Daily Republican., 1883-05-22
The Palaces Of The West.

The st. Louis Globe e-Democrat in a re-
cent issue says: The frequent reference
made in the newspapers to the palace OF
William II. Nandebilt has suggested a
comparison with some Of the resident
mansions of st. Louis. An effort seems
TO have been made for an ostentatiouS
display at the expense Of every thing
else, and the luxury of u regal habita-
tIon has been secured at a sacrifice OF
details.
This is where the observer draws the
line of distinction between the Fifth
avenue residence and the dwellings oc-
cIpied by the cultured wealth Of st.
Louis. The local capitalist ertctsa a RES
idencc which is, in the most generous
Interpretation Of the word, IA home EN-
bodymg the requirements Of house
hold and by its interior arrangement
catering to the convenience of domestic
service. In the opinion of a prominent
architect the general style Of building
in St. Louis was described rs unique,
having "A wise adaptation for shade and
protection in the morning and evening.
On the other hand, the Vanderbilt
building is thoroughly metropolitan,
branching out into abnormal measures,
which are almost subject TO no reStrlc-
ton by possible study Of the wants of
the occupants. Other features, how
ever, have been subor,,inated to admit
ting the banquet hall within the four
walls and the side rooms appear small
and cramped in comparison. The bill
| lard room is crowded into a corner in a
rectangular space which is deemed in
adequate to the proper enjoyment OF the
game here.
AT the residence built by the late
John b. Mauoe, ut Lucas and Garrison
avenues, the billiard room is twice as
large, and at the new residence Of Mr.
Joseph Franklin, under construction at
Oakland, the billiard room will be of
greater area than in Nanderbilt's man
sion. Mr.. Franklin's house will mea-
sure 9Ox50 feet, and notwithstanding
there is only difference of ten feet
front in favor of the Railroad magnate,
the building eXcites no comment The
New York edifice is ~ feet deep by 100
feet front, and the closest approxima-
ton III ST. Louis is fOunlsin the Girard
B. Allen residence, 75x45, which is the
most costly in the city.
Mr.. Franklin, house will he laid ont
somewhat similar to the Vanderbilt
place, the only difference being that the
hinin q room is on the side. The Matlit
residence is jOA70 and is renowned for
| the interior decorations, which make it
the most expensive house in the city.
Mr.. john Whitaker has an elegant
house ON Garrison avenue, Of maGnli-
cent proportions, but as it is of villa
style, with side entrance, the interior
cannot I've cited in comparison. Major
| Lee occupies a modern house on Lin
dell avenue, which is Of the same di
menSons as the Mattit homestead.
| For decorative finish st. Louis stands
pre-eminrnt, and more money is spent
ON the interior than in the construction
| # the walls. Outside show does not
find many disciples here, and money is
Iavished with stintcd hand on trirzcs
or capitals, and polished GRANTEES and
marbles rarely figure in the architec's s
specifications. The greatest amount
which has ever been disbursed for a
residence here was $50, 900, and the eX-
ample was held sufficient to deter others
from rashly encouraging any repetition
of he extravagance. Baltimore and
Cleveland have dozen houses which
cost from 100000 to Sl5O,OOO, and a
small city like Detroit can point with
pride to her mansions.
Chicago ranks with New York for i'm
perial art in ali its branches, and ST.
Louis in its conservatism rejects the eX-
ternal and spends fortunes on the inter
ior walls of its residences. Mr.. Her.
culeS H. Dansnan has one Of the finest
dining rooms in the country. 1t is fin
ishcd in delicate wood carving, and, if
any one desires to see an artistic and
well-apponted apartment, they should
accept the hospitality Of the host when
everan occasion offers.
The decoration is of the French
Renaissance period, in black walnut
and maroon. The walnut is carved in
fruits and arcadian figures. The cell
ing is trescOcd in the same style, varied
with vases, gritlins, and other uncouth
figures which make beautiful studies.
The sidcboard and furniture are de-
signed to harmOniZe with the surround
ingS. The manlel piece extends from,
ceiling to floor, and is recessed in an
alcovr with windows on the side. The
floor is hard wood, covered with Turk
iSh rugs. Girard y. Aliens is not lin
ished with such effect, bur displays a
great deal Ot analogous taste.