An example of modern luxury and extravagance rivaling the far-famed oriental splendor, is the mansion now building of Mrs. Mark Hopkins-Searles, near New York City. Various and valuable marbles from both continents, costly carved woods, ivory, silver, and gold, are the materials which enter into its construction with lavish profusion. The side walls of the main reception-room, or atrium, are composed of fifty onyx panels, through which electric lights illumine the costly parlor with the softness of sunlight. Even the servants' bath-rooms and the kitchen are floored and wainscoted in marble. The organ is the largest house organ in America, height forty feet, case of English oak, with pure gold mouldings. The cost of the largest chimney above the roof is said to be $10,000, while the cost of the whole building, with its surroundings, is estimated at $2,500,000. And all this to gratify pride (for it does not add to comfort), while thousands in the world are starving!