St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1882-03-03

ANS hANCE, tbs -, itN'-.
A stranger on coming to Paris is in
variably struck with the width,
straightness and clean appearance of
the streets, and the grandeur of the
buildings. The principal streets are
paved with asphalt, and are as smooth
as a floor. They are kept well swept
and quite clean by means of a large
supply of water which can he let into
the cutters at any time. Some of the
widest streets have narrow strips of
ground bounded by rows of trees divid-
ing the street in the middle. This is
not a walk, as one might at first
suppose, but is used for horseback rid
ing, of which there is much here.
The buildings are almost without ex-
ception built of white stone, and are
very high and imposing, with fine,
rich carvings, and sculpture orna-
mentatiOn on many of them. In "A
block of buildings there are often quite
"a variety of houses, each man building
to suit himself in style and height.
Many of the buildings have shops and
restaurants on the street, with flats and
apartments above. A private house is
called hotel, and these are often back
from the street i'll a little court yard
surrounded by high fence.
The style of architecture is some
what different from that in American
cities the houses having no bay win
dOws or swell fronts, and no outside
door steps. The doors all open on "A
grade with the sidewalk. In front of
each window is "A little balcony with
iron railing, and with the low French
windows which open like double doors,
these are both necessary and cOnven-
lent.
That part of Paris called Passy has
long been a favOrite place of residence,
because of its high and healthy situa-
ton, and some of the finest houses are
| located here There is little in this 10
cality to interest the stranger, however.
The Pare de la Muette, where once
stood royal chateau, is now private
property, and only part of the origi-
nal building remains. But the beauti-
ful avenues lined with magnificent,
old trees the garden with its fountains
and statuary, and the old chateau III
the distance, can be seen from the
street, and attracts the attention of the
passer-by.
The Palais du Trocadero is building
worthy of notice and its towers can be
seen from many parts of Paris. 1t was
built for the exhibition in 1873, and
now contains several museums, and a
large concert hall which seats 5000.
The central part of the building is cir
cular, and the dome go feet high.
Then there are two wings built on "A
curve, so that the building has the ap-
pearance of an imposing crescent. Bal
comics surround the whole and when
these are lighted, as they are every
night, the effect is most dazzling and
beautiful 1t stands on elevated
ground overlooking the Seine, and
the view from the balconies and tow
ers is one of the finest i'll Paris. In
front of the Palais is large fountain
the basin of which is surrounded by Il
rhinoceros, elephant, horse and bull in
| FHhA I,,,iIlinn itS.1f IL
adorned with more than thirty statues
The past week has been gloomy and
cold, and the days short and dark, but
the weather seemed appropriate for the
two great events of the week. First
came the defeat of Gambetta, and al
though there was much excitement
over it, and many lost their positions
by his fall, it was not so serious an af-
fair as the downfall of the Bourse, the
stock and gambling exchange, which
brought ruin to thousands. 1t has been
foreseen and feared, but was not eX-
pected to be so severe. Hundreds Ol
wealthy people have lost their all
families have been literally turned out
of their houses, their possessions seizeC
to pay debts which reckless speculation
has brought upon them. One hear'
daily of suicides and insanity as the re
suit of failure. This financial disaster
is not confined to Paris alone, but eX
tends into the surrounding country ano
is felt even more in some of the smalle
cities. Me. 5.