The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1880-11-20

of existence-mustp puzzle the brain over
the vexed question of something to eat,
drink and wear. Alas! this is a work-a-
| day world of ours: it is no elysium!
Another place to delight the senses of
those who have any love for art and
relics is store on Broadway where are
a number Of antiques from the Demidoff
collection lately sold in Florence. Oh,
such rare specimens of old, elegant fur
niture, china, bronzes and statuary!
Some of the pieces are chairs used by
Napoleon at the Tuillcries and afterward
at Elba. The wealthy New Workers are
not slow in transferring these valuables
to their palatial homes, at enormous pri-
ces. 1t is said that cat may look at q
king, so, as I had no thousands to invest
i'll tables Gone was sold for about $30OO),
statues, etc, contented myself with
simply looking into mirrors that had re-
flected royal features, touching things
upon which the jeweled hands of mon-
archs had rested and sitting in chairs
which had held Emperors, Kings and
Queens, no doubt far richer in happiness
than ever they wore.
We have visited two of the public Ii
braries, the Lenox and the Astor The
Lenox is beautiful white marble build
ing on Fifth Avenue, opposite Central
Park. The internal arrangements arc
not yet complete though it is open to
the public five hours during two days i'll
the week. The collection is one of in
terest, fine statuary, paintings, rare man
uscripts, letters FROM the pens of great
historic characters, books, medals, in-
scriptions and coins of remarkable an
tiquity hut for intellectual relish pre-
fer the Astor. The Astor presents an air
Of genial warmth; it is free, open all of
every day, is conducted on a liberal, ju-
diciots plan, contains a1arge and think
complete library; spacious, comfortable
reading room, nice tables, at each of
which two may sit aud read or write,
and in every way seems to invite one to
occupy place thers. Judging from the
number of studions locking persona there
constantly, it is appreciated. With such
privileges and advantages no one need
remain long in Ignorance, for, oven if
deprived of the valuable school drill, one
may acquire knowledge aud improve the
mind. shall often revert to the grand
old books aud the delicious stiffness of
THAT hall.
A. friend kindly conducted us through
tho Assay Building, where we saw the
process Of extracting the gold and silver
from the metallic ore; then to the Stock
Exchange, where We looked down upon
the excited and apparently infuriated
dealers in stocka; then through the mag
niicent building of the New York Equi-
table Life Insurance Company, and up
on it's roof where we had a fine view. OF
course We could not leave that vicinity
without passing half hour i'll Old Trim
ity, listening to its beautiful chimes and
entirely submitting ourselves to the holy
influence of the sacred place. It is al-
ways open. A wise custom, for no doubt
many burdsned pilgrim there finds ut
least temporary rest for his wearied soul,
renews his strength to pursue the right
and his courage to fight against the
world, the flesh and the devil. Trinity is
a grand old church none can excel her
in hearty charity and good works.
There are so many delightful, beautiful
churches and 80 many divines that it is
difficult to make selection for worship.
St. Thomas has the finest music, large
chorus and several instruments. Some
times the sole accompaniment is upon
the harp, and oh, SO heavenly. Rev.
Knox Little, the English missioner, has
been attracting large crowds i'll the diff
ferent Episcopal churches. He is Won
derful preacher, not SO much because Of
any special gift greater than many Others
possess, but because of his depth Of feel
ing, his warmth, his earnestness.
The service of the deafmut interested
me more than any other; it is in the sign
language. It was all SO curious and the
sight of the poor unfortunates called
forth such tender sympathy. However
while it was so sad to us, they seemed
perfectly happy, and before DR.. Gallau-
det, the rector, appeared in the chancel
were talking all over the church. Az
this Was by signs, there was perfect 81
lence, except occasionally when tn.
laugh broke out into unearthly sound,
that grated harshly on the ear. The -
sistant interpreted the service aud ser
mon as rapidly rs the rector delivered
them. It seems that these people ar'
dumb only because they are deaf; al,f
there is q school here now where dea
mutes are taught to utter sounds and t.
talk. 1t is system full Of difficulties
and requires great patience and perse
verance on the part of pupil and teacher
| The fiat has gone forth. We are t.
leave New York in few days.
| AUNT CHAT.
| Prof. Huxley says he has long enter
tanned the conviction that any man VIII
has taken an active part in science shonl'
he strangle2 at sixty. In his experienc
uinety-nine men out Of every hundre,