Wilmington daily commercial. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1866-1877, 1873-02-10


BILE TRAoEDT-THH FARBAoUT sTArURs-soolETY
AN HLEdANT RECEPTION.
Especial Correspondence OF the CommeFclaLl
WASHINGTON, d. O., Feb. s.
The recent destruction by fire OF the National
Theatre is loss seriously felt by the amusement
loving portion Of our community. Not on ao-
count of its size style Of finish or AttrActiveness
of appearance, As IL could not with propriety lay
claim to either but because it was ct the time
the only Theatre in city with q population, a.
this season OF the year, of at least 16O 900. The
property was valued by Mr.. W. W. Rapley, the
owner, at $140, 900, and upon which there was an
insurance of $4,000. 1t is the third time it has
been destroyed In like manner in I845 and
again in 1857.
For the past two years Mr.. John G. Saville. at
one time a resident Of Wilmington, has been
lessee, and by his thorough knowledge OF the
business, and unremitting attention to the wants
OF the public, had made himself universally es-
teemed, so that, almost before the fire had
ceased, q meeting of number OF gentlemen was
held, resulting in q complimentary benefit TO him
on Monday night at Willaid's Hall. There is also
movement on foot to erect a fine Opera House,
thing that has been long needed, aud much
talked Of through the papers, the same to be
completed in time for the season, next winter,
aud the management to be given to Mr. Saville
The latter proposes, in the meantime, to do the
best he can in the line of light comedy, at Will
ards Hall.
Another one Of the horrible tragedies, for
which regret to say Washington has gained an
unenviAble notoriety the past year, took place
early yesterday morning at a boarding house in
the very heart OF the city. The perpetrator and
would-be mdrderer, Mr.. II. H. Hargrove was at
one time wealthy and influential citizen Of Nell
son Co, Virginia. but lost all during = raid OF
General Sheridan through that section. Last
week, in company with his family, wife and
five children, he came to this city, stopping at
the house OF his sister-in-Rw Mrs Brown. He
was without means and much depressed in spir-
it's. After repeated efforts to secure employ
ment in which he failed, his mind became Affect
ed resulting in the attempted suicide of himself
and murder of his whole family. He first cut
his own throat. then that OF his wife and more
or less mutated the children, the youngest be-
ing babe OF eighteen months Had it not been
for his exhaustion from the loss OF blood the
most of them would have been murdered 80 ra-
pid was he in bis maniac movements. The deed
created a general ehudder and the excitement
has not entirely abated though it is now thought
that they will all recover.
In the lower corridor OF the Senate Wing OF
the Capitol there are now on exhibition num-
Der of models for statues of Admiral Farragut,
Amongst the group is one in heroic size by Miss
Winnie Roam. Unfortunately in being carried
from the Depot to the Capitol the bearers let it
fall thereby damaging it so seriously that it
was not in condition for inspection yesterday by
Inc JOlUJ OOLltultIoo Vi tnb Dbuhlo anu AlDusb
Oh Public Buildings and Grounds with whom
rests the awarding of the contract. The other
models range from twelve to thirty inches in
height and upon them appear the names Of the
following sbulptors: j. Wilson Macdonald, D.
L. Warner Geo. Turner. and M. EZekial. All
Of the competitors were not present during the
inspection, and the Committee djourned to
meet again when each il expected to be repre-
sented to present the merits of his model.
President Grant while at the Capitol viewed tho
models and complimented Miss Ream upon the
appearance Of her model. 1t is expected by ma
ny that she will receive the award. though most
persons concede excellence, in an artistic point
OF view to the model OF M EzekiRl, of Berlin.
This being short term. not only for Congress
but for society, owing to the early advent of
Lent, the devotees of Fashion have been unfail-
ing in their efforts to make the most Of the
time. Neither rain, cold nor snow has been al
lowed to interfere with their arrangements and
scarcely day OF evening passes but that long
lines Of carriages can be seen standing along tho
streets in front Of the residence OF those '' re-
| ceiving."
One OF the finest receptions thus far held, was
recently held by Senator and Mrs Frelinghuysen,
at their elegant home. The house is most hand
somey furnished, and upon this occasion, the
pArlors were beautifully adorned with exquisite
| fowers in boquets, baskets, &c. The President
and Mrs. Grant were present, and held quite a
levee in one of the parlOrs, all of tho guests
moving forward to pay their respects, after the
| kindly greeting extended by the Senator and
MIS- Il. A large room was asslBneu 10 tne
dancers for whom excellent music had been pro-
/ vided The supper room was also tastefully
| arranged and the table was laden with the
choicest delicacies and beautifully decorated with
/ flowers pyramids, moulded ices, etc.
The toilettes of the ladies present were very
beautiful. Mrs. Grant wore pale mauve silk,
/ trimmed with violet velvet, Miss Nellie Grant, a
i Paris muslin aud Yalenciennes lace over-dress,
| over an exquisite shade of blue silk. Miss Fro
linghuysen was exceedingly attractive in white
/ gauze do chambrey, with Tuf1les OF the same,
| 6ordered with white satin. Miss Virginia Brooks
wore French dress of blue tulle over silk of the
same color, together with flowers and black vel
vel. Miss Kate Steele was exquisite in white tulle
over white silk. the several skirts being bordered
with embroidery in oolors and edged with blonde
| lace In fact the toiettes of all the ladies were
worthy of special mention but the above will
suffice to give an idea of the styles at one OF oul
receptions. RENNAT