The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-07-08

other public oncial buildings are very fine But
the white House rs rather too pain, cramped and
tawdry IN Its style OF decoration Tor The TASTE OF
great nation like ours Houses which leading states
men, Cabinet ministers and foreign ambassadors reside
Dahlgren, for instance occupies small story red
brick house -Four and a half street-mercy, what
name for streeti-wh probably four or Ave rooms,
that New York mechanic would scarcely condescend 10
live in Lord Lyons until his return 70 England resided
IN dingy old gray brick barn street. tho best he
members Of the Cabinet taking the best houses they
got at very high rents able TO live In such good
style as wsto,do merchant in other cities These
round And Washington talks Of 'styleI"
Tho establishment Of street railways has been the
greatest benefit that the introduction of Northern energy
has done Tor Washington, notwithstanding Miss sophlo
dingy, rcketty old omnbuses Of the period
before ts the war. The paving Of = street, from
the Improvement OF Of the other streets Is also de-
serving notice Thus street was 90 deep with mud on
esn ministers went up 70 the hubs IN the mirs and the
poor man bad to Be carried out IN his goldaced coat
upon the back Of his servant fact-I saw myself;
What pity removed from gay and brilliant
New York; city OF which every one born in this coun
In Washington almost every man you meet seems
either to be In ofce or to be In some way dependent
upon the government for support once hunters also
captains and OK now that they have finished
up the and find their glorious occupation gone look
too. Copperhesds aud men who coidiy accepted the
Union as fact desiring in their hearts at the same time
sons p
baby know who their grandfather was and are not
ashamed Of hml have been in ofhcs long enough.
tn. DISTINCTION IN SOCIETY.
One good feature Of Washington society TO- that man
is regarded here for his position than his wealth
they 90 much ns
"What Is mis- POSITION" An agreeable change 70 many
who preferred this more cultivated style Of social dis
ncon The vague talk hear often OF distinguished
families whom "does not meet in the mixed political
crcles' Is all bosh. The legation SET composed Of
much TO ITSELF its English usually ncomprehensble
They are strong French, though Many of tho young
a.sasAs. are clumsy awkward and green looking, who
out their old clothes and turn up their at country
OF which they are most amusingy ignorant They AFFORD
good sport to the moro independent class Of young
In the winter hotel hops are the great nstitnton Of
the metropolis They are usually managed BY . select
noimpoper people admitted Atthese parties you may
sec Senators Chandler, Wilkinson and others hopping
distinguished generals and their rather ordinary looking
wives dancing visdvis TO some grave judge or veneer
tS M @ s ANA
OF the quality Mrs Senator Sprague by her grace
tact and beauty Joined with profuse wealth and great
good taste, may be considered In some respects the
leader Of the best Washington society But thorc are
many other ladies who aspire to this distinction, either
Oy reason OF beauty wealth. VI the pOeOn OF tner nus
bands. Mrs. A. Douglas has again entered society,
and lends an additional charm 10 it, which she has with
held too long, out Of respect TO the dead states
man whose name she bears Mrs. Lincoln whom she
first came TO Washington fAv0rite subject Of ridi
cuo among the fair resident secessionsts and weak
Unonsts. All kinds of the most absurd reports and
anecdotes which never get into the newspapers were
circulated about her and believed by those who did not
know had seen her. Yet she lived them all down.
In truth Mrs Lincoln dressed tasteuly and presided
with much grace and elegance At tho White House
any lady they have had there for years past She
had not had the advantages Of Miss Lane Is ruethe
schooling OF foreign learns court CIRCLES
but yet she filled the place very we'll Strangers fire.
quen,ly have pointed out to them men on the street
with the remark, "Do you see that mani Why, II he
should die the government, SIR could not we'll all his
place again" "Ahl trulyY'' eyes indeed The duties
Of his place complicated that will be next 10
impossible TO lnd any one At to take his Office II he
should die" Chow astonishingi' you cay, and look
curious Don't you believe such CANNON 10 hear the
Washington people talk you might suppose that all the
government oaccs wero intended expressly for them
Room for the verd datiQwe Suckers whose fathers
fought at Bladensburgl Room Crowd out the SOL
dcrs Society here 10 not any vile corrupt than
In other large cities II Ii rather purer under the new
regime than the old possibly and, II members Of Con:
gress would bring their wives and famies-as many Of
them do OF ato viii give nner moral tone aud higher
standard 10 fe and relieve the capital city Of The nation
Of the stigma that formerly attached 70 II.