The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-12-09

important considerations from an esthetic
point of view. TIE harmony Of agree
ment. rather than of contrast, is the de-
sideratum The rich but suodued t!nts
which meet the eye in the palace car OF
the present day are delightful to a cul-
tured taste. That which is harmonious
and beautiful has been recognized as hnv-
ing an motive energy of its own, capa-
bile. in it's way. of eNertins a strong edu-
ca two influence upon the people. we
know, too, that probably from no other
one source has there sprung so widely diff
fused an education SO general an amDl-
ton in the direction of interior decorative
art the effect of which is seen in thou
sands of American homes of to-day, as
has come from the beautiful object lessons
of the country All this we know just as
we'll as we know that the massive weight
and strength of the Pullman cur have
saved hundreds of lives in railway Dis
asters, and that the Pullman standard of
weight. solidity and beauty of ornamen-
tation has set the pace which has been
followed in the construction Of the pmssen
ger cars in use upon all the roads in this
country.
When we go down 10 the foundation of
the furntshers art, we find it to be the
real suitability OF the ooject to the purpose
for which it is designed. The only way
a piece of furniture can be artistic" says
WI. fuNdltt III IL icctIlJ edition Oh lHe
Ladies Home Journal, SIS when it serves
its special purpose. This means simplicity
which, in turn, means utility" Every
material every device which enters into
the makeup OF the palace car has been
tested by the standard of utility. Plush
has been retained as preferable, on the
whole. to leather. though the latter might
be preferred by many If the conditions
We're different. Leather answers best for
n ON. Iihr,1 h,It DroyeS very.
unservcea5e for the usage which it must
receive in a car. Umbrellas. hat pins,
grips, boxes and bundles render it insight
~ after very little usage: nor is it so rest
full and inviting as plush, after all, for a
long journey. The retention of plush is
an instance of the survival of the fit
test The rope portiere for the doorway
is the least Objectionable of all the door
hangings that have appeared, being airy
and easily cleaned. The heavy curtains
used at night for the drapings Of the
berths form the best partitions that have
been devised to meet the necessary re-
Quirements: but these and all other sug-
gestions of the night are wholly removed
by day; and the traveller enjoys the
charms of an elegantly appointed draw
ing-room throughout his walking hours.
The eye is delighted with the rich har-
mony of color: with the broad eXpanses
Of polished woods IN all their native
/ beauty. untouched by sacregious print;
their delicate borders Of chaste marquetry
designs; with unobstrusive mirrors: with
soft carpets ETC., ali rich in their simple
elegance and restful in their influence
upon the mind. ] have spoken of the edll-
cative influence of these surroundings OF
taste and culture which are enjoyed and
fixed upon the mind during the leisure
hours of travel. Who can justly estimate
the extent of this influence upon the COM
fort and beauty of the American home?