The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-29

Speaking Of economy and republican simpiicify,
reminds US Of the oriental splendor OF the residence
OF the tegtrsasurer Price, late Van Buren, District
Attorney for New York. Few palaces In Europe
surpassed IL In richness Of furniture and decoration.
He was anespecialpet Of Mr. Van Buren, his appoint-
ment having been secured by the personal inter-
ference Of MIR. Van Buren,, against the choice Of
Gen. Jackson and the recommendations Of Tam
many Hail.
The subject further reminds us that the furni-
ture, &c. of another Sub-tyeassrer who has unaa-
counted for" large balance Of the peoples money,
exceeded In extravaganza, any In the City Of Wash
ington. We don't mention II to complain OF, but BY
way OF explanation. Window curtains, for exam
pie, sold al auction for S75 each. A plated dinner
set Sll50. Carriage, the most splendid that rolled
upon the ADMINISTRATIONS oomans, like those
which grace the Seraglio Of the Grand seignor
Candle-sicks mirrors, and sideboards Of the most
costly description, DC, &C., &c.
To continue the ub-treasurer General-in-Chief
is distinguished and liberal patron Of literature at
the expense, however Of the people. This is not to
be complained Of We wish he had more of the
light OF knowledge, or rather, we wish that his
bountiful Of knowledge yielded better fruit.
The expense Of these means the shape Of reviews
books, periodicals and newspapers, English and
American, for the year ending September 30, 1888,
FIR The etGcc of the Secretary Of Las Treasury was
about 1888 What becomes Of these means of
kao,eledge, we cannot answer without being PERSONAL
a thing which we scorn 10 be. Although the loco
focos claim among other "equal rights" very pro-
perly, We think, "equal means Of education" their
Secretary does not practically concede this right.
His means Of knowledge are certainly superior 10
those Of nineenths Of the Locofecos, but they may
congratulate themselves nevertheless, that whatever
his superior may be, they have, at least, by
cross cut enlightened their understandings to
level of equality with his. The Secretary, how
ever, is distinguished for that kind OF knowledge
mentioned in Exodus, viz Sach as Is BESTOWED on
men for derising curious and excellent pieces Of york
manship" and we are sure that the Secretarys con-
stituens must be more than his equals II they can
understand the curious" creations of his wisdom.
Thinking of Queen Victoria's hard bed We re-
member to have experienced sensation OF weak
ness and effeminacy when we we're so presumptuous
as to get into the Speakers chair. is Of crimson
silk velvet and soft as an Indian summer. 1t cost
one hundred and seventy dollars. The canopy over
il, we belve, cost sixteen hundred dollars. The
carpet of the House. very handsome pattern, was
made in England, and cost So per yard. The cano-
py, surmouned bya golden Eagle, over the head of
the President Of the Senate which is new, cost, as
we are informedy two thousand three hundred dol
lars Chandelier $1,000 Carpet, American Man
ufactue, 50 SO o$2 rs per yard. The Vice Presi-
dents room in the Capitol is luxurious magnihcence
The committee rooms, Sc. ofthe Senate, have been
recognized, and newly furnished during the late
recess, in rich taste and modern style.
The Library of Congress, which is. worth more
than all the gaud Of the Universe Is fostered at the
rate of ss5 600 per annum. How Insignificant, when
compared with the sums expended about the Capt.
tol for the mere pleasures OF sense
Think that for all this the lighthouses ofour ma
riners are to be put out-the pensioners reduced
the peoples lands hurried eff for few coppers, &C.
&c !! Think ofthem as the stepping stones to that
splendid Government which corrupt adminstra-
ton seeks establish upon the ruins OF State nsti-
tutions and which would end in open conflict OF the
popular and federal authorities like that which ter
minated the oppressive dominion of the Subtreasu-
ny system of julius Caesar. II.