The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1874-10-03

Salient characteristics OF Rar1slum
Newspapers. u lie Figaro - -. Its
management, Its Personnel and
Its Peclsliarities.
Turning short off, says Paris cor.
respondent Of the Chicago Times, from
place from which radiate several
streets, one proceeds short distance
along the narrow and crowded Rue
Drovot, III Paris, and suddenly finds
himself in front Of building so unique
and fanciful in its appearance that he
will be sure to pause for heightened
study. 1t is gorgeous in colored glass,
parti-colored stones, inches, statues,
gargoylcs, balconies, bas relievos, ale.
gorical groupings, and ornate pillastcrs.
It is dwarfed somewhat by high build
ings on both sides Of it, but asserts it.
self and attracts attention after the
fashion of diminutiye but exquisitely
dressed and beautiful woman sand.
witched between couple Of stout,
plain, substantial dowagers.
This gorgeous creation, blazing with
the splendors of richly decorated
branch Of the Spanish-renaissance style,
is the facade Of the Hotel Figaro--the
publication Office Of the journal seclec'
ted as representative of French enter
PRISE and French civilization. 1t,
guardian genius is the Spanish Figaro
occupying a room-niche directly over
the grand entrance. Above his left
shoulder is seen the handle Of guitars
while his hands are engaged in sharp
ening a quill pen. Upon the piece of
black marble on which the statue
stands, are golden letters carrying this
legend:
Use taille encore ma plume, ct de-
mande chacun de quot il est ques-
ton"
The "encorc," I believe, refers to the
fact that the Figaro Office was destroy.
ed, either by fire or some other means,
anterior to the erection Of the present
building.
THE KERNEL. OF GOLDEN SHELL.
One naturally expects correspond
ing interior after viewing such re-
splendent exterior, and when one enters
one will not be disappointed.
Ascending some wide, broad steps of
marble, the visitor finds himself in a
grand vestibule, from which, on the
right and left, ascend two grand stair
cases, which are most elegantly decora-
ted with bronzes. About the vestibul e
are statuettes of the guardian Figaro,
each one Of which is the work Of mas
ter, and each Of which represents diff.
.ferent position-mainly, however, posi-
tions which represent the individual in
different stages of the throes of compo-
sition. The one which represents the
reporter is Figaro on full rur, who
writes as he progresses, and !. hich
proves that French journalism hi the
correct theory of enterprise, however
much it may fail in carrying it into prac-
teal effect.
Another vestibulc, more statues, NOR
carved panels, more stained glass, and
one enters grand central room, which
extends to the roof of the celored glass.
1t is an atriasm of the Roman style, and
into which opens every room in the
building. Below is the counting room,
or business Office; above is a gallery
running all around the interior, and
from which doors lead to every part OF
the structure.
1t would be wearying the public to
attempt description in detail Of this
rotunda. Suffice that it is glowing
with rich warm coloring and is as ornate
and respondent as art, taste and
wealth can make it. Graceful columns
rise from the balcony and carry circu.
lar arches, each Of which is ornamented
with tasteful carving or characteristic
reliefs. The counter running around
the business Office is model of rich
ness and beauty. The floor is a rich
mosaic; grand bust Of Beaumarchais
occupies conspicuous: central position;
and from above, unique and marvel