New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-12-23
SOCIAL LIFE IN WASHINGTON.

STATE sOCIABLEs-DEMOCRATIC ADJUSTMENTS.
IRON REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21.-The State sociables
have been revived. Tho Pennsylvanians lead of, the
NEWCOMERS and ohloans come next, and the other
States will soon follow. These socables are unique
feature Of Washington society life They are given by
associations composed Of department officials, clerks
and other Government employees living in tho city.
These organizations have double purpose. They mako
nqusition into the political faith Of oil persons holding
Office p Washington from their respective States, to see
Il, there be any Democrats Liberals, or other political
heretlcs among them they aid in the distribution Of
documents levy assessments, and obtain leayesQf-
absence and l8ll-iaIe on the railways to enable
their members 10 go to their former
homes and vote. But when tho work OF
the campaign is over and tho victory won, the members
thoughts turn from politics to the mder excitement OF
the quadrie and the German, and their partisan ogan
cations converted into pleasant social coteres Eacn
engages hall and band, provides supper and nos
pitably invites all citizens Of It's State to come in and
bayo good time, charging them small admission Zee
to pay expenses. The principal Northern States have
each an association The New-EngaDd States join to-
gether and all the Southern States furnish only hepu'
society usually occur at Intervals Of fortnight three
weeks but there many associations that there is
hddiiog aud dancing going on tho whole Winter long
and as il the custom for people IRON State to invite
their friends from sother 70 come 10 their sOcaOle
the friends OF course returning the compliment.
there IL no end OF opportunities for those
who are fond Of such festivities TO pass their evenings in
dancing and chat Nothing could be much more demo
cratic than affairs. The political Importance OF TIE
associations secures the occasional attendance OF the
President and Cabinet, and Congressman are always
present I'm goody numbers. Mingled with these digni
tares are poor clerks and who never owned
dress coat in their lives, and whose sensible wives
make attempt TO keep up with tue fashions For the
time they arc "a good anybody Poor Jones OF the
Tenth Auditors Office, who makes SHIFT to live on 81 200
ayear takes in his ungoved hands the white Kids OF tho
h.i~iAtss's sfe In .tarnine sss.oTs IA tn9
her old black silk for the OCCASION Is made happy by
polka with Congressman a waltz WITH at atache OF
some foreign legation. There is perfect freedom OF
dress Plain walking suits mDgle with elegant rodS de
sa,IIsr N 80 -, :, & &, 49,
Whatever may be thdghs Of the political feature OF
these state ASSOCIATIONS their social phase they are
entirely comendabe They foster love OF ones native
Satea kind OF patrots which, PERHAPS needs cultiya
tonamd the strong centfasng tendencies that now pre-
vail they promote Friendships between people 81 COM
mon nativity, engaged In the common business " serY
ing the Government, and they doubt create to some
extent that esprit do corps which makes men take pride
p the faithful performance OF duty Besides they Afford
harless and pleasant social diversion, at small expense
TO many who without them would have few oppOrtu-
uities for such enjoyment,