Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-02-08
VOL. 6.---N0. "a.
HIGH LIFE IN WASHINGTON CITY.

The following bits of gossip, which a cor
respondent furnishes an exchange, will give
the reader an insight into the way some things
are done in the Federal capital -
Dinner parties are now the order of the day,
aud will be given in rapid succession by those
officials who have "a local habitation aud'-a
cook. until the matin- chimes OF lent warn tho
faithful TO conine themselves to moigre diet.
Generally speaking, these ceremoniouS repasts
are like the Democratic. speeches, in which
certain phrases are repeated by each orator;
for the table ornaments, the edibles and the at
tendant walters, are invariably supplied at
French restaurant. y stranger, who has como
here properly recommended, dimes one day
with foreign minister-the next with south
ern Senator-the third with northern Repre-
sentative, and the fourth with metropolitan
resident. The dining rooms are OF different
sizes, and furnished indifferent styles; differ
ent gentlemen and ladies occupy the position
of host and hostess, and very likely there aro
different circles of guests; but the same SER
wants are in attendance, the epergnes
and table furniture are seen at each house, and
there is stereotype bin of fare.
The food would have made either Careme,
Watch, or Soyer, go mad, had it been attribu-
ted to their cuisine. A half chilled vegetable
soup; salmon brought in tin cans from New
Brunswick : and a half dozen courses, rejoic-
ing in Apican names, but very questionable
in appearance, and so favored as to defy de-
a few bon-bons that greedily pocketed
and tor beverages there are badly-iced cham
pagne, a manufactured Bordeaux, and execra-
BILE Brown Sherry. Everything is dull, prosy,
stupid, and indigestible.
How different was it in the olden time.
Then, gentleman who came here as men-
Der OF Congress, or of the Cabinet, would bring
his servants and his silver, while Madame would
come provided with table linen, pickles, and
preserves. The magnates of the land would
be seen early in the morning at market, and
at their tables they would have the good cheer
always to be found there. The ducks, oysters
and fish from the Potomac and Chesapeake
Bay, with the fine beef and mutton from the
valley of Virginia, aud home-cured ham,
were so prepared as TO make banquets un-
equalled at the Trois Freres in its palmest
days. And as for the wines, the simple an
nouncement that the madeiras and clarets
came from Charleston, the sherries from Phil
adelphia, and the champagncs from New Y ork,
guarantee of their goodness.
The best repasts given here now mirabls
dicta-are served up near the 'switching hour
o. night by those spolsmen, the subjects of
King Faro. Well supplied tables, choice
wines, and agreeable company, lure many
pigeon to be pucked, and we'll plucked at that.
When the 3ith Congress was organized, after
the protracted contest for the Speakership. the
proprietor Of noted gambling heuse held Or
dcrs for the pay of seven members during that
entire session. 1t is whispered that some Of
the members of the present House have been
equally unfortunate, and their creditor is of
course anxious for '.organization, as by the
present rule each Representative will have
good sum at once subject to his oider.
The all-engrossipg topic of drawing room
gossip, however, is the appearance of tho
daughter of the Austrian consul at New York,
at Mrs. Gwin's paaty, a few days since, with
out hoops! This introduction of a new-fash-
ion, or rather the discarding of an old one, is
discussed with great earnestness, ana the house
is 'sdivided.'' Stout danes look with horror
at the fashion plates of scanty skirts, and
those OF more slender proportions exult over
the discontinue of their rivals.