The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 37

S7 THE BROOKLYN DAILY EAGLE. NEW YOEK. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1899. also a high duty pumping engine of horse INSTITUTE PROGRAMMES, M. Abby, the first Army nurso that went to the front from Brooklyn; guard, Mrs.

S. Norton; assistant conductor, Mrs. L. Fuller; assistant guard, Mrs. Reid; color bearer No.

1, Miss May Poynter; color bearer No. 2, Miss Ida Buchanan; color bearer No. 3, Mrs. Ehlerding; color bearer No. 4, Mrs.

A. J. Thune; delegato to department convention, Mrs. Jessio Boettner; alternate, Miss May Poynter. CHRISTMAS AT THE PARK.

Unusually Beautiful Collection of Horticultural Productions in the Greenhouses. lar; the women also may find the millinery, dressmaking, suit and cloak departments, also underwear, and fancy art goods, embroidery, worsted goods and furs, and the boys have a large space set off for them in which to select suits, huts, etc. The third floor has a complete upholstery department and also a curpct display that is very comprehensive; there are here fancy chairs and sewing machines, aud when one has explored the art department, where there are from photographs to rare oil paintings, with an endless variety of frames, the grocery department will excite additional wonder by its completeness, orderliness and cleanliness The fourth floor will be the Mecca of many a child this week, for there are the toys and dolls and sporting goods, while in the older building the floor is entirely Riven over to furniture. On the fifth floor are tho bedsteads and mattresses. One can select there anything from a trundle be 1 to the most elaborate brass bedstead, an I the businessman will find a choice selection of office furniture.

The sixth and seventn iloors are given over to the receiving rooms, the cloak rooms for the employes and the dining and lounging rooms. A. Abraham, the head of this great business, sail of the holiday trade: "The outlook is phenomenal. The most gratifying feature of our business is that people are buying a better class of goods in every department, showing that employment Is general and confidence restored, a confidence that will be permanent if Congress establishes stability in our currency. I believe that Congress will do this and that we are entering upon an extended period of prosperity.

There Is no doubt in my mind that we will have the greatest trade this year that Brooklyn has ever witnessed." the play vill ho "A Trip to Coontown." The proceeds will go to the benefit fund. The annual inspection of Adam Wlrth Post No. 11 of College Point was made by Past Commander Grosman of Long Island City on Wednesday night. George O. Fowler of Whitestone.

who is commander of the post, is a candidate for department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of the State of New York. He has the united support of all the Grand Army posts In the vicinity. Thatford Post No. 3 presented a regulation United States flag to the Sunday school of the West End Baptist Church, Forty seventh street, near Third avenue, on Thursday. The programme attending the ceremonies, of presentation were interesting.

An organ prelude was played by Miss Jennie Purvis and as the post entered the room the school sang "Hail Columbia," followed witli a selection by an orchestra. Prayer was offered by James Stoughien. assistant superintendent of the school. The pupils sang, "Marching Through Georgia" and an address of welcome, made by the Rev. William E.

Chalmers, pastor of the church, was responded to by Andrew J. Lyons, commander of the post. "Onward, Christian Soldiers," was sung by the school. Miss May Andrews recited "Barbara Friet chie," the orchestra gave another selection, the pupils sang "Dixie." and the presentation speech was made by Silas B. Dutcher, John Beet, superintendent of the school, responding.

"The Star Spangled Banner" was rendered by the schorl. Miss Florence Armstrong recited "The Flower of Liberty," Miss Augustine sang "Tenting To night" and the audience sang "America" and the benediction was pronounced. The flag committee was as follows: From the. post: Andrew J. Lyons, commander; Past Commanders James H.

Mc Kenna, T. Wesley Smith. Benjamin F. Con Ion and Adjutant James A. Eden.

From the church: Charles L. Wilcken. chairman; James Stoughton, Miss Dilger, Charles McQuillin, Miss Cole, John Trewatha. Miss Ramsden, Miss Hepplcr and Miss Lincoln. A large delegation from Grant Post was present.

S. F. Duyout Post No. 1ST fas elected the following officers for 1900: Commander, Frank Huck; senior vice commander, Joseph man; junior vice commander, George Weiss; surgeon, Peter Becker; chaplain, Nicholas Becker; officer of the day, William T. Handy; officer of the guard, John Diefenbach; trustee, Conrad Breininger; delegate to department encampment, Anthony Krebs; alternate.

Philip Schaudt; delegate to memorial and executive committee, Past Commander Peter D. Myers and Charles Pearcy. Erastus T. Tefft Post No. 355 gave one of its interesting entertainments last evening.

The programme was arranged with much care by the chairman of the entertainment committee, Dr. Louis C. d'Homergue, who has held the office for seven years. The principal attraction last night was the playing of an orchestra of fourteen young pupils from Gram power, similar in every respect to tnoso used In the large water pumping stations of the city. A new crematory consumes the refuse and waste cf the whole establishment, and this is no inconsiderable quantity, and lie product of this combustion is utilized in the making of steam.

There is a battery of four dynamos; ono of 200 kllowats, two of 150 kilowats each and ono of 100 kilowatt which take care of the 589 arc lamps and 4.00 incandescent lamps used in the main establishment. There are also twenty motors, all performing their respective duties in supplying power. There is also a Are pump with a capacity of 1,000 gallons of water a minute, and the roof tanks hold 45,000 gallons of water for fire purposes alone, the drinking and hose supply coming through tanks with an aggregate capacity of 12,000 gallons. By the improved methods of ventilation employed, in which a thermostatic system is used, the air in the store is kept at a uniform temperature both winter and summer, for where hot air is now generated cold air is forced througn in summer, resulting in keeping the atmosphere clear and sweet. Tho whole establishment is piped with an automatic sprinkling system, the nozzles becoming sensitive at 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are 132 toilets in the house, those for the employes, particularly, being models of the plumbing nri. for the most approved methods are adopted throughout. The largest pneumatic tube system in the United States is Installed here and brings every department into direct touch with the sixty cashiers who are established in the basement. There are about two hundred bras3 tubes, which are supplied with air by three No. blowers, 100 cubic feet to a revolution and 84 revolutions to a minute.

In short, no device known to mechanical, skill or business ingenuity is lacking to expedite business and make the establishment convenient and attractive to both customers and employes. In Its treatment of the employes of the house the firm of Abraham Straus takes pardonable pride. Though, as is unavoidable and natural, many changes take place annually in the staff of help, yet the majority of these men and women are what may be called "old employes" from long terius of service. At this period of the year, the season of enormous holiday business, it takes but a minimum of their leisure by keepirc open but seven nights, half the number allowed and taken advantage of by many large houses. Saturday night was the first of these night periods and that feature will be brought to a close next Saturday night.

As a reward for this service the house will serve, free to all. a table d'hote dinner in the employe. dining room, an extensive apartment, handsomely fitted up, and to wihch there is attached a large lounging and reading room, well stocked with current literature. But, aside from this, the house serves a luncheon every day at prices that just take it out of the category of a "free lunch." A copy of the bill of fare and the prices charged is in teresting. For instance, a ham.

cheese, corned i beef sandwich, or a hot frankfurter may be had for 2 cents; a plate of hot beans or a meat pie for 3 cents; buttered bread, biscuits or rolls, and, incidentally, two pickles, cost cent; eclairs, Napoleons, cream cakes, vanilla, lunch, marble, layer or mixed cake? are 2 cents a portion: bananas and apples and other fruit in season are 1 and 2 cents each; pies of all kinds are 3 cents a cut, ice cream, 2 cents a plate; Charlotte russc. ft cents each: milk. 1 cent a glass; tea and coffee. 2 cents a cup. These viands are all of the best and served In a clean and appetising manner.

There is also a physician in the employ of the firm, who visits the store every day and renders such service as so great a number of people may demand. Thus, briefly, is this very extensive establishment described, an establishment in the economy of the operating of which nothing ls overlooked, nothing passed by without a trial that will tend to the completion of the whole, and wherein service and faithfulness count as much in the estimation ot the heads as the possible revenues. But what does this great plant exist for? Tho placing before the people of a stock of goods that rivals any similar establishment in the world. It is a department store, wherein seventy distinct and Individual accounts are kept with as much care In detail as though they were as many smaller establishments separated one from the other. These seventy departments represent as many fully equipped and completely organized stores under one root; stores that are organized by the moat expert talent that can be obtained in their several branches of trade, while the supervising force Is culled from the ranks of the country.

Nothing is hesitated over to make the place a model and to keep pace with the great growth of the city, and in advance of that growth where possible. In these seventy departments are found a multitude of fabrics from the mill and loom, from the factory and forge, from the arts and sciences and the printing press. To give a detailed account ot the thousands of articles offered, from tho smallest indispensable of domestic economy to the ornament that may, perhaps, set off the beauty of womanhood; from tho haberdasher's wares to the mediums through which our homes are kept warm, would tax not only the endurance of the reader, but, possibly, the ability of the statistician. Suffice it. to say that it would be an extraordinary want that could not be satisfied in this immense assortment of wares.

And as a last addition to the possibilities for the shopper, a philanthropic impulse caused the opening of a waiting room for babies, where the infant will be carefully looked after while the fond mother is buying it a bib. But a quick ramble through the broad aisles of the several iloors will bring to the eye of the observer enough to establish a basis of appreciation of the whole. And in this connection it may be said that visitors are welcomed at all times and will be courteously received, for the men interested in the firm of Abraham Straus feel Brooklyn's greatness is theirs, and vice versa. In the basement, for instance, arc the china, glassware, bronzes, marble ornaments, lamps, cutlery, fancy and ordinary hardware, japanned goods, nickel, brass and copper ware, household goods, stoves, while at the rear is one of the busiest places In tile whole establishment the shipping department. Xn the least interesting is tho office of sixty cashiers.

This is inclosed, and the young women are very deft in managing the sections of receiving returning tubes assigned io them. On the main floor are found the fancy wares of ail kinds: there, also, is tho men's department, and the umbrellas, toilet articles, perfumes, gloves, hosiery, ribbons, flannels and underwear, handkerchiefs, ornamental goods. Jewelry, dress goods, muslin and linens, an optician's department, fancy glassware, silver goods, stationery and books. The second floor has a large men's department, where he can be htted out in outer clothes in every particu CHRIST MAS DISPLAY AT KEEITE'S. Good Chance to Get Gifts at Seasonable "Prices.

Keene's watch store, at 140 Fulton street, Manhattan, is the synonym of success. Watches of every known make are for sale at cut prices and of reliable quality. It is a first class firm, with a business reputation established by fair dealing for years. A feature of this establishment's trade is its large proportion of mail orders, to which the most prompt attention is paid. This will be found the better by many who are willing to trust to the judgment of the firm in placing their orders, saving them the necessity of looking through tn stock, which is sometimes wearying.

To those who delight in viewing articles of jewelry this store is a perfect paradise of beauty. Every style of jewelry may be found and at prices to suit all purses, from the most modest to the most expensive. Diamonds were reported as likely to rise in value because the war in the Transvaal, but this house had enough to supply the diamond lovers of the Greater New York. The beauty of the designs of some of the jewelry presented for sale must be witnessed by intending buyers to be appreciated, and a purchase will surely follow. Some people might be frightened by the comparative cheapness of the articles furnished, but a glance will convince any one of their worth, as approximating closely to their cost.

There are diamond clusters, valued at several hundred dollars, and others at lesser prices, down to half a dollar, so that all means are sufficient. This firm has been established for many years and is popular with the masses. While their specialty is watches, of which they have probably the greatest variety of any similar establishment in the greater city, they still have articles of jewelry in such prowusion as to almost overshadow their Btock of goods in this line. Fulton street used to be the business street patronized by Brooklynit.es, before the bridge was constructed, and many go there now, especially to Keene's, urged by his advertisements and Ms fulfillment of the pledges made in them. It is hardly out of the way for people to and from this borough to step aside and go by the way of Fulton street, and look at the elaborate display of holiday goods In Keene's spacious store, 140 Fulton street, neat Broadway.

CHARGED WITH SWINDLING. Extra Complaint Found Against Solomon Joseph After His Arrest. Detective Sergeant Brady of the headquarters staff, late yesterday afternoon arrested Solomon Joseph, an insurance agent, of 434 Gates avenue, in the Real Estate Exchange on Montague street, on a warrant charging him with having swindled Mrs. Mary Noonan of 135 Columbia street out of S6.S7. The woman owns the house in which she lives and she had been insured for $3,500.

The premium had cost her on a former occasion S8.75 and she alleges, that Joseph came to her with a rate that was so much lower that she allowed him to be her agent. She gave him the money and believed that her property was fully covered by Insurance, until she received a notice from the company asking her If she wanted to renew her old policy. An investigation resulted which ended in "wairaot, being rssrted for Joseph's arreet. When Joseph was taken to police, headefuar ters he tried to induce Captain Reynolds to send for the woman so that the matter could be fixed up in some way. Captain Reynolds declined to Interfere and the man was locked up in the Adams street station.

Last night the police discovered that they had another warrant for the same man on a similar charge. This was issued in June last at the instance of a blind man named Schwartz, who has a trunk store on Fulton street. It is likely that Joseph will be confronted with Schwartz's complaint when he Is arraigned in court tomorrow. SUBSTITUTE FOR LUHIBER. Brooklyn Inventor Has One "Which Is Being Much Used.

For many years Oliver L. Gardner, a resident of Brooklyn, has labored to provide a substitute for inside decorations for buildings. After expending much money and time he has at last perfected his ideas. As in the case of all other inventors, his ideas were looked upon with considerable incredulity, but he continued his work of introducing his product in a small way, so that now the test of time as to durability and as to the cost of manufacture fully verifies all statements made by this Indefatigable worker. The base ot this material is a waste product, which, with certain chemical combinations, produces a material harder than lumber, more durable and at much less cost, and from the demands for this material, which has been created by the persistent work of the inventor, it has developed into a large business.

This material can be nailed, screwed, sawed and operated upon in the same manner as wood and, owing to its solidified structure, It is much more durable. Prominent capitalists have recently purchased control of this invention and organized a corporation, known as the Artificial Lumber Company of America, and will erect in different parts of the United States, Canada aud Mexico factories for the manufacture of the material. VAN BUREN EUCHRE CLUB. The Van Buren Progressive Euchre Club held its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon at. the residence of Mrs.

H. Hill. 455 Van Buren street. The first prize was won by Mrs. Racer.

The other lucky contestants were Mrs. H. Hill, Mrs. J. Clyde, Miss L.

Cheatham, Mrs. C. Smith and Mrs. G. Boscowen.

The Establishment of Abraham Straus Has but Two Possible Rivals in the World. FLOOR AREA 500,000 FEET. Army of 4,300 Employes Supply the "Wants of Customers Engines of 1,080 Horse Power Required. In an era such as this, when expansion, politically, means so much to a nation and occupies so much of Its attention, the same development commercially is a natural attendant when the people are prosperous, busy and healthy. When the nation advances to a prominent and commanding place In the economy of the world that action is based upon a sure foundation at home in which the tieing stones represent successful individual enterprises which become factors in the life and general affairs of the lesser political corporations.

As the national, state and municipal governments have reached higher levels of effectiveness, so have business methods been almost completely revolutionized, showing a tendency toward centralization that not only gives better employment to a larger number, but increased returns to all and making more prominent the Individual success. From the day when our prominent business streets were lined with small individual efforts to command trade, many times In ruinous competition, to the present, when mammoth department stores centralize under one roof a hundred establishments, it is but a very short step, emphasizing the fact that these emporiums have come to stay, with the approval and support of the people at large. No city in this country can point with more satisfaction to this marvelous development in trade than Brooklyn, for it may he said that hero the scheme has reached its fullest evolution, if, in fact, It was not originated here. And Brooklyn claims with equal pride a department store, second to none in this country, and probably rivaled only by two in the world the Louvre and Bon Marehe in Paris, which in many directions are not the equal to local houses, and excel them only in 'the actual ground area covered. This great Brooklyn enterprise is the establishment of Abraham Straus, of Fulton, Livingston and Schermerhorn streets and Gallatin place.

The history of this house is familiar to the readers of the Eagle, for its winderful strides into commercial prominence have all been made during the present generation, and its evolutions have carried it Trom the original designation of "a dry goods house" to its present name Abraham Straus the comprehensiveness of which is more easily thought of than described. It has taken a front rank in the commercial life of two continents. Long since passing the old character of a "retail house" It now employs in the manufacture of products which it sells over Its counters many times the number of hands that formed Its staff in its earlier period of business life. And, in addition, its buyers and agents are constantly ransacking the markets of the world for the latest and best staples and novelties for the approval of its thousands of customers maintaining one of the most thoroughly organized and complete foreign known to the trade. Far from drawing patronage from Brooklyn and the metropolitan district alone, the shipping department of Abraham Straus Is brought into re quehtconnectiona with every state in the Union Some Idea may be formed of the extenslve ness of this business house when it is known that the main establishment, exclusive of the numerous detached warehouses in several parts of the city, covers over 500,000 square feet of floor space.

This area may be likened to eleven and one half acres, and may he better appreciated if one could imagine a one story structure, ono hundred feet deep running along both sides of Fulton street, without a break, from Fulton Ferry to the Borough Hall a store, in other words, one mile long. This, too, all under one roof, for the main building on Fulton and Livingston streets and Gallatin place is connected through a tunnel under Livingston street, with the building running through to Schermerhorn street, to which two stories have just been added. The house of Abraham Straus Is a small sized city in itself, for it has in its employ 4.300 men and women, exclusive of those employed in its factories and warehouses, and to compute the number of people who daily throug the establishment would be tho work of a genius. The volume of its business is probably not exceeded by any similar establishment in the country, being nearly double that of any other house in Brooklyn. The capital Involved, the cost of running such a plant and the total of the business done are details known only to very few, but a number of millions of dollars are annually kept in motion through the enterprise of its managers.

Some idea of the local trade may be guined when it is known that at present there are traversing the streets of the borough no fewer than 1S3 wagons, vans and automobiles, the firm being compelled to hire a number of covered vans in order to keep up with deliveries. Ami in connection with this department there has just been completed at Sixty first street and Fort Hamilton avenue a two story brick and stone branch stable, fireproof, covering an area of 00 by 100 feet, to which is attached a plot of several acres which is utilized as a veterinary hospital for tho care of sick horses. This stable was made necessary by the growth of trade in that section of Brooklyn anil will be used solely for the delivery of goods there. In so essentially a domestic establishment it is surprising how large a part In its economy is occupied by the engineer. The foundation of this branch of the service is composed of boilers aggregating 1,700 horso power, to which are attached engines with capacity of 1.OS0 horse power to operate the indirect ventilating system the pneumatic tubes and the electric dynamos.

There are twenty four elevators of every class, eight or wmcn are large passenger cars. There is Is 1S2 feet. This provides for the width of the bridge, whic.i is IIS feet, and leaves 32 feet on each side as a security in case of fire or accident, as thef.e might affect adjacent buildings. Ats the bridge approach covers a portion of the original limits ni South Fifth street, between Berry and P.oebllng. the amount of real estate to be taken in this locality will increase In width toward the plaza.

The Series of Five Illustrated Talks otii Timely Topics to Be Given by Burton Holmes. MANY LITERARY FEATURES. This Week's Lecturers Include Edwin DW Mead, Leland Powers, Herbert lb Bridgman and Alexander Black. The Brooklyn Institute has announced that Burton Holmes of Chicago will commence his third annual series of lectures in Brooklyn on the last two days but one in December and continue the course throughout January, 1900. In the two previous years in which Mr.

Holmes has lectured in Brooklyn he woa unusual popularity, not only on account of the beauty of the lantern views which n. showed, but also because his subjects were far from hackneyed and because they wer treated in a fresh and attractive manner. For the present season he has chosen fivo subjects which for timeliness and interest quite equal those of the previous years. They, are "Manila and the Philippines," "Japan Revisited," "Around About Paris," "Tho Gland Canyon of Arizona" and "Mokl Land." At the close or" last season no choice was left, to Mr. Holmes as to the direction in which he.

should travel. The Philippines ha become the center of national interest and on the first anniversary of Dewey's victory Hoimes started for Manila. Arriving early in June, lie remained until the advent or the rainy season late in July made further travel or photographic work impossible. It is the Manila ot the traveler that he will present la the lecture that is the result ol his trip, and it will be shown with all the vividness that colored illustrations of the plae and motion pictures of events can lend to his description. One of the principal characteristics of Mr.

Holmes' lectures is the quantity of motion pictures projected by the chronomatograph. which appropriately illustrates them. The lecturer took to Manila the first motion picture camera ever operated in the Philippines, and it is said that he has obuinetr enough pictures, both still and motion, to give a better idea of the existing conditions there than anything else has ever done. This 1 season the moiion pictures will be introduced directly into the body of the lecture. Instead of at its close, as lias been the custom in previous seasons and the innovation is possible because in each case the motion pictures are entirely appropriate to the subject of the lecture.

The third lecture In the course, "Round About Paris," is said to be a wide departure from the traditional lecture on the French capital. There seems to be little question that the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River "In Arizona is the greatest natural wonder of the known world, and the fourth lecture of the course, which is concerned with this great piece of nature's handiwork, cannot fall to be of peculiar interest. This lecture on the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and the final lecture in the course, which will deal with, the Moki Indians and their peculiarities, will come with an added interest to those who attended the Institute lectures on the great Southwest given earlier in the season by G. Whartou James. The five lectures In Mr.

Holmes' course this season will be given on Friday evenings and repeated on the following Saturday afternoons, the evening dates being December 29 and January 3, 12. 19 and 26. The lectures will be given in the order in which they have been mentioned here and the opening sale of course tickets will commence on Monday morning. All the lectures' will be given in Association Hall, at Bond and Fulton streets. The literary programme of the Brooklyn.

Institute for the coming week contains several features of especial interest. The sixth and last of the Friday afternoon and Saturday evening series of dramatic readings under Institute auspices will be given by Leland Powers next Friday afternoon and Saturday evening in Association Hall. Charles Dickens' Christmas story. "A Christmas Carol." which, will constitute the major portion of the reading, will be particularly apropriate for the season and is well within the best possibili ties of Mr. Powers' talent.

The story will be preceded at ljuta afternoon and evening readings by James Russell Lowell's poem. "Tile ision of Sir I.tiunfall," which may also be said to be appropriate for the Christmas' season. Un the weekly ticket it announced that on evening next Edwin D. Mead ot Bosten. (direr of the New England Magazine, wili sneak io Association Hall, under the auspicis of the Department of Political Science en "Lessens from the Old South Meeting House, or the Principles of American Independence." The lecture will bo II lu stiateil by lantern phut ographs of historic scei.r.

and places should prove of exceptional iutere t. A lecture rciial on folk and fairy loro in children's music will be given in the Art Building en Montague street on Wednesday afternoon by Miss Mart R. Hofer of Chicago. Tlic recital will in. und the auspices of the if Mu.

ic and Philology of the Institute and will be illustrated by piano and vocnl ions. On Friday evening the Institute members wili he transported tr.cn the antartic regions which Dr. Frederick A. tVok has been talk iije of in ivc lectures to the extreme' northern latitudes where Lieutenant Peary is now struggling toward the pole. Herbert ot Breoklyn, vhose relations wiib Lieutenant.

Perry are those of Intimacy and who has more ihan once been with him in the far northern regions, will deliver a lecture in Association Hall which he calls "Seeking Peary and the Pole." The lecture will be ilustrated by a hundred lantern pho tngraphsi. most of which were taken by Lieutenant 1'iary during the apring and summer of the present year and consequently are new to Brooklynifes. "iOtxF'' 'S'" yy yyyyy yy fr yyyy.s. yy. ssy.

yy yUA Yy SySS I yy 'yyySyySy. 5 WyVyyymy. ryoyyyyyyy clenrinc will not he so great, it is probable that neither of the two buildings will be 'ii. iuri'i 1. but will be ieft to stand with tn.

ir ars fn' inc, in i he open space adjacent to the bridge. Trie whole of the two blocks between Roeb ling and Havemeytr streets and Broadway a I South Fourth street will be taken for the pla.a. Although it is quite probable that the nt i re property ill be purchased Immediately, tin? portion between the river and Drlggs avenue only is required for purposes oj faav construction, 1 WONDERFUL ORCHID DISPLAY. Over a Thousand Blooms in One Houce. Pineapple and Orange Trees Bearing Fruit.

The Christmas floral display in the Prospect ark conservatories has been arranged during he past week. While the number of flowers to be seen at this time is not as large, perhaps, as some other displays made during the ear, the exhibit is, nevertheless, quite as interesting. Many of the specimens shown can ke seen in flower only at this season of the rear. This statement refers particularly to ihe rare aud beautiful orchids. It i3 to the east greenhouse, which is devoted principally to the growing orchids, that visitors will first turn during the next month and It Ss here they will find the choicest flowers on exhibition.

The display will continue to improve for some time to come as many of the plants are now only putting forth buds. There are upwards of a thousand orchids in this house and the rarest cf these, Cattleya Virglnalis, a plant alone valued at S300, is how in full bloom. The greatest number of blooms of any one variety are found in that commonly called the Slipper orchid. There are 200 or more of. this species and fully one half are in flower.

There are apparently no two blooms alike in marking and the rich colorings embrace almost evory combination imaginable. Another variety at its best, an East Indian, Is the Vanda Tricolor. Beside this is an importation from Africa, which attracts, proba My, as much attention as any specimen shown. It is known as Angracum, and bears beautiful, wax like flowers, white in and shaped so much like a comet that it Ls often referred to a3 the comet orchid. Among the other beautiful orchids in full Dloom which attract especial attention at this time are several of Cattleya, Lailia, an importation from Mexico, and those best known as the Butterfly, because of the similarity in shape to that insect.

The show in this house is equal, or better, than in previous years, according to the opinion of Frank Sed nidz, one of the park florists familiar with every plant In the conservatories. In the orchid house are also many other plants of interest, and among them beautiful spider lilies, with large blooms of pure white. Then there are scores of flax plants, with flowers in profusion and of the purest yellow, and equally as many of the Gloxinia, a plant with leaves which closely resemble velvet and cone shaped flowers, with a large variety of rich colorings. There are alo several reautiful foliage plants which claim considerable attention and one of these is the Fiddonia, which has leaves like wax. There are two varieties, one red, one white.

The caladiums are the finest ever shown in the park. They came from South Africa and have beautiful, large, transparent loaves, richly marked. Another novelty is a pineapple tree, with fruit temptingly displayed and quite ripe. In the show house, where the greatest wealth of color is to be found at all times, ls a fine display of carnations, primroses, narcissus, hyacinths and daisies. On the center stand are several orange and lemon trees, one of the first named having probably two dozen of the fruit clinging to the branches.

The center house, where there is a fine collection of plants, ferns and crotons, is as attractive as ever. Unfortunately the new palm house is not yet completed and the palms in the old house are, therefore, not seen at their best, because of the cramped quarters. Mr. Thompson, who is in charge of the conservatories, said yesterday that he expected the new palm house to be completed early next month. The new building will be much larger than the building in which tho palms are now housed and will afford an opportunity for fine displays.

GRAND ARMY NEWS. The Installation of the officers for 1900 of Rankin Post No. 10 will take place at Saengerbund Hall, Smith and Schermerhorn streets, on Friday evening, January 5. A reception will follow the installation ceremonies. Members of Middletou Post No.

500 turned out in large numbers last night at the annual inspection. Commander Ford expressed his pleasure at the full attendance. The post was inspected by Past Commander Henry C. who congratulated the post on the excellent condition of the property of the post and the careful manner in which the hooks nre kept by Adjutant Lockwood and Quartermaster Johnson. At tho annual election of officers of W.

S. Hancock Post No. 2511. G. A.

of Manhattan, Alonzo D. Mohr was elected commander. Comrade Mohr has been Cor a number of years a resident of Brooklyn. He is the bus hand cf Mrs. Ada G.

Mohr, past department president of tho Women's Relief Corps of tho department. Commander Mohr has been for some time the quartermaster of W. S. Hancock Post. Officers of W.

W. Stephenson Post No. 060, for 1000, have boon elected as follows: Commander. Walter Scott, re elected; senior vice commander, A. J.

Martin; junior vice commander, James Proctor; chaplain, William Hayes; officer of the day, James Coleman; Surgeon, William Williams; quartermaster, Milton A. Brown; ofilcer of the guard, M. Shields; delegate to department encampment, Edward Oertlc; alternate, James Brush; council of administration, Samuel Hunter, S. McElroy, Nicholas Cornell, H. Guerty.

Robert Harper; color guard, S. McElvoy. P. Fitzpat rick. This post will give a theater party at the Bijou Theater on Monday evening, when 1 The above is a plan of the Brooklyn approach and plaza of the new East River Bridge.

It is the first of the kind that has been published and having been Is.sucd at. tho offices of the chief engineer, at S4 Broadway, in the Eastern District, yesterday afternoon, can be looked upon as official. The map shows the routes approved by the commissioners May 19, 1S97, and the amount of real cstarp which it will be necessary to on ytho Brooklyn uide. Copies of Si I i ii liLu i i i IN GERMAN CIRCLES. President S.

K. Saenger of th? United Singers of Brooklyn will leave for Washington in a few days. His visit to the capital has a two fold purpose. He will call upon Arthur von Holleben, tho German Ambassador, seeking information relative to the prize promised by tho German Emperor for the national saengerfest of Brooklyn, ami after having satisfied himself about that matter, he will endeavor to obtain an Interview with President McKinley. Some months ago Mr.

Saenger called upon the executive and was assured, that if the occasion warrants, ho would also donate a prize for the occasion. Saenger now desires to remind the President of his promise and to invite him at the same time to attend the celebration. The Richard Wagner Quartet Club, at its general meeting at Moeser's Hall, 145 Throop avenue, elected the following staff of officers: Henry Zenke, president; Richard Weber, first vice president; David Stauck, second vice president; Henry Weiss, secretary; Henry Drcweis. treasurer; Albert Hildenschmiilt. librarian; Ernest Kamperman, musical conductor.

Almost every German society in town has made preparations for a Christmas celebration. This is a long standing custom and the children of the members or the organizations In question look forward to the coming celebrations with pleasure. Usually a huge Christmas tree, profusely decorated, is put up in the middle of a large hall, and tables, covered with preaeuts and sweets, await the little ones. Before they are per mitted to receive the gifts, they are expected to render one of the old time German Christ mas hymns, after which they are free to frolic to their hearts' content. Elaborate 1 preparations for this festivity have been made by the Arion.

the Brooklyn Saenger bund, the Williamsburgh Saengerbund, the Schwaeblsche Saengerbund. the Concordia I Maennerchor, the Zoellner Maennerchor, the Greater New York Lledertafel and many'oth ers. The celebrations will take place at 1 their respective headquarters and the dateB vary between the 2Sth and 30th of December. The Arion will wind up its Christmas festival with a reception and concert. Arthur Claassen.

the musical conductor of tho United Singers of Brooklyn, will start upon his tour of rehearsals on January .1 next. He will visit all the cities where component societies of the northeastern saengerbund are located, and while there will call upon all their respective member societies. His object in doing so is to prepare matters for the national saengerfest of WOO to be held In this borough. Many of the German Catholic congregations of the borough, among them that of the Church of the Holy Trinity. Montrose avenue, are making extensive preparations in honor of the twenty anniversary of the ordination to priesthood of the Rev.

Father .1. .1. Hanselmann of the Church of the Holy Family, corner of Thirteenth street, and Fourth avenue. The huililing committee of the Sr inv, bisefce S. ieiiL erintncl.

which was charge tile erection or' the new hall of tin: society Knickerbocker and avenues, on Tim day last had all the master workmen ployed around the building as guests in meeting room of the society. a mm; merit of the affair, which passed very pie atitly. was ill the ham'is of Messrs. Himth, Anton Newbiirgor, Philip Duirn, Lc. Ruiz and John Tilius.

of MEDALS FOB, WASHERWOMEN. To the institution of orders, nielals and diplomas in France there is nn limit. Thf is diplomas for washer.vonKi:. The onien, i.o be sure, occupy unsiiiruoiis position on the Seine, and have pluyi 1 ar important part in the life of Paris, especially in revolutionary periods. They are n.ariy as formidable as the niarkoi women The government has established this new or.ii and awarded twelve medals.

The important part or distributing the diplomas to the prize washerwoman is discharged liy tin Ministry of Commerce. Dundee Journal. KETAINED WITH DIFFICULTY. "Illgby started for Europe full of a big business scheme." "Did it succeed "Well, yes; but he says that for one spell going over he thought, he should have to throw the whole thing up." Philadelphia Bulletin. this nec ssary.

I' will lc Teciepl that the Empire Th.ater is react a Fly c.it in two. more than half the portion liein; taken. A. alrffi in the Engl all the propi ri M. trKV.

i he Centra! Methodist. aiei Hi' lie 1C nun a ntlel Lutheran will In taken. The siiutte ii'. of the ato.r.iac'.l eier.es close to the rear o' the Kings County and the Savings banks. As.

however, tho bridge structure will be very low at this joint and tho necessity: lor a. wide mar School No. 72, under the direction of their teacher. Miss L. Annette Ewart.

They deserved and were accorded much applause. Miss Alice M. Palmer sang several ballads. Miss Ewart recited and Mis3 Louise played a piano solo and in a duet with Mrs. C.

A. Lane. The selections were all of a high order and were applauded. The gramophone selections were much appreciated. The officers of George C.

Strong Post No. 534 for 1800 are as follows: Commander, D. A. Lowber; senior vice commander, William B. Betts; junior vice commander, William H.

Cornell; chaplain, Thomas Roberts, re elected; quartermaster, Charles Guniand, re elected; surgeon, N. J. Lawrence; officer of the day.Al exander Thompson; officer or the guard, Thomas Connelly; delegate to department encampment, Isaac T. Sweezey; alternate. Charles Curtis; delegates to memorial and executive committee, George H.

Jackson, Frank Houghtaling, Alexander S. Merritt; board of trustees, George Lamp, John Jones. Strong Post will have a public Installation. McPherson Doane Post No. 499, has elected the following officers for 1900: Commander, Thomas S.

Woodcock; senior vice commander, Martin Goss; junior vice commander, Ellis H. Fairhurst; chaplain, Francis Dunnbacker; quartermaster, Thomas Jones; officer of the day, John Stack; officer of the guard, Anthony Wishart; delegate to department encampment, John M. Sangster: alternate, Francis Dann backer; alternate to memorial and executive committee, George N. Dick. All the officers were unanimously elected.

Three recruits will be mustered at the next encampment, which will be held on Friday, January 5. The post has gained in finances and in members during the year under the leadership ot commander Sangster. A rising vote was passed on a resolution to drape the altar for thirty days in commemoration of the death of George Washington. Comrade Harry A. Walke, son of the late Admiral Walke, is lying dangerously ill at the Homeopathic Hospital, and the members of the post are looking after his comfort.

Comrade Walke is a member of the post and recently suffered a paralytic stroke. Frank Head Post No. 16. has elected the following officers for 1900: Commander, Edward Fahy, le elected; senior vice commander, Michael Reagan; chaplain, William J. Houghton, a blind comrade; quartermaster, Henry Ryan, re elected; officer of the day, Gustav Voges; delegate to department encampment, David Humphreys; alternate, William J.

Houghton; delegates to the memorial and executive committee, David Humphreys, Francis Moehn. James II. Perry Post No. S9 will have a public installation of its officers on Monday, January 15. Past Commander George H.

Jackson will be the installing officer. Grant Post No. 327, of which Birt F. Parsons is commander, continues to grow. Aaron Wills Haines, private of Company Twenty third Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers, during the Civil War, has been proposed Tor membership, recommended by the new ofilcer of the day.

Captain Miles O'Reilly, Arthur E. Pattison. recommended by the new commander: John L. Baker and Alexander J. A.

Callaghan, recommended by Adjutant Georpc M. Baker, were elected to membership in the Associate Society at the encampment of the post. Rankin Women's Relief Corps No. 154 is looking forward to a prosperous year. Ten members were recently admitted on transfer cards from Corps No.

166. all of whom have reputation for being active workers. Rankin Corps was recently inspected by Mrs. G. Barry of Corps Xo.

144. and she spoke words of encouragement for tho good work Rankin Corps was doing. The officers of the corps for 1900 are as follows: President, Emily A. Payntcr: senior vice president, Mary E. Daily; junior vice president.

Mrs. Marsh; treasurer. Jesse Boettner: secretary, Leah Myers; conductor, L. Smith; chaplain, Mrs. the have been filed with the Department of Public Works in Manhattan, as well as the Game department in this borough.

So many inquiries have been made as to the extent of the property taken that the commissioners hav deemed it advisable to give the details publicity. The map shows the outlines of the property that will be taken for the bridge in this borough. The whole of the block between South. Fifth and South Sixth streets and filed with the Department APPROACH AND PLAZA OF THE NEW EAST RIVER BRIDGE. I it 1 i I SH al vrrrr i 1 mmmmmmmmm mm' 3 ii 1 BROADWAY bounded by the river and Kent avenue was I The general width of the nrooertv reouired bounded by the river and Kent avenue was The general width of tho property required purchased from the American Sugar Refilling Company.

The larger part of the block between Kent and Wythe avenues has also been purchased, as well as various pieces at different locations within the limits of the drawing. Tho commissioners have a legal right and expect to purchase all the property Indicated on the drawing, but nothing outside of that without the passage of additional legislation. north side of South Fffta street, bet ween Berry street aa.l the terminus of the bridge, will be taken ilni) ibia portion of South Kifth I lit rcet will lie iricre. in width to S5 feet, instead CO feet, oich is Its present width. The li.jes of tho property taken often di vides tin lots in arbitrary maimer, sometimes necesisitntlEg the taking of portions of buildings but the necessity for uniformity in the plaih and the angle at which the bridge line inserseots the street line has made.