At 2 o'clock today, the Oriental hotel was sold to Mr. Herman A. Haeussler of St. Louis, attorney for the ten original bondholders who placed $250,000 in bonds of the company. The price paid by Mr. Haeussler was $100,000. This is subject to the mechanics' liens on the buildings which aggregate $100,000 or more. These will not be paid. The local stockholders will lose $180,000 on the enterprise.
     Mr. Haeussler stated that the gentlemen whom he represents have ample capital. They can afford to allow the hotel to remain closed, or they can open the house to the public, even if they sink money until it has been placed on a solid and paying basis.
     After purchasing the property, the gentlemen stepped up to the collector's' office and paid the back taxes, $800 or more.

Southern Afternoon Press.
     SAN ANTONIO, Tex., June 22. -- Dr. J. W. Love, an American residing in the City of Mexico, will arrive to-morrow for the purpose of instituting suit in the United States circuit court for the recovery of 6,000,000 acres of land in North Texas, including that upon which the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth are located. Dr. Love claims that this land was granted to Col. Reuben Ross, an ancestor, for services rendered the Mexican government during the war of independence. Col. Ross, in 1813, raised a force of men in Western Louisiana, equipped them at his own expense and marched them to Texas and joined the forces of Gen. Bernardo Gutierrez, and participated in several battles around this city. At the close of the war, in lieu of payment of money, Col. Ross was given the above grant, and an honorable discharge from the Mexican army, which Dr. Love now has in his possession, as he also has letters from Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston, relating to the same grant.
     Dr. Love, during his residence in Mexico, has secured copies of documents from the archives of the war and other departments, which he considers indisputable evidence of Col. Ross' title to the land. The latter was assassinated on his way to New Orleans on the present site of Brownsville, opposite Matamoras, before he could take possession of the extensive grant, the value of which is now estimated at $1,000,000.000.
     A number of the heirs of Col. Ross, living in Louisiana, Texas, New York and California, are interested with Dr. Love in the proposed suit. The tract of land in controversy is bounded as follows: Beginning at a point on Red river, opposite the mouth of the Kiamiachi and running south to the 32d degree of north latitude, thence west along the 32d degree of north latitude to 102 degrees of longitude, west from London, thence west along the 102d degree of longitude to the intersection of the United States, at the mouth of the Arkansas river, on Red river, to the point of beginning.

     Charles F. Bolanz received from Galveston a photograph of the new boat which has been purchased to run in the Trinity river between Dallas and Galveston.

     It took something like seven years to construct the small building used for [the] postoffice and Federal courthouse, and which will be the lower part of the T-shaped structure soon to be completed in six or eight months from the time work on the new addition was begun.
     The walls are now up to the floor of the second story and the iron beams are being laid in the second story. work was delayed a few days last week by the breaking of the pulley on the big derrick, and again by the delay in arrival of the iron beams from Galveston. Had this delay not occurred, the walls would now be up to the third story. So far as one may judge from a distance, outside the plank inclosure, the work is being well done, and the structure will be not only one of the handsomest and largest, but the most substantial federal building in the southwest. Mr. Barnett, the clerk of the superintendent, says the contractors think they can have it completed on time. All the material is on the ground except some of the woodwork and part of the brick, and the work will be pushed as fast as possible.
     It is expected to have the first floor compete and the roof on by August, so that the postoffice may embrace all of the first floor of the entire building and be relieved of the present, very cramped position.

     There is a triangular piece of property owned by the city on Ervay street, near Hughes' Circle, that has caught the eye of Mayor Connor as being a most eligible site for an ornamental fountain. It is adjacent to the City Park, and when it is taken into consideration that there is not an ornamental fountain in Dallas, the suggestion of the mayor should be acted upon at once.
     Waco has just ordered an ornamental fountain that will beautify the Geyser city. Dallas should not take a back seat; the Queen City should lead the procession.
     An ornamental fountain with a basin of about thirty feet and watering troughs for the public, will cost probably $3000, and there should be no difficulty in raising that sum. Yesterday, Mr. Webster Snyder sent his check for $50 to the fountain fund to Mayor Connor, and other responses will be recorded as they come in. The TIMES-HERALD will receive contributions for the fountain fund.

     Frank H. Doran will put in a 10-ton ice plant in the rear of his new store on Main street. In connection, will be a large refrigerator.

     Work on the Trinity locks and dams is still going on despite the hard times. These Dallas fellows will do something for themselves and north Texas yet if they are not watched closely. Water rates at Dallas would mean good for Gainesville.-Gainesville Hesperian.

     There will be a farmers' picnic on Saturday, July 29, three miles from Oak Cliff, where the Beckley road crosses North Five Mile creek. The inhabitants of the entire southern, southwestern and western portions of the county will be in attendance should the weather be propitious. The pleasures of the old time picnic, embracing everything good to eat, and no end of dancing, will be supplemented by a discussion of the financial and economic problems which are just now pressing so hard for solution. For this purpose, an array of oratorical talent has been engaged for the occasion that promises to throw great light on these vexed questions. Among the speakers will be W. W. Lang, John Cochran, Evangelist Burnett, J. L. Ray, Harry Tracy and last, but not least, Farmer Shaw. Hon. John Cochran will devote a portion of his speech to the Dallas State fair.

     The construction force of the Queen City Railway company is employed to-day on Main and Market, putting in a crossing.
     The Dallas Electric company is enlarging its plant and making other extensive arrangements. It is understood power will furnished for the Elm street line.
     The Episcopal congregation of Oak Cliff are putting up a church on the corner of Ninth street and Grand avenue, which is to be of wood and brick. Mr. M. M. Remick has the contract for building it.
     The mayor and city city council have determined to build a dam impervious to water across the shallows a short distance below the intake at the waterworks. Such a dam, it is estimated, can be constructed at a moderate outlay. This action is necessary to prevent the water from being contaminated by sewerage.

     The cornerstone of the Episcopal church, now in course of erection in Oak Cliff, will be laid with appropriate ceremonies this evening at 5 o'clock by Rt. Rev. Bishop Garrett. A copy of the TIMES HERALD, a copy of the Bible and a copy of the Dallas News, with other newspapers of the country and documents, will be placed in the cornerstone.

     The South Dallas M. E. church that was demolished by the cyclone, will soon have its new corner stone laid on South Ervay street, near Seegar.

     The railroad reporter of the Fort Worth Gazette has been investigating with the following result:
     "It is now an assured fact that the Fort Worth and Dallas rapid transit line will be built this summer. The necessary capital has been secured and the construction arrangements nearly completed. The death of Mr. Perkins' mother has requred his presence at her bedside, and for this reason, the work has been delayed. As soon as he returns from the east, work will begin and the grading will be pushed as rapidly as the right of way can be secured. It has been almost definitely decided the motive power will be electricity and the overhead system of trolley wires will probably be used; but, there are some recent inventions somewhat on the principle of a storage battery, which are now being tested, and if any of these prove satisfactory, the best one will be chosen instead of the overhead system, owing to the saving in expense of the erection of trolley wires, provided such motor is proved to be efficient and reliable before the work of stringing the wires begins. It is said the company has ample means, and if this line proves a success, others-connecting cities as closely connected as Fort Worth and Dallas, or Houston and Galveston-will be constructed. The new motor, which the company is said to have in view, is also under consideration by the St. Louis and Chicago Air Line Electric railway, and as this line is being constructed with a view to operating trains on a maximum speed of 100 miles an hour, the motor chosen for it will assuredly be adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Rapid Transit company, as it is desired to have this a rapid transit line in fact, as well as in name. The project is meeting with the cordial approval of the people along the line and the more especially, as it is no longer a questin of experiment, but an assured fact. It is said by many that this is only a scheme in the interest of some railroad companies to gain terminal facilities in Fort Worth and Dallas. This is not the case. While the road will be so built and equipped as to handle freight of all classes that may be consigned to it, it will have its own motive power which will be operated by its own men. It will accept business from railroads on regulard divisions, but will handle this busines itself."

     Col. H. C. Stevenson requests us to return thanks to Mrs. Walter Caruth for ten suits of boys' clothing; to an unknown lady for one bundle childrens' suits; to the Dallas Stamping mills for six galvanizing iron tubs, and to the Enterprise manufacturing company of Philadelphia for a hotel size coffee mill worth $30 or $40. The ladies of Oak Cliff have organized the Buckner Orphan's Home sewing society with 25 members. They have already made and forwarded through Col. Stevenson, twenty or thirty suits and will make up one-hundred more. These orphans only ask for "the crumbs which fall from the table," that is, the hats and caps and the clothing which our children have outgrown, and will never be used again, will be gratefully received by those too tender to work for themselves and who never get anything save from the hand of charity. Thanks to the generosity of Messrs. Hughey & Philp, to Doolittle, Simpson and Robinson of the Arcade, to the Mahana Hardware company, to Walker's china hall, to Harry Bros., and the Moroney Hardware company, the Dallas tinware company and T. J. Oliver, the table, kitchen and dining-room have been abundantly supplied with all necessary wares. For the first time, owing to the solicitations of Col. Stevenson and the noble generosity of the gentlemen who own these establishments, the 275 orphans sat down at their tables last Sunday and everyone had a plate, a cup, knife, fork and spoon. The sight was a cheerful one indeed. And, what a change from this yesterday! It may be that the spirits of the mother's of these children were with them in their glee.
     In the hospital, the sick had easy chairs sent them by Fakes & Co.
It is suggested that if framed pictures be drawn attics and sent them to hang upon their walls, it would cheer them-those we have grown tired of and taken down. Anything useful or ornamental will be promptly forwarded if left at 305 Main street, next door east of the Cockrell building.

     The Alarm, a monthly devoted to the advancement of scientific anarchy, has made its appearance. It is edited by Ross Winn.

     It is alleged by a morning paper that a lodge of the new know-nothing party has been organized in this city which aims at divorcing this country from foreign wealth and foreign influence.

     The Dallas Athletic club, a new organization, will be formally opened at 497 and 499 Main street, this evening, and provide a series of sporting events for the entertainment of the public.
     The event this evening will be a glove contest between Walter Lewis of Fort Worth and Charles Wright of Dallas. The management of the club put up nothing but first class fights. No hippodrome business will go, they say.

     The new court of civil appeals of the 4th district was formally opened to-day on the third floor of the county court house. The judges are: H. W. Lightfoot, presiding justice, Anson Rainey and N. W. Finley. George W. Blair, of Bonham, is the clerk. There are 635 cases on the docket to begin with. The court will be in session ten months.

     At a depth of 780 feet, a fine flow of water was struck in the Windsor hotel artesian well. It is said to be the most abundant flow in the city.

     C. D. Kennedy made an assignment to R. P. Aunspaugh Saturday for the benefit of creditors. His business was a store on Elm street. His liabilities amounted to $889.77.

     Thomas Macon, the architect who built the Central Christian church, has just completed a large contract at Houston and returned to Dallas. He will leave in a few days for Anderson, Tex., where he has a contract for building a courthouse.
The Seventh-day Adventists will spread a large tent on Ervay street, near the car stables, on the ground formerly occupied by the Baptist tabernacle, and begin a course of lectures on the prophecies of the Old and New Testament, Thursday night.

     To-day was stray sale day, being the first Monday in the month, and Jefferson street was thronged with horses of all grades, valuable horses, however, being scarce, except among the horse-swappers who were present in all their glory. There were at least 150 horses on the street at noon.

     The court house elevator, which shut down during fly time, was started up a few days ago. Albert Phelon, the humorist who runs it, made the remark the first day it started, "Now, I'll have a picnic for awhile, unless the pesky reporters go to telling the public I am at work again, for as soon as it becomes generally known that I am running, people will be coming from twenty miles around just to take a ride with me, and then it's work.

    The Queen City Railway company is tearing down the old car sheds on Bryan street and removing the same to the power house on Commerce street in East Dallas.
     The new and handsome cottages just being finished on Grand avenue, near the Central track, would indicate that the spirit of growth and progress still lingers in South Dallas.

      The fire this morning in the Carroll hotel, opposite the Union depot, was caused by a man "evidently from Scyene," who left a short candle burning on the table when he retired. He was awakened by the smell of smoke and made a hasty retreat in his unbleached cotton lingeri. The fire department turned out, but the fire was extinguished before their arrival. The damage will amount to only a few dollars.

     Having disposed of our City Park Pharmacy to Mr. Emil Rheinlander, a thorough competent and conscientous Pharmacist, formerly in our employ, knowing his ability, we recommend him to the medical profession and public generally.

     Alderman O'Keefe, and Hugh McGinn, proprietors of the Oriental saloon, have changed their location from the corner of Ervay and Jackson to 346 Main street, where they are elegantly fitted up, and are dispensing the finest old liquor a man ever smacked his lips over.

     Citizens of the Ninth ward who have occasion to use Thomas avenue fell that some arrangement ought to be made for an approach and crossing on the Central. There is a distance now of nearly half a mile where there is no crossing at all, and this would be a great convenience.

     The Queen City Iron Works, J. H. Dillon, manager, began to-day removing to their new and more commodious quarters on the corner of Jefferson and Walnut streets. The company is arranging many improvements together with the extension of their plant, and will be better prepared than ever to fill orders on short notice.

     One of the very few manufactories of cologne, perfumes, toilet waters, face and sachet powders west of the Mississippi, is situated in Dallas. While prejudice in favor of foreign articles has lingered, from force of habit in the old, formerly just, belief in the superiority of European goods of this kind, the excellence of our home manufactories are successfully establishing their present equality, and the magic hieroglyphics which meant "Jean Marie Farina" and the dainty autograph of "Lubin" does not tempt the fastidious woman as they once did.   These toilet articles that are being daily manufactured at our door, if sent abroad and returned with the foreign label, would be found in the front ranks of appreciation and patronage. Dallas has much to feel proud of in the success of the quality of her enterprises, and it remains for her people to realize that money spent in home manufactories doubles in its rounds of circulation.

     Dr. G. H. Benton has removed his office to the corner of 12th and Monroe streets, near Madison station, Oak Cliff.

     An hour spent in the city park, now, in the hush and cool of the evening, is a decided pleasure to the man whose eyes look only upon stony streets and glaring walls from one day's end to another.  The beautiful flowers so deftly tended by the hands of the city's gardener, Mr. Baker, bring back to one's mind scenes of enjoyment that lie hidden away from the sight of men, pictures hung upon the walls of memory.  The wonder is that provision has not been made for more of these breathing spots for the denizens of this city. It may be, perhaps because the present one is not appreciated as it should be.

     At a meeting of plumbers and machinery men held yesterday in the interest of Buckner's Orphan Home, committee reports were read which were very encouraging.
The proposition of Chandler & Taylor company of Indianapolis, Ind., on 25-horse power boiler was accepted and committee instructed to order same. The Vandalie line offered to transport same from Indianpolis to East St. Louis at half rates, and the Missouri Pacific, Iron Mountain and Texas & Pacific railways offered free transportation from St. Louis to the Home.
     Donations were reported as follows:
     D. F. Sullivan, $50 cash; W. J. Williams, two radiators; B. W. Bogan, $50 in labor; J. McMurray, labor for setting boiler; E. G. Moore, lime for brickwork; W.E. Best, one portable engine; journeymen plumbers of Dallas, five weeks labor.
Adjourned to meet next Friday at 5 p. m. at same place.
                                                 GEO. MUMMERT, Sec'y.

     Excavation is being made this morning for a new building near the place where the old Sun hotel burned down a few weeks ago.

     Ed. C. Fish, for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, was mulcted in a fine. This is the first case of the kind on the court record.

     "Nothing but the best, and everything as represented." In these words, you read the secret of the success that has attended the efforts of L. F. Loughlin, proprietor of the Live Oak grocery, 381 and 383 Elm street. From a modest beginning, 14 years ago, Mr. Loughlin has enjoyed a constantly increasing business, necessitating, first, the erection of the fine three-story brock, No. 381 Elm street, and this summer the erection of the handsome brick store room, 383 Elm street, with an elegant basement under same, and the two ground floors connected by a great archway, making, with the first class fixtures, electric fans and other modern equipments, the most complete and commodious grocery house in the state. The demand for pure wines, whiskies, brandies, etc., by a large number of his best customers, for table and medical uses, has caused Mr. Loughlin to add one of the finest lines of these goods ever carried in Dallas, which he will sell at popular prices. Mr. Loughlin enjoys a trade so extensive as to necessitate the purchase of goods in very large quantities, so large as to enable him to sell at about such as smaller dealers have to pay for goods. Read his advertisement.

     The roof has been put on the Episcopal church in course of construction, at the corner of 9th street and Grand avenue, Oak Cliff.

     Congressman Abbott is said to have remarked on the occasion of his last visit to this city, that if the people of Dallas wanted a clock placed in the tower of the new government building, he would secure it. Mr. Abbott need waste no time about it, the people of Dallas are unanimous about it.

     The Queen City railway company will to-morrow run three of the six new cars lately received by them. The new cars are novelties in some respects and will add greatly to the comfort and convenience of their patrons.

     As stated in the TIMES HERALD yesterday, Justice Skelton went to White Rock creek bridge to inquest the remains of the man who was killed in the wreck of westbound freight No. 15, engine 206, on the Texas and Pacific. In one of the pockets of the deceased was found a certificate of membership in the Knights of Labor, numbered 1196. It gave his name as R. J. Champion of Yantis, Wood county, Texas. The deceased was a tall man, about 38 years old, with a light mustache and dressed rather shabbily. On his person were found papers which would indicate that he was engaged in manufacturing some kind of soap. The justice's verdict was in accordance with the facts, and the remains of the deceased, who was supposed to be stealing a ride when he met his death, were turned over to Undertaker Linskie for interment.
     Engineer M. Gilmer states that the accident resulted from a kink in the track at the approach to the bridge, which cause the fourth car from the engine to jump the track. This car, by dragging on the bridge, which was 100 feet long, tore it to pieces. The engine and the foremost cars passed over safely, but fourteen cars were dumped into the bed of the creek, which was eighteen feet below the level of the bridge. A dozen of the cars were piled on top of one another, filling up the creek. M. Gilmer had his ankle sprained, L. T. Love, one of the brakemen, also suffered a severe sprain of one of his ankles, but the conductor, W. N. Davis, was uninjured. Brakeman Love says he stuck to the train until he saw it piling up in the creek and he then jumped off, in doing which he observed a man falling from the track. The next moment, a car which was laden with lumber, rolled over on the man, crushing the life out of him. The remains of the man had been taken out from under the car by the time Justice Skelton arrived.
     A wrecking train went to work at once clearing away the wrecked cars. It is thought that the bridge will not be rebuilt sufficiently for trains to pass over it before the evening. Until then, it is said that the Texas and Pacific passenger trains will be dispatched over the Missouri, Kansas and Texas via Greenville and Mineola. Among the wrecked cars were a car load of sugar, a car load of soda and a car load of lumber. Most of the cars was destined for Dallas.

     The steam heating work in the courthouse was done by Mr. D. Kavanaugh, except the radiators, which were furnished by Younger and Fonberg of Kewanee, Ill. The radiators got to leaking and Mr. Kavanagh had the Kewanee people to come and make good the work. There is no flaw in Mr. Kavanagh's work, as the item in this paper of yesterday might be construed to assert.

     The application of W. C. Howard for a receiver of the Todd Milling company property was refused by Judge Tucker to-day.

     At 2:30 o'clock this morning, fire was discovered in the two-story building known as Randle's Cafe, corner Main and Martin streets. The first floor of the building has been vacant some time, but the second was in use for apartment purposes. The building was constructed of such inflammable material that the fire spread with considerable rapidity and made short work of the job.
     Ben Newitter, it appears, was the first of the occupants to awake. He found the flames covering the entire structure. All the other occupants awoke about the same time. There was no time to carry or throw out furniture and clothing; it was a case of escaping with life.
     Mrs. Luda Brown, the landlady in charge of the apartments, stated to a TIMES HERALD reporter that she was aroused by the alarm of fire, and when she got out of bed, the carpet was so hot that it was uncomfortable to stand on it. She ran out into the hall and was grabbed and rushed down stair in her night clothes by some one. She made her way to the St. James hotel, where the women got some clothes for her.
     The front rooms of the cafe were occupied by Dr. C. b. Beard's Ensor Institute for the treatment of alcohol and morphine habits, and his assistant, Mr. L. C. Mayes, rushed down stairs in his night shirt. Dr. Beard, judging from the heat of the floor, concluded there was no time to be wasted in going down a flight of steps, and he accordingly jumped out the window, spraining both ankles and sustaining spinal injuries.
     J. W. Sparrow, clerk at Atkins' drug store, also leaped from the window, breaking both the lower bones of his left leg in three places.
     The two injured men were carried to the St. James hotel, where they received surgical attention.
     Other occupants were J. T. Miller, a clerk at D. Brin's; Roy Ochiltree, a clerk in the local freight office of the Texas and Pacific railroad; Harry Lewis, proprietor of Lewis' saloon; a transient man of the name of Watkins, who has not been heard of since the fire, and in regard to whose escape from the building, Mrs. Brown entertained doubts; Jim Roach and Ben Newitter, and Warwick, bartender at the Coney Island. The occupants of the building lost all of their clothing, jewelry, etc.
     E. C. Reeves of Kaufman, who is undergoing treatment for the whisky habit, lost his grip, clothing and watch. He happened very fortunately to be spending the night with his brother in East Dallas.
     Mrs. Brown, the land lady, estimates her loss on furniture and other household effects at $1,500. She had an insurance policy for $500 on them.
     Harry Lewis lost an extensive wardrobe of clothing and a large amount of jewelry and silverware that had belonged to his deceased wife, valued at $1000 or $1500. But, it is the loss of some pictures of his wife and a number of intrinsically trifling articles that reminded him of her that he feels more than he does the loss of the more valuable things.
     The building was totally destroyed, and three buildings adjoining on the east, all one-story, were damaged. The first of these was occupied by H. Goldstein, a pawnbroker. The roof and front of this and his stock of goods were destroyed. Mr. Goldstein estimates his loss at $4000. He had $800 insurance on his fixtures, but none on his stock, as the insurance companies would not write a risk on it. In addition to the entire loss of his stock, Mr. Goldstein says that he is responsible for a large number of pawn tickets that are out. This building was owned by Major I. G. Randel, as was also the cafe.
     The building adjoining Goldstein's on the east was lately vacated by Gen. Gunner's book establishment and had remained unoccupied. This and the next one, occupied by W. S. Bryant, a pawnbroker, as a business place and home, were one-stories and owned by W. B. Nason. The roof and wall paper were destroyed on both of them, but the damage is fully covered by insurance. Mr. Nason had $1000 insurance on each of his buildings in the Phoenix of Brooklyn, represented by I. Reinhardt & Son.
     Mr. Bryant's property suffered from the combined effects of fire, water and thieves. He carried a portion of his goods and household effects out into the street, where thieves helped themselves to whatever suited their fancy. In this way, fifteen or twenty first-class revolvers were lost in the shuffle. Mr. Bryant estimates his loss at $1000. He carried $3000 on his stock and household effects.
     Major Randle had $7500 insurance on the cafe building in the New York Underwriters, the National and the Lancashire, $2500 in each and $1000 on the one-story occupied by Goldstein, in the St. Paul.
     Major Randle on yesterday leased the cafe building to Wm. Neimeyer for a variety theater.
     The cafe was built by Capt. Orr about fifteen years ago and was long occupied by him as a carriage warehouse.
     The fire is believed by all the occupants of the cafe building and many others who were heard to express themselves, to have proceeded from an incendiary origin, and thus gravely hinted that they were so minded. Several persons said that a slender hack driver who works at night told them he was the first one to see the fire, when it was no larger than a man's hand, in the cellar in the rear of the cafe. He says the flames spread so fast they appeared to envelope the building at once.
     Flying sparks kept the chemical engine engaged in nipping the incipient conflagrations in the rear of Henry Pollack's trunk store, F. M. Smith's shoe store, Waller's drug store and Goldsmith's dry goods store on Elm street.
     Bill Niemyer says he went to work yesterday fitting up the cafe preparatory to opening his theater on next Monday night, and that he lost about $100 worth of scenery and material, which the carpenters were working on.
     The insurance men are complaining of the tardiness with which the alarm was turned in. It appears that the first intimation the fire department had of the fire was the sight of the light of the blaze. An earlier alarm would have enabled the department to have arrested the flames sooner than they did. It is difficult to locate the blame, as it is the business of nobody in particular to turn in alarms.
     The insurance men also insist that merchants ought to be made to keep their premises clear of paper-boxes and other combustible trash.
     Major Randle, who was seen by a TIMES HERALD reporter, said that he knew nothing of the fire until he came down town this morning. He referred the reporter to Mr. Addison for valuation of the property and the amounts of insurance. Mr. Addison gave the amount of insurance, but not the value of the buildings.

     Joe Swope informed a TIMES HERALD reporter to-day that the Shriners have made arrangements for the most imposing street parade ever made by the order in Texas. It will take place on October 21, during the State Fair, and each Shriner will be mounted upon a camel. Many Shriners will make their annual pilgrimage to Dallas at that time, and large delegations are expected from Denver and New Orleans. Hella temple will eclipse all previous efforts.

     President Keating of the Trinity Navigation company stated to a TIMES HERALD reporter to-day that all snags and obstructions in the river between this city and Magnolia, had been removed, and the river bed is in first class condition. The snagboat Dallas has made the run of 100 miles, and the company is more than satisfied that navigagion is feasible. Six or eight locks and dams would have been constructed long ago had it not been for the financial depression the country is undergoing. The river is now in the finest possible condition for the work and President Keating urges the subscribers to the stock of the company to furnish the means to push this the most important enterprise ever started in Texas. The river between Dallas and Bois D'arc island is as clean as a whistle, and the directors are delighted with the condition of affairs.

     One week from next Monday, Oct. 2, Judge Charles F. Clint will begin the first term of the criminal district court of Dallas county.

     For several weeks past, the artesian well at the court house has been clogged and the daily flow disappointing. A contractor has been engaged to sink his drill and remove the obstruction in the pipe.

     Notice to Creditors and Note Holders-The Central National Bank, located at Dallas, in the state of Texas, is closing up its affairs. All note holders and others, creditors of said association, are therefore hereby notified to present the notes and other claims against the association for payment. Jno. A. Barnard, cashier. Dated, August 14, 1893.

     Jim Leeper and his son, John, run the county tank, located between Miller's ferry and Hutchins. Saturday evening, Mr. Leeper came to town, leaving his son, aged 16 years, in charge of the place.      About dusk, a dilapidated looking tramp appeared at the door and asked if there was anybody at home. The lad told him that he was alone, where upon the tramps became very insolent and profane. He told the boy that he must have a hot supper at once for himself and his friend, indicating that the latter was not far off.
     The boy went into the house as if to prepare the super, and in a moment, came out with a shotgun. The tramp reached for his hip pocket, when the boy let him have a load of shot, and as he ran, fired the other charge into him, which brought him down. The unbulldozable youth then became frightened and ran to the nearest neighbor's to get some one to summon a doctor, but when he and the neighbors reached the scene of the shooting, the tramp had either left of his own accord, or been carried away, for not trace of him could be found.

     The first regular term of the new criminal district court will begin next Monday, Charles F. Clint being the judge. There are over 600 cases on the docket, of which 150 are ready for trial. It is estimated that it will require two days on an average to the case, at which rate it will take over 1200 days, exclusive of the Sundays, to clear up the docket; that is, if there are no rehearings, nor new trials. In this estimate, no account is taken of the new business to come up in the meantime. There will be four terms of this court per year, and as many separate grand juries.
     The scira facias dockets of the fourteenth and forty-fourth judicial district courts have been transferred to the criminal district court of Dallas county, and the docket will be called next Tuesday. The first week of the term will be devoted to the disposition of scira facias cases.

     Hundreds of persons were attracted to the vicinity of the magnificent Oriental hotel last night by a brilliant illumination of the massive building from cellar to dome. It was a sight that was pleasing to the citizens of Dallas, and as late as 11 o'clock, crowds visited the building and promenaded the sidewalks. The new electric plant and other machinery was being tested preparatory to the opening of the palatial hostelry on October 9.
     A TIMES HERALD reporter was detailed to visit the Oriental this morning. He found Mr. W. J. Alden at his desk, as busy as a man could be, issuing orders to a small army of upholsterers, furniture men, plumbers and laborers, and at intervals glancing at the contents of a huge mass of correspondence and dictating answers to his stenographers. He was told that the TIMES HERALD desired to say something concerning the hotel, its opening and its future prospects, and he, at once, replied:
     "The illumination last night was for the purpose of testing our electric light plant and other machinery, and it was a gratifying success. Three powerful dynamos furnish the light for the building, and the plant is in charge of A. M. Kinsel of Hot Springs, who will be chief engineer and electrician. We have put in a complete laundry, which will be superintended by Mr. E. R. Nichols, formerly of the Brown hotel, Denver. My chief clerk will be T. L. Belden of Chicago, a gentlemen of wide experience who has been connected in his time with a number of the leading hotels in the country. John S. Kelly, formerly of the Leland, Chicago, and more recently, with the Metropole, Denver, will have charge of the bar and billiard parlor, which is the most complete and costly in its furnishings in the south. There are 204 guest rooms in the building, all equipped with furniture of the latest designs. We have expended $80,000 in cash in furnishing the Oriental, and claim that no hotel in the south is its superior, so far as convenience and elegance go. W. E. Goggin will be steward, and the chef is Robert Myer, and the head waiter, W. L. Carey of Denver, also arrived the other day with a full corp of trained waiters. The tonsorial and hair-dressing departments will be in charge of E. F. Houde."
     "What date has been decided upon for the opening?" was asked.
     "Monday, Oct. 9, and I am making preparations now for a grand reception and a hop in the evening. Gov. Hogg has been invited to favor us with his presence and Mayor Connor and other officials of the city and county have been pressed into service. Invitations, reading as follows, will be sent out: 'Yourself and ladies are cordially invited to attend the opening of the Oriental hotel, Monday, Oct. 9, 1893; reception and convert 8:30 o'clock p. m.' In addition, a general invitation will be extended to the citizens of Dallas to attend and participate."
     "What is the outlook for business at this time?"
     "Most flattering. The Oriental will enjoy a lucrative tourist trade from the north and east. A Tourist rate will be made. Mild winters, pure artesian water, salubrious climate, and conveniences in hotel life that cannot be excelled anywhere are powerful inducements."
     Mr. John S. Kelly then took charge of the reporter and showed him about the hotel. The engine room and electric light room, laundry, barber shop, bar and billiard parlors, offices and the parlors and suites of rooms on the second floor were visited. In furnishings, nothing has been overlooked, and the most carping critic would stand tongue-tied in contemplating the luxuriousness of the surroundings. Neither the Ponce de Leon of Florida, nor the Kimball of Atlanta can approach it in interior adornment, convenience, [or] design.

     Jeremiah O'Rourke, supervising architect of the treasury department, advertised in the TIMES HERALD for sealed bids for the extension of the low-pressure, steam-heating and ventilating apparatus, etc., for the postoffice. The Washington dispatches announced recently that there was a balance of $3,000 of the amount appropriated for the building, and to ascertain what disposition was to be made of this sum, a TIMES HERALD reporter was detailed to call upon W. A. Knight, superintendent of construction, and obtain a few pointers.
     "The addition to the building and extras exhausted $100,000 of the original appropriation" said Mr. Knight, "and the work is not complete, by any means."
     "What disposition will be made of the residue?"
     "Well, there is the big clock to be placed in the tower. It will be of the latest design and of great service to the people of Dallas. A petition, largely signed by citizens of Dallas, requesting that a clock be placed in the tower, was forwarded to Congressman Jo Abbott. He carried the petition to John G. Carlisle, secretary of the treasury. The weight of Mr. Abbott's endorsement won the consent of the secretary and the clock will go in. It will cost a snug sum itself.
     "What other improvements are to be made?"
     "The advertisement in the TIMES HERALD is an answer to that question. The cost of a steam heating apparatus and boiler is no trivial affair, and must come out of the sum appropriated. The main building and the extras, as I have stated, cost $100,000, and the main contract will be completed January 1. Office expenses, the plans and other incidentals, make a neat sum in the aggregate, and the old building must be remodeled in conformity with the new building or annex. The stone work will be repointed, the woodwork repainted and revarnished and other improvements carried out. When completed and all improvements contemplated are carried out, the Federal building will be a source of pride to the people of Dallas."

     In speaking of the work on the new addition to the federal building, Superintendent of Construction W. R. Knight, this morning, said: "The work that is being pushed now is the plumbing, gas fitting and ventilating flues. The building proper is almost ready for occupancy, but it will take some time yet, until all will be done. We are working on the tower extension. Owing to the placing of the clock on the tower, we are compelled to take down part of the steeple. We will build an 18-foot extension. The clock that will be placed on the tower is being made by the Seth Thomas Clock company. The dials, of which there will be four, will be six feet each in diameter, and at night, will be illuminated by gas jets. The bell of the clock will weigh 2000 pounds and will ring loud enough to be heard in Lancaster.
     "The steam heating and ventilating plants will cost about $8000. We are trying to have them finished by the end of this month. We are doing a great amount of repairing in the old part of the building, and by the time all is finished, about $100,000 will have been spent, but we will have a good substantial building."

     The Pythian fraternity of this city will shortly break ground for a magnificent temple, somewhere on Main street, between Akard and Martin, the precise spot not yet decided upon.
     The building, which will be of stone band brick, will be 50x100 feet and three stories high. The first floor will be divided into two twenty-five foot stores. The second floor will be fitted up for offices, and the third floor will used for lodge rooms, armory, etc.
     The structure will cost $50,000, which amount will be raised by the four lodges of the city.
     A few evenings ago, lodge No. 70 raised $3,775 at a single meeting, two members giving $500 each.
     All the Pythian lodges of Dallas are in flourishing condition, numbering as they do among their membership may of the foremost business and professional men, and they could almost, any night, raise the amount of money necessary to erect such a temple as the one in contemplation.

     Ten wards of the new hospital are completed with the exception of the tin on the roof. Had it not been for the cold snap, this part would now also be finished.

     A great petition is being signed to have the United States government sink an artesian well and erect handsome drinking fountains on the postoffice lots. This numerously signed petition is as follows:
To the Hon. Jo Abbot.
     We, the undersigned citizens of Dallas, Tex., most respectfully request that you use your influence to have a six-inch artesian well sunk upon the postoffice government lot in this city with pipe connections to supply three drinking fountains for the use of citizens, also, to place the drinking fountains of neat and ornamental design at the most suitable points on each of the three streets surrounding the lot, which would be of great value and convenience to our people as well as ornamental to the grounds.

     The great confusion in locating streets, resulting from the absence of all indicatory signs, presents an obstacle that, while easily surmountable by an ordinance, nevertheless overturns the equilibrium of one's equanimity and brings wrinkles to the brow and grey hairs to the head when in search of any particular point in a network of unnamed streets. This unhappy condition has existed in the city ever since it was a frontier trading post, with the exception of a few stray intervals. It has been at least six years since the last street-naming effort was made, and as the movement did not extend entirely over the resident portions of the city; as the number of residents and streets have greatly multiplied, and as the improvements and changes in fence lines have almost reduced the street signs to a scattered and battered few, guide marks are a greater necessity than ever before.
     Everyone who has had occasion to locate residences and even places of business, is cognizant of this fact, and realize that public comfort would be greatly increased by decorating the streets with their names.
     The members of the city council are beginning to realize the importance of this improvement and their official body has the question under consideration. Alderman Kelly, chairman of the street and bridge committee, offered a resolution calling for street signs over a year ago, but it got strangled, it seems, by some committee. The matter lay quiet until about a month ago, when it again was brought under the consideration of the council. This time, it seems to have met a kindlier fate. The council instructed the secretary to advertise for bids; and these bids were opened at the last council meeting. The bids were referred to a committee of tellers composed of Aldermen Smith and Lawhon. It remains to be seen what their report will be. The city council, at its meeting to-morrow night, should act effectively.
     Mayor Barry was seen in his office this morning, but said the did not care to express himself just yet.
     Alderman Kelly, chairman of the street and bridge committee, said that, in his opinion, a little money invested in street signs would be a good thing for the city. "As it is now," he said, "when a man is driving over the city, half the time he doesn't know what street he is on."
     Mr. Crutcher, secretary for the council, said that the lowest bid was 7 cents per sign. Some of the aldermen, he said, favored putting the street signs on bois d'arc posts in the resident portion of the city, owing to the fact that when nailed to fences, they were lost whenever a fence is torn down--a frequent occurrence.

     John Neely Bryan, Jr., gives out that he is about to institute legal proceedings for possession of the county courthouse property, on the ground that the purposes for which it was deeded to the county by his father, John Neely Bryan, Sr., have not been strictly carried out.

     Away back about 1850, when Dallas was on a footing as regarded population, business and prospects with Lisbon, Lancaster, and two or three other places in the county, the question of the location of the county seat came up. And the competition among Dallas, Lisbon and Lancaster, for the courthouse, was sharp and spirited, and the chances were, for some time, decidedly in favor of Lancaster. But, John Neely Bryan, who was, at the time, President of the Board of Commissioners, wishing to see Dallas, his home, win, deeded to the county, the land on which the courthouse is located and other town property, aggregating ninety-six lots, on condition that the court house be located here.

     Now comes John Neely Bryan, Jr., son of John Neely Bryan, Sr., and claims that the deed by which his father conveyed the property to the county for the court house, expressly stipulates, that if the property should ever be used for any other purpose or purposes than for a county court house site, such use shall operate as a forfeiture of the conveyance and the property shall revert to his heirs.
     The deed in question is on file at Austin and no copy of it is on record here, but Mr. Bryan has recently been to Austin to examine the instrument, and after such examination, he feels warranted in bringing the suit.
     When the new courthouse was completed, the County and District Clerk's offices were removed from the old stone Clerk's office on the southeast corner of the lot, into the new building, thus leaving the old stone building vacant and the Commissioners' Court, with an eye to business, rented the second floor of the building for lawyers' offices and the ground floor for a restaurant. Subsequently, the second floor was filled up for the grand jury to hold its deliberations and investigations in, and the lower floor was leased to a wholesale leather house, and for some time, a young man has run a news and cigar stand in the rotunda of the courthouse. This letting of the stone building and of space in the courthouse for business purposes, Mr. Bryan regards as a profanation of the temple of justice and ground for the revocation of the deed.

     Since Mr. Bryan has threatened to sue for the recovery of the property, the County Commissioners have had the matter under advisement. They have notified the young man with the news and cigar stand in the rotunda of the court house that he must vacate on January 1, 1895. But, the leather people have a lease on the stone building, which does not expire until next May, and unless the Commissioners will make it to their interest, they are not likely to vacate until their time is up.

     Mr. Bryan has not yet filed his suit, but his friends say he will do so very shortly.

     One by one, they pass away. The old residents of Dallas, behold with feelings of commingled regret and pride, as the progress of civilization sweeps over the Queen City, the extinction of their beloved and familiar haunts, to be replaced, however, with the grand and imposing structures that place Dallas in the foremost rank of the beautiful cities of the Union.
     One by one, the old landmarks, whose sites are ever associated with memories of the days when Dallas struggled for recognition among the most humble villages of Texas, are being obliterated.
These were the thoughts expressed, in more beautiful language, however, as a few of the Dallas pioneers yesterday paused for a moment on Commerce street to view the destruction by plow and spade of another of the most familiar landmarks.
     On Commerce street, just west of the Hermann building, and huddled beneath a few time-worn oaks and china trees, has long been viewed a brick-lined cavity in the earth, resembling the entrance to a deep cave. It is useless to describe this place, as it is familiar to every old resident of Dallas. The old-timers, have gazed on it with a kindred feeling, as a last vestige of the Dallas of long ago. The new-comers and visitors beheld the quaint-looking place, and for many years, have wondered what it was. Some have said it was a storm house; others, that it was a peculiar old-time cellar to a once-magnificent building, long since destroyed by fire, and divers have been the opinions of the 59,900 out of the 60,000 inhabitants of Dallas, as to what this quaint and curious structure really was? who built it? when was it built? and, for what was it built?
     Well, this question was answered by the hoary-headed Dallasites as they stood in line before the shattered structure yesterday.
     About thirty years ago, when Dallas was in its infancy, Mr. Charles Kahn owned the land in question and had the cave constructed. It was an ice house, and the only source from which the few residents of Dallas then had of procuring ice. The ice was gathered there from Long's Lake, when it was frozen and kept for use during the hot summer months. Ice was then sold at 25 and 50 cents a pound, and ice cream was worth a dollar for a saucer. What would some of the $40 Dallas dudes have done, had they been living in those days?
     On this old landmark, is now busy, a corps of workmen, plowing up the earth and carrying away the bricks of the old ice house, to build on the same lot, a magnificent livery stable for Sanger Brothers. The structure is to be 200x50 feet and two stories high. It will reach from Commerce to Jackson streets, and, Mr. Sanger says, will contain some of the finest rigs ever seen in the city.