The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-10-19
(To BE CONTINUED }

give them warm reception. r-.. .. ---t9Itt |
go Gro BE CONTINUED El'Eaaj /,
Etiquette and Society in Washington.
r Correspondence of the Philadelphia Press
WASHINGTON, Oct 8, 1859
Washington may now be approached
by railroad from all parts of the Union.-l
1t is to the fashionable world in winter
what the watering places and sea- side re-
sorts are in the summer. 1t is always
popular with the ladies, and with those
gentlemen who follow in the wake of
wealthy and aristocratic families. The
Improvements of the last fifteen years
have, however, greatly cheapened the ex-
penses of travel, and even of living, and
as socety-at least that kind of society
which is found at the hotels and at the
receptions of the President and his Off !
cials-is accessible to all well-dressed
persons. Washington has become as at
tractive to people who are not rich as it
has always been to those who are. An
intelligent young man of decent deport-
ment and good manners, especially if he
should be fortunate enough to attain q
lieutenancy in the army or in the marine
corps, or midshipman's warrant, has
vast advantages in Washington, and can
make the circuit Of a winters residence
here with infuite satisfaction and enjoy
ment to himself, and probably with rich
bride at the end of his recreation. Per.
sons visiting this city are often embar-
rassed as to how they may approach the
President and heads of Departments, and
also how they may get into society. /
have thought that few of the rules rec
ognized in what is called society here,
may not be uninteresting to the numer-
Gus readers of The Press; for however we
may all dislike the parvenue and laugh OF
the wealthy fool, and despise the more
exquisite, it is certain that no man or
woman can pass sg-esably and comforta-
] bly, through the labyrinths of the social
and fashionable circles who does not oo-
serve some Of the regulations known un-
! der the general phrase of "etiquette."
borrow few from an accepted authority
"a neat little pocket volume, entitled
e Etiquette in Washington published
S some years ago, and for sale at all oul
bookstores at reasonable price. -e
d The President of the United State:
receives visits every day, from eleven te
if one o'clock, except when engaged in ses
!, sions with his Cabinet, or wEeE he chooses
1t to fix different hour, of which due no
tice is always given. There are certain
e days in the week setapart as 'Cabine
D, days. usually Tuesdays and Fridays, but
! the exigencies of the Government fire.
quently require extra sessions. Oh h12
II THE mode of obtaining access to tn
President ordinarily is exceedingly simple
q An individual who desires to have an in
.e terview with him is shown into an ante
room, where he awaits his turn for ad
ia mission. fr.af .77 Il. ....r.-. 81.
II 2"In addition to these morning visits
" the present President holds public lie
" wee from IL NJ to 2 P. NJ once weel
s. for the reception of general visitors.
e. would be in the highest degree impolit
,h to approach him with business on thes
n or any other public occasions.
to The President is not expected
return visits under any circumstal
no ees. 4E'sa 14HsH -i ua'-37gg o.
to Gan invitation to dine with the Pres
W. dent cannot be declined, except und
he the most pressing circumstances, withol
al the greatest breach of respect to the Chi
nd Magistrate of the Union, An invitatit
nd from him is sufficient apology for. ID
.- clining an invitation previously given al
go accepted. e' i-- .i.s1g -
ras "On the first of January and fourth
his July, as we'll as on stated evenings, t
me President holds public levees,' at whi
70. all persons disposed to avail themsoly
ent of the privilege are at liberty to atte
of whether acquainted with him or not.
for "In conversation with the President
his the United States, it is customary to {
e to dress him as Mr.. President 49,
o., 1.-THE Vice President of the Uni
he States, as the presiding officer of
, TO Senate, takes rank next to the Preside
iers 1t is his privilege, as well as that of
e at members of the Cabinet, not to be aw
the of the return of any individual, howe
hap distinguished, to the metropolis, until
reat shall have received a visit from hin
any, person, which, if his engagements rem
ut: necessary, he may return by
Ball card E - ~ o5 sos
nen, FOREIGN MINISTERS. the
Dad, arrival of the Representative of fore
me, Government in the United States, it
proper for him to address letter to
Il? Secretary of State, apprising him of
: fix arrival, accompanied by copy of
dey credentials, and asking a time to be f
for a formal presentation of the Q
It he inal.
Ma "On the arrival ofa family at "
ming ington, it is usual for them to annol
the fact to their friends by sending |
, dey cards. ---- 'h
lo.' at is quite common in Washingto
Il all make visits by card. Ordinarily,
lady of the family, or her daughter, q
lcern to the houses of their acquaintancess
not ring, the hour for morning visits and
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