American Extravagance

In every portion of Europe Americans havo the name of being the most extravagant people in the world. British opulence and Eussiau niagnificence have paled in the presenco of republiean grandeur. Every groat continental city has so .ie incident to relate which illustrates American lavishnoss. An incident was recently mentioncd in a lace house in Paris, which hus becomo historical. Tho proprietor called attention to a photograph hung on his wall. He remarkod : " That is the picturo of the memorablo lace purchased Vy Kate Chase, daughter of Chief Justice Chase and wife of Senator Spraguo." It was understood to bc tho finest point laco ever made. The Queen of England and the Einprass of Franco eonsidered it too expensive, but tho wife of an American Sonator did not hesitate to pay $10,000 in gold for 6 1-2 yards. Of course, a woman of such artistic notions is immensoly admired in Paris. Tho Western people, particularly Califbrnians, are oonsidered the most lavish in the use of their money. Two of the fair sex from San Francisco recently ordcred 85 dresses. Even the agent, though an American, was astonished at such an order, but it was faithfully exeouted. With such evideacesofAmencan lavishncss it is not surprising that the English havo become secondary to tho Americans in all tlie marts of fashion.