that he should have thought her capable of sucha theft and declined to give him any equivalent. In fact, she refused him. I shall never forget thatday. My master came in fiercely and flung himself into a chair, ‘So,’ he muttered, “this 1s the end of the chapter! No, not yet the end. Ido notcare to read litany any further. Without her it is alle dreary useless- ness. I will go outof it.’ He took meup and handled me tenderly. ‘Perhaps,’ he went on, ‘when she learns bow I have gone away she will realize how much I loved her.” Then ho put me in his pocket and went out into @ desolate part of the town, And then—ob, I shudder in thinking of it.” “Poor fellow,” sighed the Ring; “you killed him, of course.’ Terrible! A smoke and powder- scarred face, with a red gash in’the temple and blood flowing from it—a horrible sigi No wonder you shudder “No, that was not He put me to his fore- head, and while I rested against it for a few moments, I read his thonghts, that went like this: ‘Hm, that steel’s beastly cold. Well, what does it matter? I'll be cold svon mysel ‘That thing's not so easy after all, Wonder if— by jove, Ill live just to spite her. I'll forget her and think of the others.’ And then slipped me into his pocket, walked straight to this pawnshop, and left me here. I have never seen him mince. But what indignity to heap upon me! Is that not tragedy?” “Yes,” said the Ring, “it ix It makes me think of my story, which I have never—have 1? —no, never tol you. There was also a man and @ maid. I belonged to the Iatter—at least, she wore me for his sike in token of engage- ment. She was fair and aristocratic. He was artist, therefore poor. One day she met a ver king from the west. He had wealth galore, and he Inid it at my mistress’ fect, throwing in his heart asa side dish. She hum: med the ‘Look at This and Look at That!’ from the ‘Chimes of Normandy,’ and after the pic- tures of life ina spic and span brown-store house and contrasted awhile with the dream of Jove in a garret with an impecunions artist she brushed the cobwebs of sentiment from her brain and decided for the silver king. A pa- thetic letter was written; I was wrapped up carefully and returned to her discarded flance. And when he opened the box and saw me—ab, shall I ever forget that face? Why does it haunt me always—and the things that followed, why can I not forget?” ‘The Revolver glistened sympathetically and dropped a rusty tear. “ know; he was brave, this artist; be went out and killed him- self and put the ring upon his heart as he died. Tt was so, was it not?” “He looked at me awhile,” went on the Ring, dreamily, a8 if there had bea yo interruptio “and then that look came into his face. “Great time. Dead broke; and this means a week's | only board if pawn it ‘And then he brought me silently sorrowed over the ‘And both dies of life until the sun‘rays went a tof dartusos and ronsns onms upee the pow shop. a een Ne Burry About It, From the Cioak Journal. She—“Now, Tom, if we're to be married ou mies rest Tran %; | shortly we ought to be economical and com- teccher of the public sehooL, ‘He thes in: | mence 49 saver so don't smoke so many cigars.” herited his musica taste, and in fact be be- He—“All right; and I won't send to a decidedly musical family, for n| more flowers or candy; and we shantt go 1 to the wishes of his ‘Anton | we're married. hat poodionng from the school teachers’ seminary | wout it dens? n* “ut be Mime on ‘s|THE EASTER OF YORE horn | How the Spring Festival Was Oele- brated in Medisval England, IN QUAINT OLD CHESTER. ‘The Various Games and Amusements of the Festive Season—The Foot Ball Games and the Races atthe Rood-Eye—Sports of the Maidens—The Origin of Easter Cakes— When Easter Kggs Were Used. ‘Written for The Evening Star. T Was IN QUAINT old English Chester the Easter holiday was Most regarded — that medimval town which ‘still has ite flavor of the Past—its gable-tronted houses, castellated walls aul charming old “rows.” There on Easter Monday morn- ing might be seon a Procession starting out for the Rood-eye to play the annual game of foot ball. The Rood- eye.where these games were held, was a meadow oatside the wall by the river. Eye means a water-side meadow. The rood or cross, from which the mendow was named, had beon at Havar.en previous to its setting.up at the Legend says a man was killed by it, so in ishment the crors was thrown into tho river. It floated to Chester, where it was dragged ashore and set up. At firat it is said to have performed many miracles, but gradually be- came regarded as less sacred, and waa used by school teachers as a whipping post for scholars. To this Rood-eye came the mayor and corpora- tion, with the twenty guilds established in Chester. Under tive cross the guild of shoe- makers presented the ball to the mayor. He ily set the ball a rolling. Of course the of theseearly pageants was soon In Henry VIII's time this homage to the mayor was changed into a gift from the shoemakers to the drapers,to be contested for inafootrace.The saddlers had always gone on horseback, attired in all their bravery and carrying. spears with a ball on top decorated with flowers. ‘They ex- changed their offering for a silver bell, which should be a “reward for that horse which with speedily runniug should run before all others.” THE PEPPER GATR. ‘The women were not behind the men in their sports, but had their game of foot ball also by the Pepper gate. The story has come to us of a mayor, busy with the festivities at the Rood- eye, while his daughter, taking advantage of the opportunity, ran away with her lover, who came to fetch her through the Fepper gate. ‘The irate father on hearing it caused this gate to be forever closed. Hence arose the proverb: “When the daughters stolen shut the Pepper gate,” equivalent to “When the steed is stolen shut the stable door.” Archery was not neglected. The prize for the winner was given by the bridegrooms who had not yet closed a year of matrimonial bliss and had been married in Chester. The sheriffs took part in this game. There was also the custom connected with it, “the memory of man now living not knowing the original,” that on Easter Monday the two sheriffs should shoot for a breakfust of calves head and bacon. Bacon horrence of Judaism and it was quisite to devour every piece of it After the contest the competitors and their backers went in procession to the town hall breakfast was held. A writer of tl upon this feature of the day as ‘a com- mendabie exercise, a good recreation, and & loving assembly.” * Only anannual dinner now represents the “loving assembly.” LIFTING AMUSEMENTS. But “lifting” was one of the amusements of this festival, which was popular all over Eng- land. OnEaster Monday the men had their turn, on Tuesday the girls retaliated. In Ches- ter the gallant youths carried about a chair, lined with rich white silk and decorated with garlands of flowers and streamers of ribbon. As they met a fair damsel they re- quested her to be seated. ‘Three times was she lifted high in their bands and before being released a kisa was demanded and fee beside. No opposi- tion was allowed, and in those days of free and easy manners probably none wasmade. Strange as it may seem the desire to dramatize the day's great event gave rise to this ridiculous custom. The modus operandi where no chair was provided was for two people to make a reat of their hands by holding each other's wrists— what is known by the children of these days as “carrying a lady to London.” In Edward I's reign seven ladies of the queen’s household broke into the king's room early in the morning and lifted him. He had to give them £14 as a forfeit. A grave fivine once passing through a town of Lancashire on an Easter ‘Tuesday. He stopped for awhile at the inn and was quietly xeated in his room when he was astonished by three or four lusty damsels rushing in and ex- claiming: “We have come to lift you.” “To lift me, what can you mean?” said the amazed man. : “We've come to lift you 'eause its Easter Tuesday. pertjfo not understand. Ia theresuch » custom ere?” “Yes, to be sure, why, don’t you know? All us women was lifted yesterday, and us lifts the men today, in turn, aud, m_ course, it's our rights and duties to lift “em!” « it needed much persuasion from the reverend gentleman to indice them to take the fee alone and leave him unlifted. Another ceremony is practiced in Durham. The men take off the women’s shoes on Mon- day and the women have their revenge on an- ‘Tuesday. ‘The playing of bi very church edifice, between the ecclesiastics and laity, for tansy cakes, was suppressed on account of its ious tendency. ‘Tausy tea was also used in remembrance of ‘the bitier herbs euten at the pussover. DISTHIBUTION OF CAKES. In the parish of Biddenden, in Kent, there is anendowment of old but unknown dute for making a distribution of cakes among the poor every Easter Sunday in the afternoon. The cakes given on this occasion were impressed with the figures of two females side by side. Among the country people this‘was believed to represent two un named Preston, who were bocn in bodily union, ‘They lived thirty years in this connection, when one died, which caused the death of the other in a few hours. ‘The ukes they considered a memorial 6f this nat- ural prodigy, as well us of the charitable dispo- fe | Sition of the sisters. ‘akes were eaten in commemoration of ‘This cake was also used on mid-Lent Sunday, or, us it was called,mothering sunday, from the custom of young peopie visiting their Parents ou that day. practice into verse: ST'll to thee Stmnel bring sainst ust £0 a-inothe So that wien she blesses sue ad tuat b.essims thou'it xive me.” Simnels were in early times mde With a fig- ure of Christ or the virgin stamped on them to show their religious signitication, In explana- tion of their origin some vay the father of Lam- bert Simnel, the pretender, was a baker and first made and gave his name to them. Others vouch for the following tale: ~ ORIGIN OF THE SIMNEL caRE. In Shropshire lived an honest old couple named Simon and Nelly. Each Easter they gathered their family about them. They were of @ provident turn of mind. Nelly having ome of unleavehed dough left from the fasting season determined to make use of it in a cake. Simon suggested that some of the Christmaé plum pudding still remained, which could form the interior and be « pleasant sur- prise on biting through the less tasty crust. At ail went well, but the lerrick, has put thig a custom in England todistribute large quantities of eggs among the people. An item of Easter Sunday expenses occurs in Edward I's accounts, “Four hundred anda half eighteen’ pen who threw oftenest without breaki Tietor. | They also hit them against each as the boys do now. EASTER EVE AND EASTER MORN. All fires were extinguished in Catholic times on Easter eve and relit with flint. The priest blessed the new fire, and a brand from it was thought to be an effectual protection from thunder storms. In the anclent church dis- bursements of S. Mary-at-Hill, in London, there isan entry, “For a quarter of coles for the hallowed fire on Easter eve, six pence.” ‘The salutation, “‘Christ is risen,” and the reply, “Lhe Lord is risen indeed,” was the usual greeting on Easter morning.’ This cus- tom still survives ina few places. In the old town of Burlington, N. J., which holds to many ancient usages, it is still heard. The choristers also in the old style goabout the streets at early dawn with glad Easter hymns. Many houses are kept open and tho singers are in- vited to refresh themselves with cake and wine as they pass, Musicians in the Tyrol, that primitive region which begins wnere the ordi- hary traveler stops, go through every valley singing to their guitars. THE OLD MORAVIAN SETTLEMENTS still continue the old ways. In Nazareth, Pa, long before dawn on Easter morning trombone players roam about the town calling all good Moravians to arise and hail the resurrection morning. Before dawn prayer is said in the cuurch; then, headed by the trombones, the whole company proceed to the cemetery. ‘There, with faces toward the east, await the rising sun. Just as the first rays appeai the congregation, with bared heads, greets the dawn with an Easter anthem, singing till the sun fs risen. Ly ‘THE ROMAN PAGEANT. But in Rome is now to be seen the grandest Easter pageant. The pope in his most gor- eous robes, wearing the tiara, seated in his sedia gestatoria and blazing with gold and jewels, is carried in solemn procession through the streets. A magnificent silken canopy is over his head; beside him are borne the flabelli or largo fans of peacock feath- ers, signifying the vigilance of the church, “Throngh Bt. Peters the procession advances and the pope officiates at high mass. After that is over to the sound of music he is carried back through the crowded church. He then ascends the balcony over the central door. Arising from his chair of state he pronounces the benediction, with indulgences und absolu- tion, to the dense crowd below. -M. 8. W. — AFTER WATER. ‘The Shifts to Which People Resort in Vari- ous Parts of the World. From the New York Sun. When Mr. David Lindsay returned from his expedition across a part of the Australian desert a while ago he said the whole of that almost waterless country” was inhabited by natives who get their water supply by draining the roots of the mallee tree, which yield quan- tities of pure water. This tree, absorbing ‘moisture from the air, retains in it considerable quantities in its roote and thus makes it pos- sible to live in an arid region which would otherwise be uninhabitable. There are people in other parts of the world who get their supply of water in » pecoliar way. The explorer, Coudreau, for instance, found a while ago while wandering among the Tumue-Humac mountains, in the western part of Guiana, that it was not necessary for his men to descend tos creek when they wanted a drink of water. A vine known as the water Vine is found all through that region. Ityields an abundant supply of excellent drinking fluid whenever it iscalied upon. ‘This vine grows to a height of sixty to ninety feet. It is usually about ag thick us the upper part of the human arm. It winds itself loosely around trees, clambers up to their summite, and then falls down perpendicularly to the ground, where it takes root again. ‘The natives cut this vine off at the ground, and then, at a height of about six or seven fee they cutit again, which leaves in their hand: Very stout piece of wood a little longer than themselves, In order to obtain its sap they raise the lower end of the vine upon some support and apply the upper end to their mouths. The section of the vine, while showing a smooth, apparently compact surface, is pierced with muny little veins, through the sap flows freely. Six feet of the vine gives about a piut of water, which is slightly sweet to the taste. Coudreau seys that it quenches thirst as effect- ively as water from the most refreshing brook. ‘The bushmen in the Kalabari desert often live scores of miles from places where water comes to the surface. During acertuin part of the year sharp storms puss over the Kalahari, “covering the apparently arid re- gion with the brightest oi verdure and filling, for a few short days, the wa- ter courses with roaring torrents. ‘he bush- men know how to tind water by digging in the bottoms of these dried up river beds. They dig « hole three or four feet deep and then tie sponge to a hollow reed. The sponge ab- bs the moisture at the bottom of the hole, and the natives draw it into their mouths through the reed, and then ‘empty it into culabushes for future use. ‘The animals that inbabit such wastes as the Kalahari are of course accustomed to living upon very small aud infrequent supplies of water. The Bechuana do not lead their cattle to the drinking places oitener than once in two or three days. It is said that goats in the Kal- ahari frequently pass months without water, and, according to Mr. Mackenzie, there are certain antelopes which are never seen to visit the drinking places. In that enormous waste known as the Gobi desert, north of China, showers sometimes fall during the summer, and the torrents of a da; fill the dried-up water courses through whic water seldom runs. It is in these channels that the Mongols dig thejr wells, expecting to find a littie water, when upon the surface of the plateau itself the soil has lost all traces of hu- midity. It is owing to the fact that a part of the moisture falling during » few rainy days is thus preserved within reach that it is possible for caravaus to cross the desert. Written for The Evening Star. Perdition. Come listen! oh, harken! for do you not hear, Au we stand by the murmuring river « REAL ESTATE . GOSSIP. The Spring Season Stimulates In- terest in Suburban Property. BEYOND THE CITY LIMITS. ‘The Progress of Imprevements—The Erection of Fine Church Edifices—Appropriations for grese—Other Matters of Interest. ERHAPS THE WEA- ther has a good deal to do with the condition of ‘the real estate market. Atany rate.many dealers entertain that opinion, and when business is charge it up to the me- terological conditions. It is not surprising, then, since the changes in the weatherareso well noted in the realty mar- ket, that the arival of spring has not escapod observation. In fact, the advent of that season forces itself upon the attention of those who are interested in real estate. It seems to inspire a renewed interest in suburban property. One of the best advertising agen- cies of country property is the season. "As soon spring as the air grows soft = and the ~— grass ‘ppeare and the trees aro shrouded in a sort of halo then the thoughts of the great public turn to the country. There are visions of green fields and leafy trees wide, cool porches, and all at once the city streets and the city houses become wearisome to the eye. The longing for the country is an annual in the garden where human blossom and grow. Itis not like other fancies which once entertained no longer have the power to please. But each recurring spring finds the desire for the country and country scenes just as fresh and vigorous as if it was an en- tirely new experience. So the real estate dealer can mark the progress of the year by the change in the character of the inquiries heard daily. It thus happens that when the first spring-like days coe the plats of subur- ban subdivisions are brbught out from the winter retirement and are made ready for in- spection. Perhaps a iittle later the same tend- ency is observed in the country, when the work on roads and other improvements that were interrupted by the approach of cold weather is resumed. Those who live in the suburbs the year around choose this time to spruce up their places a little and make such changes as they have money to pay for. Alto- gether there is a good deal goingon in the sub- Urbs in addition to what nature is doing in preparing for the annual spring opening. HOMES IN THE SUBURBS. The demand for building sites gives property of this character more prominence than it has enjoyed during the past winter and altogether the future of suburban holdings takes on the joyful tinge of the season. It 1s not a good in- Terence that those who are looking at subur- ban property frum the standpoint of pur- chasers are covered also with the prevailing hue of the spring season. For the time has I8ng since past when investors in country prop- erty laid themselves open to the charge of a lack of worldly wisdom. If there ix one thing that is certain about real estate in the District it is that the city in its growth is destined to far outstrip ite present boundary lines, The movement that has been in progress for several years has gone too far to stop. Every y ‘witnesses a further step inadvance. Resi: are now dotted all over the farm lands that lie outside of the city limits. New railroad lines open up additional territory. The population flows in steadily, but surely. In all parts of the suburbs this season tho sound of the hammer and the saw will be heard and attractive ad- ditions will be made to the groups of sub- urban homes which now are prominent features in the landscape that greets the eye of the traveler on entering the city on any of the steam railroad lines. Along these steam high- ways the population of the city has advanced to a distance of ten, fifteen and twenty miles from the city. ‘The electric street lines are in like mauner opening up new regions of the suburbs. As the land within the old municipal limits is being built up the pioneers in the building of the greater Waxh- ington are at work. The results of their enter- prise now plainly indicate what the future of the city will be and where itis destined to reach fu fulfilling its destiny. MONEY FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. It seems likely that after all the amount to be expended next year for public purposes in the District will be nearly if not quite as large as that which was appropriated last year. ‘The bill as passed by the House maie a re- duction in the total appropriation of about $600,000 as compared with the appropriation made by the last Congress. But | the Senate committee hus added about three- | quarters of a million dollars to the House bill and it is likely that the bill will emerge from the conference committee with a total amount perhaps equal to, at any rate not much less than, that authorized by the last Congress. If that is the case the progress of public improve- ments will not be greatly retarded. In _addi- tion the work on the new post office build- ing will be in progress during the year. The erection of the new library willbe continued and the erection of other public buildings will be authorized. There is need of an additional building for the National Museum, nnd recently a ill hus been introduced providing for the purchase of a square of land fronting on Peun- sylvania avenue in the vicinity of the proposed city post office building, where a building for the use of the patent oflice can be erected. The necessity for a new department building is a pressing one. HANDSOME CHURCH EDIFICES. Ashas been stated in Tae Stan, another handsome church edifice is to be erected. It will be located at the southeast corner of 14th and R streets and will be built for the Unity Presbyterian Chureh,through the generosity of Mrs. Edward Temple. ‘The material to be used will be Maryland matble, and: the edifice when completed will no doubt be a notable example of church architecture. The erection of this building will afford another illustration of the great change that has taken place in the character of church edifices, Until quite recently the buildings in this city used for religious purposes. with but few exceptions, were rather commonplace in design and cheaply constructed, ‘The main, idea that seemed to prevail in the minds of those who had charge of the work was to get the maximum of room with the minimum of cost, Now more attention is paid to the style of architecture and the artistic finish of the in- teriors, while at the same time the auditoriums are large and spacious. ‘The fact ix that more money is being spent on buildings of this character, and it frequently happens that a larger sum is in modernizing and decorating an old church building than was required in the earlier days to erect the building. Some handsome church edi- fices are now in course of erection, among church on Washington. — With its shadows and visions so dread and eo Poca ee organized drear ‘That cause the pale moon beams to quiver, ‘The voice that is calling, aye calling to me To leave thee forever, farever to be Enguifed in the sea of obitviont bo deat rapromncad ith its melody strangely alluring, Aye, thrilling and chilling and killing my heart, As it calls to the life, to the life to depart ‘In eternal and infinite agony? ‘See you not the weird phantoms that peer from the ‘With their horrible faces appalling? ‘Ba, see! Do you see! through the tremulous Aye, pointing and becking and calling to me ‘To come to the river that flows to the sea, ‘To the ocean of terrible mystery! ‘They are coming, oh coming, to take me from ‘Tosleep in the : Beneath the dark weters tee dogo tha Of a life that hes parted forever— ‘Tasting to the ocean, the of death, vary Episcopal ure! ‘in the near fature to erect a church ‘at the corner of 18th and Mad- ison streets, adjoining the Public Improvements by the Presnt Con- | be dull they are apt to| the it is likely that | Ki District of Columbia on ree Sear that is than oop Rages wide ite ent tly throug! yuare in which it is located, so as to open into the streets on 0} ite sides of the square. No permit for erection of a dwelling bpm f alley in said District shall be granted until 'w order could go into operation at once. 2, one of missioners: It was thor that at wi amendme: ht ld the Com tance of permits for alley houses.” OPPOSED BY SPECULATORS. A great cry has gone up from the xpeculators whoare hustling for alley property to build upon before the bill now before Congress pro- hibiting the erection of houses in alleys less than forty feet wide becomes a law. They are asmad asthe fabled March hare and declare they will do all sorts of things af the Commis Sioners refuse to advertise the new order for thirty days. in conversation with a Star reporter today pon the new order Building Inspector En- twisle said: If the attorney rules that we must advertise the amendment for thirty days the result will be that every available foot oi alley property in the District will be built upon. I dhiuk the order is a good one and has the same effect as if passed by Congress.” ALONG 71H STREET ROAD. Many improvements are contemplated along Brightwood avenue. During the past nine mouths nearly a dozen houses were erected in Brightwood Park, and as many more will be built during the next ninety days. Within the past week negotiations have been conducted looking to the transter of the Mar- Brown tract, comprising about 183 acres of land, tom syndicate. Ihe price to be pai is said ‘to be about $300,000. This syndicate Will take a hand in the improvements along the live of Brigutwood avenue, and it is stated that one of their objects is to procure from Con- | Sressat an early date a charter to construct {id operate an overhend electric road from Boundary or Florida avenue as far north as Brightwood, and possibly to the District line and Takoma Park. COL. FRANCIS COLTON'S NEW RESIDENCE. Col. Francis Colton, who recently purchased the eligible building site at the intersection of 20th street and Connecticut avenue, will soon improve it by the erection of a commodious residence, which he will make his home. The ample frontage of fifty feet will afford the architect, Mr. . F. Schneider, an opportunity of displaying his taste in the design of an lish basement house four stories in height. ‘he front will be of pressed brick with the ex- ception of the first story, which will be brown or red stone. At the request of Mr. Colton the design is to be somi-Spanish, with overhanging In addition to the four eaves and tiled roof, stories there will also be a cellar and an a’ story. An elevator will be provided and thi | building will be heated by steam. All the interior arrangements have been carefully studied out by both the owner and architect, MR. PAINE’S HOME. Mr. John W. Paine, at one time a resident of this city and still one of the largest property owners here and the owner of the triangular block of houses just north of Washington Circle on New Hampshire avenue, is having Mr. T. F. Schneider, the architect, prepare plans for, au elegant residence, which he will uild at Troy, N.Y., his present home. It will be fifty feet wide, with ample ground, and nearly 100 feet deep, and will be one of the most costly and elegant residences in Troy. It will be built of Indiana lime stone, will be three storics, basement and attic in height and will be finished as the best modern taste dictates. It is of local interest, as Mr. Schneider will Lave most of the different branches of the work done by Washington firms and will personally | Supervise the work. It will cost over $100,000. SOME NEW BUILDINGS. Plans have been prepured by Architect C. A. Didden to erect a handsome three-story and basement brick dwelling at 133 12th street southeast for Mr. Albert Carry. The house is to have a frontage of 40-feet by a depth of 40 feet. “Its front is to be of pressed brick, with a square tay window ronning ite entire ‘height. Chas. Valiand is the builder. F. B. Marlow is about to erect a neat three- story brick awelling at 1420 Stoughton street. Joseph C. Johnson is the architect and builder. Ground has been broken for the erection of two tasty brick dwellings at 2136 K street nérth- west. I. F. Schneider is the architect and F. H. Dubay the builder. John F. Vogt is the owner. Frank Baldwin is building for himself a row of four two-story brick dwellings from 219 to ‘225 10th street northeast. A fine improvement 1s about to be made on 2ist street northwest; W. F. Hellen and W. F. Kirby are about to builds row of fine hand- some three-story and basement brick dwellings from 1327 to 1335. ‘The houses will each have a frontage of 21 feet 4 inches, have prossed brick fronts, with bay windows. Graham & Sonare the architects and Kirby & Bro. the builders, W. C. Whittemore is preparing to erect s handsome two-story basement and attic brick dwelling at 1526 New Hampshire avenue north- west. ‘The house will have a frontage of 72 feet depth of 84 feet, and will be faced with Yompeiian brick and crowned with a steep slated roof. Harvey L. Page is the architect and Chas. L. Langley the builder. Mr. J. J, West is building a th and basement residence on Maryland avenue be- tween 6th and 7th streets northeast. The front will be built of brown stone up to the sills of the first story and the remainder of pross brick, with stone trimmings The feature of the front will be a square projection. ‘The interior Will be finished in hard wood and white pine. ‘The house will be heated by hot water. Geo. Emmert, jr., is the and A Gets the builder. ‘Two three-story and basement built on the same block as above by P.. ing. The fronts will be broken by oq: jections extending the entire height the houses, where it will be fini tower, ai ‘8 balcon jr., is the architect. Four three-story and cellar houses are built on 3d street between Massachusetts ave. nue and G street northwest for Geo. Emmert. ‘These houses are to be built of press brick and i in brown-stone trimmi: The base of onses to the sills of fret-story windows will be and balus- q ‘The inte- riors will be trimmed in pine and hard woods vements. Geo. two-story and same ie if ‘Sittin, some time ago.” Giincaly Why fa the devil dida’s Aitmeas, the sudden death of Senator Plumb, and Biaine’s constant {li health have mustered from rave the memory of an army of publicmen whe died in the harness. Senator Beck dropped imeenafbie tm the Potomse Siapt ot te exact spot where Presidént Garfield wes Secretary Folger worked to the last and died without warning, ‘Secretary Windom ied while peaking at a banquet. ‘Secretary Chandler was found dead im his bed ot the Grand Pacific Hotel, Senator Tom Corwin expired “at « reception while talking with Salmon P. Chase, Ben Wade, Senator Sehenck and 4. chatting with his friends. Minister Pendieton passed away while seated: railroad train. ss Senator Charles Sumner, Massachusetts’ pride, ReLeenly. working faithfully tothe houret bs Senator Simon Cameron feels the mysterious creep ings of paralysis, and falls in the arme of his friends. Saimon P. ©) of the heads of Gerartmente in Washinton ned isos ing peopte generally that there must be some one reat reason for ail of those untimely deaths. It wee with a view, if possibie. of solving this question that J called upon a number of prominent men, the results of which are civen herewith. It ie well known thatous of the nation’s greatest men is Gen. B. F. Tracy,Secre- tary of the Navy, and that no man in Washington hae worked harder, wore pernistently or more effectively. His timely and efficient work im building up our me tional defense when the question of war with Chile was being acitated must necessarily have brought e reat strain upon his system. He was found, how. ‘over, at the head of the Navy Department, and in very xood humor. Melerring to the subject, Gen. Tray “Tam in good health and spirits at present. Several Years agu. however, I was so fully impressed with the idea that I had uric acid in my blood that I took care and ood medicine to prevent its increase or cos- tunuance.”" {May Task, general, what course you adopted?” “T bad beard of many things, but I determined te try one especially. 1 although that was son Warner's Sate Cure.” Col. Daniel Grosvenor, the chief of the first divisies of the controller's office of the United States Treasury, said: “have had an unusual opportunity to watch the condition of public men and the strains which publie {fe brincs. Many prominent men break down sud- denly, and, whilv this may also be trucof other walks in life, it sees especially true of Washington. My experience has show has more beneficial for the sirainsof lifein the case of Public men than any other known discovery. That remedy is Warnor's Safe Cure, The most remarkable instance of its ‘that of Mr. J. Henderson Wil- B Pension attorney. His resto- uch its use was simply marvelous 1, myself. believe in it implicitiy.” Congressinan 3. C. Belden of New York, when ap Proached on the subject, saad. “*Ex-Gov. Alvord of Syracuse, N.T., and slsoen- Speaker of the House, furnished the most wonderful instance of the fact stand the strains of old ae. Few men ba’ Alvord was, bnt he is now haleand hearty. His re covery is due entirely to Warner's Safe Cure, which ie certainly all the of any discovery that could be required.” Mr. L. H. Exieston, Judiciary division, controller's office, United States Treasury, said **Ten years ao I was ill_—very ill with « disease pro- Rounced by my attendant physicians to be incipient Brichit’s disease, The treatment failed to benest ine and I grew steadily and alarmingly worse, Under the advice of friends 1 bezan to use Warner's Safe Cure, and have been in perfect health ever since. Lam glad to state this, because it may save the life of others.” Senator B. K. Bruce cordially answered inquiries: “Dy gratitude is due to Hon. M. H. Warner, mane facturer of the well today, and believe many public men might preserve their health and prolong their lives by the use of this great remedy.” The same sentient can be found all over Weabing- ton. and there is scarcely s desk in the Tressury or other departments not be found. Its p ‘what it has accom plixbed. ar LUTTRELL'S, 20TH ST. AND PA AVR 5,000 yards of Tearle Cloth at 10c. and 12340. One cave of Androscoggin Cotton at Bo per yard. A full Line of Dress Goods from 12ige, to @1 per yard. China and Indus Silke im piain and figured from 60a, to $1 per yard. Plain Biack Silks from T5e. to $2.50 por yard. A beantiful line of new Parasols and Sun Umbrellas, Striped and Plaid Musiins from Se. to 260. pes yan Dotted Swiss from 12%e. to 50c. per yard. Table Danask from 25 ‘Napkins from 6c. to Linen Towels from See our 2he. gooes, Gevts , Indies’ and children's underwear, hosiery em handkerchiefs at lowest cagh prices, Ribbons cheap. also cambric edgings and Inca, ‘Our stock is jaryer than ever and ; rices suit all. ‘THOS. 3. LUTTRELL, 1830 Pa. ove, T ‘Was oncea shoe manufacturer who didn't advertise im thenewspapers, but instead be stamped bis name and ‘address i inverted letters on the sole of each shee made by bim. The dust in the streets of that town ‘was his advertising medium, likewise the soft snow im winter. The dust doesn’t have time to settle in Wash- ington; neither do Wilson & Carr of 029 Fat. aw. stamp their name on the bottom of their famous @3.50 ‘shoes; but if they did ana theconcrete of our streets could receive the impression these streets of ours would be a standing advertisement for them The 33.50 ‘Shot for ladies ie 1mensely popular, aad the foot thas is tender or aches with a corn becomes comfortable at once when encased in this soft, easy shoe Ladies may, choose between dull or giaze finish, broad, medium of narrow toe. The Gents’ $3.50 Shoe is neat and dressy, ‘and may be had in several different shapes. They are the best value for the money ever given in Washing~ ept-2w ton. arte x °° * Sf you wants MACKIN- Goopsmas °° * TOSHGARMENTorother COMPANY, * ° * WATERPROOF WRAP or 800 Oth ot °° * epsirof RUBBERBOOTS Melville Lintmy, * ° * or OVERSHOES, « Met