.K3Tfe3] i TEI^IYIS^TliOOS;:) >^ y-l'^C,TilTlM^ Engravingns made direct trom nature, photo- graphs, or drawings made with brush. No pen drawing required. The only process by which engravings can be artistically made at one-half the cost of wood cuts. For the REPRODUCTION OF PORTR.\lTS it is superior to all methods, from the fact that the likeness is preserxed with photographic ac- curacy. For specimen, see picture of Governor Cle\"EI_\nd in this volume (page 147), reproduced from an ordinary- photograph. Orders received, samples shown, and estimates furnished by Braxdow &: Bartox, No. 15 N. Pearl St., PcBUCATios Ofthie .Albaxt Hjixd Book. ALBANY, N. Y. CITY HAI.I., [From Maiden Lane. THE ALBANY HAND-BOOK Strangers' Guide and Residents' Manual. containing Information About the City Government, Schools and Churches ; Description and History of Public Buildings and Institutions, WITH Special Reference to Washington Park, the Rural Cemetery, and THE NEW CAPITOL. Compiled and Alphabetically Arranged by H. P. PHELPS, Author of ' ' Players of a Century ; a Record of the Albany Stage." ALBANY, N. Y. Brandow & Barton, Printers and Publishers 1884 Copyright bv HENRY P. PHELPS. 1880— 1884. QiFT KATHERINE 1. FJSHEft INSURE IN THE G 'M M i; 11 G I Insurance Companj OF ALBANY, OFFICE. No. 57 STATE STREET. CAPITAL INVESTED IN UNITED STATES BONDS. Abundant Indemnity, Low Rates of Premium, Equitable Adjustment of Losses, Prompt Payment of Approved Claims. DIRECTORS: ADAM VAN ALLEN", President. G. A. VAN ALLEN, Vice-Prksidext. C. P. WILLLAMS. B. R. WOOD. iAMES W. E.ATON. SAMUEL SCHUYLER. ESSE C. RnTS. NATHAN B. PERRY. . A. CHAPMAN. O. H. D.-^VENPORT. C. H. ADAMS. ISAIAH PACE. ROYAL BANCROFT. S. DE LA GR.\NGE. R. V. DE WITT, Secretarv . G. A. Van Allen. R. V. De Witt. THE ALBANY HAND-BOOK. A Bit of History. — Albany is the oldest surviving European settlement in the 13 original States. Jamestown, Va., founded seven years earlier (in 1607), has long since ceased to be in- habited, and nothing but the ruins of a church-tower and a few tombstones are left to mark the spot, even a por- tion of the site having been washed away. Albany comes next. It was in September, 1609, that Henry Hudson dispatched from Holland by the Dutch East India Company, to search for a north-west route to India and China, came sailing up the river which now bears his name, thinking surely that the long looked-for " passage " was found at last. But arriving in the vicinity of where the city of Hudson, now stands, the yacht " Half Moon " (like many another craft in after years ) found difficulty in proceeding, and the mate and four sailors came up stream in a small boat, which they moored, it is believed, at a spot now in Broadway. The site of the future city was covered with pine, maple, oak and elm, and between its hilis live brawling brooks ran laughing to the beautiful river. Subsei|uuntly they were known as the Normans kill, the Heaver kill, the Rut- ten kill (which flowed down what is now Hudson avenue), the Foxen kill (down Canal St.), and the Patroon's creek. Poor Hudson returned the way he came, went back to Holland, and subsequently, in the service of the London Company, discovered, far to the north, the bay which bears his name, and then, through a mutiny among his crew, was set adrift in a small boat, to die alone amid the ocean he had so fearlessly explored. [The evidence that the Italian navigator, Verrazzano, in 1524 came up the Hudson, is too dim for sober history.] In 1614, Hen- drick Corstiaensen, under a grant of the United Xew Netherlands Company, erected a trading-house, 26 feet wide and 36 feet long, on the island below the city, nearly opposite the residence known as Mount Hope. This was surrounded by a stockade 50 feet square, and a moat 18 feet wide. It was garrisoned by ten or twelve men, who had two cannon and 12 stone guns with which to defend themselves. Here they carried on an extensive fur trade with the Indians, until the spring freshet of 1617 nearly destroyed their domicile, when they moved '• up town " and erected a new fort on the hill near the Normanskill, or ist kill, as it was then called, the other four being num- bered in succession northward. In 1623, another organization, called the West India Company, erected a fort on a sDot near what is now the steamboat landing, and called it Fort Orange, in honor of the prince who presided over the Netherlands. In the same year colonists were sent over, but in 1626 only S families were resident here. In 1O29 the Patroon system was trans- ACA— ADE planted to this country (see Patrdon) and the following year more colonists arrived at Kensselaerwyck, a domain 48 miles broad, and which extended 24 miles on hoth sides of the river, from Beeren island to the Mohawk's mouth. In 1634, the village began to assume a name independent of the fort, and was called Beaverswyck, or Beaver's Fuyck, or the Fuyck, so named from the bend in the river. Subsequently it was known as Williamstadt, and became the centre of the fur trade in North America. In 1664, the province came into the hands of the English, who speedily changed the name of the set- tlement to Albany, in honor of the Duke of York and Albany, New Am- sterdam on Manhattan island undergo- ing a similar transformation. In 1686, Albany was incorporated a city by Gov. Dongan, the bounds being one mile wide, from the river back sixteen miles. The town from its very earliest settle- ment was protected from the incursions of the French and Indians by palis- ades, a kind of fortification consisting of upright posts driven firmly into the ground. In 1695 the boundaries of the stockade were, Hudson st. on the south, Steuben st. on the north, the river on the east, and Lodge st. on the west. Afterward, as the town increas- ed in population, these lines were ex- tended. The stockade then reached as far south as Hamilton St., and on the north it crossed Broadway, near Orange and Van Tromp sts. At this point the north gate was placed, and it was the line dividing the city of Al- bany from the Colonic. When the town was first fortified, it contained but three streets : Jonkers and I iandlers (corresponding to State St. and Broad- way), and Pearl. In 1795, the town of Colonic was annexed. In 1797 the city became the capital of the State. (See Congress of i 754.) Academy of Music— The name under which the .South Pearl .Street Theatre (now Lel.\nd Opera House, which see,) was opened by John M. Trimble, Dec. 22, 1863. It was burned Jan. 29, 1868. The Division Street Theatre opened Oct. 4, 1869, was also called by that name while under Frank Lawlor's management. It was burned Dec. 8, 1876, and its site is now occu- pied by dwellings. Academy Park, consists of about two acres, bounded by Elk and Eagle sts., Washington ave. and Park place. A charming bit of green, gracefully sloping towards the High school and State hall. Was placed in hands of the park commissioners in 1 881, and improved at an expense of $4,306 the fnllowmg year. A little distance west of this spot used to be a ravine running north and south, where, tradition says, tories, in the time of the revolution, were stripped of their coats, hats and shoes, and a bandage put over their eyes, in which condition they were shot and buried on the spot. It was in Academy park that the building of the Army Relief Bazaar was erected in 1864. (See Parks.) Acipenser Brevirostris. — Scien- tific name for .'Mbany beef. Any per- son selling the unskinned article " by the piece or pound," is liable, by a city ordinance, to be fined $5. (See Stur- GEONVILI.E.) Adelphi Club. — Organized as the Adelphi Literary Association, Jan. 26, 1873. Occupied rooms on ,S. Pearl St., between Division st. and Hudson ave. In 1876 moved to .Vdelphi Hall, for- merly "Turn Halle," on Oreen st. While located here dramatic enter- tainments were given by the members with success. In 1874-5 a lecture course was given at Beverwyck Hall. A series of balls was given each year. In 18S0 the house loi Hudson ave. was leased and converted into a club house. The membership increased and in order to obtain larger quarters, in 1881 the present beautiful club house, cor. S. Pearl and Division sts. was built for the club, who took a ten years' lease of the same. Feb. nth, 1881, the association was incorporated as the Adelphi Club. The present quarters are next door to where the club was first organized. Excepting the FtiRT Okange, they are the handsomest of the kind in the city. Among the members are prominent and influential Jewish residents. For convenience the club house is a model of its kind. The first floor is used for kitchen and rooms for the steward. The second floor is divided into billiard and card rooms and library. The third floor is used for parlors and dining rooms, and the entire fourth floor for a hall. The balls given here are as grand as any held in this city, and as many as 100 couples have been present. The mem- bership is limited to 125, present membership 120. Sigismund Illch, pres. ; I. Strasser, vice-pres.; William Lowenthal, treas.; A. Fleischman.rec. sec; S. Ballin, fin. sec; trustees, D. Muhlfelder, I,. Stark, \Vm. Barnet, L. Auer, M. Gips, M. P. Frank, J. Nus- baum, L. Livingston, H. Foreman, J. Friedman. African Race. — By the census of 1S80, there were 1,056 negroes in Al- bany. Many are employed as waiters at the hotels and on steamboats, etc.; some are well-to-do, and they have their representatives in the learned professions. Following are the institu- tions pecuharly their own : IsRAKi, A. M. K. Church, 365 Ham- ilton St. Organized with 12 members in 1831, Rev. Mr. Candish, pastor. Since then it has been ministered to by about 25 different clergymen. The first edifice was burned down in 1844; the present one was erected ten years 5 AFR later and was remodeled in 1881. Present pastor. Rev. Horace Talbot. jErHTHAH Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M. was constituted under a warrant emanating from the M. W. G. Lodge, of this state, Dec. 26, i860. The offi- cers are W. M., C. E. Lewis; S. W., S. H. Mando; J. \V., S. Branch; sec, J. J. Buright; treas., J. H. Deyo. 35 active members. Philo.mathean Lodge, L O. O. F. — Organized in 1844; 45 members. Meet at No. 5 North Pearl st. Present officers: N. G., William Waters; V. G., Henry Pinckney; N. F., L. H. Rhoden; P.N. F., Henry Cross; chap- lain, H. Hyson; treas., C. C. Oatfield; sec, John Caldvvell. Charles Sumner Benevolent As- sociation. — Founded Dec. 13, 1875; incorporated Nov. 30, 1878. Members are provided for when sick, if the ill- ness is not the result of immoral con- duct. Number of members, 50. John H. Deyo, pres.; \Vm. H. Brent, vice- pres.; Thos. L. Jackson, treas.; Geo. W. Clark, rec sec; J. A. Douge, fin. sec ; Wm. H. Anthony, chap.; H. Rose, marshal; Thos. Elkins, M. D., physician; trustees, J. R. Chapman, Heuson Jones, L. W. Johnson, Wm. H. Gaynor, Samuel Green. Female Lundy Society. — Founded June 19, 1833. Has 40 members, and is supported by monthly dues. Assists its own members. Mrs. Susan Douge, pres.; Mrs. .Sarah Usher, vice-pres; Mrs. Mary Williams, sec; Mrs. Ade- line Douge, cor. sec; Mrs. Sarah Smith, treas. Female Lo\'ejoy Society. — Mrs. Anna Bell, pres.; Mrs. Leah Stewart, vice-pres.; Mrs. Sarah Freeman, sec; Mrs. Ruth Lippitt, treas. The Carltons (social society.) — Pres., J. A. Smith; vice-pres., Mrs. C. Newman; sec, A. Blake Platto; cor. sec, Miss A. M. Chapman; treas, Ed- ward Robinson. Burdett Coutts Benevolent As- ALB SOCIATION. — Has about 20 charter members. Pres., T. H. S. Pennington; \'ice-pres., John H. Deyo; treas., Benj. Mclntyre; rec. sec, R. F. Mclntyre, cor. sec, C. B. Miller. Albany Academy, The, or the Boys' Academy, as it is often called, was incorporated March 4, 1813. Its first session was held September 1 1 , building that Joseph Henry, who from 1826 to 1832, was one of the profes- sors, first demonstrated the theory of the magnetic telegraph in transmitting intelligence, by ringing a bell through a mile of wire strung around the room. It only remained for Prof. Morse to in- vent the code of signals, and the ma- chine for making them, and the thing was done. .\s has been well said, ^4f>- THE .M.BANY 1815, in a dwelling on the southeast cor. of .State and Lodge sts. The pre- sent brown freestone building, fronting on .Academy Park, north of the ('apitol Park, was erected by the city. The corner-stone was laid July 29, 1S15. The main building is 70 by 80 feet, with wings 30 by 45; is three stories high, including basement. Cost S90,- 000. It was in the upper rooms of this ACADEMY. "The click heard from every joint of those mystic wires which now link to- gether every city and village all over this continent, is but the echo of that little bell which first sounded in the upper room of the .\lbany .Xcademy." It was in this building that the well- known Bullions grammars were written and first used as text-books, by their author. Professor of Latin and Greek ALB in the institution. For many years, T. Romeyn Beck, who created the science of medical jurisprudence, was the prin- cipal, and at all times the institution has maintained an enviable reputation. On the 26th of June, 1863, a semi-cen- tennial celebration was held, when it was found that more than 5,000 stu- dents had been educated here. Present Condition. — In 1882, Prof. James M. Cassety, Ph. D., a graduate of Harvard, was elected principal. Under his careful and judicious man- agement the school has more than maintained the high standard of schol- arship which it had attained during the long principalship of Dr. Merrill E. Gates. The number of students has steadily increased and the attendance at the present time is the largest in the histor.' of the Academy. More than 300 students of all grades now receive instruction daily in this historic school; its courses of sturly were never more thorough; the results were never more satisfactory. There is a primary de- partment for the youngest boys; a pre- paratory department where oral lessons by object methods are given, and an academic department, the latter con- sisting of a course of six years in Eng- lish, the classics, mathematics, includ- ing surveying and analytical geometry, French and German, history and hter- ature, natural sciences, including a two years' course in physics, for which a large lecture room has been recently fitted up and furnished with a complete supply of modern apparatus. The school also possesses a working chem- ical laboratory, furn shed with accom- modations for 25 pupils, where each student, under the direction of a teach- er, performs every experiment of the course. This is beheved to be the only preparatory school in the country which gives to entire classes this com- plete experimental drill. Twelve hun- dred large photographs, collected in Europe and the East, and carefully ar- ranged and bound for use, illustrate the geography, the history and the painting of the world. Military drill is a well developed feature of the Acad- emy, and the appearance of the cadet- battalion, now numbering 125, upon the streets of the city, always excites a lively interest. Albany Business College, The, was established in 1857, by H.B. Bry- ant and H. D. Stratton, and was the fourth link in their international chain of business colleges. E. G. Kolsom, found- er of the old Cleveland Mercantile Col- lege in Ohio, in 1851, in which both Bryant and Stratton were formerly stu- dents, came to Albany and became partner with them in 1862. In 1867, just before the death of Stratton, Mr. Folsom purchased their entire interest in the Albany Business College, and was sole owner of the institution until 1S78, when C. E. Carhart became partner. The institution has now been in suc- cessful operation for 27 years, during which time some 6,000 students have become members. Its graduates are to be found in almost every branch of mercantile life, especially in banks, commission houses, railroad offices, wholesale and retail trade, etc., and in many instances are they to be found occupving prominent positions in pub- lic life. The Hon. J. A. McCall, Jr., State Sup't of Insurance, graduated from this institution in 1865. The av- erage yearly attendance during the past few years has been 300. The course of study, consisting of branches essen- tially commercial, now embraces pen- manship, arithmetic, grammar, spelling, business correspondence, commercial law, political economy, the science and practice of accounts, commercial geog- raphy, business ethics, detection of counterfeit money, stenography, type- writing, telegraphy, etc. ALB— ALM 8 Albany Institute, meets each al- ternate Tuesday evening, from October to June, at the Albany Academy. Its origin dates back through other organ- izations, of which it is the legitimate successor, to the year 179 1. The char- ter of the Albany Institute was granted February 27, 1S29, the Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts, and the Al- bany Lyceum of Natural History, hav- ing consolidated under that name. Its membership has included many per- sons of distinction as scholars and also in professional and civil life. Its standard publications are ten volumes of Transactions, two of Proceedings and one entitled Field Meetings of the Albany Institute. The annual fee for resident members is 85. There are now about 200 members. The library contains 6,000 volumes, and many old newspapers, including a collection made by De Witt Clinton, but owing to lack of proper accommodations it is not easily accessible. The president is David Murray; vice-pres'ts, Henry A. Homes, J. A. Lintner, Leonard Kip; rec. sec, George R. Howell; cor. sec, Ernest J. Miller. Albany Insurance Company, The, has its office in the Albany Sav- ings bank building, cor. State and Chapel sts. J. Howard King, pres.; Theo. Townsend, vice-pres.; John E. McElroy, sec. Was chartered by the legislature March 8th, 181 1, to transact fire, life, and marine insurance. The capital was $500,000. The first board of directors were Elisha Jenkins, Philip S. Van Rensselaer, Isaiah Townsend, Dudley Walsh, Henry Gest, Jr., Charles Z. Piatt, Simeon De Witt, Stephen Lush, Charles D. Cooper, Thomas Gould, John Woodworth, Peter Ganse- voort, and Christian Miller. In 182S the charter was extended, also in 1851 and again June i, iSSi. In 1829 the capital was reduced voluntarily. In consequence of hard times in 1837-38 the company lost 8134,200. By tires in 1848-49 and 50 the company lost and ALBANY SAVINGS BANK. paid over 8431,488.03. Isaiah Town- send died in 1838, being the last of the original directors. He was a director twenty - seven years and president twenty-three years. To the present time the company has paid 142 divi- dends. The present capital is $200,000. Assets, 8373,582; liabilities, 849,891, and net surplus over every liability, 8123,691 For over seventy - three years it has made good all its contracts for indemnity against loss or damage by fire, paying therefor the sum of t\vo million and ninety-one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two dollars. Albany News Company. — (See News Co., Albany.) Aims-House, The, is situated on the plankroad, south of Washington park and west of the Penitentiary. ANI— ANT The Alms-house farm contains Il6 acres of good land. The buildings in- clude the poor-house, lunatic asylum, hospital, pest-house, etc. The city pays 60 and the county 40 per cent, of the cost of maintenance. The average number of inmates is 250. State pau- pers (such as have not been residents of any county for 60 days) are received here and boarded at Sz-SO per week. There are about 50 insane. Incurable cases are sent to the asylum at Ovid. A new pest-house, erected on the out- skirts of the farm, will accommodate 50 persons. Cattle and geese are em- pounded here, and the unclaimed dead of the streets, the river and the Peni- tentiary find here a burial. Visitors are admitted every day except Sunday. Animals, Domestic. — .According to the last census, there \\'ere in Alba- ny county 9,469 horses, 66 mules, 515 working oxen, 13,042 milch cows, 7,314 other cattle, 24,393 sheep, 12,027 swine. Anneke Jans, whose estate has been the subject of* so much solicita- tion, resided cor. State and James sts., present site of the Mechanics' and Farmers' bank, and died in this city March 19, 1663. She is supposed to have been buried in the Beaver street burying ground. Her first husband owned land on the west side of Broad- way, New Vork, along the river, from Chambers to Canal sts., with a strip running up to give an entrance to Broadway. This was sold to the gov- ernment by her heirs, and was known as the King's farm, and given to Trin- ity church. It is now worth millions, and many of her descendants have imagined that it ought to revert to them. Antiquities. — In the Sunday school room of the First Reformed church are to be seen a pulpit, hour-glass and Bible which came from Holland. The pulpit is of oak, of octagonal shape, four feet high and three feet in diam- eter. It was in use 150 years by eight successive pastors. So, too, was the hour-glass, by which the preacher was timed by the entire congregation, and greatly did he offend if he failed to occupy his full 60 minutes. The Bible, with its wood and leather covers, brass corners and clasps, was printed in 1730. The weather-cock, which adorned the old Dutch church in which these ar'i- OLD DUTCH CHURCH. cles were used, and of which a cut is here given, is stored with the archives of the Van Rensselaer estate. (See Reformed Churches, Episcopal Churches.) Anti - Rentism, although a thing of the past, at one time was a very ex- citing issue, and e~ntered largely into State politics. It was an attempt to evade the conditions under which large tracts of land were originally leased by the Patroon (which see.) The Van Rensselaer manor was not much set- tled till after the revolution, when, the property being entailed, Stephen Van ANT Rensselaer, acting on the advice of his brother-in-law, Alexander Hamilton, adopted the policy of leasing farms in perpetuity, giving generally about eight years' occupation at the nominal con- sideration of "a peppercorn a year;" at the expiration of which time the leases drew a rent estimated to be the interest at 6 per cent, on the value of the land, or about 20 shillings an acre, payable in the produce of the soil, that is in wheat, fowls, and days' service with carriage and horses, the reserva- tion for days' service being intended for a capital with which to aid the tenants in building bridges, repairing roads, erecting churches and making other improvements. The old I'atroon died Jan. 26, 1839, and, the right of entail having been abolished, divided the manor, giving Albany county to Stephen, his only son by his tirst wife, and Rensselaer county to William P., his oldest son by his second wife. The old Patroon had been a very lenient landlord; but the tenants, at his death, became exceedingly anxious as to the policy that would be pursued by his heirs. Particularly were they excited in regard to the clause in the leases in ref- erence to what was known as the quar- ter sales. This condition was that in case the tenant wished to sell his farm, the landlord should have the tirst right of purchase, and if the purchase was declined, and the farm sold to another, the landlord was to have one fourth the proceeds of the sale, and this as often as the farm changed hands. This condition, which to modern ideas appears unreasonable and exacting, was really intended as a tax on alien- age, as it did not apply where the farm was sold or descended to one of the tenant's family. It was a relic of the old feudal days, and intended to keep the tenants together. The old Patroon, however, never enforced it; but it \^"as feared that his sons would do so. This led to the appointment of a committee of the tenants, composed of some of the most respectable and responsible men of the manor, friends of the Pa- troon, to propose the purchase of all the reservations, get a release from the rentals and obtain a fee simple. To this the counsel for the Van Kensse- laers refused utterly to listen. There- upon the tenants further organized, raised a fund and employed counsel to ascertain whether they could take any steps to relieve themselves. Henry G. Wheaton was retained, and his ad- vice was, that the legal claims of the landlords under the leases were abso- lute. He could see no relief for the tenants except to make the collection of the rents so difficult that the land- lords would be willing to make terms at last. He specially counselled against violence, but suggested their banding together and giving notice to each other of the approach of sherift 's offi- cers, thus making difficult the serving of process. They had other advisers who were not so discreet. In 1S40, Gov. William II. Seward, being then a can- didate for reelection, went out to Kast ISerne, and addressed a very large meetmg of anti-renters, whom he ad- vised to organize in this and all the counties where the troubles existed, and send men to the legislature who should hold the balance of power, and thus force the passage of such laws as would relieve them. This was followed not only by a political movement, but by the organization of bands who masked under the name and in the disguise of Intlians and attacked the officers of the law. The first conflict which attracted general attention was at Grafton, Rensselaer county, where a man was killed by disguised anti-rent- ers. The examination of more than 200 persons failetl to disclose the au- thor of the deed. Other manors were equally excited, and in 1S45 Governor Wright issued a proclamation declaring Delaware county in a state of insurrec- II ARE— ARC tion. In the following year he was defeated by the anti-rent candidate for Governor, John Young, who went into office pledged to pardon such of the anti-renters as were in prison for their crimes, a pledge which he kept faith- fully. The excitement not only found its way into the legislature, but made itself felt in the constitutional conven- tion. Then the contest was transferred to the courts, although it is not ten years since all violence ceased. In 1853, the Van Kensselaers sold out all the leases of the hill towns in Albany county and nearly all those of Rensse- laer county to Col. Walter S. Church, and since then he has bought the re- mainder, and the business, what there is left of it, is in his hands. He has pursued the policy of releasing the rentals and giving a fee simple, so that now three-fourths of what was the manor is entirely free from any rental. During his administration he has brought over 2,000 suits in ejectment for non-payment of rent, and in every case except perhaps ten (in which the plaintiff was in error as to the facts) has been successful. Compromises have been eftected on this basis : for a farm of 160 acres on which the annual rent was 22i bushels of wheat, four fat fowls and one day's service with horses and carriage the value was fixed at S26, which is the interest at 6 per cent, on S433. By the payment of the ?433 the tenant receives a fee simple. Much has been written upon this sub- ject, and many erroneous ideas are afloat upon it. What little is found here is believed to be historically cor- rect. The excitement in this city at times has been intense, and on three several occasions have the military been called out since Col. Church's purchase. Arbor Hill, north of Clinton ave. Two lots on Ten Broeck St., between Second and Third sts., were given by the Patroon for a burial ground in 1764, and were used as such by the in- habitants of the north part of the city till 1842, when the ground having fallen into a disgraceful condition, w-as sold for assessments, and the scattered bones were buried in the Rural Ceme- tery. Architectural Features. — The ex- amples of primitive Dutch structures, on the southeast cor. of State and Pearl sts., and northeast cors. of Pearl and Columbia, and Chapel and Steuben sts., are interesting as old landmarks, and for their quainlness. Modern buildings, in Albany, are erected with brick of local manufacture; Philadel- phia, Croton and other pressed brick ; sandstone from Nova Scotia, New Jer- sey, Connecticut and Ohio; Schenec- tady blue stone; granite; and cast-iron for fronts, and for trimmings to doors and windows. In Albany, as in all old cities, three periods in architectural design are distinctly noticeable, viz : the " Carpenters'," as are the majority of domestic houses in the oldest por- tions of the city, together with public buildings such as the Geological Hall, Globe Hotel, and old Normal School. Secondly, " Transition " from the first named to architects' handiwork, in- cluded in which are the numerous buildings remodeled for stores, offices, etc. Lastly, " Art culture," in which may be cited numerous private resi- dences upon Elk and State sts., and on Washington and Madison aves., and near the park, the Kenmore Hotel, Mechanics' and Farmers' Bank, and many modern suburban residences. In ecclesiastical architecture, promi- nent as examples of decorated Gothic, are St. Peter's, St. Joseph's; the Cathe- dral furnishes a good example of the Perpendicular: the carved work in the tower of the first mentioned is prob- ably unsurpassed in design and faith- fulness of the workman by any work in ARM America or Europe. The Lutheran church, upon Pine St., is a creditable specimen of " Early English," wrought out of brick. The Methodist church and Baptist church on Hudson ave., are in- teresting studies in Gothic and Greek characters. In Romanesque style we might mention the Reformed church upon Pearl St., St. Mary's upon Lodge St., and Our Lady of Angels on Cen- tral ave., while the new City Hall is a fine example of this style, with a square Norman tower for the fire alarm. The new Post Office and the Presbyterian church recently erected, near the Park, are also examples of the Romanesque. The new Capitol may be generally de- scribed as belonging to the French Renaissance style, distinguished from the Italian by the introduction of Gothic features. The Presbyterian church upon Chapel st. approaches Sir Christopher Wren's style, in many of its prominent features, although its spire finial, the pumpkin and codfish are wide departures therefrom. The interior design and arrangements of All Saints Cathedral chapel furnish proof of success of culture in an architect. The Holy Innocents church, on Pearl St., a gem, pure in conception, should be seen by tourists and lovers of art. The later public schools are genuine, practical, sensible designs, embodying exteriors and floor plans in keeping with intended purposes, affording com- fort to teachers and pupils, while familiarizing the eye of youth with taste, cleanliness and sanitary demand. .St. Agnes School is a model of its kind, and although simple, almost severe, in style, yet its numerous architectural surprises tend to leave an agreeable impression upon the memory. The Grecian pretensions of the Female Academy are in rather unpleasing con- trast with their modern surroundings, and calculated to suggest unfavorable criticisms. The .Sacred Heart Convent, at Kenwood, deserves particular men- tion for its charming location, and as an illustration of Gothic character adapted to an institute of education. Another illustration of simple, good taste in architecture, striking the eye favorably and leaving pleasant impres- sions, is the Child's Hospital, modern and yet antique in its conception. In the State Armory, cor. of Eagle st. and Hudson ave., is a fine type of military architecture, in character resembling the baronial style introduced into Eng- land by King Edward I, upon his re- turn from the Crusades. Among many other edifices worthy of note are the Boys' Academy, the Madison Avenue Reformed church and the State Hall. Armory, The State. — The State arsenal, formerly located on Broadway, cor. Lawrence St., was, by act of April 17, 1858, exchanged with the city for the present site on Eagle, cor. Hudson ave. The present edifice was erected in the same year, and is of substantial workmanship and elegant architectural style. Two companies of the loth bat- talion, U and K, are quartered in the building, occupying the rooms on the second floor. The upper story is not used. The drill room is on the ground floor. Its designation was changed from a State arsenal to an armory Jan. I, 1882. It is under the charge of the senior officer quartered there. Armsby Memorial, The, in honor of Dr. James H. Armsby, was unveiled in Washington Park, Novem- ber 25, 1879, in the presence of the Albany County Medical Society, the students of the Medical College, mem- bers of the Albany Institute, and others. It stands about forty rods west of Wil- lett St. The column of granite is 14 feet; the capital is elaborated; the bust is of bronze, twice the size of nature, and is the work and gift of E. U. Pal- mer. It was cast in Paris by F. Barbe- dienne. Art owes something to Albany. Here resides the distinguished sculptor Erastus D. Palmer, whose statues, me- dallions and portrait busts are celebra- ted the world over. His son, Walter L. Palmer, a painter of distinction, is also resident here. This was the adopted home of Launt Thompson, whose taste for art was encouraged by Palmer, under whom his mind received the bent that has placed him among the eminent sculptors of the age. The Hart brothers, William particularly distinguished for his American autumn scenes in oil and water colors, and James McDougal, renowned as a paint- er of cattle and sheep, were for years Albany boys. Cleorge H. Boughton, now famous among the London artists, passed his youth in Albany. Asa W. Twitchell, the portrait painter, resides but a little way from the city, and Ed- monia Lewis, the colored woman sculp- tor, was born in Greenbush. Art Gallery. — The nearest ap- proach to an art gallery in Albany is Annesley cS: Vint's, 57 N. Pearl St., a favorite place of resort for lovers of the beautiful, and one to which Alba- nians in their desire to create a favor- able impression of the culture and re- finement of the city, are sure to pilot strangers. It may indeed be called the art centre of Albany. The rooms are arranged with a special view to advan- tageous lights and shades, and the most noteworthy works of art brought to this city, whether the production of native or of foreign talent, are gener- ally placed here on public view. Rare and costly engravings and gems in oil and in water-colors are on sale, and there is usually something unique in artistic furniture, in which the firm are also extensive dealers. They have been established since 1802, and are as well and favorably known as any insti- tution of which our city can boast. Visitors are always welcome. 13 ART— AUC Ashes. — Throwing ashes in the streets is not only prohibited by city ordinance, but by act of legislature (chap. 377, Laws of 1866), which for- bids it in the cities of New York, Al- bany, Buffalo and Rochester, under penalty of from one dollar to ten dol- lars fine. Athletics.- (See Outdoor Sports.) Auctions. — The principal auction houses are on State St., and many sales are conducted in the middle of that accommodating thoroughfare, the city ordinances providing that bulky articles may be so disposed of, prodded they do not interrupt travel, are not placed within ten feet of a crosswalk, and are removed one hour after the sale. The auction " audiences " are always inter- esting to the student of human nature. The leading auctioneer in Albany is Mr. John S. Dickerman, who for over twenty-five years has followed the business, winning by tact peculiarly his own, a reputation by no means con- fined to the city of which he is a prom- inent citizen. His large and commo- dious salesrooms are in the five story and basement building No. 98 State st. Here is conducted the business, which by long experience, honorable dealing, good nature and uniform courtesy the General has made a success. Works of art, imported goods from the East, and large invoices of new first-class furniture are disposed of, while real estate, stocks and city bonds help make up the variety of his sales. Quite often he is called to other cities to officiate at important sales. The upper portions of the building, including over fifty rooms, are set apart for the storage of fine furniture, works of art, etc., which are conveyed by elevators, in perfect safety, to the rooms selected. This is the only large storage warehouse of the kind in the city. AWN— BAP Awnings must be at least eight feet above the pavement, and if ex- tended beyond the stoop or platform of a building must extend across the sidewalk; penalty $5 a day. Baggage. — (See Exi'REsses.) Ball Playing and " shinney " play- ing in the public streets are punishable by a fine of Si for every person thus offending. 14 United States. Open from 10 A. M. to 2 p. M., except Sundays and legal holi- days. The interest for discount is tixed at 6 per cent. There are also seven savings banks, which pay 34 per cent, interest on deposits. Baptist Churches.— The history of the Baptist denomination in this city dates back to Feb. I, 1810, when a few brethren of that way of thinking met tof;ether to worship, and August 5, FIKbT liATUsl I 111 Ki:ll. Banks. — Seven National and two State banks do business in Alliany. The State banks are organized under the .State banking laws, and the Na- tional banks under the act passed by Congress during the war. Most of these were State banks, and re-organ- ized under that act. They are permit- ted to issue circulating notes by depos- iting U. S. interest-bearing bonds with the U. S. Treasurer at Washington, to secure their redemption. These notes pass for their full value all over the of the same year, organized as a so- ciety. Jan. 23, iSii, they became a church numbering 21 members. Kev. Francis Wayland was their first pastor. They met in various places for several years, and then bought the Green Street Theatre, turned it into a church, and dedicated it as such Jan. i, 1819. Gov. (afterwards President) Martin Van liuren was a pew-holder here. From this organization sprang all the other Baptist churches in the city. Thk FiKsr church now worships in the building cor. Hudson ave. and Philip St., with rear on Plain st. It was erected at a cost of 826,000, in 1852, Rev. Dr. Reuben Jeffrey, pastor; remodelled and enlarged to a seating capacity of 900 under Rev. Dr. E. I,. Magoon ; and again renovated and beautified at a cost of 89,000 under Rev. Dr. D. .M. Reeves. The church has been reduced in membership and means from time to time, by the emmi- grations, 10 form and increase the sev- eral new interests, but has as often re- vived with renewed power and pros- perity. It has two missions, one at Kenwood, the other in Madison ave., prospering under the superintendency of Mr. Augustus Bowers. Thomas Rambaut, D.D., I.L.D., pastor; John Cox, clerk; Eliakim Chase, sexton; Henry V. Shelley, supt. Sunday school. Membership, 508; baptisms in 73 years, 2,269; received by letter, 1,070. Sunday services : Preaching, 10.30 A. M. and 7.30 I'. M.; Band of Hope, 9 A. M.; Covenant Band, 6 v. .M.; Sunday school, 2 1". M. List of pastors since formation : Francis Wayland, Isaac Webb, Joshua Bradley, John Finley, Lewis Leonard, Bartholomew T. Welch, (ieo. B. Ide, Alanson L. Covel, J. L. Hodge, John Knox, Jas. M. Coley, Asa Bronson, W. S. Clapp, Reuben Jeflrey, E. L. Magoon, Geo. C. Lorinier, J. B. Hawthorne, M. C. Lockwood, Thomas Rambaut. Emmanuel, on north side of State St.. above Swan. One of the finest churches in the city. The corner-stone was laid Aug. 14, 1S69; dedication, Feb. 23, 1871. Is of unhewn Onon- daga limestone, and will seat 1,500. Cost $200,000. The church was or- ganized in 1834, under the pastoral care of Rev. B. T. Welch, D.D., and was known as the N. Pearl st. Church, worshiping in an edifice on the spot now occupied by Perry Building. Under the pastorate of Rev. C. DeW. Bridgman, D.D., the new building was 15 BAP erected. He resigned in Feb. 187S, and was succeeded by Rev. T. Har- wood Pattison, D.D., and he by Rev. Henry M. King, D.D., the present pas- tor. Church membership, 650. No debt. Sunday services at the usual hours, morning and evening. In 1S83, through the liberality of Mrs. Eli Perry, and in memory of her late husband, the tower of the church was completed at a cost of 817,000. C.\i.\ARV Church, organized F'eb. 16, i860, was formerly known as the Wash- ington ave. Baptist Church, but changed its name Feb. 4, 1865, and bought the State St. Baptist Church, opposite Cap- itol park, the society which had wor- shiped there disbanding. Rev. William P. Everett was the first pastor; he was succeeded by Rev. Messrs. J. Spencer Kennard, John Peddie, Joshua Day, and John Humpstone. Under the ministrations of the latter, on April 11, 18S0, at the morning service, 842,072 was subscribed — sufficient to build the beautiful structure in which the church now worships. It stands on a lot 75 by 100 feet, cor. State and High sts., the site of the former building, and was dedicated March, 26, 18S2. The total cost was 857,418, all of which is paid. It is of pressed brick and rock-faced brown stone, built in French Gothic. Will seat 1,100. Rev. J. Wolfender has been the pastor since May, 18S3; missionary, Miss Kimball; treas., Joseph Taylor; supt. Sunday school, W'm. San- ger; sexton, John Bomus. Member- ship, 636. Tabernacle, cor. Clinton ave. and Ten Broeck St., Rev. Albert Foster, pastor. Organized Oct., 1S59, with 56 members. Present membership, 463. The church edifice now occupied was completed I-'ebruary, 1877. Cost, with lot and appointments, 878,000. Pres- ent debt about Si,6co. .Services: preaching Sunday morning and even- ing; Sunday school, 24 i'. ^L; evening meetings, Wednesday and Friday. BAS— BEE l6 Mission field, North Albany, W. H. Falke, supt. Trustees, Frederick Clap- ham, Lemon Thompson, Hamilton Harris, Rodney Vose, John W. Clark, H. Southwick, Jr., James Marston and B. Lodge. The former pastors were Justin D. Fulton, D.D., Rev. Dr. Alden, Rev. Thos. Cull, R. B. Kelsay, D.D., and F. R. Morse, D.D. German. — Washington ave., near Knox. Rev. John Jaeger, pastor. Organized in 1854. Present member- ship, 75. Memorial Chapel, cor. Madison ave. and Partridge. Basin, The Albany. — Formed by the construction of a pier in the Hud- son river. (See Piek.) Bath-on-the-Hudson. — A village on the east side of the river, oppo- site the northern part of Albany, and in the town of North Greenbush, Rens- selaer county; incorporated May 5, 1S74, population 2,000. Is reached by Lumber District horse-cars and ferry, or by upper railroad bridge. It re- ceived its name from a mineral spring whose waters were once used exten- sively for bathing purposes. There is another village named Bath, in Steuben county. Baths. — The public bath is a high- ly popular institution, especially with the boys. It was established after many efforts of many kinds, by public subscription, and is moored in the river at the foot of Columbia st. Last year, during the season, which began June 14 and ended Sept. 22, it was open 12 hours every day except Sunday, and 63,863 persons bathed. It is in charge of Garry Benson, a famous " water dog," who has saved many persons from drowning. Mondays, Wed- nesdays and Fridays are pay days, when 10 cents a bath is charged. Other days it is free. Swimming classes for both sexes are taught by Mr. Benson. (See Blasie's Baths) Beaver Block. — South Pearl St., N. E. cor. of Beaver, was formerly the Brick church, preached in for the last time Feb. 8, 1S6S. Here Rev. Dr. Nott delivered his famous discourse against duelling, called out by the death of Alexander Hamil- ton at the hantis of .Aaron Burr, in 1S04. Beeren Lsland. — Twelve miles south of the city, near Coeymans Land- ing. It is usually called Barren island, the spasmodic attempts of antiquarians to have its original name restored hav- ing proved abortive. In 1643, Patroon Van Rensselaer erected a fort and trading house here, to exclude private traders and exact toll from all vessels not belonging to the West India Co. This created much indignation at New .'\msterdam. The island is now a favorite resort for picnics and excursion parties. Its southern point is in four counties, .Mbany, Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene. BEG— BEN Begging is forbidden by a city ordinance, which imposes a fine of from $2 to Sio, unless permission has been given by the mayor or common council. It is not generally known that this restriction applies to " raising moneys by subscription, for any pur- pose whatsoe\'er," Benevolent Societies and In- stitutions. — In Mr. Dickens's Dic- tionary of London, the list of organiza- tions under this head numbers about 850, and includes almost every con- ceivable object of charity, from supply- ing " gratuitous homes for gentlewo- men " to supporting a " temporary asy- lum for lost and starving dogs." Al- bany's' charities though of course not as numerous, nor, perhaps, as far reaching, are still highly to the credit of the citizens, as will be seen by the following : The Albany Orphan Asylum, first went into operation in November, 1S29, opening with eight children under the care of Mrs. Ileely. Before the winter was over seventy helpless ones enjoyed the shelter of the new institution. During the following sum- mer public meetings were held and much interest created in the charity. It was incorporated March 30, 1S31, under the name of the Society for the Relief of Orphan and Destitute Child- ren in the City of Albany. In 1832-3 a building was erected between Wash- ington and (what is now) Central aves. at Robin St.— a beautiful situation. The edifice was originally only three stories, forty by eighty, but has been greatly enlarged. It now has accom- modations for 250 to 275 inmates; the average number is 250. It receives both orphans and half-orphans, and has sheltered over 4,000 in all. Pres., John F. Rathbone; sec, A. V. De Witt; treas., David A. Thompson; auditor, James Covert; executive com., 2 John F. Rathbone, Maurice E. Viele, David A. Thompson; supt., Albert D. Fuller; matron, Mrs. Albert D. Fuller. The institution is supported by dona- tions and voluntary contribution, inter- est on invested funds (from legacies), and by receipts from counties for sup- port of children, under chap. 1 73, Laws of 1875, and the various other acts since passed amending the same. Children's friends and visitors to the institution received the first Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 1'. M. Babies' Nursery, 562 Clinton ave., was founded in 1S75, and cares for young children whose parents cannot support them, or who are left orphans. It is supported by voluntary subscrip- tion. Mrs. Fred Townsend, pres.; Mrs. Samuel Hand, treas. Home for Aged Men. — On the Al- bany and Watervliet turnpike, near Menand's road. Incorporated Oct. 5, 1876. " It is to provide for respectable men who, at an advanced age, are left helpless and alone in the world, and whose poverty is due to misfortune rather than to idleness or vice." The " home " was dedicated March 28, 1878; is pleasantly situated; has ac- commodations for 30 persons; has at present 24 inmates. The institution is free from debt, and has an invested fund of ?r"2,64i. Inmates are, some of them, supported in whole or part by friends, others are supported at the expense of the society. Beneficiaries to be natives of the United States, 60 years old or more, Protestant, and resi- dents of Albany county 10 years ne.vt preceding application for relief. Ex- ceptions to these restrictions may be made by a three-fourths vote of all the trustees. As a general rule beneficia- ries pay 8125 entrance money and fur- nish their own room. Annual cost of supporting each inmate about S170. James B. Jermain, pres.; David A. Thompson, sec; Mrs. Mary H. Stod- dard, matron. (See cut, page 18.) BEN i8 Home of the Friendless. — No. 553 Clinton ave., opp. Perry si. A re- treat for aged women. The I;>uiUling is of brick, three stories, 56 by 75, stands on a plot of ground 100 by 244, and has pleasant accommodations for 50 persons. The home was established in 1850, by Mrs. Lee, with 556, and duly organized Nov. iS, IS5I1 as the Albany (luardian Society. The pres- ent building was dedicated May 5, 1870. The lot upon which it stands was given by James Kidd. House of Shelter.— Cor. of Wen- dell and Howard sts. Organized March Q, 1868, soon after which it was opened for the reception of inmates. Incorporated in January, 1S69. The present building was erected in 1872, and with lot and furniture cost $21,500, Its mission is to provide a home for pen- itent women who have no other place to go to. Average annual expenses S3,ooo, met in part by work done liy the inmates and, in part, by subscrip- tions. A. S. Kibbee, pres., John E. HO.MK l-OR .\GED MEN. Home for the Aged Poor, 415 Central ave. Opened on Clinton ave. in 1871. Removed to present location the year following. Conducted by 1 1 Little Sisters of the Poor, of which order there are 32 houses in this coun- try. Although of the Catholic faith, they receive the aged and helpless of both se.\es of every denomination. Must be over 60 years of age, and des- titute. Admission free. The institu- tion is supported entirely by charity, the Little .Sisters begging from door to door for food, clothing and money to dispense to the helpless under their care. The home has 150 inmates; all that it can well accommodate. McElroy, treas.; Miss M. L. Dare, matron. The usual number of inmates is 25, but 30 can be accommodated. The institution is free from debt and has a small invested fund. Ladies' Protestant Union Aid Society. — Founded in 1866. Its man- agers (numbering twenty) are com- posed of a representative from each Protestant church in the city. The society is supported by collections from the churches, solicited by the repre- sentative managers, and by individual donations and legacies. It benefits the worthy, destitute Protestant poor. Regular meetings, first Wednesday in every month, in the rooms of the »9 BEN Young Men's Christian Association, 20 N. Pearl st. Annual meeting in May. Pres., Mrs. Isaac Edwards, vice-pres., Mrs. Win. H. Goewey; sec. Mrs. James Briggs; rec. sec, Mrs. Charles Sprague; treas., Mrs. William Wen- dell. Open Door Mission. — Incorporated April 14, 18S2. Located at No. 3 Columbia place. Mrs. Eleanor Spf ns- ley, a graduate of ( )berlin, and trained to mission work in the prisons and hospitals of New York, supt. She opened a retreat for incurables, in Hawk St., in 1879; then removed to 75 N. Pearl st. Through the influence of Mrs. Jan\es C. Cook the present organization was effected. Twenty in- mates; three of whom are children. Pres., Miss Jane Lansing; Ireas., Miss Ellen Dempsey; sec, Mrs. Jane Brad- ley, who, also, with Annie L. Yan Yechten, Sarah Edmonds, Mrs. David Cregory, Catherine Ten Eyck, Mrs. A. Stickney and the supt., are the trus- tees. Orphans' Home of .St. Peter's Church, No. 7 La Fayette st. Or- ganized in 1S64; accomodates 25 girls, from live to sixteen years. Was first known as Miss Knapp's Ragged School; then incorporated as the Albany Juvenile Retreat; adopted by St. Peter's Church, antl name changed to present title in 1876, St. Peter's Church contributes annually about 51,700 to its support. Is designed for the Christian care and training of orphan girls rather than temporary relief. Number of inmates, 20. .St. Andrew's Si >cietv. — Estab- lished in 1803, and the oldest benevo- lent institution in the city. Its object is to aid needy .Scotchmen. Has a sinking fund of about S 14.000, and embraces among its members most of the prominent Scotchmen in .\lbany. Peter Kinnear, pres.; .\ndrew McMur- ray, vice-pres.; Walter McEwen, treas. St. George's Benevolent Society was reorganized January 27, i860, the old one having gone out of existence many years previous. Its objects are to afi'ord relief and advice to indigent natives of England, or to their wives, widcjws or children, and to promote social intercourse among members. Natives of England, sons and grand- sons of natives are eligible if over 21 years of .age; initiation fee, $2; annual subscription, S3. The society has now 95 members in good stantling. Wil- liam Lacy, pres.; William W. Grey, sec. St. Georcie's rr.\i,i.\N Society. — Organized Jan. i, 1880. Dionisio Rovere, pres.; Attilio Pastjuini, vice- pres; .'Vntonio Paltenghi, tre.as. ; Henry Guidotti, sec. Its object is to assist needy Italians. Sr. Vincent de Paul Society. — An .agency for most beneficent good in connection with the Catholic church, located in seven of its parishes. The first society was organized in .St. Mary's parish in 1848; .St. John's, the Catlie- \ dral, St. Joseph's, St. Patrick's, St. Ann's and the .'\ssumption Society came into existence in the order named. The aggregate work of these societies since their inception is thus summarized : Amount of money ex- pended on the poor, ^95,000; number of families visited, 9,000; visits made, 125,000. There ,ire at present 119 members throughout the city dispens- ing voluntary charities to the needy and worthy poor. During the p.ast year $2,927 was thus expended. The officers of the conference, which in- cludes all the city societies, are : Spir- itual director, Rev. John Walsh ; pres., NichoKas Ilussey; vice-pres., Peter A. Cassidy; sec, P. Flanigan; treas., Francis Roche. St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum So- ciety, in the city of .Mbany — TAf Fe- male Branch is sitnaled on Elm St., between Eagle and Hawk sts. It is managed by the Sisters of Charity, of BIB— BIC whom there are ten stationed here. There are 260 inmates, from four to fifteen years old. They are supported in part by the county, which pays $1.50 per week for each. Places are gener- ally found for them when they are fif- teen, but those who show a taste for needle-work are placed in an industrial school on N. Pearl St., where they are instructed till they are 19. The build- ing on Elm St. occupies a conspicuous position, and is well adapted for its purpose. Recent important improve- ments have made it in every respect a model institution. The Male Branch, like the female branch as at present designated, was established under the auspices of the present Cardinal McCloskey, while Bishop of Albany. The Christian Brothers took charge of it in 1854, and six are stationed here. It is sit- uated on Western ave. between Part- ridge and Erie sts,, on a farm of So acres. There are 120 inmates, from 5 to 14 years of age. The county pays Si. 50 a week for each; the other ex- penses are pro\ided for by collections taken twice a year in the Catholic churches. The boys are taught the common English branches and to work on the farm. At the age of 14, places are found for them. The present three-story building was erected in 1853, under the personal supervision of William Ellis, architect, and Rt. Rev. John J. Conroy, then Vicar-Gen- • eral. (See City Tracf and Mission- ary Society, Industrial School, Hospitals, Woman's Exchange, Af- rican Race.) Bible Society, The Albany- County, ranks among the first of its kind in the country, and w-as organised in this city Oct. i. 1810, for the exclu- sive work of distributing the Holy Scriptures without note or comment. In 1 816, its representatives assisted to organize the American Bible Society, to which it has since been auxilary. It has always been actively employed in supplying the Scriptures, and has can- vassed the county several times for that special purpose. It is one of the oldest of local institutions, and deserves the sympathy and support of the whole Christian community, de])ending, as it does, on annual contrilmtions received from co-operating churches and in- dividuals for means to carry forward its benevolent and economical operations, which are under the direction of a board of officers and managers com- posed equally of clergymen and lay- members of the churches in the county, all of whom render their service gratu- itously. The annual circulation reaches about 3000 copies of the Scriptures printed in various languages, and which are always kept at the Depository in this city, and sold at the cost of manu- facturing, or gi\en away to needy per- sons and charitable institutions, when- ever their want becomes known. Maurice E. Viele, pres. ; Rev. Samuel F. Morrow, vice-pres. ; Charles P. Easton, cor. sec; .\lbert P. Stevens, treas.; Stephen R. Gray, Depositary, Nos. 42 and 44 State street. Bi-Centennial. — The 200th anni- versary of the incorporation of the city of Albany will occur July 22, 1886, and will, no doubt, be observed by appropriate and inlcresling ceremonies. It appears from the city records that the method of celebrating " The Cen- tury Anniversary," July 22, 1786, as recommended by a committee of the Common Council, was as follows : " That Common Council convene in tlie forenoon of that day at Ten o'Clock at the City Hall, and from thence proceed in procession to the Hill westward of the City, attended by such Citizens as shall Chiise: That during the Procession all the I'ells of the several Churches in this City shall Rine, and at the arrival at the place assigned for the Purpose on the Hill, Thirteen Toasts and one for the Charter, under the Discharge ol Fourteen Cannon. " Resolved, that the former Committee be a BIC- BOS Committee to prepare and superintend the said Bleecker Hzill. — At 529 Broadway. Business, who are to purchase a Barrel of -]-j,g head(|uarters of the Burgesses Good Spirits for the purpose,' Corps; and used for dancing parties BicycliDg-(See Out-door Sports), and chamber concerts. Bill-posting on any lainp-post, electric light pole, telegraph pole, shade tree, fire hydrant, curbstone or flagstone, is forbidden by a city ordi- nance, which is not observed in the slightest degree. Bill posters must be licensed. The principal man in the business is Fred A. Keeler, 15 Cireen St. He owns all the prominent bill boards in the city. Biriis.— The bird stores of a city are alw'ays interesting places to visit, especially to those who are fond of the feathered songsters. There are usually some curious foreign birds on exhibition, and always good singers to be heard. The Hartz mountain cana- ries are sold from S2.50 to jj; parrots from $6 to S50; mocking birds from 55, for young ones, up to S20, and even S50. In buying, it is always best to go to some responsible dealer; the canaries hawked about the streets, and sold under price, are either females which never sing, or inferior stock of some kind. The Old Albany Bird and Cage Store, kept by William R. White, 44 Green St., has been established for more than 25 years, and customers are there alwavs honestly dealt with. Blasie's Imper ial Porcelain Baths. — The only estabhshment in the city where the Porcelain Bath Tubs are in use, is at Blasie's barber shop, 389 Broadway, (adjoining the Mansion House.) The most fastidious con- cetle that for beauty, comfort and cleanliness, these baths have no equal. The liathing rooms are open daily from 6 A. .\i. to S r. m.; on Saturdays till II 1'. M., and on Sundays till 12 M. Price for bath, 25 cents. Blasie's 50- ct. instantaneous hair and whisker dye, colors black or brown. Bleecker Park. — A small triangu- lar enclosure in front of the Cathedral, and bounded by Eagle St. Madison ave. and Matljson place, was enclosed in 1835, the city appropri.iting Si, 000 and the remainder being raised by subscription. It contains the first pub- lic fountain erected in Albany, the gift of Wm. Fleming, dedicated in July, 1863. Bonfires in the streets are forbid- den urtder a fine of $10 or less. No one would ever imagine on election night there was any such ordinance. Books of Reference, in regard to .■\lbany, are not numerous. The .•\n- nals of Albany, ten volumes, and Col- lections on the History of .\lbany, four volumes, by the late Joel Munsell, are of much historical value, but are out of print and scarce; the .Settlement and Early History of Albany, by William Barnes, is an interesting production; the Memoirs of an American Lady, by Mrs. Grant, gives a charming pict- ure of life in this colony prior to the revolution. Sampson, Davenport & Co. publish annually the .Albany Direc- tory. The Albany Hand-Book for 1 88 1, contains much information not otherwise easily attainable. There is an atlas of .-Vlbany, also one of Albany county, and an Albany County Direc- tory. Two or three histories have been projected, but none are yet published. Boston & Albany Rctilroad. — Sta- tion in the Union depot, Maiden lane. The direct route to I'iltsfield, Spring- field, Worcester and Boston. The Boston & Worcester, and the Western railroads were consolidated in the B. & A., Dec. I, 1867. The Western BOU— BRI railroad received its charter in 1833, and was organized in 1836. The first locomotive arrived at (ireenbush from Boston, Dec. 19, 1841, and a celebra- tion of the completion of the road took place Dec. 28, following. Its e(|uip- ment includes 244 locomotives, 229 passenger cars, 5,437 freight cars. Employs 5,233 persons. Carried last year 8,079,072 passengers; moved 3,- 41 1,324 tons of freight; average rate per mile per passenger, through, 2.21 cents; way, 2.24 cents; average rate per mile per ton of freight, through, .87 cents; way, 1.84 cents. Wages and salaries, §3,080,567. Total earnings, §8,539,875; expenses, $6,896,804; div- idend 8 per cent, $1,407,100; surplus, $235,971. Not a passenger was killed nor injured during the last railroad year. Boulevards. — (See Washington Park.) Brewing. — The business of brewing was begun in this city as early as 1633, and has for many years been a leading industry. (.)ne of the most prominent brewers in the last century was llarman Gansevoort, whose establishment which stood about on the site of Stanvvix Hall, was taken down in 1807. There are now 20 breweries, some of them very extensive. Albany ale, at one time was on tap in all the large cities of the country, but of late has been displaced, to some extent, by lager beer which is also brewed here in large quantities. (See La(;er 15ei;k.) The total yearly product of beer of all kinds in this city last year was 332,794 bl)ls., valued at §2,000,000. Brick,s. — There are ten brickyards in Albany which ])roduce annually from 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 brick. The material used, though lacking the iron deposits which give to Phik^del- phia brick so clear a red, is of excel- lent quality, and brick made therefrom stand the weather better than that made in many other localities. Bridges. — Three bridges span the Hudson at .\lbany. The first, or upper briilge, now used exclusively for freight trains, waiopened I'eb. 22, 1866, after thirty years of the most steadfast op- position, in which Troy took the lead. It is doubtful, however, whether the bridges have really injured that city a dollar; but they certainly have had a depressing effect upon some kinds of business in Albany, carting especially. Before, all trains had to be unloaded here, and the work this involved was very great; but now freight goes through without breaking bulk from , New \'ork to San I'rancisco. The up- per bridge is supported by twenty-one stone piers. The bridge proper is 1,953 feet long, and with the trestle work 4,253 feet. Its cost, including necessary purchases of real estate, was $1,100,000. The middle bridge, also for railroads, is 1,940 feet long, or with ap- proaches 2,665 feet, that is, twenty-live feet over half a mile. The spans number twenty-two. The draw weighs about 400 tons. Work of construction began in May, 1870, and the bridge was first used in 1872. The total cost of the two bridges was §2,532,357.43, of which the Central-Hudson paid §1,- 173,133.80; the lioston & Albany §351,485; the rest by the companies who have had the earnings of the bridges. ( )ver 60 men are employed upon them. The toll on both bridges for foot passengers is three cents; 50 tickets for Si. A third bridge across the river was begun in 1876, but for several years progressed very slowly except in litigation, of which there was ])lenty. The bridge was finally com- pleteil, and upened for teams and foot passengers, Jan. 24, 18S2. It is at .South Kerry st. below the steamboat landing; length, including approaches, 23 BRO— BUT 1,669 feet; 29 feet above low «ater mark. The draw, 400 feet long, weighs 1,500 tons, and is worked by a 30 horse-power engine. Owned by Albany & Greenbush Bridge Co.; A. Bleecker Banks, pres. Tolls, foot pas- sengers, 2 cents; double teams, 15 cents; single, 10 cents. It will even- tually be used as a railroad bridge, the top being arranged with that in view. St.^te Street Bridge, leads from the foot of State st. over the basin to the pier. On the 22nd of August, 1840, the draw of this l)ridge gave way, and twenty-one persons were drowned. Broadway, runs from Gansevoort St. near the Island Creek to the nor- thern boundary of the city, and thence into the Troy road. No street in the city presents such a varied aspect. At the south end it is lined with foundries, iron shops, breweries, etc.; further along it is the abode of ]ioor people; by the steamboat-landing it is given over to hotels and restaurants; then come provision houses and various stores, wholesale and retail; north of State it widens into one of the hand- somest streets in the city, having on it many tall commercial buildings; from Columbia st. to Clinton ave. it dwindles both in appearance and business; North of Clinton ave. it is, in a great measure, a street of substantial residences till the viaduct is reached; beyonnie and North Lan- sing sts. were depressed, and the tracks carried over upon iron bridges. The work was done, under provision of the Laws of 1881, at the expense of the railroad company, but the damage to adjacent property had to be met by the city The cost to the railroad company was $128,763; the damages to be paid by the city, including expenses, have been assessed at $134,- 237- Burr, Aaron, who began his legal career in this city in 17S2, is said to have ha^l an office on the north side of Store lane, now Norton St., the second building from Pearl. His early mar- ried Ufe was spent in Albany, and here his only legitimate daughter, Theodosia, was born; and although removed to New York when an infant, she was also married here, her father at that time again residing in .\lbany, being a member of the Legislature. Later in life (in 1S24) he passed con- siderable time in this city. (See Fort Orange Club.) Buttermilk Falls. — What was nat- urally a romantic ravine, down which the Be.iverkill |)lunged in foaming fury. Civilization and the street de- partment have destroyed the beauty of its surroundings, but something of its former state may be imagined by peer- ing at it from the vicinity of .Swan st. south of Elm. It was suggested, at one time, that the park should be so located as to take in this feature; had this been done, .Albany would have had the most romantic and picturesque pleasure ground of any city in America. CAL— CAN 24 Calvin Edson, the walking skele- ton, came to Albany in April, 1S30, ex- hibited himself at the Museum, and gave levees at the Medical College. He was then forty-two years old, five feet two inches high, and weighed but sixty pounds. .Subsei|uently he went upon the stage, as an actor, in the character of Jeremiah I'liin. The more he ate the poorer he grew, till, in 1833, he swallowed his last mouthful and lost his last ounce, dying at the weight of forty-five pounds. For months previous the medical colleges had kept track of him, anxious, so long as he had expressed himself while liv- ing as willing to promote the cause of science after death, to l]eli> what they could by utilizing his remains. New York and Albany were first on the ground, and through \\\e finessn of the late Mr. Arnold Nelson, and of Dr. Alden March, together with the pay- ment of a good round sum to the skel- eton's widow, Calvin Kdson's forty-five pounds was secured for the Museum of the Albany Medical College. By some process of embalming, he was pre- served with his skin on, placed in a glass case, and labeled " No. i ; " and his appearance to-day, barring discol- oration, is said to be not so very differ- ent from what it was when animated by the breath of life and a hearty meal of victuals. Canals. — This is one eastern term- inus of the I-'rie canal, the other being at Troy. The canals of the State were made free of tolls by a constitutional amendment, adopted in 1883. Thk Kkik C^nal is 363 miles long, connecting the Hudson river at .Mbany and Troy with Lake Krie at Buffalo; was begun in 1817 and opened in 1S25; original cost, S7, 602,000; en- larged between the years 1835 and 1862 from 40 feet wide at surface to 70; from 28 feet at bottom to 56, and from a depth of 4 feet to 7. It has 57 double and 15 single htcks. The first boat from Buffalo pa.ssed through the lock into the Albany basin at three minutes before 11 A. M., Oct. 26, 1S25. Cannon, placed in hearing of one an- other, announced from Albany to Buf- falo anil from Albany to Sandy Hook that the great work had been com- pleted. The signal was returned in the same way and reached here from New York five minutes before 12 .M. TiiK Ch.vmi'I.ain Canai,, begun in 1S17, was completed in 1822. It con- nects the Hudson with Lake Cham- plain at Whitehall, and is 66 iniles long. Has 20 locks. Canal St., running west from 90 N. Pearl to Uobin, the old bed of the Koxenkill, a stream which for many years was abundantly stocked with fish. THE CAPITOL. ' I 'he great structure which towers this matter, and it is an actual fact that -'• majestically from the brow of the some have not reached that stage of hill overlooking the Hudson at Albany, advancement yet. needs no cicerone to announce its name, no guide book to designate its object. Its fame as the greatest and grandest legislative building of modern times is widely spread ; and from far and near, come thousands annually, to view its grandeur of design, its beauty of ornamentation; and like the Queen of Sheba, after her call upon King History. The old Capitol (built in 1806-8) at an expense of Jf 110,685.42, had been found wholly inadequate, and there was much discussion about a new legis- lative building and where it should be erected. New York city had long coveted the Capital, but the central and Solomon, they go home, declaring, western portions of the state, while not that the one-half had not been told altogether satisfied with having it where Ihem. The foresight, which makes it is, were stiil more averse to seeing it possible an adequate comprehension of moved down the river. The conse- the needs, a century hence, of a State quence was, it remained at Albany, like this, is of no common order; and which after all is the most convenient, it is no wonder that ideas and plans and so far as population is concerned, based upon such prescience, appear the most central of any eligible point to many, wild and extravagant. It is this unfortunate but not unnatural shortsightedness, that has given birth to much of the opposition which the building of the Capitol encountered. that can be named. The legislature has met here continuously since 1797, in the Stadt Huis, cor. Broadway and Hudson ave. first, and afterwards in the old Capitol which stood till 1883 on In time, all will agree, that it is none a site in front of the present building, too grand, none too beautiful, and The first definite action taken none too costly for the chief edifice of by the legislature on the subject of a the grandest, the proudest, the most new capitol was April 24, 1863, when prosperous and the most progressive Senator James A. Bell, from the com- state in the American Union. But to mittee on public buildings, offered a have started with the proposition that resolution (which was adopted) that it was to cost fifteen or twenty millions the trustees of the capitol and the would have been hopeless. It has chairman of the committee on public taken years to educate the public up to buildingsbe authorized to procure suita- the idea of what is only sufficient in ble plans for a new capitol, and report 3 (25) 26 to the next legislature. They did so, recommending the plans sulimitted by Fuller & Jones. Early in 1S65, a com- mittee was appointed by the senate to ascertain by correspondence with vari- Park, or in any public place, and also proposed to erect all the necessary buildings free of expense to the state; and, in addition, build an executive mansion on Fifth avenue, opposite TIIK <;( I.DEN CORRIDOR. ous municipalities on what terms the Central Park. Vonkers, Saratoga, necessary ground and buildings could Athens, Whitestown, Argyle and .Sing be obtained. New \'ork showed her Sing made liberal ofl'ers; Buffalo, desire for the honor, by offering a site (Jswego and Ithaca declined to enter- on the Battery, or at Citv Hall park, tain the proposition, as did Sandy Hill, or in Tompkins square, or in Central "If," wrote the worthy president of 27 that Nirtuous village, " the time has come when our capitol is to go to the highest bidder like most everything that has any connection with our pres- ent legislature, then I would frankly say that our people are not the ones to offer large bribes or inducements for the purpose of building up their place or people to the detriment and incon- venience of all the rest of the people of the state. " The first committee (appointed April 24, 1863) had suggested in their prop- ositions for plans that they should be made with reference to the square about the old building as the site for the new one. The city of Albany now ofi'ered to convey to the state the lot adjoining, occupied by the Congress Hall block, or any other lands in the city required for the purpose. On the 1st of May, 1865 an act was passed (Chapter 648) authorizing the erection of a new Capitol, whenever the city of Albany should deed over the land proposed, providing fur the appointment of three commissioners, and appropriating Sio.ooo for the commencement and prosecution of the work. On the 14th of .April, 1S66, the city having maile good its offer at an expense of §190,000, an act was passed ratifying and confirming the location of the capitol, and May 3d of the same year, Hamilton Harris, John V. L. Pruyn, of Albany, and O. 15. Latham, of Seneca Falls, were ap- pointed New Capitol Commissioners. On the 22d of April, 1867, an act was passed appropriating §250,000 for the new Capitol, but providing that no part should be expended until a plan had been agreed upon not to cost when completed mote than four millions. The plan submitted by Thomas KuUer was adopted, and he was appointed architect, and William J. McVlpine consulting engineer. WiiRK Begun.— On the 9th of De- cember, 1867, the excavating was begun on the corner of Hawk and State streets by John Bridgford, who had under him 100 men. On the 19th of May, 1 868, an act was passed appropriating an additional §250,000, and adding to the commis- sion Messrs. James S. Thayer, Alonzo B. Cornell, William A. Rice, James Terwilliger and John T. Hudson. The commission were also authorized to take as additional land one-half the block adjoining Congress Hall block on the west, and to change the plans at their discretion, with this proviso : That if they were so changed that the buihling would cost more than four millions, the commissioners were not to proceed to construction till such plans were approved by the legislature. Meantime work had been delayed for a year in order that the additional lands might be secured. On the 2d of October, 1868, the commissioners, having come to the conclusion that preparing the land was not included in the term " constrnction, " the demo- lition of houses on State, Washington, Spring and Hawk sts. was begun, and in December following, 400 men and 200 teams were employed carrying the earth that had been excavated and de- positing it down the bank at the cor. of Swan and Canal sts. 'I'he enlarged plans, prepared liy Fuller & I.aver, were duly reported to the legislature and approved by act of May 10, 1869. Tin; FofNDATlON. — The first stone in the foundation was laid July 7, 1869, by John V. I,. Pruyn. This foumlation, although, of course, out of sight, and scarcely thought of by the ordinary visitor, is a wonder in itself. In the first place, excavations were made to an average depth of 15 43-100 feet be- low the surface. Then a bed of con- crete, 4 feet thick, was laid, constitu- ting a stone floor which will grow harder and harder as time rolls on. The sub-basement extends down 19 feet 4 inches, and contains 735,000 28 cubic feet of stone, while the brick bricks. The foundation of the main walls, from 32 inches to 5 feet thick, tower is no feet square at the base, contain between ten and eleven million tapering to 70 feet square at the base- AbSEMLlLY STAIKCAbE. 29 ment floor. In this sub-basement are no less than 144 ditTerent apartments used for heating, storing and ventila- ting purposes. The Corner Stone was laid with great ceremony by the f.rand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons on the 24th of June, 1 87 1. The exercises took place in the midst of a drenching rain, but were said to have been wit- in the newspapers, and many tedious investigations have been instituted, the details of which it is as impossible to enter into here as it is unnecessary. It is only just to say, however, that while the whole system of erecting public buildings by commissons has on general principles been condemned as unwise, nothing against the personal character uf cither tir anv of the com- CAPS TO COLUMNS UNDER LADIES' GALLERY. nessetl by at least 20,000 persons. Ad- dresses were made by Hon. Hamilton Harris and Gov. John T. Hoftman. Since that time work has progressed, sometimes faster and sometimes slower, with occasionally an entire cessation for lack of funds as in 1874, when it stood still six months. The enterprise like all other great undertakings has met with obstructers anil fault-finders innumerable, from the workman dis- charged for incompetency to the gov- ernor who called it a " public calami- ty." The prevalent opinion that no public work of this magnitude can be carried on without unlawful gains to some one. has led many to suppose that such is the case with the new Cap- itol. Charges of various kinds have time and again been made, orally and missioners or superintendents was ever substantiated. Changes in Commissioners. — In April, 1 87 1, the commission was so changed as to be constituted as fol- lows : Hamilton Harris, William C. Kingsley, William A. Rice, Chauncey M. Depew, Delos De Wolf and Edwin A. Merritt. In February, 1875, ^'''■ Hamilton Harris, who had been chair- man of the board for nearly ten years, resigned. Resident here in .\lbany, and from the first deeply interested in having a capitol worthy of the Empire .State, his services during the critical periods in the building's history have been of incalculable value, and after his resignation, as chairman of the finance committee of the senate at a time when a most determined opposi- 3° lion to any further appropriations was made by the New York city press, he a^ain fought the battles of the Capitol throught to victory. On the 2ist of June, 1875, 'h^ entire old board was abolished, and the lieutenant-governor (William Dorsheimer), the canal audi- tor (Krancis S. Thayer), and the attor- ney-general (Daniel Pratt), were con- stituted a new board. Of this board, r.ieut.-Gov. Dorsheimer took an active interest in completing and furnishing the interior, and much of its present sumptuousness, especially the assembly chamber, is due to his taste. This board was superseded by the succes- sors to these several offices as follows : Lieut. -Gov. George G. Hoskins, from Jan. I, 1880 to Jan. i, 1883, when he was succeeded by Lieut. -Gov. David H. Hill; Canal Auditor George W. Schuyler, from Jan. I, 1X76,10 May 20, iSSo, when he was succeeded by John A. I'lace, who held the office till it was abolished in 1883; Attorney-Generals Chas. S. Fairchild, from Nov. 2, 1875, Augustus Schoonmaker, Jr., from Nov. 6, 1877; Hamilton Ward, from Nov. 4, 1879; Leslie W. Russell, from Nov. 8, 1881. In 1883 a law was passed creating the office of Capitol Commissioner, abolishing the office of supt. of the Capitol, and empowering the single commissioner to take full charge of the work, at a yearly salary of $7,000. This bill was signed on the 30th of March, 1S83, and the same day Guv. Cleveland sent to the senate the nomi- nation of Isaac G. Perry. He was con- firmed April 5. Changes in SurERiNTENDENTS. — In December, 1872, John liridgford, the first superintendent was retired, and June II, 1873, William J. Mc.Vlpine, who from the beginning of the work had been the consulting engineer, was appointed superintendent, and remain- ed such till May 29, 1S74, when James W. Eaton was appointed in his place. and held the position till the office was abolished, as just stated. Change in Architects. — With the abolition of the old commission in 1875 came a change in architects, Mr. Thos. Fuller being superseded by an advisory board, appointed July 15, 1875, *-""" sisting of Frederick Law (ilmstcd, Leopold Eidlitz and Henry H. Rich- ardson. Up to this time the exterior walls had been carried up upon the Fuller plans, a working model of which had been constructed at a cost of $3,000, and which was on exhiliition for several years. Pictures of the Capitol as it was to have been had also gone broadcast over the land and world. This plan was that of the Ital- ian Renaissance, which was now modi- fied to the Romanesque, but work had not proceeded far when the legislature passed an act directing a return to the original style and that the building be carried up to the roof in accordance therewith. This has been done so far as possible, the result being what is called the Free Renaissance. OCCll'IEI) HV THE LEGISI..ATIJRE. — The Capitol was first occupied by the legislature Jan. 7, 1879, the senate meeting on the second floor, in the room originally intended for the court of appeals, the assembly in the assem- bly chamber. The same evening a grand reception was given by the citi- zens of Albany, when 8,000 people were present. Gilmore's band, of New York, and Austin's orchestra, of -M- bany, furnished the music. The sup- per was served under a canopy in the ctaitral court. The formal occupation took place on the evening of Feb. 12, 1879, when ih presence of both houses of the legisla- ture, the court of appeals, the State ofticers and others, assembled in the as- sembly chamber, prayer was offered l)y Rl. Rev. William t roswell Doane, D.D. and addresses were delivered by Lieut. - Gov. William Dorsheimer, Speaker 3' Thomas CJ. Alvord and Hon. Erastus that Oriental architecture should have IJrooks. The senate chamber was tirst recurred to mind. As in the great occupied March lo, 1881. Other temple enclosures of India, there is in parts of the building have been occu- the quadrangular scheme of the Capitol pied as they have been made ready for the va- rious officers and depart- ments. Description. No matter from what side you approach Al- bany, the building makes itself strikingly evident, rearing its heavy masses and sharp roofs into the sky from the top of the hill. The impression produced varies with va- rious persons. One ac- complished writer linils it ** not unlike that made by the photographs of those gigantic structures in the northern and east- ern parts of India, which are seen in full series on the walls of the South Kensington, and by their barbaric profusion of or- namentation and true magnificence of design give the stay-at-home Briton some faint inkling of the empire which has invested his <]ueen with another and more high-sounding title. Vet when close at hand the building does not bear out this connection with Indian architecture of the grand style; it might be mere chance that at a distance there is a simi- larity; or it may be that the smallness of size in the decorations as com- pared to the structure itself e.xplains fully why "^^f-^jt DORMER, STRKICT SIDH. 32 a tendency to confuse the eye by the number of projections, arches, pillars, shallow recesses and what not, which variegate the different facades. The confusion is not entirely displeasing; it gives a sense of unstinted riches, and so far represents exactly the spirit that has reared the pile." On the other hand, Mr. Edward A. Freeman, the Knglish historian, was, by the general look of the city, carried so completely into another part of the world " that if anyone had come up and told me in Krench, old or new, that the new Capitol was ' la chateau de Monseigneur le due d'Albanie,' I could almost have believed him." The situation is a most commanding one. The Capitol square, which em- braces all the land between F.agle st. on the east and Capitol place on the west, and between Washington ave. on the north and State st on the south, is 1,034 feet long by 330 feet wide, and contains 7 84- 100 acres. The elevation of Capitol place is 155 feet above the level of the Hudson, and the ground falls off to the eastward 51 feet. In front. State st. stretches away towards the river, one of the broadest and handsomest avenues in the country. Thk Size of the structure impresses the beholder at once. It is 300 feet north and south, by 400 feet east and west, and with the porticos will cover three acres and seven square feet. The walls are 108 feet high from the water table, and all this is worked out of solid granite brought, most of it, from Hallowell, .Maine. There are other buildings which, in the mere matter of area, exceed this one. The capitol at Washington, for instance, covers a little over three and a half acres, but it is of marble and of sandstone painted white. The new city hall in I'hiladel- phia covers nearly four and a half acres, but that is also of marble. The government buildings at Ottawa, Can- ada, are of sandstone. All lack the massive effect which this great pile of granite produces. Its outer wall, at the base, is 16 feet 4 inches thick. The CkntrjM, Court is 137 by 92 feet, extending an open space to the sky, and admitting much needed light and air. Above the six dormer win- dows that open on the court, and that are above the fourth or gallery story, are sculptured the arms of six families that have become more or less distinguished in the history of the State. The Stuyvcsant arms are on the north side, west. The carving is as follows: party per fess ardent and gules: in upper a hunting hound in pursuit of a hare. In lower a stag current. Crest. A dcmi slag issuing from a royal crown. Motto. Jcrvi firtFstat fidere quant homini. The Schuyler arms arc on the north side, middle. The carving is as follows: Vert a cubit .irm habited issuing from the sinister base point holding a falcon proper. Crest, a falcon proper gorged with a fillet, strings re- flexed. The Livingston arms are on the north side, east. The carving is: Quarterly, first and fourth quarter argent three gilli-flowers; sec- ond quarter quarterly first and last gules a chevron argent, second and third azure three maritets; third quarter or, a bend argent be- tween six billets. Crest, a demi Hercules with club in dexter band and the sinister strangling a serpent. Motto, Si je puis. The Jay arms are on the south side, west. The carving is: argent a chevron gules, in chief a demi sun in splendor, between two mul- lets argent below, in base a rock proper sur mounted with a large bird close. Crest, a cross calvaiy. The Clinton arms are on the south side mid- dle and are carved as follows: argent six cross crosslets filchee, three, two, one, on a chief two mullets, pierced. Crest, a plume of six ostrich feathers on a ducal crown. The Tompkins arms are on the south side, cast. The carving is: argent on a chevron gules between three birds close, as many cross crosslets. Crest, a unicorn's head armed and maned and gorged with a chaplct laurel. While no patriotic sou! objects to giving due honor to those who have served the State, the idea of carving private arms upon a public building has not in it the exact " elements of popularity." The carving can best be seen from the upper stories. X a f r w 73 r > H p] n > o 33 The first or ground story, which is nearly on a level with Washington ave. and State St., is devoted to committee rooms and offices, elsewhere specified. Ascent to the other stories may be made by elevators, but visitors will generally prefer to walk up one or the lUher of the grand stair-cases. The Assembly Staircase, on the north side, is of Dorchester freestone, of soft drab color; its ascent is easy, its design vigorous and scholarly. The cut elsewhere gives a better idea than words can do of its majestic proportions. The Golden Corri- DOR.-On arriving upon the second door by the assembly stair-case, will be seen the Golden Cor- ridor, 140 feet long by 20 wide and about 25 feet high, extending along the whole"court" side of the north cen- tre. Seven large win- dows opening upon this court divide the corri- dor into bays, 20 feet square. Each bay is flanked by piers be- tween which arches are turned and these arches sustain a low and rib- less groined vault. Mr. Montgomery Schuyler says : *' The piers are covered with a damask of red upon limber. The angle mould- ings are solidly gilded. The crimsom wall screen on both sides is overl.Tid with a sim- ple reticulation of gold lines framing ornaments in yellow The whole vault is gilded, and upon its ground of gold traversing each face of the vault, is a series of bands of minute ornament in brown, scarlet and deep blue. of crude color — is entirely Oriental: and the effect is Oriental also. The varying surfaces of the vaulting, each covered with fretted gold, give a vista, lengthened by the dwindling arches, alive with flashing lights and shimmering shadows; and under the iridescent ceiling there seems always to hang a luminous haze. In the quality of pure splendor there is no architectual decloration in this country which is comparable to this." Opening out of the corrtdor to the right, is the room originally intended for the court of appeals, but declined by the juflges as unsuitable for their The method — this cl- mosaic of minute quantitie INSIDE VIEW itt WIND* \V, ASSEMULY (, HA>;BER riKt-i'ijiCE. purpose. It is 60 feet square anil 25 feet high, sulidividecl intu parallelo- grams, one twice the mIiUIi uf the other, by a line of red granite columns carrying with broad luw arches a mar- ble wall. 'I'he walls .nre of sandstone, visible in some i)laces but covered in most with a decoration in deep red, and with the tall wainsc<'ling of oak, which (jecupiesihe wall above the dado of sandstone. 'I he ceding is a superb construction in carved oak carried on a system t)f beams diminishing in size from the great girders supported by great braces, anrl linally closed by oaken panels, profusely carved. The senate occupied this room previous to the completion of the senate chamber, and it has since been used for various purposes. .At the time of the " scare " in relation to the ceiling of the assem- bly chamber (in iS82-3),it was hastily 35 fitted up for occupation by the assembly, with gallery, etc. The members sat there one day and returned to their quarters. When the state library building was raided, this room and the Golden Corridor were utilized tempo- rarily for library purposes. The AssEMHi.Y Chamber. — Ascend- ing another flight of the staircase, we come to what is, without doubt, the grandest legislative hall in the world, the assembly chamber, 84 by 140 feet, including the galleries, although the chamber proper is but 84 by 55. Four great pillars, four feet in diameter, of red granite, sustain the largest groined stone arch in the world, the key-stune being 56 feel from the floor. These pillars and the arch which springs from them are the most striking feat- ures of the room, but it will bear a worUl of study. Mr. Schuyler says : "The perspective of the room is so arranged that from the entrance one looks through the large end of the iclescopc, as it were, down vistas framed in arches narrowing and vaults hanging lower as they recede, from the great red pillars on either hand, along the vast and ever-varying surfaces of the ceilings, their creamy sandstone faces divided by the sweep- ing lines of the deeper toned ribs and arches that uphold them, and Ireitcd with wide belts of ornament climbing their climbing courses, touched with the ticam ol gold and standing out from hollows filled with deep ultra marine and burning vcrmillion, to ' the dark backward and abysm ' of the remotest vault. Through the lower arches one sees the openings of the windows which flood the transept, not with the dim, religious light of old cathedrals, but with naked and open daylight. Around them wheel the intricate arabesques of their arches defined against a ground of vermilhon and encircled with bands of gold. Above and between the lower three, beneath the broad belt which is some day to carry a sculptured procession, the whole wall is covered with arabesques in a field of dull red. Above the upper arcide are glimpses of the draperies and trie attitudes of colossal painled figures. "One feels at once in this great stone room that he is in the presence of a noble monument, and that in what a mtisician would call the ' dis- persed harmony ' of this hiearchy of ordered masses, and tnis balance and opposition of sweeping curves there has been achieved in the America of the nineteenth century a work not unworthy to be compared with what has been done in more famous building ages. When the shock of such an impression has subsided, and he has time to examine the sources of this effect, he finds them in the general conception of the room rather than in any of its parts, or in any aggregation of them less than the whole. Here is a distinctly Gothic room, which in its plan has so many resemblances to a media;val church that it cannot be described without using the terms of ccclesiology, which yet has probably never reminded a single visitor of a church. Its civic character has been impressed upon it by the force of design alone, and mainly by the modeling of its masses, after the noble arrangement which this modeling assists. There is a vigor in it which reminds one of Romanesque or early (lothic, but it has none of the rudeness of Romanesque vaulted architecture, and none of the tentative imper- fection of early Gothic work. Except in one conspicuous instance, the structure is com- pletely developed, and complete development IS the mark of perfected Gothic. This com- pleteness, however, nowhere degenerates into the attenuation that comes of excessive sub- on her breast. The picture on the south- ern wall represents the Dis- coverer standing upright in a boat, dark against the sunset sky, For- tune erect behind him trimming the sail with her lifted left hand while her right holds the tiller. The boat is rising to a sea, and is attended by Hope at the prow, with one arm resting on it, and one pointing forward; Faith, whose face is buried in her arms, and who is floating with the tide, and Science unrolling a chart at the side. Van Brunt's Criticism. — Henry Van Brunt in an article in the Atlantic Monthly (May, 1879), characterizes these pictures as '* the most important of the kind yet executed in this country, " criticises them at length as architectual decorations and concludes as follows: " We cannot but consider that the opportunity has been mis- understood in a fundamental point, and that work of a far lower grade, than that of Mr. Hunt, would have better served the purpose. With all his strength of will, with all his skill in the adaptation of his tones, and all his fiery determination of drawing, he has been unable to conquer a right to fill such spaces with such work. It is a waste of great resources. " The writer then proceeds to consider these works of art simply as pictures, and says: "The artist has symbohzed the simultaneous occurrence of the revival of letters and the dis- cover' of America by the allegories of the Flight of Night and the Discoverer. The former has in its elements long been familiar to those who frequented Mr. Hunt's studio. It is, in fact, a flying cloud, the Fubstance and movement of which is figured by the suggestion of an aerial chariot drawn by three plunging steeds, to the mane of one of which clings a torch-bearing groom rather guiding than restraining the downward flight. High upon the cloudy seat sits a female figure, directing the vision with a gesture of her hand; and below, inveloped in a shadowy fold of fleecy drapery dimly portrayed, is a sleeping woman with a child, and over her hovers a little protecting spirit. The visionary character of the composition is unencumbered by any material appliance. There arc no reins, no harness, no chariot, no wheels. It is a pre- cipitous iiiovement of vapor poetically set forth with a superb flight of horses, and enough of human interest in the figure to suggest a mean- ing which each can interpret in his own way. It is a very fine point in the sentiment of the picture that the allegory is not forced upon the spectator by the insistence of vulgar acces- sories. The horses are drawn with magnficent spirit, and with the confidence and eian of a master. The human figures are little more than suggestive; they are fleeting visions— a part of a cloudy pageant. When illuminated by bright sunlight, or by the artificial lighting of the chamber at night, the vigorous mechan- ism of outline and color which are contrived to produce an effect, are somewhat unpleasantly betrayed. In the half light of the afternoon, the very qualities which are crudities, at other times, contribute to make up a pictorial har- motiy of the most effective and poetic kind. "The same may be said with even greater force of the Discoverer. A Hamlet-like man, in armor and cloak, stands conspicuous in a boat, riding half disclosed on a billowy swell of the ocean. Behind him, at the helm and hold- ing a bellying sail of drapery, stands a winged female figure in an attitude of dignity somewhat like that suggested by the Venus of Milo; and upon the prow, with her outlines defined against a bright rift in the western sky, leans a spirit of the water, with a frank, onward look and a gesture significant of confident hope. This figure seems to us the best in the group; it is beautifully drawn, and plays a happy part in the composition. Two other female figures float upon the waves. We have thus Fortune at the helm, and Hope at the prow. The guide-book shall interpret the rest of the alle- gory, which, to us, as compared with that portrayed on the opposite wall, is wanting m significance, and made up of too many elements and of too much of materialism to leave upon the mind a concrete poetic image. The com- position IS wanting in synplicity, and the effect of the whole depends upon a momentary mci- dent; the next instant of time beyond that depicted, the next wash of the uncertam bil- lows, will evidently throw the whole group into confusion. This impending catastrophe seems in some way to detract from the dignity of the allegory. The masters of the Renais- sance, wl^n they chose a sea pomp for their subjects, such as the Triumph of Galetea, the Rape of Europa, and the Venus Anadyomenc managed to spare us from doubts of this kind by a more multitudinous grouping of figures capable of falling into new combinations with- out loss of harmony. But Mr. Hunt's allegory is disjointed, and appears to need some harmonizing element to give us that feel- ing of security which accompanies the floating and flying groups of Guido, Rubens, and Anni- bale Caracci. The idea of the Flight of Night is in this respect, admirable; in a moment the cloudy vision will have departed, leaving a serene sky, and space for all the succeeding pageants of civilization." We are told, since Mr. Hunt's mel- ancholy death on the Isles of Shoals, that the tift)*-five days devoted by him- self and assistant to the painting of these pictures, by no means represented all the labor bestowed upon them. 38 The Discoverer was first drawn in char- for an easel picture. After accepting coal in the year 1S57. The Flight of the commission, Mr. Hunt's preparatory Night had been put on paper ten years work in his studio in Boston was of earlier, and had been designed simply nearly live months' duration. For the Flight of Night, the heads of the horses, their legs and feet were all freshly painted from life. The ijueen was painted from a life model. Sleep and the child were painted from life, also the dusky guide. For the other picture, the Discoverer, Science, Hope and Fortune, were painted from life models. The heads, hands and arms of these figures were also drawn and colored as separate studies. In all, 30 or more careful charcoal drawin^"^ and more than twelve pastels were made, besides 19 complete copies in oil, 17, 12 inches by 30, and two, 6 feet by 8. The work itself had to be done by a specified time, and this involved much anx- iety. Each morning the artist and his assistant were up to catch from the rising sun a fresh impression to carry to the work upon the Flight of Night. Kvery even- ing they watched the waning daylight, and noted the ef- fect of figures and objects against the setting sun, as a study for the Discoverer. Later on in the work, Mr. Hunt obtained from his as- sistant a solemn promise that if their efl'ort proved a failure, he would paint out both picluies in a single night. (See .Atlantic Month- ly for July, 1880.) Thk South Side Corri- dors. — The executive cham- bers, or the Governor's 39 rooms, are in the southeast corner on the second or entrance floor. On the way to this portion of the Capitol one is struck by two very important differ- ences in construction between the southern corridors and the correspond- ing passages on the north side of the building. These dift'erences consist in the use of colored marbles here for wainscoting, and in the admission of light by windows rising from the top of the wainscot above the level of the eye, and surrounding the doors leading into the various committee rooms that re- ceive direct light. The eft'ect of the wainscot is of great richness and var- iety, and it also seems substantial and enduring. The richness and variety of color is truly wonderful, and it contains in low tones more combinations than the most eleborate palettes of a painter could reach in a lifetime. The most prominent tints are shades and hues of red, and these are relieved by numberless colder tones, grays and browns predominating. The marble has been selected with a harmonious scale of color, and is put together in simple slabs, the joining edges of which are beveled perpendicularly and are held in place by a slightly convex string mould ng and a cap of brown stone, which, where they abut upon the doors, are daintily carved into ter- minal bosses, while the whole rests upon a moulded base of brown stone. This wainscot is more pleasing than any combination of tiles could be, but its eiTect would be entirely thrown away were in not for the means adopted for lighting the corridors through the win- dows mentioned above. The Go\ernor's Room is 60 feet long by 40 wide; the walls are wain- scoted to a height of 15 or 16 feet with mahogany, arranged in sfjuare panels surmounted with a band of carving and a carved moulding above. The space between this and the ceiling of maho- gany is covered with hangings of Spanish leather, which harmonize, in its soft tones of golden brown and red and olive, with the mahogany. On one side of the room is an enormous fireplace having a shelf and several emblematic panels of elaborate carving above it. The ceiling is composed of beams, which divide the space into panels, having rails perforated in the form of a quatrffoil surrounding the panel. There are convenient arrange- ments to connect with the offices of the executive attendants and the bill room bv small doors in the panelling, and altogether the room is well adapted to the reception of persons having busi- ness to transact with the Governor and his assistants. The Corridor of Columns. — As- cending from this floor by the com- modious and easily running elevator, we find ourselves in a corridor similar to that previously described, which leads into a broader one, running east and west along the north side of the Senate chamber. This last named corridor, which is after plans furnished by Mr. Eidlitz, is entirely lined and vaulted with sandstone, and has a row of columns in the centre, above which there is a double arched vault extending to eilher wall. L'pon this spacious corridor open the main doors leading to the Senate chamber. The Senate Chamber, in the rich- ness and variety of its decoration, is equalled only by the famous St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice. Its treatment was assigned to Mr. Richardson, and of his success there can be no question. The space in which he had to work was 60 feet in breadth, nearly 100 in length, and about 50 in height. He has reduced the plan of the room to a nearly square form, cutting off from either end of it the lobbies, above which are placed the galleries, opening on the chamber proper. These lob- bies, opening from the corridors, are simple in treatment. Vet by a slight 4° similiarity in detail they, in a measure, wall, from which the chamber is prepare the eye for the Senate chamber lighted by three large openings itself. They are wainscoted with light rising from a level with the floor marble, arranged panelwise in slal)S and six lesser openings near the and rails, and are ceiled with cjuartered ceiling. Tm'O of the large windows oak. I'rom the west lobby opens the are Idled with disks of stained glass, Lieutenant-Ciovcrnor's room, comfort- which shade from browns and rubies ably littcd up with a carved and pol- near the tloor through olives and golden ished mahogany wainscot and fireplace, hues to the semi-circular tops, which Akl.ll IN nili I.CJDHV. and an oak ceiling supported on corbels are filled with varied iridescent and of marble. By the arrangement of the opalescent tint. The central window galleries over the lol)bies, the actual is obscured by the reredos behind the floor space of the Senate chamber president's desk, which rises to the proper is reduced to about 60 feet by 55. spring of the window arches but does Entering on this floor by the main not cover the semi-circular window- doorway from the vaulted corridor head, which, like the others, is filled above described we first see the south with many hued opalescent glass. The 41 stained glass has been used not only to add brilliancy of color, but to avoid the glare of light that has proved so objec- tionable in some of the other rooms. These windows are arched, and the stone mouldings above and below them are carved with intricate and delicate patterns of interwoven lace-HUe forms and a carved ban