< T\rATTA DATT/V TYRT3 ! 1 n.L IT'S THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD To furnish your home completely , from parlor to kitchen , at the People's Furniture and Carpet Co. One bill one price to all , and only one firm to deal with. This week we propose to break all past records in bargains offered the people. Not a single department , will escape. There will be bargains everywhere and for everybody. Bargains in Furniture. Bargains in Carpets , in Stoves and in Crockery. Bargains all over our mammoth establish ment. No matter what you want , we have it and at the lowest price. We will make you the easiest kind of terms on the payments , COME EARLY. IN IKT OROCKERY. IX Parlor Velvet rugs , \vorth $1.50 , now on snlo for CARPETS $1.48. 26x51 finest Wilton rugs , worth $7.50 , now on &alu for $3 73. Velvet carpets , worth 51 . " , now on sale Furniture Allsflt hall rugs , wortli $15.00 , now on sale for 9c. Child's rocker , worth $1.00 , now on sale for $6.25. Body DrnsselE , worth $ l.2G , now on sale for 49c. Misfit chamber rugs , worth $14.00 $ , now on for G4c. Parlor suites. 5 pleres , oak , tapestry , worth sale for $5.75. Tapestry Ilrussels , worth . sale < . Revolving ofHco chairs , worth $6.50 , now on Jl.OO. now on I ? J45.0D. . . now on sale ( or $17.50. ' 30x54 worth . 'for 39c. sale for $2.00. Ingrain rugs , $2.50 , now on Plush chairs , worih $5.00 , now on sale for Heed sale for 78c. Ingrain carpets , worth 75c sale | l 90. high chairs , worth $2.50 , now on sale , now on ' for 90e. 2 x5 feet Japanese rugs , worth $3.00 , now for S'Jc. I'tusli divans , worth $12.00 , now on sale for on sale for $2.25. Ingrain carpets , worth COc sale J4.UO. Japanese screens , worth $5.00 , now on sale , now on * for $1.00. 3x6 feet Japanese rugs , worth $7.50 , now for 31c. talc Leather 'ior couches . . , worth ? 23.00 , now on Servants Iron beds , worth $7.50 , now on I on sale for $2.90. Stair carpets , worth 40c , now on salo- for : JI1.75. sale for $2.00. CxD feet Japanese rugs , -worth $15.00 , now He. Plush easy clinlrs , worth J12.00 , now on Child's folding beds , wortli $7.50 , now on on sale for $9.40. Yard remnants Brussels , worth 7Cc , now on rale for . . $0.20. . sale for $3.-l3. 6x10 ft. 6 In. Japanese rugs , worth $22.50 $ , sale for ISe. Fringe silk tapestry couches , worth $17.30 , ' now on sale for $12.75. Y-ird remnants Ingrain , worth 75c . . Ladles' desks , worth $9.50 , now on sale for - , now on now on sale for J7.Su. $1.90. 9x9 feet Japanese rugs , worth $27.60 , now sale for 19c. for Chenlllo $8.75 , couches , worth (17.50 , now on sale Ladles' desks , worth $15.00 , now on sale on sale for $13.50. Yard remnants linoleum , worth $1.00 , now for $7.-l5. on sale for lOc. Hut ? couches , worth $15.00 , now on sale for J7 45. Ladles' desks , worth $20.00 $ , now on Bale for Remnants Moqtiette , worth $1.00 , now on $9.90. sale for COc , Hi-cil couches worth . sale , $15.00 , now on for $7.50. Antique rockers , worth $2.50 , now on solo He. Hemp carpet , wortli 3Jc , now on sale for V ' , for . 92c. Muslin couches , for drapery , worth $13 00 , He.Fur . . Ofllce desks , wortli { 9.50 , now on sale 'for ' Fur rugs , worth J3.00I now on sale for$1.7i sale now on for $7.10. $4. S3. Hassacks , worth $1,00 , now on sale for lOc. Cretonne couches , wortft $15.00 , now on Ottomans worth . sale for C3c. Umbrella holders , worth J7.50 , now on sale , JI.50. now on sale for $6.85. $ Misfit worth . sale for $235 , Ingrains , $10.00 , now on C-pleco ovcrshlpped tapestry parlor suit , for $4 50. worth $ CO.OO , now on sale for $27.50. Chamber sets , worth $20.00 , now $9.50. on IlovolvInK sale for $9.50. beck stands , worth $20.00 , now Misfit Itrussels. worth $20.00. now on sale AVellon couches , worth $13.50 , now on sale , Chamber suites , worth . for $11.50. . . $30.00 , now on sale IlookcftEe and desk combined , worth $12.50 , for $6.40. . for $10.50. now on sale for $6.43. Art squares , worth $12.50 , now on sale for Parlor suites , worth $100.00 , now on sale Chamber suites , wortli $50.00 . $6 23. . . , now on. sale Uamboo parlor cabinets , wortli $10.00 , now for $52.00. $ for $27.50. on sale lor $3.DO. $ Ingrains , worth 35c , now on sale for lie. Gilt . . chairs , worth $10.00 , now on sale for Mattresses , worth $3.00 , now on sale- for Plush arm chairs , worth $13.50 $ , now on ! Sx2S-lnch mottled rug , worth { 1.00 , now $1.23. . $1.50 , sale for $0.75. on sale tor Sic. Single lounges , worth $8.50 , now on sale Wire springs , worth $2.50 2Gxf.l-lnch mottled worth ? 3.00 , now ion . , now on sale Urass easels , worth $10.00 , now on sale for - rugs , t-lmlo . DO. , wortli for $3 for 9Sc. . . on sale for DSc. ranges $12.50 , now on sale $3.25. Ded lounges , worth $12.00 , now on sale for for 54.US. Bedsteads , worth $3.50 , now on sale for Corner ivall cabinets , worth $2.50 , now on Zlx45-lnch best Smyrna rugs , fringed , , * Minlc ( | 6.7fi. . ranges , worth $20.00 , sale . now on $1.40.Wash sale for $1.25. wortli $2 75 , now on aalo for $1.SS. for JS.yr. . sVl ll "II Wash stands , worth $2.00 , now on sale for Triplicate mirrors , worth $7.50 , now on 2ix5l-lnch ( bejt Smyrna rugs , fringed , f. Laundry stoves , worth . { S,50 05c. , now oti sale worth . sale for . . sale for $2.-40. 13.75. now on $2.7U. tor $3.25. Shaving stands , worth $7.50 , 30xCO-lnch best Smyrna , rugs , fringed , now on sale Photograph frames , worth $1.50 , now on ft Heating stoves , worth $7.50 , now on ealo for for $2.DO , sale for 3Ue. worth { 5.00 , now on sale for $2.21. { 123. Antique rockers , wortli $3.50 , now on sale OaJc foot rests , worth $2.50 , now on sale 4x7 feet best Smyrna rugs , worth $10.50 , Hose burners . worth for $1.35. for Sl.OO. now on sale for $5.1)5. ) { 12.75. , J20.00 , now on sale for Uaby carriages , worth $5.00 , now on sale Silver frame French plate mirrors , worth 27x54 finest Moquetta rugs , worth $5.00 , for J2.40. . sale for $2.43. Itase burners , worth $27.50 $ , now on calo $1.50 , now on sale for 49c. now on for (11.65. ( Uaby carriages , worth $15.00 , now on sale Hook shelves , worth $2.50 $ , now on sale for 36x72 finest Moitietto | rugs , worth $8.50 , Steel worth . ranges , 510.00 , now on sale for for $7.85. $13S. now on tale for $3 07. . . $24.80. Whatnot , worth $6.50 , now on sale for $2.C5 Plush foot stools , worth $5.00 , now on sale Chenille curtains , worth $6.50 , now on sale Oil heaters worth . , $7.50 , now sale for W High chairs , worth $1.50 , now on sale for 'for ' $2.50. for $2.90. . . on $3.80. fe = > BSc.Arm Folding chairs , worth $1.25 , now on sale Chcntllo curtains , worth $8.50 , now on sale [ s 1-burner oil stoves worth JI.30 , , now on Arm chairs , worth $ G.OO , now on sale ' /or for C7c. Sideboards , wortli { 20.00 , now on sale for for $3.87. sale for IJ9e. $2.50. Parlor suits , worth $50.00 Irish point lacs curtains , worth $7.50 , now. , now on sale for (10.65. ( LJp ' Shovels , worth ICc , now on sale for -ic. Child's rockers , woith $1.00 , sale . sale for $1 ! 13. now on $23.65. on Extension tables , worth { 7-50 , now on sale for 45c. Kitchen safes , worth $ C.OO , now on sale for . 5-Rallon oil cans , north G5u , now on sale ' 10.00 lace curtains worth ? , now Infants' cribs worth . Irish point , gen . . , $7.50 , now on sale $3.25. for 34c. for $3.50. Music cabinets , worth $ I.CO , now on sale for . $3.25.Kitchen sale for { 3 - . $2 90. on Extension tables , worth $10.00 , now on sale for $1 90. Kitchen tables , worth $1.75 , now on sale worth 2.00 Stovepipes , wortli 2 < V. now on sale for 9c. Nottingham lace curtains , { , now Screens , worth $1 50 , now sale for 65c. on . ' for $5.00. for 94c. Elbows , worth . ' 3c , now on sale for lOc. . Ilrass parlor tables , worth $7.50 , now on Hall chairs . on sale for 75c. , worth $7.50 , now on sale for Mattresses worth . sale for . . , $3.50 , now on sale for . , worth 2f > c , now on sale for lOc. $2.50. $1.65. Nottingham lace curtains , worth $3.50 $ , now EASY TERMS. on salo'ior $1.35. $10.00 worth of Goods , KJ i SfOSSS ifA' TSRMS. $1 week of S'l month. $10.00 worth of Goods , $25.00 worth of Goods , SSI week or $ ( ! mouth. $1.50 week orJ ( month $25.00 worth of Goods. $50.00 worth of GooJs , ftl.nO week or SO month. $2 week or $8 month. $50.00 worth of Goods. $75.00 worth of Goods , S'2 ' week or $8 month. $2 , SO week or S10 niont h. $75.00 worth of GooJs , $100 worth of Goods , $2.5week ( ) or $10 month. $ U week or $12 month. $100 worth of floods , $200 worth of Goods , $ : l week or $12 month. $4 week or $15 month. FORMERLY PEOPLES MAMMOTH INSTALLMENT HOUSE. ,11 > .v.n ir . .1fi .s irvit't ir r-vrv s. $200 worth of Goods , . Hi VESfS TOCUWSIt PHI F.lliaoS HKl > 1 > 1 CIT.ITAUVR SI week or $15 month. LI HUNG CHANG'S ' BANQUET A Dinner with the Premier of China in tlio Admiralty Palace , HOW A CHINESE STATE DINNER iS SERVED American l.mllrn Among < lilncso Noble * The Menu IllnU' Nrats itnd Slinr.n' 1'liii Worth Their WtdRht lit Gold Ctilnoic Wines mid Liquors. ( Copyrighted , 1531. by Frank O. Carpenter. ) LI Hung Chang has been stripped of hla yellow jacket. He has lost his three-eyed peacock feather , and the report has been disseminated that ho has been degraded from his high position. Few people In America rcallzo how high his position was and the wonderful pomp with which he lias belli entertaining his friends nt his viceregal capital , Tlcn Tain. The crude Ideas that wo have concerning the Chinese make us think of them as ignorant , poverty-stricken and barbarous , and few people rcallzo the luxuries with which some of thorn are surrounded. I cannot better show the real state of the richer classes In China than In describing a banquet which I attended a few months ago In ono ot LI Hung Chang's palaces. The dining room was as large as that of the Wbito house , and It was gorgeously decorated with golden scrolls , Chinese pictures and bunting. The menu comprised many courses and hundreds of dishes were served during the feast ; . The bird's nest soup for each cuest cost , I venture , $5 a plate , with shark flns that were worth their weight In sliver , nnd the Chinese nobles who sat with us were dressed In silks and satins as cpstly as those wom nt our presidential receptions , and we ate with Ivory chopsticks tipped with silver. The dinner was given In honor of Ocncral John W. Fouler , our ex-secretary of etato , who was then on his way round the Blube. nnd who was treated by the Chinese with the same honors which they accorded to Secretary Se ard and to General Grant. The most striking of these favors appeared In this banquet. Chinese custom keeps woman In the back ground. You seldom meet the wives of the nobility , and at big dinners Chinese- ladles are never Invited and foreigners are not expected to bring their wives. As BOOH as Secretary Foster arrived in Tien-Tsln LI Hung Chang called upon him. Ho was In troduced during his visit to Mrs. Foster ftnd to her nieces , the Misses Orr. who were with Secretary Foster during his tour of the world. The great viceroy was charmed Ydth Ihe ladles , mid when ho spoke of the banquet ho tuld he would make a great Innovation In Chlneto custom , and would ask them to honor him with their presence. Of course they accepted , and the. viceroy took Mra. Foster to the table on his arm. The dinner was given at the admiralty palace on the edge of Tlen-Tsln , nnd this waa decorated with thousands ot Chinese lanterns and the gardens about It were 'ablaze with light. All ot the streets leadIng - Ing to It shone with red paper lanterns , and upon Iho sidewalks were , companies ol LI Hung Chang's famous soldiers , who , with modern rlflos. guarded the Incoming guests. During tha feast , which luitrd for hour * , ECtiio ot the finest of the fhlncso bands played American airs outside ot the palace , anJ th ctrntns of "Yankee Doodle , " "Hall Columbia. " and "Tho Star Spangled Manner' ' floated In through the windows. Toasts vrtre m do and responded to by celebrated Chinamen , Secretary Foster talked , tlsrougl u Interpreter ; of the good relation * whlrh j I ' ouiht to obtain between China ind America : ml LI Hung Chang responded In the sum ? I way in i. speech full ot compliments to the United Stiles. Stiles.A A ROYAL , FKAST I wish I QQUld descrlbo tha dinner. It u different from anything that we In America , that I dwpalr of giving to vou aa accurit * pictun. The Invitations 1 were un cards larger than one of the pages of am' magazines. These cords were ot crimson and the Invitations were engraved upon them In letters of gold. The Chinese dr.igon and what I suppose is LI Hung Chang's coat-of-arms , were at their head , and under this the words stating that the viceroy of China , grand secretary of state and president of the Imperial admiralty requests the honor of your company at din ner in the naval secretariate on Tuesday at C p. m. These golden words were bor dered with an engraved golden border , and accompanying them was the- card ot Li Huiig Chang , which was as big as a sheet of note paper and as red as the pressed bricks which make up the city of Washing ton. In going to the dinner I had to have my own Chinese card carried before mo by a servant in official livery , and I rode in a blue silk clialr borne upon the shoulders of four servants , who were gorgeously dressed up for the occasion nnd who charged me , by the way , just $2 $ In silver for the job. We passed through court alter court of this admiralty palace , and my card was car ried In through a crowd of Chinese officials and 1 was motioned to follow. The secre tary of the navy met mo at the door and then Mr. Tseng Lalsun , the old confidential secretary of the viceroy , took me In hand and led mo Into his excellency's presence. I was In evening dress , but I fell very shabby In comparison with the gorgeously clad men about me. Lalsun , for Instance , was clud In a silk gown of light blue , lined \\lth the finest of ermine ; he had on boots of black silk , and Ills skirt was of the richest yellow satin. A costly sable hat covered his head , and valuable rings sparkled upon his long thin lingers. lie Is now 6S years of age , but ho speaks Kngllsh as well as any American , and utter presenting mo to the viceroy , he took mo with him Into the banqueting hall and gave me descriptions of everything concern ing the feast. The other nobles In the rooms through which we passed were dressed fully an gorgeously , and the viceroy had on his court clothes. On LI Hung Chang's head \\as a fur cap , the brim of which was rolled up , and the famous Hires-eyed peacock feather , which he has blnce lost , stood out about a foot behind it. The losing of this nniKt bo. by the way , a great disappointment to LI. lie Is tlie only ono outside of the royal family who has been permitted to wear It. anil It is the very highest of Chinese decoration * . IN GORGEOUS ARRAY. At the banquet ho wore a gorgeous yellow gown , light pink pantaloons and heavy black satin boots , with white soles , at least two inches thick. His giant form towered above those ot the French , German , English and other diplomats who surrounded him , and as he reached down and took my hand ho made me think of a giant. In going out to I ho dinner ho led the way , Secretary Foster and the new French minister follo-.v- Ing. and. In taking his place at the table , which reached through the center of n room almost an long as the east room ot the white house , ho sat In the middle , with Mrs. Foster at his right and with the new French minister at his left. Jutt across the table sat Secretary Foster. A little fur ther down were the Ml&ses Orr , each of the young ladles being sandwiched between Chi nese nobles , and Miss Emily Orr at the left of Lord I.I , the viceroy's son , upon whom she evidently made a great Impression. Just hero let mo give a word about the ladles' dresses. They were nearly as gor geous as those ot their Chinese neighbors. .Mrs , Poster shone resplendent In H royal purple mlrolr velvet coat , white satin vest and red gown ; this was decorated with Louise tjulnz buttons , and her diamonds were very line. Miss Orr was dressed In an embroidered cerl < crepe du chine , with chantllly over dress and ruby and diamond ornamcntp. MM Martha Orr wore n white bilk em broidered with pink roses , a bodice of pink chiffon , and she carried a bouquet of purple and grei'ii artificial flowers , which was given her by a son of the viceroy. Outside of these ladles the only two of their sex who were at the dinner were Mrs. Sheridan P. Read , the wife of the American consul at Tlen-Tsln , who wore u heavily corded black silk , with whllo antique lace- and diamond mend * , and Mra. C. 1) . Tcnny , the wife ot t Prof Timny. the head of tln famous school nt Tltm-T lti , where the young CMneso nobles go to learn Hngllih. Tlie ChlhtMo took uff their coate a : they. * at dawn to the table. Nearly 'every one of th ui bad i servant In gorgeous livery with him , and these took charge of his clothes and saw that ho was especially well waited on during the feast. From time to time these servants would hand to their masters white cloths wrung out ot boiling hot water , and the nobles would wipe their lips with these and rub them about over their faces In order to refresh themselves between the courses. LI Hung Chang had two or three servants about him all the time , and these assisted him in eating and in keeping his dress straight. Doth the viceroy and all his Chinese guests had their pipes and cigarettes lit by their servants for them , and Inasmuch as the food was served In little bits not larger than an Ivory dice , in order to be easily grasped by the ivory chopsticks , they had llttlo else to do but swallow. THE MENU. There were about fifty guests at the table , and both Chinese and foreign dishes were used. Hy my plate were knives and forks as well as chopsticks , and quite- number of dishes on the. bill of fare were foreign. The dinner consisted of twentj'-one courses. The menu was engraved In letters of gold on a red card a foot long and absui six Inches wide. It was printed in both Chinese and English and was as follows : Pigeon Kggs Soup. Fried Fish. Champignon Sauce. Bird's Neat Soup. Meat Pie. Red Shark Fins. Wild Duck. Bamboo Shoots. Fillet and Vegetables. Stewed Leg of Mutton. Fungus In Clear Sauce. I'ates de Tola Qras. Corean Shrimp Dumplings. Truffled Turkey , Ham , Salad. Roast Duck. Asparagus , nutter Sauce. Fruit Custard. Chinese Cakes. Fruit Jelly. Cousee , etc. Fruit. Coffee. The foreign dlehes were served In Ameri can plates , and the Chinese In exquisite little bowls of the finest porcelain , each holding about a pint of stew or soup. At each plate there were six of the finest cut glasses for wine , and two silver goblet * for Chinese liquors. One of these was as big as an egg cup , and the other did not hold much more than a thimble. The- first contained samshu , or rice wine. This tasted like sherry , and It was served hot. The other contained a liquor made of sorghum. This was as hot as boiling oil. It was the color of amber and was more stimulating than chartruese. The wines wore the regular ones which you find at any foreign dinner , ranging from sherry to champagne- ate most of the Chinese dishes and found them not at all bad. The pigeon eggs soup had little yolks of pigeon eggs floating about In It , and the bird's nest soup was served In bowls about the size of a large coffee cup , and needed salt to make it palatable. BIRD'S NEST SOUP. This la one ot the greatest of Chinese delicacies , and the material from which It Is made U perhaps the costliest eatable found In the markets of the world. It sells as high as { 30 a pound , and China spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for It. U la made from the birds' nests of a swallow which Is found In caves and damp places ot certain Islands of the Indian ocean. The nests are of the same shape as those of a chimney swallow , and they are made of sea weed. The bird chews the sea weed and mixes It with Its saliva , and the soup In. In fact , made of this saliva. The nwts are carefully cleaned , all the leathers and dirt being picked from them , They have to be soaked thoroughly and then balled until they are tender. They coma out the color of transparent white jade stone. They make a tort of a white jelly when they are mixed together. On the top of theao shreds of boiled ham are placed and pigeon eggs below. The soup U again boiled , and when served It looks more like angels' teed than swallows' spittle. U U said to be very Invigorating , and will give n man of 60 the vigor of 5. Ttii * shark fins are Bald to have the same strength-Riving properties , They are made ot the splinters of the fin of a lhark , and are Into a soup ami are terved with a bit of ham. Ilamboo .shoots are- the roots ol the bamboo. They taete like cooked nuts , , and nuke you think of white carrots. These Chinese are very fond ot all kind * ot fungus , und that which was served at this meal was a sort of Jelly-like mushroom. All of the Chinese dishes were served In such shape that they could be easily token up with chopsticks. In place of salt each man had a little bawl of Japanese soy Into which he dipped his food before eating It. The Chinese consider It barbarous , to bring food on the table as we do. They think that everything should be cooked In smali pieces and they stew and boll almost every thing , Such meats and vegetables as are fried are first cut up into the shape of hash , and the only pigs which are cooked whole'aro those which are Intended for sac rifices. Even the priests cut these- Into hash and recook them before eating. ARE GOOD LIVEIIS. An Idea seems to prevail among foreigners tlia.t the Chinese llvo on rice and rats. There is no greater mistake in the whole dictionary of errors which are current concerning the Chlnose. In the northern part of China , wheie I now am , the common people are too veer to afford rice , and they live upon mlllc , , wheat and cocn. A great deal of bread Is consumed , and It Is boiled Instead of baked , and as to the better classes , they have as many dainties and as good food as we have. The fish of China are among the flnet in the world. . They have a shad which Is fully equal to that of the Potomac , but which has not half so many bones. You can buy quail and snipe and venison In the market here , and I have never seen finer mutton than lhat furnished by the fat- tailed sheep ot north China. There Is no country In the world where so many fowls are eaten , and there are chicken farms , duck farms and geese farms here. There are duck villages In south China and geese boats which carry a thousand of these hissIng - Ing birds along the low lands , of the river and stop for them to get off upon the mud Hats and fatten on the worrns and snails which they find there. In every Chinese city you will find stores which do nothing but sell smoked ducks and geese ; , and they have a way ot drying ducks In the sun nid ) ot salting them so they will keep like we keep hum. I see many duck peddlers going through the cities , carrying a bushel or so of these dried ducks in baskets uwung from the two ends of a polo which rests across their shoulders , and I have ridden on boats filled with live ducks and geese going from one side of a river to the other. A' great many other fowls are artificially hatched and the experience of ages Is shown In the skill with which they raise fowls. A NEW HAIR RESTORATIVE. Speaking ot curious food , the Chinese are fond of cess about < ona hundred years old , and old eggs here nreiworth about as much as old wine Is In America. They have a way of burylne the essj ( and It takes about thirty days to render a pickled egg flt to cat. Some of the old i eggs have become as black as Ink , and one.oX the favorite dishes for the sick Is made tup of "eggs which are preserved In Jara ofirad. clay and salt water. The Chinese seldoraieat soft-boiled eggs , and It U the regular custom to serve hard-boiled ? SK * at birthday celebrations. I have scon no dogs , rata or cats In Tlen-Tsin , though I have no doubt lhat ; eaiue ot the very poor eat them , and I waeitold the other day that rat flesh Is often eatftn by old women as a hair restorative. As to the cooking-thin dinner of LI Hung Chung's was as well ibooked and served as any dinner ever gineo at the white house. The Chinese chef , IkXter a low lessons in foreign cooking , suopawes the French , and they have the best o j taste In table decora tion. It Is much easier to give a big dinner hero than In the United Sluice. A high- priced cook might coat you $20 In sliver or ' 110 In gold a month. and ho Would board himself. For such a .sum you would get a man who would take entire charge of u diplomatic dinner , and who would eerve you the finest of everything , from soup to des sert. Your bills for the same would bo about one-third what a similar dinner would cost you In America , and all you would have to say to the cook would be to mention the number of guests , as , for Instance , "John , ir.ynticbeo number one dinner for thirty plticeo men tomorrow night , you go makee all proper. " You could then leave your house and come back at the hour set ( or the dinner In your dress suit , and you would find your table beautifully set , the wines properly ar ranged , and a Ural-class menu for your EuestD , Truly these Chinese are a wonderful people. THE VALUE OF PURE WATER Public Health Dependent ou Its Freedom from Injurious Susbstauces. HOW SIMPLE TESTS MAY BE APPLIED Uxcoslvo Use of lee Water Productive ol Brlght's IJIsoaRO ijupcrlor Viilue of illtorva ICain Water tar In ternal Use. The tests for the ordinary Impurities of river water are simple and easily applied , a few test tubes , or , In their absence , a few wine glasses and tha following re-agents which could bo procured , at any drug store , are all that are required , viz : a solution of nitrate of silver and of the arsenlo-nltrate of silver ; an alchobollo solution of logwood ; a solution of nitrate of baryta ; a solution of oxalate of ammonia ; and a dilute salutlon of permaganato of potassa. It on the addition of the nitrate of silver solution wo get a faint white cloudiness ( or precipitate ) It indicates the presence of common salt , ot which river water almost always contains a trace. A light yellow color Is produced by the addition ot the arsenlo- nltrate of silver If carbonate of lime Is present. This salt oneof the most Injurious of all the Impurities , as wo shall presently show can also bo easily detected by the alcoholic solution of logwood , which strikes a. violent color. The blcar- bonates of potash and soda also produce this color. A white cloudiness or precipitate In the addition of a solution of nitrate of borlum indicates the presence of sulphur. Oscallc add or the escalate ot ammonia gives a white precipitate , It lime may also be. precipitated by boiling. When a dilute solution of psr- maiiganate of potassa Is added to a few ounces of water and the pink color remains unchanged. It Indicates the absence of or ganic matter. If. however , the color Is destroyed rapidly at a temperature not ex ceeding l&O degrees , Far. , foul eflluvla In some form or other uro present and the greater the quantity of permangnate solution de colorized before the water permanently n tains a pink color the moro organic matter It contains. These are the principal chemical reactions of ordinary river wnter such as Is usually supplied to cities and towns. They show the presence of chlorine , sulphur , lime and or ganic matter , and can be easily applied by any one. * Iron Is another Impurity found in river water , tint more frequently In the water ol springs and wells , If present in moderate quantity It can readily be detected by Its ferruginous taste and also by a solution of tannin or tannlc acid. Such water la unlit for making teu , the tannin of the tea combin ing with the Iron to form common black ink. Water containing carbonate or sulphate of lime , carbonate of magnesia or iron IH called hard , and will not dissolve soap. On this property is found the process of determining the hardness or the softness of water by means of the ooap lest. Spring and well water differ only from river water by their containing more solid mutter , gen erally carbonate of lime. The water of most wells , and especially those near dwellings , and In towns and cities , contains a consider able amount ot organic matter derived from the surface toll Immediately surrounding ? the well and In many cases Is utterly unlit for domestic use , being often loaded with xermb capable of producing typhoid fever and other zymotic disease * . Distilled water Is that which has been freed from all Impurities by distillation , that j , by evaporating ordinary water and col- kctlriK and condensing the attain , being caruful. however , to reject the first and tail steam that pansea off , as this would be liable to carry over any gaseous or other 1m- purltlei which It mictu contain. SUPERIOR VALUB OF RAIN WATEH. Ily Hie continuous u a of soil water the skin preserve * UK softness , suppleness and rosv tint to the last ; the hair receives Us proper amount of nourishment for Us nor mal growth ; the bones do not become nb- norniallr brittle ; the small arteries of the brain and lower extremities preserve their caliber , function and elasticity unimpaired lo the extreme old age , and calcareous dc- lioslts on the valves of the heart. In the thyroid eland and other organs would no Ooubt become exceedingly rare , If not en tirely unknown. Every one. then , who do- Hires to maintain all the various organs and tissues of his material organization In their normal Integrity and to retard as much as possible all those distinguish ng characteristics of presenlllty , should abstain from the frequent and continued use of harder or calcareous water. Soft water Is the only variety suitable for drinking and washing. It Is really one of the foundat ons ol youth. Ilaln water , filtered and cooled to an agree able temperature Is decidedly the best for both internal and external use. It Is the purest water easily obtainable , and possesses a normal amount of air or oxygen. Distilled water Is , of course , equally as Rood , but It should be first cooled and exposed long enough to the air In order to absorb all the oxygen It Is capable ot dissolving. The water of cer tain springs and In general the water of wells and rivers In granitic districts , contains very little calcareous matter and may be safely employed. Ordinary river and w:4l water should first be boiled to precipitate mineral and destroy organic matter , then cooled and exposed to the air before using. Rolling , howo-ver , dres not precipitate all the calcereous matter by any means. Pure distilled water possesses marked medicinal properties. Albutncnurla or BrlRbt's dis ease has been cur. < I by the- use of distilled water alone , and there Is no doubt but that the free and unlimited use of it would retard the progress of any calcereous deg.neratlon ot the tissues as well as tlie formation of any deposits In the heart , kidney and other organs. ICE WATER AND RRIGHT'S DISEASE. Certain dtaeas.'s of the kidneys and some forms of urinary calculi can be traced to the sumo cause. The so-called mulberry calculus , consisting of cxalato of lime , Is as hard as a rock and can only be removed by a danger ous surgical operation. Albumcnurla , or Drlght'R disease of the kidneys , is another affection which may to a slight extent , at leasl , bo ngravated by the use of bard water. This disease , which appears to be an tlie Increase , Is doubtless duo In the majority of cases to the excessive use of Ice water , largo draughts of which give the system a shock , which reacts on the heart or kidneys , thereby favoring the development of serious organic disease of these organs , of which Brlght's disease may be set down as one. Ice water Is deficient In oxygen and therefore docs not possess the stimulating properly of water containing n normal amount of that gas. This oxygen is taken Into our system and serves the same purpose as that taken In by the lungs , viz. , the removal of the cxcesu of carbonaceous matter In the form of carbon- dioxide. Jtl ! UtllO V A. The church collection was once taken In a bag at the end of a pole , with a bell attached to arouse the sleepers. The receipts ot the Congregational Homo Missionary society for the six months cnd.ng September 30 were $203,159 , an excess over those ot the corresponding period of last year ol J5J.C02. Rev. J. A. Zahm , In an article In the American Ecclesiastical Review , locates the Garden ot Eden In the land Intervening be tween the confluence of the Tigris and Eu phrates and the Persian gulf. Rev. James Mc.Mahon ot the Catholic uni versity of Washington , whom the pope lias just made a prelate of the holy xec. with the title of monslKDOre , Is wortli nearly 11,000,000 and lias given a great deal of money to the university. Rev. Sam IlettU , cowboy evangelist , thus gums up the results ot hla rrcent revival at Hay City , Mich. : "I had over 3,000 con versions , 1.250 old topers signed the pledge , IS62 was roalsed for expenicj , $500 clear for Sam and 6,000 people were fed free meals. " He Is Batltticd. Tlie local clergymen of Hay Ctly denounced hl sensational method * . Dampness has made the Corinthian capi tals of the Church of the Jl.ideU-.ne In Paris crumble , and recently p.ten of stone have fallen , endangering tbe paireorby. The cap itals are to be removed and new oneg put In their place. The Established Ciurch el Scotland has lntrodt.c"d competitive examinations for the ological professorships. Recently there was one belli for the professorship of systematic thpnlngy In Ilia University ot Aberdeen. H j-'ht candlates appeared , but the prize was awarded to Rev. W. P. Patterson of Crleff. Dr. Edward Everett Male , and not imrcas- minbl.v , thinks the fact significant that flvo distinctively American poets Whlttlsr , Long- fallow , Hryjnt , Lowell and Holmes were an Unitarians. And with this should go the declaration of Rev. M. J. Savage ( Uoston ) that he believes that "no Unitarian can b found who disclaims that he Is a Christian. " Rv. KcvorkArdzrounl , who was ordalnefl 1 an Armenian priest In September , 1S33 , and whose Influence In the Armenian church In Vf Constantinople has been thorough for many years , died lately at the age of 107 years , His last sermon was preached Hatter , 189 § , when he was carried Into the church on a chair. Pope Leo Is xoltlng ready his narrow house betimes ; the sculptor Maraail Is at work upon his sepulclicr , which is of whlta Carrara marble. On Its lid there Is a lion , with a paw resting upon the pontifical tiara ; on the right Is a statue of Kalth * .1 bearing a candle and the holy scriptures : on the left Is a statue of Truth , wllh the pope's iirms In one hand ; on the Bide be neath the lion the inscription : "Hie Leo X1H. , P. If. I'ulvis est. " Here lies Leo XIII. , Sovereign Pontiff. He Is du.t. The report of ihe- operations of the Ameri can Hoard of Foreign JllEsions shows that notwithstanding the business depression U had Increased prosperity during the past year. Its Income from all ton roes was $705,132 , a. gain of J25.S4G over the previous year , and the success of Its missionaries was greater than Rev. Dr. John Henry Barrows , the well known Presbyterian clergyman of Chicago , suggests lhat a chapel In memory of Prof. Swing be built for the Unlvcrtlty of Chi cago. As might be expected , Prof , Harper of the university enthusiastically reconds Ilia suggestion , but considerable opposition to tha Idea has been aroused. The Chicago Even- Inir Journal thinks that a noble college building would be the best possible memo rial to Or. Swing , but It toys that such n building should be erected for the North- writern university , of which Prof. Swine > 1 * was a trustee. 1'lt.lTTLK OF THIS ruUXOUTKllH , Little Ethel Dottlo Dimples Is the luckiest little girl 1 know. Llttlo Johnny Why so ? Llltlo Ethel The only brother she lias la grown up. Pretty ' Teacher ( with feigned severity- ) . Ilidn't you hear mo say no whispering al lowed ? Master Tommy ( caught in the uct ) \cH'm. I wasn't whispering aloud. First Iloy You'ro Trald to fight , that's what U Is. "No , I ain't ' , but It I fight you my molher'll lick mo. " "How will she find it out ? " "She'll sco the doctor going to your house. " Little Olrl Mamma says I must study grammar Oils term. Little Doy Wot's that for ? Llltlo Olrl That's BO I can laugh when folks maho mistakes. Llltlo Dick Those ladles In the parlor nrq all talking together. I don't neo how they can understnnd each other. Lltilo not- Well , each ono hears what she says herself , Hut's nil folks euro for , I guuss. Teaclier Johnny , can you define for ua. the difference between "caution" and "covr- aullce ? " Johnny Yessutn. When you'ro ncart to go out Iti a boat an' stay homo ( OP fear It'll sink , and the boat comes In all right. It's "cowardice. " Teacher "Well ? ' ' Johnny And It you're acart ami stay homo and the boat does sink , then It's "caution , " "Depend upon it , children , " said the be nignant old gentleman who waa addressing the Sunday school , "we were fashioned by a , wiser power than ourselves. If our hands were placed where our feet are arid our feet where our hands are , how could wo get along ? It would bo exceedingly awkward. children ; excoedlngly awkward , I stretch piy hand nut this way. I move my lingers Ilk * this. Now , wUat IB thli an evidence ol , rhiitlrenV1 Tlit re was. no reply , and a'jter waldnt : moment tlio vpeakcr answered the cjueMion hlmielf. "It li an evidence , ot dc- xlgn. Ken t forget thai , children , " ho con tinued , Impressively , "it la an evidence of < le li-n. Htippoap , for Iniianco. my eye. In. xtcad ot litvlnj HJs and laahcB , had leg * . Huppcte my ej-o hud lega. How could I ufl them ? " 'You cojia uio them In runnin * I. your oyu ovgr tha congregation , could'nj . you ? " replied n dooplr Intern ! * ' mile injr near the ' ' >