Weekly commercial herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1884-18??, 1885-09-04
oUR CHICAGO LETTER.

OF LMD kAU9N 49,
Monument--Why the Current"
Collapsed - Scramble Over the
Postofflce clsrkships, etc. etc.
C-orresuondence Commercial Herald.
CHICAGO, Aug. q.
One class Of Chicago amusements
has been remarkably successful. Ire
fer to the pamoramaS of famous battle
scenes. The first Of these, THE Bat
tie Of Gettysburg" was thrown open
to the public two years ago and has
been the art attraction Of the city ever
since. Old soldiers from every part Of
the Union. participants In the battle
on both sides, and others to whom the
grim visage Of wal was but a name,
have visited the panorama and gazed
with wonder and admiration on the
truly realistic portrayal. The quiet
Inauguration Of the enterprise proved
to be a genuine surprise even to Chi
cagoans. The fame of the great pic
ture is now as widespread as the
memory Of the famous battle itself.
The success which attended the open
ing of the "Battle of Gettysburg en-
boldened capitalists to establish the
"Siege of Paris" This picture is
about to be removed from the build
ing which was constructed for it, and
the Battle Of Mission Ridge and
Lookout Mountain" is to be substitu-
ted. "The latest of the panoramas is
the "Battle of Shiloh" This new en-
terprise bids fair to rival the father of
Chicago panoramas, Gettysburg" Its
portrayal of Grants famous battle
ground is described by old soldiers as
intensely realistic. After all, the dis
tinctive feature of Chicago panoramas
is their remarkable success. The pan
oramta Enterprise was not a new thing;
but it remained for Chicago capital to
establish on a firm financial basis these
greatest Of modern art attractions.
The great interest which is taken in
all outdoor sports in Chicago is
generally attributed to the fact that
the population is largely composed Of
young men. An excellent opportunity
for Aquatic sport is afforded by the
proximity Of Lake Michigan. Yachting
has become a passion in some circles
where expense is not necessarily
considered, and the contagion of the
sport is spreading even to the less
opulent classes. Many who cannot
afford a craft of their own content
themselves with hiring a sloop oc
casionally, or compromise matters BY
joining n of the numerous boa
clubs. Canoeing is the most dangeroui
and exciting of the ordinary acquati,
sports. l recently had the pleasure o.
witnessing the annual regatta of tn
Chicago Canoe Club. The day wa
fine, bat there was a stiff breeze blow
ing landward, and the frail canoe
tossed like egg-shells on the chopp
sea. Nothing undaunted, however
the bold mariners spread sail. Ther
was anxious watching by friends O
shore, as one too adventurous skippe
capsized and another unfortunate ca,
ried away his steering gear. Thank
to prompt assistance all were rescued
Then followed the "upset race" Tn
canoes were upset, thea righted, the
padded to the finish. Many of tn
upset in their eagerness to get righte
took headers on the opposite side. Th
canoe club is fond Of adventure, an
the haps and mishaps of regatta
cruise are the chief attractions of tn
sport.
1t is now confidently expected tn,
the Chicago Grant monument fur
will reach the very respectable sum
$4,000. Over $4,000 have been d
posted already. Between the deal
and funeral of the great command
$4,000 was subscribed. 1t is a sour,
Of some pride to the average Chicag
an that in this matter of a testimoni
Of the illustrious dead Chicago
really in advance Of New York. II
location Of the monument Inns be-
practically decided upon unless Il
committee very radically change the
: minds Lincoln Park will be the pla
Z selected. This seems to be in acco
with the wish /; yet it would be dill
+ cult to assign a sufficient reason f
, the popular reference. True, Linco
: Park is readily accessible-in fact
common resort. But this very ia
is averse to the project of placil
within its unhallowed precincts
monument to the dead hero. T,
, better plan would be to change t.
name Of South Park to Grant Pa
and there to erect the monument.
say a monument, but it is probab
that the design adopted will be T.;
equestrian statue. This was the i
tention Of many Of the contributor
However, it is evident that the disp
sitlon of the funds will be determin,
by a few of the leading contributor
and that of these Potter Palmer W.
be the moving spirit.
The famous O'Leary family, who
COW kicked over the lamp which s
all Chicago ablaze, have again come i
to unenviable notoriety. At the tin
Of the great Chicago fire the fame
the OLearys became world-wid
Wherever Chicago's great disaster WI
known Mrs, O'Leary and her COW we
execrated and thus they became inse
arably connected with the history
the city. Mrs. O'Leary was a widow
After the fire she removed with b.
children TO the adjoining town of LAX