Los Angeles herald., 1892-08-08
HOW THEY LOOK.
A Vivid Description of the Union Leagu
C1ub Rnona.

| Vivid Description OF the Union League
| Club Rooms.
The average citizen drifting along in
| the changeful stream of multiversant
business pursuits is ordinarily too en-
crossed with the practical problems
hourly presented, TO engage in those
bright luxuriant dreams which are the
delight of the sybarite and the aspira-
ton of the poet. Engrossed in the
genial and moderate toll that wins
bread and shelter, they have but scant
time to stoop for the violet, or listen to
the thrush.
The elegancies, the voluptuous aban-
| donment to the pleasures of the imagin-
ation-amid the substantial, but
withal artistic environments which are
the handmaidens of luxury and refine
ment--are not neglected, however, in
this sun-kissed cline, for here in Los
Angeles there is a chosen class. A
coterie of fortunate mortals favored
of the gods, who revel in all
these choicest delights and are
lulled in the lap of luxury on a
combined income of $12 per minute
the denizens of the Los Angeles court
house. To the sober-minded citizen who
pays taxes, the rooms of the Union
League club would afford an interesting
study. He will find in this building OF
modest externals on Second street, all of
the accessories and atmosphere of the
modern prototypes of Alcibiades-deco-
rative magniicence that unites in pre-
senting an irridescent vision of sumptu-
ous beauty swathed in a purple, star
gemmed haze of fancy.
De- &h4 49,
enter the reception room OF the club.
Parian marble, surmounted by beauti-
full ONYX dome of such perfection
and loveliness of outline as to
suggest the handiwork of Phidias.
The mosaic floor fashioned of rare
and rich specimens of gold and
silver quartz is partially covered by
Syrian rugs woven of silk and gold
thread, and enriched with gorgeous
tropical coloring. A magnificent ex-
ample of tapestry purch ssed in Europe
for the club, and which is said to have
come from the palace of the doges,
decorates the north wall. Pushing
aside lavishly jeweled portiere, you.
enter the club parlor, and, for mo-
ment, your eyes are dazzled by the
superb vision revealed. The apartment
is walled with delicate shade of pink
marble, imported at fabulous cost
from the quarries of Carrara, aud is eur
mounted by dome fashioned of carne-
liam. Agate, sapphire, jasper, lapis-
lazuli, and other precious stones, are
wrought into flowers, and inlaid upon
the polished marble, with the most con.
summate skill, forming exquisite
floral wreaths of jewels. Rising
some three feet from the floor
there is splendid frieze of pink coral,
quantity carved in arabesque designs.
The floor is formed with FURNISHED al
minimum, and here and there is laid a
rich rug of cloth of gold. There are sev-
eral chairs carved out of African ivory.
There are six panels in the walls, in
which there are enshrined in rich gold
setting, some OF the finest examples of
Art. A picture of bevy of Roman
maidens in a bath, painted by Michael
Angelo; rare group OF brigands from
the master hand of Salvador Rosa a
presentment Of Daniel In the Lions
Den, painted by that great artist, Sc
bastian Del Piombo, are among the art
treasures of the club. A number of
richly carved swords, wrought
by Benvenuto Cellini, and a com.
plete collection of richly chased
goblets, the handiwork of ancient Vene-
tian artisans, are also priced objects
of art and bijouterie to be found in this
domain of luxury.
The adjoining apartment, used alike
as a library and for the interchange of
intellectual dainties between the mem
bers of the club, is likewise marvel in
the way of splendid adornment. The
floor is of mosaic work, in which are
represented delicate vines and blooming
flowers made of opals, emeralds, rubiee,
and sapphires, fashioned by skilled Flor
entine masters. Here the eye will be
entranced by the rich stucco and the
Moorish decorations of the walls and
ceilings, finished in gold and blue, with
a regal dado of carved alabaster. The
prevailing tone is sensuous one, excit
ing exquisite poetical delight; causing
one, as he gazes upon its accumulated
loveliness, almost to tremble with ex-
cess OF qualification, or swoon OF ecstacy.
Next in sequence comes the banquet
hall, and for it's enrichment the art
treasures of the old world have been
literally imported. The walls and cell
ing are covered with silver, fashioned in
marvellous and curious designs of
repousse work, while the floor is covered
with beaten gold. At each corner of
this noble apartment column of gal
lium-rarest and most precious of all
metals-upholds canopy of scandium
metal, beaten to wonderful degree of
tenacity, and richly embossed in azure
and studded with diamonds, rivaling in
glory the cerulean skies of this semi.
tropic land. In the north end of this
hall there is a carven marble lattice
screen, which has been 90 deity fash
ionea with the sculptor's chisel as to
resemble the delicate embroidery of
rare old lace. At the other end of the
hall golden fountain impels jets OF
rich perfume into the refined atmos-
phere, while antique lamps of Etruscan
gold, relics of splendid Pompeii, give