GREAT SALE OF GREAT SALE OF
BLACK SILKS ! BLACK SILKS !
TUESDAY. TUESDAY.
GRAND SPRING OPENING MONDAY from 7 to 9:30 :
,
The combination suits previously advertised , will be a special feature . In .
Monday. nearly every case the. price is less than half what they
are worth. They come in street and eveingshades. .
CLOSED SATURDAY P. M.
MONDAY. . MONDAY.
SILKS. SILKS. SILKS.
As wo liho to have the cleanest as well its the host Silk Department in the
city , wo concluded to clear out till our Silk Combination Suits at half price and
Boino lower.
Next Monday wo will soil suits for oroning and street wear that have boon
Bold this winter for $35 , $40.15 to $50 , at $22.60. Wo can say , nnd that truthfully ,
that every society lady in the oily should tnlto ndvnntntro of this sacrificing balo.
LOOK OUT FOR 13LACK SILKS NEXT TUESDAY.
COMBINATION SUITS.
It requires no wdrd of ours to recommend those goods to our custotnors.Tho goods
Bpcnk for themselves.
( t SUITS 8 ! ) .50 ; worth $15.00 8 SUITS $21.00 ; worth $30.00
4 SUITS 7.50 ; worth 17.50 7 SUITS 22.50 ; worth 85.00
12 SUITS 0.75 ; worth 25.00 0 SUITS 20.25 ; worth 35.00
15'SUITS 17.60 ; worth 27.50 .
Just received a full line of fine mixtures in India Cassimorcs , in elegant
shades ; just the thing for spring wear ; only $1.00 per yard.
52-inch Washington Suitings in plain and stripe for combination , only $1.25
per yard.
' 12-inch Fancv Flannels , just the thing for combination , onlv 55c.
BLACK LACES. BLACK LACES.
Wo have just received a largo invoice of Black Ghantilly Lace Flouncing ,
which wo will otter Monday at the following VERY low prices. *
41-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $1.50.
44-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk. $1.75.
44-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $2.
41-inch Blncft Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $2.23.
44-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $2.50.
44-inoh Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $2.75.
41-inch Blade Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $3.
44-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $ ; C.50.
( ill-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , all silk , $2.50.
CO-inch Black Chnntilly Flouncing , till silk , $3.50.
GO-inch Black Chantilly Flouncing , till silk , $4.25.
This is our first Black Lace Sale this season , and all who intend purchasing
will do well to take hood as the above arc UICMAUKAIILU VALUES.
BUTTONS. BUTTONS.
Wo have managed to break the price on some staple Pearl Buttons. Mark
the following : 6,000 cards Pearl Buttons , 2 dozen on cards , He card. 3)000 ) cards
Pearl Buttons , 2 dozen on cards , 7o card. i,000 ! cards Pearl Buttons , 2 dozen on
csvrds , 15c card.
BLACK GOODS DEPARTMENT.
SECOND FLOOR SPECIAL SALE OF SILK WARP HENRIETTAS ON
MONDAY.
40-inch Black Silk Warp Henrietta , 81.25 ; regular price $1.05.
40-inch Silk Warp Henrietta at $1.50 ; regular price S2.
40-inch Silk Warp Henrietta at $1.76 ; regular price $2.25.
40-inch Silk Warp Henrietta at $2 ; regular price $2.60.
filed for record in the oflica or the secretary i
of atato this morning. Kearney , Buffalo
county , Is fixea upon as tbo principal place
or the transaction of business , ami the au-
horizod capital stock is $1,000,000 , divided
nto 10,000 shares ot $100 each. The indi
cated purpose of the corporation is to buy ,
sell , lease mid deal in roul estate ; lay out ,
ilat , improve and develop village , town and
city sites nnd lots ; build , operate and run
mils of all kinds especially flour , grist , oil ,
lax , plaining , woolen , paper and saw mills ;
juy , sell and deal In grains and general her
ticultural and farm products ; buy , sell and
leal in horses , mules , hogs , sheep and other
ivo stock ; manufacture and deal la brick ,
lima , agricultural machines , tools , imple
ments and other utensils ; build , lease or
rent abattoir and packing beef , pork or
any kind of vegetables ; railways to
bo operated by steam , electricity , horse
or water power. The following gentlemen.
were the corporators and attest the sol
vency of the concern : B. H. Bioluiell ,
Robert J. BeathI , A. H. McGregor , J. C.
Currlo and C. H. Elmendorf.
Articles were also filed Incorporating the
Enterprise Ditch company. This company
is made up ot citizens and business men o
Scotts Hinds county , one of. the newest
counties In the state , and the principal
place of business Is fixed at the residence of
W. H. Barbour. A capital stoek of $50,000
is authorized , The purpose of the company
is to dig a ditch or canal to convoy water
from the Plutte river through the county
in which the corporation originates , and to
keep it supplied with water tor the use of
farmers and stock men at all times , and such
other purposes as may bo found necessary.
Following are the Incorporators : D. D.
Johnson , VV. M. Uarbour , lidwurd Scrivcn ,
Charles H. Simmons , C. A. Benton uud D.
It. Honloy.
St. Patrick' * liny.
The Irish National league , of Amcricu , vill
colobrutn St. Patrick's day , Monday. March
18 , at Fuuko's opera house. Governor
Tliayor will preside and aistingu'shcd ' speak
ers will deliver addresses. General invita
tions have been issued and the attendance
will doubtless bo very laigo. Messrs. John
Fitzgerald , James Kelly and John P. Button ,
committee on invitation , insurea cordial
greeting nnd u mumornblu occasion , 'J'he
colouration Is llxod f&r Monday booauso the
17th fulls on Sunday. The programme ) of
the day will bn interspersed by vocal and In
strumental muslo by prominent ui lists.
There will bo the usual street parades , ana
every preparation possible to Insure a pleas-
nnt and profitabletime. . The Emerald islu
citizens , of Lincoln , liuvo a right to expect
cotionil attendance , and it goes without Bay
ing that they will not bo disappointed.
District Court Mutter * .
The grist of motions in the district court
to-day was unusually largo. They occupied
the attention of Judge Field most of the
day , As usual , however , they were unim
portant and without Interest to any ono save
to such as were Joined in the cases disposed
of in lids way.
The jury in the case of Leo , Froid & Co , ,
of Onmlm , vs. Heury Uurgmunn ct ul foil nit
for the plaintiff , but released Jacob Rocko ,
who was hold as a joint maker of the notes
in controversy. Hocka claimed to have signed
notes as surety and sustained his claim ,
Mated by Tin : BKI : this morning , Uurgmann
was hold for the full amount , &i,200 , three of
which were for 100 ouch and ono for f l.HOa
City Ntxvs mill X nm.
Traveling men who elninco to spend Sun
day in Lincoln will remember that there
will bo a meeting m the purlors of the Capi
tal hotnl to further consider tlio "oating" to
bo hold In Cushnlun'a park during the last
week In Juno , All are invited whether
members of the committco or not.
The West Lincoln packing houses have
commenced operations , liogmnlni ; Monday
they will run at full capacity , Largo ship ,
nicutsof hogsnrocnmlngmand itis proposed
that inarkcU . .shall bo kept at a dead level
with the best in the west.
The Lincoln woollen mills are In financial
trouble. U Is rumored to-day that they will
go into the hands of n receiver , Since they
commenced operations they have boun doing
u losing business , nnd the management gives
it out that the company does not propobo to
Bland It imj longer , The mills will suspend
for a thno at Icust.
The Alabama legislature which has just
adjourned increased the public- school appro
priations $100,000 , and provided funds i'ornow
buildings for the state agricultural and mo-
cluinical college. Nearly one-third of the
revenues nf Alabama li now dovotoJ to ecluj
optional institutions.
We have just opened 12 cases of Hosiery and Underwear , inSilk , Lisle , Balbriggan , Cotton
and Merino. In Ladies' and Childrens' Silk and Lisle Hosiery , we have a complete stock ,
both in Ribbed and plain.
Ladies Black Silk plaited hose , at 690 , worth $1.00.
Ladies' Onyx dye cotton hose , warranted stainless Black , at 5oc , worth 65c.
Ladies' Ethopian Black cotton hose , warranted fast Black , at 250 , worth 4oc.
Childrens' Ribbed cotton hose , extra weight warranted fast Black , at 250 , worth 4oc.
'
Ladies' Merino Vests , at 35c , worth 6oc.
Ladies Jersey Ribbed Vests , at 350 , worth 500.
Ladies' Jersey Ribbed Vests , at i6'jc , worth 250.
We are now in a position to show our numerous customers the largest and best selected
stock of White Goods ever shown in the West.
It has come to be an acknowledged fact that our prices , variety and styles compete with any
house in New York or Chicago.
Below -will give you an idea of the many bargains we are offering.
4inch wide Victoria Lawn just the thing for apronsprice loc and i2j c. This is indeed as
genuine bargain.
We are showing an elegant assortment of exclusive styles in lace , checks and stripes ranging
in price from iSc 10450. We cannot duplicate many of these patterns when once sold out so
secure an early choice while the assorment is "complete.
We desirc to call special attention to our stock of Paragon , Fast Black Lawn in lace , checks
nd stripes , these gooclg are warranted not to fade and will not crock price , 20 and 25c.
tAsk to sec our new Tamina Lawn just the thing tc go with Nainsook Embroidery , being of
he same weight and finisd , 36 inches wide , 300.
Our India Linens are the best value we have ever shown , ranging in price from 10 to 5oc
per .yard. MAIL ORDERS PROMPTLY FILLED ,
"
Childrciis' Cloaks , from 2 to 4 jenrs. Lot 1 at $2. This cloak is nmilc of nil wool Tricots , In brown ami blue.
Lot at $2.5)8. ) 'llils line of Clonks is inmlc of nil wool Henriettas , In blue , tun , cream and botgi ; handsomely embroidered.
Lot.lnt $ . 1 his line of cloaks is made of Henriettas or Drench Flannel , in slriiie.s , liandsomely trimmed , nnd liavo been soiu
for unreal deal more money. . , " ,
) Ve also Imve a small line of beaded i > raps which we will , \ lacc on sale Monthly. We have divided these into 3 different lots.
Lot 1 nt l . lhls wrap lias a beaded sleeie with the double silk i ctwork and handsome drop * .
* ° ' ' 8 > Ma < Ic n'so ' with the jet sleeve nnd cut Jol'oriiainents In the hack and front ; our regular price Is $7.50.
Lot a a at sj > 7.50. This wrap lias also a jet sleeve and Im * Jet embroidery all over.
Our ready made stilts go at half price on Monday. We have too many. We Invite you to come early and find a good selection.
Mail Orders Filled- Send for Samples ,
PASTOH MINEHART'S ' TRIAL ,
Interesting Developments Expect od
In the Near Future.
THE DEFENSE STILL CONFIDENT.
A Rather Severe anil Altogether Un
called-Pot * Arraignment of tlio
Newspaper-Fraternity liln-
coin News and Notes.
Notes."I
LINCOLN BUUEAO OF THE OMAHA , aae.
1029 P STIIBET , "I
liiNccur. March 0.1
As the trial of the Methodist Episcopal
Church vs Hev. James Mlnohart progresses ,
sharp passages creep Into the rulings and
examination , and the Interest deepens nnd
feelings Intensify. The Investigation for this
week closed last night at 10 o'clock , and the
end I ? not yet In sight. It cannot be reached
before the middle of next weeic. The de
fense will introduce over forty witnesses ,
many of whom are prominently Identified
with Grace church , nnd with them an array
of authorities cited as to whether or not the
doctrine of sanctlfication is heresy from the
Methodist standpoint. The presiding older
nnd the erratic preacher had n boutlast oven-
ing. The accused look exception to n partisan
r > lmg , clearly against him , nnd deliberately
look him to task about It. It concerned the
udmlsslblllty of a class of testimony that
Mlneliurt alleged was csscnttalto Ids cause ,
und with the index linger of his right hand
pointed directly at the chair , coolly
nnd deliberately said : "The time
for bulldozing und partisan work has
passed , and I now assert my
rights as a uicthodlst and Christian. Fair
play can wrong no man. Tha testimony und
rulings 1 sack cannot prejudice the prosecu
tion , and may help me. " This out oreak was
unexpected , und for a moment the audience
room was as still as death. Mlneluut In u
Ur'ay scored a point.
The Investigation is settling down to the
vimrgcs of dissension and bearing false v.'lt-
/less , and while the testimony seems to bury
Iho accused deeper nnd deeper , ho continues
* n unflinching light and nets ns though his
time would como in the near future. There
Is no question but what Interesting develop
ments are JUKI ahead. At this time church
people are "fernlnst" Minehart und Iho out
siders in Ids favor. This may bo. however ,
because worldlings generally side with the
apparent weaker party. Ono of the good
Catholic priests of the city gets olt n hard
ono on the newspaper fraternity in this con
nection. Ho said to a squad of men who
were discussing the church trouble on
the streets to-day that ho had come to
the conclusion that Mlnohart was more
ginned analnst than shining , "If you In-
viwtlgate him you will fimt him nil right.
The newspaper men nro ull urulnsl him , but
they no rarely tell the truta that I tnko It
their opposition Is equivalent to ultimate
vindication in the oycs of the world. " The
good priest caught tha eye of u reporter am
evidently tooic occasion to "cinch" him ,
Tlio testimony varies very little from that
already noted , It is summed up In a word :
Witnesses testify that the accusrd tins
sowed seeds of dissension by preaching am
teaching doctrines hostile to the tenets of
Methodism , and using language unbecoming
a minister to these who saw 111 to differ fron
him ; that ho hud not always spoken the
truth In and out of the pulpit when referring
to the chinch troubles during the past tlf
icon weeks ; that ho had inNrcprcscntoi
brethren in divers ways. This Is the sun
and substance of tbo whole business , and It
begins to look a Hula ns though there was a
great ado about nothing. Fair names are In
the balance , and unless great euro Is usci
characters will bo smirched beyond repair
The defense gave It out cold tli.it the muttoi
has got to bo sifted to the bottom and evil
doers brought to rocltonlnir , Irn'gardloss o
whom , Crol hton's testimony Is the motl
damaging yet introduced against the ac
cused ,
Important I.onnl KnternrUea.
Tko articles of Incoruoration of the Goth
nburg Laud and luvcstuicnt company were
WHAT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT ,
Also What Some of Thorn Are Doing
in Realty.
A BIG DEAL CLOSED YESTERDAY.
The Circus Business Not Particularly
Adapted to Australia AccordIng -
Ing to a ticntlcinan
Wlio Knows.
A Sherman AvenueDeal. .
For six weeks the writer of those views
and Interviews has known of a deal m
Omaha property which was closed yesterday ,
but will not bo announced In the transfers
until probably the middle of next week. It
has boon talked about numerous times , and
very remarkable , as It may be seen , the party
of the first part came within an ace of losing
his life immediately after arriving hero last
last Tuesday to consummate the transaction
in that collision at the Tenth street crossing
of the cable car with an engine. Ho was
knocked over the dashboard , sustained n se
verely bruised knee , which has kept him
conllncd to his room over smco
tit the Millard hotel , and awoke
from the shock to discover that
had the angina moved two feet further the
wheels would huvo passed over and crushed
his head.
You , who hav-j often enjoyed the fascinat
ing pleasures of n 3:40 : spin on Sherman ave
nue have doubtless admired the charming
beauties of two or three big , shaded lawns ,
with Inviting old mansions nestling away
back among the trues , Just beyond where
Sixteenth street ends , to the right going out ,
and wished it was your happy lot to live
thoro. The best Known of those places nrob-
ably is that oiv'nod and occupied by J. J.
lirown , president of the Omaha Savings
bank. Including Air. Brown's estate nnd
others adjoining it , sufficient to comprise n
tract Ion acres In extent , facing the avenue ,
extending back over tlio bluff and across the
Missouri I'ueitle tracks , Is the principal
portion of the property involved. The
manicd consideration of the cntiro transac
tion amounts to nearly , if not quite (200,000 ,
mid there is no longer any particularly Im
portant reason for keeping secret tlio fact
that J. Wood .Smith , of Cullawny , Ouster
county , is the purchaser. Ho has been cur
rying on the negotiations for several months ,
so quietly that not mom than three persons
besides those directly Interested knew of it.
Mr. Smith cxpuets to plat his purchase Into
residence sites and call it Wood addition.
Along tlio avenue ho proposes to lay out a
park , bordered on the Inside by a circular
drivowuy , running from ono corner to
the other of the addition. The
building sites are so arranged
as to front on tlio drive , wliilo between
them and the street will bo the park , lilleil ,
as it already is. with shade trcos , fountains ,
flower beds and statuary. The plans also
contcmplatii a handsome wall built of arched
stones , next to the tldcw.ilk , Soworugo ,
gns nnd water privileges are to bo put in and
no expmuo spared to make It the most at
tract Ivo pac ! j in the city. The dcul also
takes In three lots and buildings on Thlr-
te"iith street , at the rear of the First Na
tional bunk , belonging to C. O. llousol. It
Jt 11 the larpesf single transaction of the
kiud that has ever boon made In Omulm.
Colonel O. F. Sivi'lls , ono of the oldest ,
Jolllest and boat known circus men un earth
Is sojourning with his wife ut the Millard for
u feudays. . , and negotiating with aevorul rail
roads on rate mutters in behalf of Soils
brothers' , who will no thro'igh hero with
their bhow during the month of August.
Last summer the colonel sjieht thruo months
In Australia InvcstlgatluK manors with a
view to taking tholr circus there for a tour ,
but ho found limit's so unsettled on accoun t
of strikes In the big coal mines that the en
terprise was abandoned , and the firm
wintered In California. The colonel's Im
pressions of Australia w < \ not such that no
desires logo there permantb' but some things
about it uro moro attractive and pleasing
than can bo found any olaco else. Tha coun
try has reached a high stage of civilization
ana Is Iciproviag very rapidly. "M-'ltio urn
the chief city , " says Colonel Sivells'Is up
to Chicago and Now York so far as promi
nent features are concerned and I think the
tony society there is ahead of ours. No gen
tleman guos to the tbeatro without being ac
companied by a lady ; they always appear in
full evening dross , and it is the established
custom for ladies occupying scuts in the dress
circle to doff their hats and wraps before
entering. Melbourne Is the llnost paved and
cleanest city I over saw , but the people uro
very slow-going and la y. No man gets to
business before 9 o'clock and they quit
about 3. It is also the greatest country on
earth for holidays. In the largo cities all
business houses , shops nnd public works
shut down nt 12 o'clock on every Saturday
so that the employes can have a
half holiday to play 'cricket and
foot-ball which are their great games ,
and in other ways enjoy themselves.
This custom has become an established ono ,
moro so for the reason that their Sunday laws
ore so strictly enforced that no sort of Holder
or other out door sports are permitted. "
' The colonel traveled all through Australia
nine years ago with W. W. Colo's show.
Sells Bros , have entirely abandoned the no
tion now of over going thoro. The ship that
would have carried them last fall had they
gone was wrecked In a storm two days out
from San Francisco , and they will not take
the risk any more.
The lion. Joseph H. Millard returned yes
terday morning from the east where ho had
been for four weeks on business , but de
clines to talk very mvch , especially for pub
lication In reply to an Inquiry ho
said : "I bellevo A. U. Wymun will' bo ten
dered his old position as treasurer of the
United States , but hardly bellovo ho can bo
induced to accept it. However , I am not pre
pared to state positively what ho will do. I was
In tbo treasury building while nt Washing
ton , saw a great many of the old employes
who were there under Wyman's administra
tion , and they are all very anxious to have
him como back. " Mr. Millard says ho was
not in Boston this time , and knows nothing
now regarding Union Pacific affairs , though
ho expressed himself ns confident that the
proposed union depot will bo built.
Colonel Kason , the board of trade secre
tary , Is arranging for u line excursion of
Onmlm business men to the lilaclc Hills. The
number is limited to 100 , and all who pledge
themselves to go agree that they will put up
& 30 apiuco to pay the expense. March 22 has
been fixed on ns the day for starting , and
they estimate thitt the trip will consume
from six to nmo days. The Fremont & Elkhorn -
horn road is to furnish them a line and well
stocked train. Colonel Nnson said yester
day : ' 'Uoadwood is our objective point. Wo
are going out to got acquainted with the
merchantsmnd do what wo can to advance
Omaha's commercial Interests. "
NOT WORTH'AJGLASS OF BEER.
This Is Uowr the German Historian ,
MomuiHcn , lejcrllu4 Samoa.
The Now Yprk World's Purls correspondent
pendent recently discovered Prof. Theo
dora Moininaon , the famous Gormun his
torian and moinhor of the imnorinl
roichBtugvturning over the musty man
uscripts df th National library. IIo
was oullintr dotes for his forthcoming
work , whiuh Is to bo entitled "Corpus
Insurmtionum Lutinorum. "
"What do. you think of the Snmonn
affair ? " asked'lho ' World correspondent ,
There wa3 n puuso for a fuw minutes ,
during which Prof. Mommson's bruin
was omorgiiiK from before the CJhriHtiiin
era nnd getting down to the present
time.
"It Is u dispute unworthy of njon , " ho
replied. " 1 think that both sides acted
childishly. Why should great nations
like Germany and America call each
other hard numou for that miserable bet
of 'Kafor' ( Gorman for cochroaohes ) that
inhabit Samoa ? It seems simply absurd.
Hut inolliuiont diplomacy IIHH allowed
the two countries to bo brought into a
measurable distance of war. For my
part , I would not g'lvo u glabs of Bavar
ian boor for all the islands in the Pa
cific ooenn. "
Pears1 id the purest and best soap
FRENCH SATEENS.
Wo are showing an elegant line of these goodn. Now patterns arriving dally.
SPECIAL TO-MOUROW :
75 pieces French Saloons , bo t quality , at 2 > c ; worth IHo and lOo.
SCOTCH ZEPHYRS.
Lace Stripes are all the style this season , and wo arc showing tx beautiful as
sortment at from 250 to 40c.
DRAPERY DEPARTMENT.
THIRD FLOOR. TAKE ELEVATOR.
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Nail Silk Portieres. ' . 2.50
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Chenille Portieres 10.00
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Chenille" Portlorcs 14.60
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Madras Curtains. 3.00
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Madras Curtains 3.75
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Madras Curtains 5.00
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Madras Curtains 7.50
Nottingham Lace Curtains at Madras Curtains 0.00
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Crepe Curtains 7.50
Nottingham Lace Curtains at. Crepe Curtains 10.00
Imitation Brussels Curtains at Crepe Curtains 12.00
Swiss Tambour Curtains at 10.00 Silk Curtains from $0.50 to 25.00
Swiss Tambour Curtains at 12.50 I
DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT. I
At 8 l-3c.
f cases Dress Ginghams at 8ic ; worth lOc and 12Jc.
SEERSUCKER , lOo.
4 cases Seersucker at lOc ; would bo choai ) at 12jc.
OHALLIES , Vic.
Just received 0 cases Challies and will place them on sale at Tie. This id n
bargain.
a cases Sateen , 81c ; worth 12c.
FLANNELETTE.
A full line of English Flannelette at 12lc ; regular price 105c.
EMBROIDERY DEPARTMENT.
SECOND FLOOR SPECIAL SALE OF EMBROIDERIES ON MONDAY.
Hamburg Edgings at Sjc , Sc , Oic , Sic , lOc , 12Jo , loc , 20c , 25c , Me , 5c , 40o , 45o ,
Honibtilohed and Embroidered 40-inch Flouncings , all marked at bargalb
Wo have a full line of Fronoh Bands < xt prices much lower than horotoforo.
CORSETS. CORSETS.
All the popular brands will bo found in this department.
French woven . 2-3U bono , at $1.00.
SPKGIAL1 SPECIAL ! 1 Warner's Double Stool , extra longr walstod at 75c ;
worth SI.00. *
Mail Orders Filled. Send for Samples ,
ROMANCE OF THE ROOKERY ,
The Old City Hall in Its Grandeur
and Decay.
WHERE POOR ED.ADMAS PLAYED.
Whnro Councils AVraiiRled , Agitators
Jangled , and Convicted Scoun
drels Wont Forth to
Their Doom.
Almost the Linst Day.
Rcdick's opera house , the city hall , the
rookery and several other names of more or
less popularity and appropriateness have , at
various times , been applied to the yellow ,
non-dcscript structure , which , for years , has
occupied the northwest corner of Sixteenth
and Farnam streets. Like the building it
self , these pseudonyms will suon be forgot
ten , because the old relic is soon to bo re
moved to be put to comparatively Ignoble
purposes in another part of the city. It
moves out of deference to the march of Im
provement , and is to bo followed
by a magnificent structure of
stone , iron and marble m which
the Commercial National bank will here
after transact its business ,
In this motley and dilapidated struct lire
the old resident of Omaha will miss un insti
tution which has boon identified with many
interesting episodes. It was built in 1871 by
.lohn I. Hedielr , now of Los Angeles , Cut. ,
and was intended to Increase the value of
property In the neighborhood which bo-
iongml to that gentleman. It is said to have
cost 115,000 and to contain about as much
lumber as ono may find in u good sized lum
beryard. It consisted of three stones , ' the
first of which was intended for mercantile
purposes ; the second lloor was designed for
ofllccs , while the top story was
laid out for a theater. It was from
the last feature that the Institution derived
Its right to bo Htylod an opera bouse.
Unknown to thousands of people who pass
it every day and have passed It for fifteen
years , it has removed from view the first
Congregational church erected In this city.
The latter was built by Hov. Reuben Guy-
lord , whoso widow and son survive him , the
latter being Ualph Guylord of this city. The
church was of brick uful still stands extend
ing about forty feet west of the middle of
the rookery , For a time after Its abandon
ment It was used us a meeting pluco for the
angina companion of the city , Later , two
partitions were built in it extending from
west to east , thus formiirg n hall
from which doors opened Into compartments
which huvo been , for years , dcvotod to u va
riety of purposes. The successor to this
uioncor little church , around which cluster
many social and sacred memorlcH , was the
Congregational eJillca on Eighteenth and
Davenport streets , but recently abandoned
for the still moro modern sanctuary , ono
block further west. The llrat church Air.
Hedlck left standing In ronuimbranca of the
tact that In it ho hud attended divine wor
ship for the first time in Omaha. Hut its
facade , the high front stops , the quadrangu
lar base upon the gublo roof and the little
four-sided , white , country church spira huvo
long silica disappeared and now llvo but in
the memory of those who love tne past ,
The theater was opened after thn stock
comnany ut the Academy of Muslo had
ceased to exist. Such theatrical and oper.ulo
companies as traveled hither in those days ,
appeared upon Ha boards. Among these
were the combination * of John Toinplcton ,
John Dillon , ICdwIn Adams and sovurul oth
ers , of whom , ho.voror , Adams was the
greatest favorite.
The house had not been popular , nnd ono
.Ight during Adams' uppournnco In the
'Marble ' Heart , " Us doom was sealed. Tha
audience was u large ono , During one of
the strongest scones the Interest of the audi
ence was most intense. There was u sharp
cracKlng sound us of the breaking of u
dried timber. "Tho house Is falling ! "
shouted un auditor. Immediately a puma
ensued , and a mud rush was made toward
the exit. The latter , as U is to-day , opened
Into two small Btalrwuya , which turned into
u small hall oa tuo bccoud lloor. Nobody
was seriously Injured in the crush , but the
reputation of the house tor safety haa been
blasted forovor. An extra flight of stairs ,
loading to a balcony on the west shin of the
building , which may still bo seen , was then
erected to afford ready egress in case of dan
ger , but without the desired oiTect. The
gallery In the south endof the
structure , the dropping of which
had occasioned tlio alarm , was
lemoved. and the auditorium , with its plain
chairs , dipping floor , crude and still cruder
curtain and scenery , vainly welcomed ill-
tractions from abroad. The theater was
abandoned , the stage was removed and the
auditorium was divided into two parts. This
partition still exists , the tipace north of it
being devoted to lodge purposes , that south
of it bolng.rcnted by the city council. The
former part three years ago was routed by
the Salvation army , and on Tuesday even
ings , when the latter and the council met ,
there was a generous rivalry between them
to determine who could make the moro noise.
In 1872 , Hediek sold tbo opera house to
John M. Putteo. now dead , and who , at
that time was managing a lottery , and in this
the building was named as the first pri/.o.
The drawing took place but who it was won
the homo of the muses Is not known. The
structure , however , soon found itself again
In the hands of 1'nttoo. Ho held it until
about three years ago when , with the
ground upon which it stands , it was sold to
Dr. Mercer for iTOOO. The doctor sold it
later at a greatly advanced price , and finally
the property came into the possession o ( the
present owners , who paid for it the magnifi
cent sum of soa.ooo.
The old building has boon made useful in a
great variety of ways. On the authority of
Air. Hodlclt , It paid 1'i per cunt on the
investment. At times part of this
income was derived from the rental
ot the United States cirtuit court ,
which held Its sessions in the old church in
part above referred to , and which it aban
doned when the present government build
ing was completed on the southwest corner
of Fifteenth and Dodge streets.
When the court business of Douglas county
became so largo as to require a second judge ,
thu criminal cases were hoard by Judge Ne
ville , who ascended thu bench about fivu
years ago. There was out ono room in the
old court house in which cases could bo tried
and that was generally occupied by Judge
Wauoloy. Judge Neville was thus forced
to Hcok another place , and se
lected the council chamber. There , sjmo
important cases were tried , nnd many u
criminal under the Judge's ' sentence found
himself consigned to u well dtiiorvod period
of incarceration in the penitentiary. Tno
most no.ablo of those was City Marshal
Guthric , who was convicted of bribery , and
who was led thence to servo a period of
eighteen months in the prison nt Lincoln.
In the same chamber when it was used by
the council , articles of Impeachment were
presented against the then mayor. Champion
S. Chase , There also , the finding of the
court of impeachment was read. There also ,
Chase's successor , Acting Mayor Mur
phy assumed thu duties of his olllco , nnd
also Mayors LJoyd , Chase and Wilbur before
him.
him.The
The chamber was also the sccno of many
warm political btrugglcj among democratic ,
republican and workmgmon delegates In con
vention assembled , There , also , wera held u
number of publls indignation meetings , to
denouncu the trickery of couiicllincn , the
schemes of rinustcrs and the steals of un
principled adventurers whoso aim was to en
rich themselves ut the expense of the people.
There , too , In meetings of the city board , the
Jealousies , ilvalrles and Intense Intreds of
members brought about discussions ,
which stopped but a little short of blood
shed. To these meetings , the city clerks
.11 in McCurtney , Xach Taylor , hi * asnlsUnt
and brother. Hobort and Jowetl went armed
to bo ublo to protect themselves and their
records in the event of dungor.
In that hull also , a long line of coundlmcn ,
good , bud and indifferent , homely , hundsomo
and "ornary , " complaisant , brusque and
blustering , natty , nobby ar.d unclean , each
In his own way , left the Impress of his
venality , honesty or genius upon the pcoplo
ho had been elected to represent. All of
thorn , however , can not be recalled , liarnoy
Snannon'B eloquence and pathos have
long since been aired , doubtless
lu supernatural forums ; James Stophcnsoa
no longer vociferates with stentorian ear *
nestuoss against the Jobs of his associates ;
John D. Jonoii , mildly obtrusive and peril ,
nacious under puyt.lca.1 infirmity , has faded
out of sight In tuo uukaowu land beyond tbo
river ; Joe Ucdfiold's ' open vest , flowing
shirt , and urofuso rotundity of form , with
Imperturbable gravity nnd scorning earnest
ness and Innocence , si u files no moro upon
tbo matting , while a friendly night and a
Hying train enabled Fritz Hlopen to leave a
vacant chair to seek liberty and "health" In
the recesses of the Hockies.
Hcsidcs. there were among the city
fathers in those old days Fred
W. Gray , James E. Boyd , -W. I.
Baker , C. F. Labuugh , T. H. Dailoy.
W. P. Bechol , I. S. Hascall. "School
Teacher" Anderson , Owen Sloven , Ed
Louder , Pat Ford , J. B. Furay , Martin Dun-
hum. J. O. Corny , Fred Uehm , L. J. Koa-
nard , Mike Leo , nnd a host of others whoso
names may not In this sketch be recalled.
Some of these still move by tholr eloquence ,
others have retired to the more congenial
and less harassing duties of private life ,
while others still nro sleeping their last
sleep In the neighboring resting places of the
dead.
On the floor below were the offices of the
mayor and city marshal , each adjoining one
of the two box offices which , In
the uuyx of Thesnis , sheltered tlio
peregrinating ticket fiend. Loading from
those offices was a hall as dark as Erebus ,
the floor of which at intervals of ubout ten
feet dropped about a foot , to conform with
the grade on the outside. These stops caused
many n strunger to tuko a "header" in at
tempting to explore a passagn in which ho
had no business , because the apartments on
either side were occupied by roomers who
seldom got homo earlier than the small hours
of the morning and then found their way
to their quarters with the eyes ol owls' nnd
the noisclessncss of .slippered furies ,
On the trround lloor was the police
court , presided over in succession by Per
ter. Weiss , IIuwcs , Boncko and Stenborg.
Then came Iho city ti casuror's office , with
which Truman Buck had long been identified.
This room had previously boon used by the
engine companies and was vacated by the city
when Mr. BUCK'S safes were removed to J.
J. Pedicle's cigar box structure ; on Fnrnaui
near .Sixteenth.
Adjoining the former stand was the office
of the city clerk , damp , dreary and rheu
matic ; then the office of tlio fire chief , and
finally a collection of retail and small manu
facturing establishments which terminated
nt thu allay.
But the city put its ofllccs all on wheels.
Most of the latter are in the later rookery
und pest house on the corner of Fourteenth
and Davenport streets , while thu city treas
urer , now John Hush ; thu city clerk ,
Joe Southard ; the city controller , Churlcn
Goodrich , and the city engineer , Uoorgo
Tillson , occupy underground apartments in
the county building.
Thu lust days of this old-time building
havn been cl.aractcri/.ed by wrctchednexH
and filth , The walls have boon denuded of
plaster , the doors have been torn down , ami
an Indescribable mixture of nationalities ,
human beings and huckstering merchants
have taken possession of its ill-favored pre
cincts ,
With ull tlint may bo said about It , the old
shell Is grander in Its ruins than it v/uo in
its prime. For tno good It has done lot it bo
favorably remembered. For the ovll It has
harbored , and of which Its walls nlono may
fcpoa' : , let It bo awarded the charity of our
silence.
I'crKonal I'
H. II. Uobliisoii , of Klmball , Nob. , Isattlio
II. X.chany , of Lincoln , was at thn Paxton
last night.
Hon. I1. M. Wethcrald , of Lincoln , Is ut
the Murray ,
13. It , Applcgct , of Lincoln , Is a guest at
the Murray.
D. B. Howard , of Lincoln , registered at
the Murray.
( Jlmrlcb 10. Hanson , of Kournoy , U stAnnlriir
ut the I'nxton.
Samuel Long , of South Bend , la stopping
nt the Murray.
Kd. JAjCormtek , of St. Paul , Neb. . | g a
guest ut the i'axton.
Hon. Church Howe is In tlio city nnd stopping -
ping nt the P.uton ,
JJ. W. Aldridgo , of Schuylor.-ls among the
guoats ut the I'uxton.
T. M. Franco , of West Point , regUtorod at
the Pnxton last night.
B. O. C.vlklns and Norrls Browo , of ICiar-
uoy , were nt the Paxton last night.
W. II. Frame , J. 1C , Thomas and W , D.
Galbraltli , of Hebron , Nob. , tire at tuo Mur
ray.