The New York herald., 1872-12-25
CAPITAL SOCIETY.
Coming Glory for Local
JenlxinseS.
A FIGHT FOR A COOK.
Most Delightful Meals in Prospect-The GALAXY
Of Fashion in Joint High FASH
ionable Hubbub

Nowhere except In the old baronial halls and
cosey country homes Of Old England is the time
honored Christmas 20 generally and heartily cele-
brated as In this national metropolis OF ours. The
cavaliers Of Virginia and the Catholic nrst set
tiers OF Maryland, who resided nereabouts before
George washington selected the location OF the
city which bears his name used to gather around
cracking yule logs to indulge in holiday sports
and dAaf large bowls Of apple-toddy or OF egg-nog
And although the infusion OF the Puritan element
in later years has blotted out many ancient Gus
toms, our Northern-born citizens enter with merry
hearts into the social Interchange OF Christmas
festivities.
Fortunately for the enjoyment OF our own people,
Congress has adjourned over and scores OF charm
ing private entertainments can be given this week
by the resident government officials without hav-
ing to invite the three hundred Con-
gresslonal strangers within our gates when
ever the nags wave over the Capitol at
noon, to denote that either house is at work.
Woe be unto the head Of department or OF bureau
who then gives any kind Of ball, party or social
dance without inviting every Senator and Repre-
sentative, with the wives and daughters OF those
who have them. "No invitation-no votel" Is
the maxim, and when an appropriation bill comes
up in which forgetful host is interested the for
gotten congressman take their revenge by OPP
WEEK OF DELIGHTFUL BREAKFASTS
charming dinners and carpet dances, with famous
suppers at which the terrapin, canvas-backs and
champagne will be enjoyed by those who can ap-
preciate them Even the diplomates will enter JOY
ousy into the festivities OF 'No5," and enjoy the
good cheer TO be provided in the Octagonal dining
room OF sir Edward Thornton, or at the hospitable
home OF the Gurneys, or with the Gastres on the
distant heights Of Georgetown There are an un-
usual number Of unfedged attaches just making
their debuts into washington society," and pleasant
holiday time they will have OF it, especially those
lucky enough to enjoy the escort OF young Hamll-
ton Fish or young Frelinghuysen as their pilot.
OIL THOSE DELIGHTFUL DINNERS.
There are those, dare say, who judge Washing
ton eating by the miserable fare served up here at
the hotels during the war but M IN no city , o. 5ae
ble,i. Mrs. Hooper's Virginia 'oldtime cook, Judge
Swayne's famous purveyor for the Seward table,
cannot be excelled. Then we have such fare to
cook Beef and mutton from the shenandoah
valley, MARYLAND hams wild turkeys and L yenison n
Norfolk. ducks from the Potomac-ay, and oysters
also, luscious, white and plump, blending the ma
Tnackeray never forgot our washington bivalves.
great deal OF legislation and much diplomacy
congressman who keep house and at the legations.
Nor would 1t be telling tine whole truth did ignore
the potent influence upon lawmaking which Is ex-
THE RIVAL RESTAURANTS
OF Welcher and OF Wormley. which are located op.
p0site to each other on Fifteenth street, in full
sight OF the Treasury. Just now favorite cut
Sifaer, unequalled IN his way, has deserted one oil
these culinary camps for the other, and great Is the
commOtiOn caused thereby.
TIE SEASON NOT FESTIVE JUST YET.
Attempts were made while Congress was here TO
inaugurate the season, but without success, al
though those who hang on the outer verge went
the grand rounds Of the Wednesday receptions OF
wives Of cabinet ocer lett ther Gards ana n ex
yOnd the social entertainments to which / have
alluded society will not be festive until after
New Years. And OF all the pleasant parties Of the
given by Admiral Porter on New Years Eve to the
young friends OF his daughters. Being ayOung peo-
ple's party. the mammas and wallnowers must stay
away, although the Admiral will have comfortable
quarters for the papas, with approved rations.
Miss Grant Is regarded as
THE LEADER OF THE GALAXY
OF young misses who are to shine at this and
not look so fresh and rosy as when known as
Nellie" She used to enliven all who knew her,
but she has not been spoiled by foreign travel,
while her manners are remarkably ladyiike. AS
for her toilet the wonderful dresses that she
purchased in Paris, under the guidance Of Mrs.
Washburne, form the stable subject OF small talk
at sewing circles and dancing schools. Some
anxious mothers shake their heads and think that
she is too young to thus become belle, but the
young lady has at, some of her iathers spirit
and means 20 enjoy herself.
ART AND ARTISTS.
Catln whose death iS announced to-day, was
well known here as he has often unsuccessfully
urged Congress to purchase his Indian collection.
Kensett was here when Congress undertook to es-
tabsh an 'art commission" and he has first and
last sold ut least half dozen pictures TO our col
lectors. Randolph Rogers has sent model for the
statue or Farragnt TO the disgust OF HOrao Stone,
Winnie Ream. Flannery and our local artists. And
every one wants to know why Powell doesn't come
here, finish his great picture Of Perry's Victory
and get the balance due him.