The Hawaiian gazette., 1869-06-09
CORRESPONDENTS.
WASHINGTON, January 5, 1869


Editor Of the Halcaiidn Gazette-Dear Sir:
have returned from the South TO spend
the holidays in the Capital Christmas, and
Christmas trees, and Christmas festivities are
well sustained in Washington. think that
every Christian church denomination in this
city INDUCED in decoration TO do honor to
the great Christian festival; for observed
that Unitarians and Methodists We'd with
Roman Catholics and Episeopalians in ever
green sdornment OF their places of worship
The Unitarian church on D. Street was pre-
eminent for chaste and beautiful design.
But the Methodist Foundry Church on G.
Street aided BY its stained glass windows,
Gothic fret worked ceilings and fine rich
toned organ made show to compete with
the rich, elaborate decorations of Trinity.
Epiphany, and ST. Johns of the Episeopali-
ans. Nethodism here is on the high road to
ritualism, aud even Presbyterianism is NOV
ing that way. Art is invoked The Esthetic
nature is appealed to. You listen in rapt de-
light, in evangelical churches, 10 the sweet
sopranos, and tenors of the opera; and the
stained glass windows impart 4 soft tinted,
high ecclesisstic halo, TO the exuberant wor-
ship of the disciples of Wesley. Soon the
old mother will be outshone in fnery, and
more than rivaIIed in song by the sweet
chaunts and tender intonings of her protest
ing, dissenting, and heroic offspring, who are
looking back to the art in worship period Of
the medieval centuries.
In company with our Charge, l made
round of calls on New Years day. We call
ed upon all the high officials, and word of
gossip about individuals much talked of and
heard about may not be uninteresting to Is
land readers. After the White House parade,
we first called st the mansion of Mr.. Seward.
was astonished al the vigor and alertness
Of the Secretary remembered him twelve
years ago As rather feeble bodied and inya-
lid Senator; but like Pope sixtUs, who threw
away his clutches on coming into power, so
the man Of Auburn awakened TO renewed
vitality at the tinkle of the omnipotent little
bell The scar and lump on the Jaw, made
BY that obtrusiye visitor Payne, do not dis
figure the face so much as has been represen-
ted Seward is evidently bright and sound
for another administration, if be is wanted;
but take it for grGHted that he wont be
wanted In his present courtesies, he was
aided BY an agreeable and very attractive
young lady, his niece Miss Carpenter
Here must digress with = word or two
about ladies in general, as observed in soci-
ETY. in this city, and also in New York. +
wish to speak Of the prevalence of beauty,
as observed in the promenades, and in the sa-
looms. Certainly, observe wonderful i'm
provement after an absence of eight years.
Is it because my appreciation Of these charms
have been heightened BY long years of isola-
ton in the valley island; or Is it fact, the
improvement in personal atfraetiTeness as
witnessed and noted by careful and unimpas-
stoned observers. The latter Is true; women
IN America have grown more lovely. III
not be rhapsodic on the subject, although
onghf to be. Bnt one thing viii say, that
the throng Of beauties on grand promenade
or in crowded saloon Is perfectly besiI-
dering. The present styles Of dress, say
what y0u VIII, and crack your poor jokes
about Grecizn bend, IS much as you please,
are most tasteful and artistic Every wo-
nan, under fifty, and some over that, look
pretty in the present style o. promenade
dress And the simple elegance, in doors, Is
al that could be desired BY the fastidions