Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-02-11

fwesAlngtss OssrsspseAsosaJ
Washiagtsa, Yse. 3, 1881.
Society q Wsshiagisa b properly sse-
iect Of national intsssst, 81 seoo'd -
national pride. To the Federal CaP''o' O
our Union W look for that se6nsd culture
Of n.nners and mind, which sAssA sdssn
the Representatives, their wives end dsaGh-
tiers. OF gres, nation, aud furnish worthy
example 10 their coestiiusets end frissds.
There have been Sessions q WssAiagtea
whom this was truly verified Those who
remember Mr.. Polk's sdaiaistsaaioa Gill
not soon forget The Distinguished lady who
adorned the Presidential Mansion, and the
eour,ly republicanism which greeted the
visitor, and the generous reception BY the
various "heads Of department" A dish OF
chocolate with Mrs. Madisoa, on Saturday
afternoon, or . call upon Lady Hamilton,
are pleasures and honors alike TO be remsm'
bered. Foreign Ambassadors gave parties
then, end distinguished American citizens
and Senators entertained naGnikcentiy.-
Whig aud Democrat were honorable names
aud they Who bad borne then in political
conflict, laid aside their Differences, and
met Is brothers in social intercourss. Fan
atheism had not then breaihed ito bot breath
upon Society, scorching and whitening it,
vitality.
Authors and Artists adorned our Draw
ing rooms with their presenes-litsrasy
ladie, giIded conversation by their inter
course, and Beauty received her just HON
age from refined appreciation Of ito worth.
How changed 10 oil this in 1857. After 1--WE
years abroad the deterioration strikes the
visitor palpably. He will philosephiss
upon causes while the facts are apps rent.
At the President's first Leves, there was
crowd Of strangers, but, we looked 10 vain
for our great men. The company seemed
to be, with few exceptions, new race,
government clerks, curious strangers, and
ambitious ladies Of oil ages. with now and
then On "ancient Belle" and On " Ex- n. c."
tete trte in corner. Groups u two and
three, floating with the crowd, starsihg q
each other. that mass Of hundreds amid the
crash Of "Hoops and Dimity" wsaried out
two mortal hours, and then retreat away with
soiled feeling-clesn gloves add . great
deal Of sic ht.seeing for five dollars worth Of
hack hire.
The tail Of an administration inspires il
cabinet officers more with the idea Of econ
omy, than entertainment; a least one
would thus suppose. ~ but two or three Of
the Secretaries give Perceptions" A few
Of the Senators, resident in Warrington,
entertain Handsomely, and come Of the cit
isens who have got rich out Of government
plumber, give q larty during the session,
but the permanent residents Of the city, d.
though generally an intelligent and eultiva'
ted people, are distinctive and considerably
aloof from the visitors.
Hotel life 10 the pre.sminsnt feature Of
Washington society. The greatest degree
Of social equality exists in these "palses,
for eating aud drinking" Wealth and Gsniu'
give but slight distinction. Every one whe
has friends 10 pay his board bills and car
riage hire, is . nabob Of the hour, while Z
little impudencs and considerable Dress,
will pass . lady or gentleman almost any.
where.
Modesty and merit have not been Cad
mltted 10 the circles'' for several seasons
Highfalutin chit. chat, and airs distingus,
having rendered these qualities quite obso'
lete.
The great feature in the way II amuse-
ments At. the principal Avenue Hotels ID
their weekly Hops" Each Hotel strives
for the BelIeship, and as reciprocity OF
invitations brings them often together, all
the "srts" known TO coquetiery are skill
fully praeticed. Every section Of the coun.
try brings itssown styles, and although
New York modes prevail, Kentucky and the
Sandwich Island (American) ladies give 10
innovation on "h'gh nscks" that puts them
Lew 10 the market.
"WsLLAaD's" gives the best dancing and
music and the prettiest married ladies.
The s NATIONAL" 10 too dixnifsd 10 lance
and too egotistical 10 be social. Corporosi-
~ and politics subsist there on excel'sn
dinners.
"Bsowx'." Is gay "drawing ROOM"
they have numter Of last year Bellies aud
some quite pretty Misses. Supper aad
champagne . the great feature Of shop"
At this house, and "a order for = bottle Of
"Hsidsieck" is patent to nobility.
Kentucky halls from "OExrER's" and .
gem cf place il 10. The rtigning belle Of
The week is there, and upon matters It dress,
especially tho.e points which gentlemen ID.
mire, she outstrips them oil.
! have friend whose first wssk 10 society
here, & ss up - follows,
To Hotel, Dr..
7days board, eli 30
Fuel 3 50, extra so 500
Private dinner, Is plstss) $500
rNgr m