The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1888-12-29

don't know" answered Rosenberg, "ex-
cept that am jew" Nathan leaped to
his feet, his face flushed: "a Jew, jew
Blackball man in the United States be
cause he is a Jewp Let us form club of
our own, and then we will see II we can't
get along without them" And right there
aud then the Progress Club was started.
There II nothing about its name to indicate
its character, but it Is COMPOSED exclusive
ly of gentlemen Of the Jewish faith. There
is no denying that there is and has been
deep-rooted prejudice in all the swell clubs
against them, which no amount of reason
ing or logic seemed TO overcome. So the
six Hebrew gentlemen seated at the table
in that humble restaurant started the Prog
ress Club.
"Tall trees from little acorns grow"
1t was not long before the news got nois-
ed abroad that the new club was in exist
ence, and applications for membership
came in rapidly. They soon found it nee
essary to move to more convenient quarters.
Established In a clubhouse of their own,
their membership increased more rapidly
than it did before, and it was only couple
of years till they were compelled to move
again. The second move enlisted some of
the wealthiest Hebrews in New York, and
it was formally resolved to purchase site
in the most fashionable quarter of the city,
and erect club house that should throw
in the shade everything in the way Of clubs
that we haye yet seen in New York. The
hackers of the project are men whose for
tunes are estimated with seven or eight
figures; they are thoroughly in earnest in
the matter, their blood is up, and when 1t
is completed 1t is safe to say 1t will not be
surpassed by any clubhouse on this side of
the Atlantic or even in Europe. The fact
is that clubs are getting to be marked
feature in our social life. Forty years ago
not one business man in thousand be-
longed to club. Now club expenses are
regarded amongst the legitimate expenses
of the concern. Almost every business man
you meet belongs to a club of some kind;
and IL is not unusual to see the lady of the
house step In among her husbands guests
after dinner and say, "You will kindly ex-
cuse ME, gentlemen, we have business
meeting tonight at our club"
AprOpos of women's clubs, the Sorosis
still holds its own. Other clubs there are,
very good of the kind; but for general high
tone, excellence of entertainment, intellec-
tral culture, decency, purity and thorough
enjoy ment there Is no club within my ken
that will compare with it. 1t has always
been fortunate in its officers, and, all re-
ports to the contrary notwithstanding, there
are neither short-haired cranks nor women
who care to wear breeches prominent a.
mong its members. No club In New York,
or anywhere else, can give such delight
ful entertainment among its own members
as the Sorosis. 1t has the best speakers,
the wittiest story-tellers, the most talented
singers and the most skillful instrumental
performers that can be found anywhere.
The members are proud and happy to en-
tertain each other. 1t is considered quite
an honor to be called on to do so-talent to
them costs nothing; and 1t is easily In its
way the foremost club of the kind in the
country. OF course, in clubs, like seeks
like, in the Union Club, which is the SWELL
est club in New York, there is strong
mingling of patriotism and piety. Not that
they are all saints by long shot, but the
fact of your being ON the inside OF the Un-
ion goes very long way on your endorse
ment for sanctitY and patriotism, though l
know quite number who, if they were on
the ou tside to-day, would find it difficult
to get over the fence. There are now over
many of them have been waiting for years,
and the chances are that before 75 per cent
of them ever tuck their legs under the ele-
CANT tables of the receptlon-room or restau.
rant, that, encssed in q very magnificent
pair Of golden slippers, they will be climb
ing up De Golden Stairs.
While the Union favors the Republican
element the Manhattan is composed OF
Democrats 1t processes to be quite tony
too, but on its rolls are to be found all OF
the Democratic politicians; gentlemen who
rejoice In lucrative Offices, and lucky
strikers who have fat contracts and In
fiuential political friends.
Al the present time there is war to the
knife between our two great athletic clubs
The New York and Manhattan are al
swords points, and as all of their differences
| are aunnOead IN ba satflad la ~ o,kto.i,
way, and as all of the members of eact
club are taking lessons in boxing from ar
experienced tutor, expect In the next si1
months to see q series of encounters BY
gentlemanly amateurs. according to thu
Marquis of Queensberry rules, which will
rival the best efforts OF the P. r. TIL,
rival feeling between these clubs was yer,
bitter and intensely personal last week
The Manhattans made q policeman pu
four reporters out Of the press gallery a
Madison Square Garden because the,
espoused the cause of the New Yorks ant
unmei cifuly scored the Manhattans. Tn
J Manhattans had their innings with the re
! porters last week, The reporters are ye
TO be heard from; when their time come
there'll be music In the air
Ever since the Irish team was here an
were taboosd by the League clubs becaus
they refused To turn their backs on tn
ManhAltans. the feeling has been most BIZ
: ter. and what the outcome will be no on
can tell.
We are putting on great deal of styl
this winter. Young men are beginning t
? wear their hair long and banged in fror
like girls; and the ladies-ah, bless me
well, to see them to advantage or disAC
: vantage YOU want to 60 to the Metropoli.a
e Opera House. There you can see In Il
: fullest perfection what fashion calls fu