Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-12-17
LOCAL NEWS.

CENTENNIAL Tea PARTY.-The centennial
tea party at the Capitol in Washington, last
night, was unquestionably-s far at least as
relates TO the numbers of people in attendance
"a great success. Not only was the rotunda
crowded, but every other part of the building
into which entrance could be effected. So
great was the jam in the rotunda that the
ladies who entered it left all hopes of preserv
lug their dresses at the doors; and yet they
dared the daueer-a and stood the inevitable
consequence with heroism worthy OF a bet
ter fate. TO be able to describe the scene in
the rotunda one should have gone there early
and witnessed the gathering Of the assemblage,
for to all others it was but glare OF light, a
pressing and Surgug crowd of men and women,
hundreds of yards of bunting, and deafening
blasts of brazen music. Among the people
frequent gmpscs were obtained OF ladies
dressed in the Martha Washington and gen.
temeu 10 the Continental style, and an occa-
sonaI glance at a wild lDdian and Sandwich
Islander the former looking at those who
trod upon his feet or almost squeezed the
breath out of him as though he would like to
have their scalps, aud the latter as if he would
relish nothing better than outlet from those
who panied him 10 the same way. Notwlth-
staudlng all this jam, in which everybody was
squeezed out Of shape one lady was heard to
express wish that it might last for week,
and Mr.. Sam Cox, in the midst of it, was busly
engaged Introducing his numerous cousins.
There were thirteen tables, representing the
original thirteen States but 1t was impossible
to approach nearer to them than i've thick
pesses Of painting humanity, over the heads OF
which about FIVE thousand cups aud saucers
were passed, for which as many dollars were
sent back via the same route La the old House
of Representatives Mr.. Don Piatt's 'jolly sea
dog" Secretary Robson of the Navy, read q
portion of the early history of the United
States to an unapprecatiVe audience, and into
the corridors, gaspiug ladies and perspiriug
gentemen-with the assistance OF policemen
rushed for breath of pure and cool air; while
tired female limbs sought rest upon every avail
abo stairstep. Among the notables present
were President Grant, ex Governor Shepherd,
many mcmber Of the foreign diplomatic corps,
aud of Congress, Mr.. Corcoran, and the Queen
of English Opera, Miss Kellogg. But few
Alexandrians were present. The party will be
repeated this evening.
The calico TEA PARTY for the benefit
of the Alexandria Library, at Sarepta Hall,
last night, was, ip every respect, perfect
success. The attendance was unusually large
aud brilliant, including representatives from
Georgetown, Baltimore and Washington, and
seldom has so much beauty been congregated.
The dressing of the ladies was unique, but very
becoming; the music was delicious, such as
Weber can only produce, and the dancing
greatly enjoyed, while the supper prepared
by the lady friends of the Library was really
sumptuous All were charmed 10 the highest
degree, nor was there single Incident to mar
the pleasure of the occasion, which will long
be remembered by those present as one OF the
most delightful of their lives. We are pleased
to learn that the sum realized by the Party"
was very handsome, and that the whole affair
indicates the commendable interest manifested
by our citizens In the welfare of the Library.
Police REPORT The following cases have
been reported at police headquarters since yes
terday afternoon
George Swausbury, for disorderly conduct
was 6ned aud discharged.
John Mason, coored, for disorderly conduct,
was fued aud discharged.
George Smith, colored, q member of the
chain gang, for refusing to do duty was locked
up in the station house.
Elizabeth Briscoe colored inmate OF the
Jail. was examined there this afternoon for III
sanity.
lnlrteeu dodgers were accommodated at the
station house last night.
ANOTHER SUIT FOR DAMAGES. Robert +.
Talbot has entered suit in the Supreme Court
of the District of Columbia against the Poto-
mac Steam Navigation Company, claiming
$4,000 damages for Injuries Inflicted on him
by being put of the steamer Pilot Boy 10 Au-
gust last He claims that on the 25th of Au
gust be purchased on that steamer round-trip
ticket to Blackstonc's island, and that having