Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-10-28
SOME HANDSOME HOMES.


WY Mr. Blaine Did Not Haze Hss Dtnt.o-
Room Nodded en- Mr.. Tis6en,s.
Washington Letter to Baltimore Sun.l
The west end of this city has shown a
continual improvement during the past.
five or six years. It has been very notice
able during the past season, and some of
the houses that are being occupied this fall
are in every respect the handsomest that
have eve- been erected in this city. The
Queen Anne style of architecture predomi-
mates, and in almost every case black
mortar has been used in the outside
walls. The plastering has exceeded any
thing in the way of effect that has
ever been done here, the cornices
and friezes being very heavy.
Hard woods, generally Of light color,
have been used for nearly all inside pur-
poses. The finishing up of the 6re-places
with ornamental mantels and tiles gives the
rooms coziness and attractiveness that
have never been surpassed. In many of
these houses antique furniture will be put.
In others modern furniture of the
same general design will be used. Beauty
and quaintness are objects aimed at in
constructing and furnishing. In many in
stances more money is spent in designing
and erecting the msntels than was in the
past required to furnish the entire room.
There is, however, in these new houses less
regard shown for outside effects in the way
Of approaches, lawns, ETC., than in the
past, the most attention being devoted to
inside attractions. Exteriors ara very
picturesque. Pretty gables, verandas, por-
ticos, arched entrances are to be seen in
them all Bricks of all styles, sizes and
shapes have been used, in many instances
having been made especially for the houses
In which they are used.
Ex-senator Blaine's new house, now hav-
ing the finishing touches put on it, excels
every house in the neighborhood, and can
justly be regarded as triumph in the
building art. It has many visitors, and al
most as many admirers. The Sun CORE
spondent was told Little story about this
house to-day by builder, which illus
frates how much fine modern houses cost.
Mr.. Blaine was in New York recently, and
-ead in one of the papers there finely
prepared description of Gov. Tilden's new
mansion. One thing that struck him par
ticularly was the way the dining-room was
finished out. He visited the house and
was particularly pleased with it. He inn
mediately made up his mind that the
dining room of his own house should be
fitted out like it. He accordingly tele-
graphed his builder to meet him in New
York. The two then visited Mr.. Tilden's
| house. The builder was asked to prepare
an estimate of what it would cost to make
the Blaine dining-room like it. The
builder made the necessary calculations,
talked with Mr.. Tlden's contractor, and
then sat down and began figuring. In two
days he gave Mr.. Blaine his answer.
''Well, how much will 1t COST" Mr.. Blaine
asked. ''My figuring" replied the builder,
puts it at $4,000" II am supposed to
be an unusually rich man." remarked Mr..
Blaine in reply, @but can tell you can
didly can't stand such dining room as
that. I'd like it very much, and while Gov.
Tilden can have such things, I'll have to
dismiss the thought. Why, my entire
house finished won't cost nae moro than
$4,000 $4,000 for dining room! We
will have to give it up. Gov Tilden is on
top this time, sure"
| The builder returned, and Mr.. Blaine's
dining room will be fitted out according
to the original plan. It is elegant, how
ever, as it is, but much of its elegance is
in its simplicity of arrangement and
| finish.
The fine residences Of Senator Pendleton
and Representative Robson, on Sixteenth
street, will be occupied this winter. They
are in general appearance similar, the
Robson mansion being the larger. It il
also more massive. Gilded sunflowers do
duty at the top of the lightning rods. Six
teenth street, next to Pennsylvania avenue
is the widest in the city. It has recently
been repavea, andis destined to be a very
attractive thoroughfare.