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Oj^yj^fMP&jMfiE TTEERE TO GO TO-DAY. Ts&ttr Hay sf BBS Empire Bute 6opi#«v cf the T*r.lT»4 State*. Daurhter* of 1612, at Delmor.lro« OtTlcer* fron: :he Xrs.y ana Navy will b* ruestc. Rer*pt.lon 12:30 p. in.: 'eon. 1 p. a.; exercise*. *:3<) p. rn'. leom* tv Mrr R. K»e» la her court* si • < i!r»- Og»r at :h» home cf Mra. W. H. Pomeroy. So. S7» W>rt En(j-*ve.. 11 a- am. Wmkir pr«vtr meeting ef the L*«"ie»* Christian TTr.icm. in tl.e rhtr»l ct the Broadway T»r*rnac!e, Thlrty fttarU>-«t. «R.i £:xih-«v*.. 11 - m. r*lr for the benefit cf th« BlaiihUMi Day Nn»r> in the fiitra it:ss.& Turn Hall. Brook-et.. Srepleton. Staien I»:aa4. ccr.t:ru:r^ through r«ecerr.ber 22. eVSßiar Biattlut/ of the Wednasdar Afternoon Club at th* tomt> of ilrm. A. B. Sicn*. No. ISO Central Park £ou;fi, L '.-.I ;. n. FESTIVALS OF THE JEWS. HER. GOTTHEIL TELLS OF THEIR SIG NIFICANCE — CHANUKAH NEARLY COINCIDENT WITH CHRISTMAS. The New-Tork Council of Jewish Women met feftertay afternoon in the vestry of Temple l*rae: FUth-cve. anfl One-fcunfired-and-twenty f.r:h-« A rumber of men were present, as the rankers Included Swaml Abhedanar.da asS the Rev. Thomas R. Slicer. Mrs. Frederick Nathan rfportefl en the work of the Committee on Re 'r.r.rr., e.r.l Mr*. Esther Ruskay gave a brilliant paper c •Currer.t Toplc-s" es related to Jewish •Sain & Europe end America, after which Mrs. T > .i;fcarCi<Jorthe!l read a paper on the historical ••pec: o? festivals la general, and the slpriificance * «¦* Jewish festivals, especially the Chanukah, fcM-fa is nearly coincident with Christmas. '•HBwtßrtaal continuity." she raid, "holfl* men to gether maw than a common language cr home. The Englishmen in Australia, India, Canada and f outh Africa are hour I by nothing co much as by thr history and traditions of the little island that i* the heart cf the English race. Ir we esk what force binds the Jews together, the answer* are many, but few express it wholly. We are bound by a common past, a common suffering, a com tn^r future. Th" forces are largely spiritual, but *c have expressed them In symbols that appeal to the heart. The rmbodiment of ideas in forms ana CFremcr.les is nowhere more marked than among the Jews. Theirs is a religion at deeds, not dog jras "Chief among these observances are the ff-stjvals. It does not matter whence they came, whether from Ir.Sla or Egypt, from a barbarous or elvll'.^d source. The or.ly important point is what we have ir.*de of them. The PasFover may be related to ether festivals cf other peoples, but to the Jew it weans the deljveranre from Egypt. The Marcs bean festival, the Ch"nuks' symriolizes the cour ere end faith of the Mfi^rabees, who waged a long ftrupp> •:. defen"?e of their homes, their Mate end The:r reilpion. This festival occurs co nearly coin eicent with the Christian festival of Christmas that there is danger that the observance of one may he lost in a gradual assimilation with the ether." Mrs. Gotthei! -red Ftrongly that the Jews ehoull rets.:n the rer.se cf facredness of their own fes tiVEl. end not be led ty a false idea of liberality into riving place to the Christmas tree ard other Osentlalbr ChriFtlan observances of the Christian W«. "I do not mean to say one word agair.Ft tfif:r reverenre for that day. I should be a poor Jewess, indeed. If my faith made me intolerant of try other But I do assert thai we set perve the cctamunity in which we li\e by being the best Jtwr we can," she naJd. Svarr.i Afchedananda. wkc wore the terra cotta robe, rf his order, traced the similarities of feasts end Tart* in many countries, and was followed by 'he Rev. Thomas R. Slicer. L±T)T nVGGIKS-S ACHIEVEMENTS. Lae\ Hurf'na wife cf the newly appointed presi dent rf the Royal Society of England, Is regarded tf fully TTttfjffl to a chare in the honors of that ;>os:tlon Jrora her own achievements in the science cf astronomy. Eh* has chared her hurband's labors upt KTOGUCS. **• of the new president of the Royal Society. •Rd researches, er.3 been a partner in many of his ttocoverieg. l fi!r William Hurgiss received his title. Knirht ' '-orrsiirder of tee Bat a, !n V&1. and Is now •eventy-*!* year* old. Their home, at Tulse Hill, is «?* resort of celebrities, especially In the scientiac world. A Suggestion for Holiday Gifts COLGATE'S Soaps and Perfumes. STYLES TN VET.VFT HATS. ItrXFFITS OF TISIBTF SPEECH. A LBCTCatS GIVEN YESTERDAY BY ALEX ANDER MELVILLE EELL Professor Alexander Melville Bell repeated yester day afternoon before the Visible Speech Club, at its rooms, in the Berkeley Lyceum, the lecture given IfMstaty at Columbia University. "Visible speech is the orpanlc action of Fr^"* r b renderei in symbols." paid Professor Bell. "It is Iks invisible elements made visible by revealing the mechanism that controls them. Its object is to lmr- F,->eerh by making a correct use of the vocal organs possible through understanding their nature Faults sf speech are caused by faulty adjustment of the organs of speech. "A knowledge of visible speech is now required from all candidates for the office of oral teacher of the deaf, but the df-af pupils themselves have rot been generally Instructed ln the eystem. When they are, a marked improvement in results will be certainly achieved. • correction of defects, impediments and ldlosyncracies of speech will be perfectly attained by competent t^a' hers of visible speech. The pro -ruage will be unfailingly taught. Pr.«-fik>-rs of our own language v-i.l acquire Its pure pronunciation, and teachers of foreign languages difficulty removed from the work of foreign accent and utter' • the cultivation of the voice in ¦yetem i.- especially beneficial." Bel! re-cued "The Quality of Mercy Is ained" in the way in which it was spoken Kespeare'e time, and gave also an old Scot tiih poem. "The King.* Visit to Edinburgh." by Robert Howden, gardener at Hawthornden, which, Id. he '-found la a volume of trash." Many mell known persons were in the audience, and Professor Bell htid an impromptu reception after his lecture. REGARDiyG THE HOME. A WAY TO RAISE THE TONE OF DOMESTIC SERVICE SUGGESTED BT A COR RESPONDENT. To the Editor of The Tribune. Sir: I heartr.y agre* with the letter published on December 4 entitled "Is the Home Disappearing?" We BJBSSI all admit that the home has already largely d'.Eappeared, and Brill soon be a matter of history unless vital measures are taken at once by the mothers and daughters of those homes . still standing. As a remedy for the present sad state of affair? allow me to suggest: First— That -we raise the tone of domestic service by making it a profession, and by encouraging a i better class of girlß to enter the ranks. This can j be done by giving them free instruction, regular i hours and pood salaries. ! Second— Let the Government establish free schools j of domestic science, with diplomas and degrees I granted, and make it compulsory for all girls at j tending the public Frhoois to attend domestic classes as r&rt of their regular training. Third— Let the club women and all women who torcplaln of the existing state of affairs contribute erne daughter to learn to teach in such schools. and thus help to raise the tone and show their sarnestness in the matter. Fourth- Let it be taught practically In homes and schools and proclaimed in churches and on the housetops that no work is menial unless It is badly don*. When brainwork and housework are badly done both fink to the lowest level of drudgery. Surely in N^w-York City, where every convenience is at one> finger tips, domestic sen-ice need be no more menial than nnrsins the sick. Fifth— Let us who are mothers, housekeepers and homemakers try to make work at home attractive to our sons and daughters by working- ourselves and showing them the beet nd easiest way to &a things properly, and if we do not know how let us leara with them. Let us simplify our mode of life, our tsstes and our pleasures." and find more happiness In being an<s working together as a fam ily than in anything el?e in the world. We will reap our reward for the present labor and self-denial in bavins; healthy, happy, home lovlns children, and In beiriir healthy and happy ourselves, instead of being physical and social wrecks. Sixth— Let us ever remember that our present race of Incompetent servants became and remain Incompetent through ignorance and lack of good home influence*. It is therefore not their fault. but their and our misfortune; but. thank heaven, It is a misfortune that can be remedied as soon as clever, sensible women put their hands to the wheel and say "It shall be done!" Yours truly. RETTA LONOSTREET LONG. No. SO East Twentleth-st.. New-York City. Dec. 17. 190 D. TO i:\TFRTAIX BERSEARDT. The urns! pleasant gathering of women graced | the Twelfth Night Club at Its monthly social yes terday afternoon at the Berkeley Lyceum. The hostesses were Sellna Fetter Royle, Adelaide Fltz Allan and Ren* Belasco. The tea table presented a true holiday picture', with its decorations of holly and a tiny Christmas tree for a centre piece, trimmed and lighted with candles. The musical programme comprised soprano solos by Mies Lucle Stalnback. the waits song from "Romeo and Juliet." and "The Rose." Mrs. Har riet Bibley Ward contributed two Interesting read ings, The guest* included Mrs. O. S. Tleer. of Ken tucky: Mrs. W. J. Ewan, Mr- F. Coykendall, Mrs. | I. M. Timmerman, Mrs. Martha Itoyle King. Mm. Louis Mather. Miss Blanche Bates, Mrs. Henry J. B*lcer Mlm Sophie Curtis. Miss Ethel Keeney. of Ban Francisco; Miss M. Lawrence and Miss Pax ! sons. The president, Mrs. Alice Fischer Hsrccurt, cre ated a derided flutter among the members, when ehe arrived late, by her announcement that Mme. Bemhardt and M. Coquelin had "accepted" for a special reception to be given them by the Twelfth Night one afternoon during the last week In De cember. LOWER 11 1 SSI OX APPEAL. The room* of the New-York Flower Mission. No. I JO* East Twentleth-et., will open for Its thlrty j first Christmas season at 8:35 o'clock this morning. to be continued for the rest of the week. An ap peal has been issued for donations of evergreens, I pictures. Christinas cards, fruit. Jelly and candy for the island hospitals and insane asylums; cloth ing and supplies, f specially condensed milk and i beef f-jct.r&'f for the tenement houj>e sick and in- I firm, and toys and doiis for sick, crippled or boor children. NEW- YORK D\TLY TRIBUNE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10. 1000. GREETINGS FROM THE WEST. Edward L. Wilson a T. S. B. member who Is tarrying In the West on account of 111 health, writes: "The Joy of Christmas Is upon us. and I •end greetings to you and all the dear Sunshine member*. God bless you good work. If the follow ing poem has not been published please print It. so It may help to give "Sunshine all around": Are you shining for Jesus, darling. Shining Just everywhere. Not only In easy places— Not only Just here and there. Shining In happy gatherings. Where all are loved and known: Shining where all are strangers. Shining when quite alone? Shining at home and making True sunshine all around? Shining at school, and faithful— Perhaps among faithless— found. -{Frances Ridley Havergal. PERFFMED SUNSHINE The Tribune Sunshine Society has been the re cipient of a most generous gift from Plnaud. the perfumer, of Paris and New-York. It consisted of 4.500 bottles of perfume, brought expressly from Paris for the special purpose r.f giving •unshlne. There are different perfume*, and each ho" 1 * bears the label. "Parfumerie Ed. Plnaud-. to the Tribune Sunshine Society. Christmas. 1900. Thes-r are being sent lr. all the branch boxes that are going to the several States and also abroad Each one who receives a bottle will hold a pleasant memory of the generous givar. MONEY ACKNOWLEDGED The sum of $5 has been received, without a name, to be used as special Christmas cheer; Mrs Stott has contributed $1; Mrs. W. L Haskin. fl; Mr Alex ander. ¦ cents; Mrs. P. E. Howen. SI. and G. E. Mead, five cents: Mrs. Theron E. Parsons. SI: Miss <; C, of Philadelphia, ib. lnette A. DoytM and Mr?. Bernstein, five cents. GOOD CHEER RECEIVED. The new T. S. S. branch of Rondout. N. V.. sent a large box of splendid sunshine. There were twen ty-four filled bags for the "Little Mothers": also ten niehtlngale? for Invalids, eleven flannel skirts, lour sacks, two baby caps, two blankets, two pairs of leggings, one pair of bedroom shoes and one pair of extra mittens. Everything was new and beauti fully made. One box came from Mrs. Stott, two filled bags from Pearl I.ukens, a box with this mes sage. "A Merry Christmas to three Little Mothers and blessings for the T. S. P." from X. Y. Z.: one box. from Mrs. E. S. Van Dusen: one box, from B. M. Tremper; games and books, from J. S. V.; a box. from "An Old Woman's Rummage Box": a large box. from Gladys AUer; another, from E. D. S.; one box of dainty gifts, from Mrs. Charles E. Grant: three filled bags, from "Orange. N. J.": one doll and clothing, without a name; one box^ from Celeste and Dorothy Duryea: nine booklets, without a name: two filled bags, from Myra Scott Chicker ing- one filled bag. from Louise Hamilton Bowman: lovely Christmas cards, from Mrs. Lisa A. Fletcher, pictures from Miss M. D. Brine: calendars for in valids from Miss C S. Harman: a package, from Miss Barry: an autoharp. a girl's sewing machine, a doll and many other things, from Mrs. Henry Parsons- nine new flannel skirts, two sacks, a hood and doll, from L. R. and J. S. Govan; a box. from Ida and Edna Raymond: a box of helpful articles, from Mrs. A. B. Stllson; three fine cushions, from Mrs. Alexander S. Webb: one large package of women's and children's clothing, without a name: two filled bags, from Mrs. A. B. Sterling: two pack ages, containing bags, cards, needle books, etc.. from Dover (N. H.). Branch No. 1: one package, from Mrs. E. R. Denniston: one. from Mrs. S. Johnston: one. from Mr?. Mary Dayton, and numer ous packages without the names of the fenders. — (The Ladies' Fie' INVITATION TO MEMBERS. The T. 5. B. member? are cordially Invited to b* present at the Christmas festival of the Italian school at No. 15fi Leonard-st_, this city, to-day at 3:30 o'clock. This is one of the T. S S. mission branches, and the society Is always !rtere?ted in the success of Its work. A r-HEEP.Y RIFT. Mrs. S. Bernstein, Ftate president of Pennsyl vania, has sent by express a box containing a frntt cake for the Christmas luncheon of the Sunshine staff. It was accompanied by a note expressing a good wish for a "merry Christmas and a brirht. prosperous new year for all the members." BUSY DAT AT THE OFFICE. The distribution of sunshine yesterday exceeded any single day's work ln the history of the society. Boxes containing thousands of gifts were sent by express to the following branches: Conant, Fla.: Kar.sas City, Mo.: New-Haven. Ponn.: East Hamp- Btead, N. H.; Peekskill. N. V.; Mertick. Long Island: Allendale. N. J.; Paterson, N. V. ; Dover, N. H. : Havana, Cuba: Worcester, Mass.: Hoboke^ N. J . and Hicksvllle, Long Island. Packages of cWhing. games, toys, books, etc., were sent to an East Side Settlement, to a poor family in Bayonne, N. J., to two needy families in Manhattan, several ppecial plfts of clothing and Jellies to Invalids and a package to Mre. Moise for colored children. The fine Bilk quilt sent by Mrs A. Burns, of Mer rick, I^ong Island, has been forwarded to an almost helpless invalid in Brooklyn, who did not have suf ticier.t clothing for her bed. GOOD DONE BT THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL. ALLIANCE IN DISTRIBUTING READ ING MATTER. The Messiah Branch of the Women's National Alliance met yesterday morning at the Church of the Messiah. Mrs. W. S. Burton opened the busi ness meeting at 10 a. m. and called on Dr. Ethel Blackwell for the secretary's report. Mention was made In the report of the new church Just opened at Shelter Neck, N. C., toward which the various alliances have contributed largely. The new church at Ottawa. Canada, has also been largely aided by the Branch Alliance, and the visits to Ottawa of the Alliance director. Mrs. vis. have done much toward arousing sympathy and securing help for the cause there. Mrs. C. E. F'.ske read an account of the Na tional Alliance meeting in Boston, and several encouraging reports from new churches and move ments In which the National Alliance has been most helpful. The Postofflce Mission report consisted of letter from faraway points. One from the chaplain of the United States Army post at Fort Sill. Okla homa, told of the appreciation by the soldiers sta tioned there of the barrels of reading matter sent by Mrs. Addison F. Andrews. Another letter from Collyer. Kan. (a small place named for Robert Collyer). spoke of the many homes into which the books and sermons find their way and the good done by th» magazines in keeping people in touch with what is going on in and around the great cities. Miss Brigham. of Grafton. Mass., spoke on the origin and growth of the Lend-a-Hand clubs and the travelling libraries connected with them. Sh« asked for help to extend the work and to establish permanent libraries in out of the way places, es pecially among th» miners of the country and among convicts. Dr. Edward E. Hale is president of the society. Mrs. James T. Field* is one of the directors. At 11 o'clock Dr. Savage began his talk on "The History of the Old Testament" by stating that many people deprecated what they called criticism of the Bible, so prevalent row. but. said he. "our criticism is not of the Bible, but of the theories heM concerning the Bible." He discussed the au thorship of the first five bock?, commonly held to have been written by Moses, but showed that they contained accounts of many things which did not take place until Loaf after the time of Moses. He •{•'¦ke of the two different versions of the Creation. arid drew attention to the statement that light was created three day* before the sun. moon and stars. He described briefly the differing traditions hell about the fail of man. Its time and place, that held by the Greeks and Romans and the one taught by Prometheus being diametrically opposed to each other. Many questions were asked and a short discussion closed the lecture, after which there were a luncheon and the usual social hour. FOR PEOPLE TX THE ROUTH. Booker T. Washington, principal of 1 uakegee Normal and Industrial Institute, will be g!ad to »--rv« as a medium, for the distribution of books, old or new. Christmas cards and other gifts that will bring cheer and comfort to many who would otherwise have no Christmas. Persons who would like to aid in making the holidays happy and bright for young colored people on the S-.iithern planta tions are requested to send contributions U» Mr. I Washington. Tutkegee. Ala. GOOD CHEER. Hare you had • kindness shown? Pass It on. Twm not elves for yon alone— Pun It on. Let It travel down the yean, Let It wipe another's tear*. Till in heaven the deed appear*. Pin It on. THE POSTOFFICE MISFIOX. MR. PL ATT AND AX ARMORY POLITICAL INFLUENCE CHARGED IN THE AWARDING OF A CONTRACT LITTLE CONFIRMATION, BUT NO DENIAL. "The New-Tork Journal" yesterday published an article and several letters in support of it charging that Senator Platt in July last, when preparations /were being made to build an armory at Medina. Orleans County, used his Influence, through Will iam J. Youngs, the secretary to the Governor, to have the contract given to Filklns * De Graft, of Medina, although Thomas Whalen. of Ogdensburg. was the lowest bidder for the work. The trans action Itself does not appear to have been of special importance and the principal Interest In the letters is their frank Indication of a political purpose In doing what might possibly have been warranted on public grounds. The bids were opened by a Board consisting of Adjutant-General Hoffman. General James McLeer and General Peter C. Doyle. Whalen's proposal was 142.437 and Fiikins ADe GrafTs $42,845. "The Journal" says further that Fiikins wrote to Senator Platt and also appealed to Irving L'Hom medleu. State Committeeman from the XXXth Con gress District, for assistance in obtaining the con tract, and that Mr. L'Hommedieu wrote the fol lowing letter to Senator Platt: 3S|sj f^ator: Medina, ft. V.. July 14. Isoo. CDn?er^7 f«; nn * tor: Mr - Fiikins wrote you recently «rS J. Jhf contract for the armory to be con of^Fiivfn at i r? P A ace - By accepting the proposition tfrJ f 8*? D-TD -T Graff In preference to the proposi rnii tSrt? Mr - "alen. of Ogdensburg. it will only cost $400 more to have the contract awarded to JMikins & De Graff in preference to Mr. Whalen. This contract is to be awarded by the Armory Commission of which General Hoffman is the one who will undoubtedly control Senator Ellsworth and myself have seen General Horrman but I wish you would find some means of communicating with General Hoffman or with Senator Fassett. of Elmira. who is a particular friend of his. with a view of hav'ng General Hoff man influence the Commission to have this con- I tract awarded to Filklns & De Graff Frankly this matter Is of great political mo ment locally; it is also of considerable Interest to Senator Ellsworth that Mr. Filkins's interests ! should be recognized at this time. By reason of some developments at our recent district conven tion, the Niagara County people failed to keep an ; agreement of theirs to send Mr. Filklns to the ' National Convention, which somewhat angered Mr. ; I-Ilkins, so much so that great pressure has been < brought to bear to defeat Senator Ellsworth for i renomination by having the Orleans delegates vote for Ellis, of Genesee. I would iike to be relieved of«thls embarrassment by having Mr. Filklns taken care of at this time. He has been a lifelong friend of yours, as you know, and has had very little recognition at the hands of the local district organization. Sincerely yours. IRVING L'HOMMEDIEU. Mr. Filkins's letter to Senator Platt. as published, follows: Medina. N. V.. July 13. 1900. My Dear Mr. Platt: Fortune seems to be driving me all the time to asking favors of you Instead of conferring them. ! I know that you must have your hands very full, and ten thousand favors asked of you, which requires, on your part, a very great deal of patience, etc. But a matter which is of some Interest to me and to the Republicans of this county is at st*ke. It is the building of the armory here at Medina of Medina sandstone. Yes terday at Albany some six or seven bids were j made and a bid made by myself and Mr. De Graff I made Jointly, was the lowrst of any of them, except one made by Mr. Whalen. of Ogdensburg. Hfs I bid was not a straight bid. that Is. not a bid on all i the matters to be furnished; but by the method of ! bidding his bid will be from J4<v> to JJSTO less than D? Graff and myself. He has not furnished a cer tified check to within $200 or $300 of the amount required by law. We don't know the politics >f Mr. Whalen. but •*• do know that he Is in with one or two quarry owners in this county who are Democrats, and it would be the laughing stock of the entire county IT these Democratic quarry owners should get the Job of furnishing the stone and a Democrat should get the Job of bulldlnr the armory. Mr. De Graff owns a first class quarry in this county, and is a leading Republican and a delegate to the next State Con vention, and I own another large quarry, and we put our bids together: it went in under the name of Filklns & De Graff. Mr. L'Hommedieu is in New-York now. and is very much Interested In Filklns & De Graff getting the contract for the entire armory, as he has other fish to fry in connection with It. We need that armory to handle here In the poli ties of this county, and 11 can be done very ef fectively. The question is. whether a foreigner, having no Interest In the politics of this county, having no Interest In the quarries of. this county, having no Interest In anything in this county, should be awarded thir Job. when the county itself Is to pay a very large amount toward it. and also whether the retting and furnishing the stone and doing nearly all the work, anfl furnlshinr all the rest of the matters connected with the armory, should be given to a lot of Democrats. You know how to manage this thing. We want the Job more for the politics than for the money 'there is In It. If you can possibly aid us in this matter it will certainly be remembered, and I think you know how to do it. Very sincerely yours; S. E. FILKIXS. Senator Platt's part Iti the affair. "The Journal" charges, was the writing of the following letter: New- York. July I*s, 1900 Hon. William J. Youngs, Executive Chamber, Al banr. N. Y. My Dear Youngs: T wish you would please read carefully the attached letters from my friends. S. E. Fllktns and Irving I/Hommedleu, which are self-explanatory. I do not know Just how I can properly achieve the result which they seek: but it strikes me that you. being on the ground and pre sumably having relations with the officials con cerned, can find a way to accomplish It. I regard its accomplishment as of considerable political con sequence, and I would like to have you do what you can in the Interest of these pentlemen. Please re turn their letters. Yours truly, T. C. PLATT. The reply of Secretary Youngs, dated at Albany July 11, "The Journal" says, was the following !etter: Hon. T. C. Platt. No. 49 Broadway, New-York. My D*ar Senator: Yours of the 16th inst.. with lnclo«nires. is Just received. I reinclose the letters to you. thinking you may wish to retain them. I have Just seer. General Hoffman In relation to this matter, and he tells me that he is one of the three who compose the Board, the other two being Gen eral McLeer, of Brooklyn, and General Doyle, of Buffalo. I don't know about McLeer, but Doyle ii< a Dem ocrat. I dr. not know whether you can reach him throusrh Kreldenheimer or not. The meeting is to be held here to-morrow, at which these bids will be considered. General Hoffman went to see Mr. Ode!! yesterday afternoon, but found him out. He says that he has consulted with Colonel Ellsworth on three separate occasions, and Mr. L'Hommedieu on two other occasions In regard to this matter, and If in any way he can consistently and properly under the law do as requested, he, will, of course, be happy to do bo. I will try to see General McLeer to-morrow morn inpr. As to the check being sufficient in amount, the matter will be submitted to the Attorney-General for report to-day. I will be in to see you at the very first opportunity. Faithfully yours. WILLIAM J. YOUNGS. The article goes on to say that on August 27 the Armory Board threw out Whalen's bid. on the ground that his check, deposited in accordance with the requirements of law. was for $2,000. Instead of the proper amount. $2,121. and awarded the con tract to Ftlkins & De Graff. Whalen contends that his check was sufficient, declaring that it covered & per cent of the contract price. LAW NOT COMPLIED WITH. INSUFFICIENT CHECK LOST CONTRACT FOR MR. WHALEN— OFFICIALS AT AL BANY INTERVIEWED. Albany. Dec. IS (Special).— There was a eosisidejr able flurry among State officials to-day in conse quence of the publication by a New-York paper of alleged letters relating to the Medina armory contract. Inquiry at the office of Adjutant-General Hoffman shows that Mr. Whalen's bid was for H2.4.TT 82. and that the firm of Ftlklns & De Graff, of Medina, had submitted a bid of 342.845. The Armory Commission, which had the awarding of the contract, was composed of Adjutant-General Hoffman. Brigadier-General McLeer. of Kings County, and Brigadier-General Doyle, of Buffalo. The secretary of the Commission said tfv-day: It was discovered that the check of Mr. Whalen was not of sufficient amount, and therefor© it was returned to him and the contract was awarded to ; Filklns & De Graff. The secretary then pointed to the following para graphs in the specifications: Each bid must be accompanied by a deposit of cash or by a certified check, equal in amount to 5 per <-ent of the amount of th« bid. as an evidence of good faith, and to the effect that If the pro : posal of the bidder should be accepted the bidder will enter Into a contract and furnish satisfactory ' bond of a regular surety or guarantee company , Checks to be made payable to the order of Major j General Charles F. R«-e. Contracts will be awarded to the lowest respon sible and reliable bidders for each division of the work, or for the whole »rrk. as may be deemed for the best Interests of the State, unless the bids ; exceed th« amount of the funds available therefor, I In which case, the State reserves the right to reject all bids. Adjutant-General Hoffman, when asked about the awarding of the contract, said: "I believe that I acted In the Interest of the State, and that Is all I care to say. except that only two of the con tractors bid below the 150.000 which we had to ex pend." Deputy Attorney-General Parsons, when asked 1 about his relations to the affair, said: I •The Armory Board sent for me. and said the bid i et Mr. Whalen was not accompanied by any guar quired that a check for a certain proportion off the contract should be filed with them with the Wd. and this had not been done. I advised that It was discretionary with then, whether or sot to con sider the bid. by reason of that failure aad te re adverttse for bids: or. it. they thought the best tn tsrests of the State i squired it they const let the contract to the next highest bidder. No poUtkrtan came to me about this contract. I did not know the politics of Mr. Whalen. The Armory Commis sion usually requires a cheek for s per cent of the bid. as a guarantee that the bidder wUI eater into a contract, and if the bidder afterward refuses to fulfil his contract the check Is held to Indemnify the State for the cost of again advertising the contract desired. 1 do not think *he Armory Commis sion ever gives a contract to a man where Its mem bers have advertised that a contract bid must be accompanied by a certified check, If the check does not come with the bid." "Did you consult Attorney-General Davies about this opinion you gave the Armory Commission T' "I did not, for Mr. Davies was not here on the day the Armory Commission met, and he knew nothing about the matter, nor did I report It to him. Mv being called in to give such opinions to State of ficials is a matter of ordinary occurrence. Only ln matters of serious Importance do we write opinions, and then when requested." Attorney-General Davies said he had nothing to say upon the subject that Mr. Parsons had told the relation of the Attorney-General's Department to the awarding of that contract. Mr. Youngs, when asked if he had received the alleged letter from Senator Platt. said. "I have nothing to say about that matter." It was at first suspected in Albany that Senator Platt's alleged letter and the alleged letters of Mr. Fllklns and Mr. Youngs and Mr. L'Hommedieu had ail been stolen or copied In the Executive Chamber, and there Is still a strong suspicion that this is what occurred. A copy of the letter of At torney-General Davies on the Van Wyck charges was recently surreptitiously copied in the Execu tive Chamber. Other documents have appeared within the last year supposed to have been ob tained ln the same manner. Politicians are won dering what the next publication will be of confi dential letters or confidential official reports on file In the Executive Chamber. Governor Roosevelt will be here to-morrow. MISS BRUSH'S WILL CONTEST. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CURED HER OF PNEUMONIA. HEALERS SAT. George W. De Lane resumed the witness stand before Surrogate Fitzgerald yesterday, and under cross-examination by John M. Bowers continued giving testimony In the contest brought against the probate of the will of Miss Helen Brush. Mr. Bowers questioned De Lane closely as to the affairs of the First Church of Christ. Scientist. The wit ness finally remembered receiving $1,000 for some special work. Mrs. Augusta E. Stetson, the first reader of the church, had received a salary of $5,000 a year He had heard that Miss Brush had loaned the church $3,000 a year before her death. With the testimony of Mr. De Lane the pro ponents of the will rested, and Mr. Bowers called Joseph B. Whitney, the treasurer of the First Church of Christ. He said that in March. IMS. Miss Brush gave $23 to the church. On April 16. 1839. she gave $1,000 and in December of the same year $5,000. These sums were for the building fund. In De cember. 1599. she contributed $+> to the mainten ance fund. Mr. Whitney remembered that Miss Brush had loaned the church $3,000 in February. 1899. Miss Erhelin Da Deetz testified that she had been taken to Miss Brush by Mrs. Stetson for the pur pose of helping to heal Miss Brush. Miss Brush had been In a low condition when the witness had first gone to her house. She had given her the im personal treatment. Mrs. Stetson had called dally. and there had been also another assistant healer. Miss Brush had been suffering from pneumonia. No medicines were used. "Did her condition improve under your treat ment?** was asked. "Yes. Indeed. She entirely recovered." "Did you tell her that Christian Science could cure consumption "I did." "In fact, you told her that It was In the power of Christian Science to heal all diseases, even those that are regarded as necessarily fatal?'* •'Yes." The witness said that she had been healed by Christian Science after having been a mental and physical wreck for more than fifteen years. "I noticed." continued Miss Deetz, "that in March or April. 1900. Miss Brush needed treatment— for her physical condition, however." "Then for what?" asked Mr. Bowers. "For persecution. She had a very hard problem to meet. I thought she needed spiritual support." Trouble with her relatives, In Miss Deetz's opin ion, caused Miss Brush's mental suffering. "She appeared." said the witness, "to be having a struggle with some physical discord." Miss Deetz said that there was much opposition in Miss Brush's family when she became interested in Christian Science. "It Is an obstacle we fre quently meet," said Miss Deetz. "And Miss Brush recovered under the obstacle*''" "Yes." "Hers was a remarkable case, was It not?** "It was. It proved the power of Christian Science to overcome obstacles." "After Miss Brush's cure was the opposition stopped r* **~ "No. it Increased. On Recount of It I was forced to cease my visits to her house." "Have you ever treated contaa diseases'*** "Yes." "Do you report such cases to the Board of Health?" "Not necessarily." "What contagious diseases have you treated?"* "Diphtheria and measles." The diphtheria. It developed, was attended by what Is known as the distant treatment. Miss Deets said she understood that It was fo^hrßoird^rH^af/h.^ SOCi *" tO rep ° CM Adjourned until to-day. W. A. rOFFrf DEXIES REBIGXATIOX. CHANGE IS ARRANOEMSJJTS TOR PAX-AMBRICAJT EXPOSITION 1 of FINE ARTS. William A. Coffln. Director of Fine Arts of the Pan-American Exposition, when seen at his office in West Flrty-seventh-st. yesterday denied the report of his resignation from connection with the exposition. He said that the report was the. outgrowth of rumors circulated at the time it was found that the Albright Art Gallery could not be finished In time for the exposition and while other plans for housing the art exhibit were still under discussion. Misinformed people had circulated re ports that the division of fine arts was to be abol ished, and that Mr. CoOn had resigned. In explanation of the new plan, the Pan-Ameri can Exposition Company announces a change In the arrangements for the exhibition of fine arts. On account of difficulties in procuring the kind of marble chosen for the construction of the Albright Art Gallery, it Is found that the building cannot be completed in time for the opening of the ex position In May. The Albright Art Gallery Indeed cannot be finished, from the present outlook, until some time in the autumn. The directors of the exposition, therefore, have decided to build a gal lery of brick and iron, which will correspond in the arrangement of the galleries with those of the Albright Gallery. This new building, work upon which will be begun immediately, will be finished and ready for the Installation of the fine arts ex hibit at the time of the opening of the exposition. It will occupy a fine site In the exposition grounds, but not close to the exposition buildings, many of which are constructed of wood and staff. The ex hibition of fine arts, therefore, will be made up on the plans already announced, which are to secure a very high class and comprehensive exhibition of American art. Including a retrospective exhibition of the highest artistic character. PRIZES AT XEW-EXGLAXD WfflST. Six handsome prize* inspired the members of the National Society of New-England Women to ear nest play at their monthly whist tournament yester day afternoon at Delmonlco'a. There were twelve tables, and Mrs. Benjamin Fort was '•halrman of the occasion. The game lasted from 2:30 until 4:30 o'clock, when the prises were awarded. Mrs. Sarah E. Bourne carried off first prixe. and being allowed to make her choice selected an embroidered picture frame. Mrs. Sophia Curtis Hoffman took the sec ond prize, a handsome sofa pillow. The third prise, a tall, handsome painted jug. was won by Mrs! Frank B Hihbard. while Mrs Frank W. Jaqua won the fourth, a jewelled clork. The fifth prize, a silver candlestick, fel! to Mrs. Eugene Clarke, and Mrs J. Woolsey Shepard took the sixth prise, a porcelain painting framed in brass repousse. A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS. Dear Santa Claus, please send to me A great big box of Plnaud's best. I'll give the Vlolette de Panne To Sister Kate, and then the rest I will divide as best I can With Hattie. Mane. Jennette and Will. The lovely French Carnation Pink, The Royal Daisy, others still. The Vlolette de Relne so sweet. Which everybody thinks Is fine. I'll give to Mamie and Jennette. Because they're always stealing mine. For Hattl*. Extralt Vegetal: For dear Mamma, the Chinese Shoe; Brother Will. Trifle- a qnatre feullles; Fine Christmas gifts from me. and You Good Santa Claus. don't fail me now. There's nothing in the stores, you know, That they will think so nice a gift A* Perfumes made by Ed, Pln&ud. FIRE /V THE PEART OF CSryiTOWV. ACCIDENT TO APPARATC3 ax© Z3CATOTO OA3 IMPEDE THE FIREMEN— DAMAGE B».00O. Fire la the heart of Chinatown yesterday after aeon caused damage to the amount of MM to the stock of groceries and teas of Wing. Wok. Chung * Co., at No. M Pell-at. The bias* *»• discovered shortly after 1 o'clock la the cellar a* the three story brick building. The fighting th* fire was delayed by the breaking down of Truck No. 50 In Canal-st. Deputy Chief Abeam sent ta a second alarm, and Chief Croker responded. Escaping gas rendered it unsafe for the fireman to venture Into the basement, and no place could be found to turn off the gas. A gas company em ploye was sent for. the sidewalk tern up, and, the gaspipe cut and plugged. Next to th» turned building was the six story factory of the Victor Excelsior Brass Works. The water poured Into Its basement at such a rate that the engines) were flooded and were, shut down. To Broil Steaks, Chops and Fish PERFECTLY, Giving Food Value v well as Flavor otherwise unattainable. USE A GAS BROILER. Evenly distributes hear. Retains all delicious juica*. Makes any one a chef. Cmm Be Se«n at Amy Office of tha New Amsterdam Gas Co. iiHtKTS;BIIOTHERS| igJA RADICAL DEPARTURE. : 1 ¦fj Never before- In the an- ; n ff nals of trade has there \ J 1 ff been offered to th» public I 1 f] a greater opportunity to U T fj obtain artistic and exclu- L 9 ! |! slve home furnishings ax y * #1 such low prices as we are J( bow offering our Immense , ( stock. * 1 The variety and besmty J of our furniture, tapestries j and hangings surpass i anything we have ever ex | hibited. The same uneon- ¦, j ventlonallty, exclusrvenes* j and art for which our ere- {• j I atlons have been so fanv- j; - m us predominate through' Q out our warerooms. ft The radlcnlliui consist* v In the prices. They are X mot the same mm we *»?• a been (retting-. b They are lower thin ' . H they have ever been. * HERTS BROTHERS, Broadway & 20th Street. Choice Gifts Nowhere else can those seek ing gifts find such a rich and varied collection in orna mental houseftirnishings of every description. nnv\NY@srvDios JSTO34I TOVKTH AVENYE (B«t. 24ih and 25th 9ta) New York. Our recent importations of Rugs from the Orient are particularly rich in design and quality. These rugs are of fered af moderate prices. Rare Rugs. Solid Silver Holiday Gifts Are always prised, always appropriate. In addition to the more elab orate and expensive sets we have a full collection of single articles suitable lor ladles or gentlemen. For beauty of design and perfection of finisk our Silverware is unsurpassed. Reed & Barton, SILVERSMITHS. 41 Union Square, N. Y. 6 Maiden Lane, N. Y. rim r«»svirla>a- and rrraodt-llln^j r*lla.ble> workmanship. reasonable char?**. HstA>'>T. SIS Weal 43th-at. 9.0 tiDhom Jt Ulan Concern. gUPREME COURT. KINGS COt iNTT.— pi* of BBS State of New York against Granite Star* P-ovldent Association. — It. pursuance of an order of th« Supreme Court tn.i.l* In trie above e:.f.t>i action, and bearing data the 13th day cf October, laoo. which sail order tv entered in the -m • at tn« Clerk of Klass> County on the mih day of October. 1900. Notice la hereby given to all creditor!!, claimant* and storlcholdera of tbe Granite St*te Provident Association, and of win Hi t'lrfcinaon. as Receiver thereof, to present their clalsta, with voucher* thereof attached thereto. vert Sea by the) affidavit of the claimant, or hi* agent, who Is acquainted with the facts that th* as*. as shown by the claUaaa* 1* Justly <fue and owing frjrr. said Association, or from sat* Receiver to the creditor rained in tha voucher over ana above all oswatar-cUuma and set-offs, to Russell 9. Jons eon. Esq.. Referee appointed by t-\e aforesaid order tor the purpose of ascertaining the claims of shareholder* and creditors of said association, at the. ifflce of »iii Referee at No. 44 Pine Street. In the City of New York. Borough of Manhattan, on or before tha ISU» day of AwU. 1901. and In case of failure of any of the stockholders or creditor* to present or prove their claim* on or before said data as aforesaid, they will be precluded from aharlM In any dividends that may be paid out by the Recaivar from the fund's or assets n his pua<e«aion. except a* ats. vlded in Section 1907 of the Code of Civil Procedure Dated. New York. (Xti^ber Ittih, 1900. EDWIN E. DICKINSONS Receiver of th* Granite State Provident Association. UCXOW. MACKELLAR & WEIXA Attorneys for Rs •slrer. 41-43 Cedar Ssreet. >'aw lork City. |bMb% «* --rr.