The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-01-17
Nero Fiddled while Rome was Burning.

Il would certainly require the pressure of mo
than twenty ordinary atmospheres to conden
the doings and enjoyments Of the past WEI
within the limits OF one letter, 80 what am /
do! There has been perpetual excitement at Il
Capitol, eliciting powerful speeches from our be-
orators, besides attempts at speeches from thot
who never can be "best in intellectual effor
The absorbing interest attaching to the Paclh
Mail investigation faded into only minor topic
when the wires were thrilling all over the land wit
the tidings from poor Louisiana, till the Senate
whose dignity almost always becomes dulness-
from a gallery observation-felt the waves OF pub
lie amazement, alarm and inquiry beating ire
sstibly at it's doors.
There were fiery speeches from Logan an,
Morton and Gordon Hove, OF Wisconsin, will
his clear, quiet manner, explained his convic
lions; Thurman, of Ohio, grew intensely earnest
Flanagan, OF Texas wal. swiftly Of course; Hamil
ton, of Maryland, argued forcibly, but not clio
quently; then Bayard, OF Delaware, scholar ant
gentleman by culture and birth-right, made tht
fairest and most senatorial speech OF the whole
series. The galleries were packed at every SEES
sion, and mems pulses throbbed almost at
tumultuously as in those exciting days, seeming
go far past and yet so near, in the vivid impress
sion they left.
In the House, when it first convened, some
other topic was presented. but Gen. Butler ex-
pressed the feeling Of all when he protested that
all other interests should araA. Said he, "We
have moro important matters to consider Just
now than appropriations of any kind" Mean
time, as il all this were only side issue to be
determined and discussed by the lawmakers
alone, society was marshaling all its forces for
the brilliant campaign, which will this year be
short.
There have been private receptions, germans,
matinees -dansante, and dinner parties too nl-
mcrous for even the merest mention, but We'd
nesday, when the Cabinet ladies held their first
pubic levee, was not to be omitted. just think
fit! All the new dresses with their undimmed,
lustrous sheen; the gems brought out from their
satin-lined cases; the triumphant memories Of
the past making fairest foundation for hope Of
new achievements; the renewing Of friendships
that had been sweet; the widening of circles that
new friends might find place, and the unex-
pected delightful recognition in crowded salons
OF those known and loved in remoter places |
Can't you imagine something Of the delicious ex-
citoment?
Having waited some minutes before our turn
came to be liberated by the white gloved official
who politely opened all the cages bringing So
ciety's brides, we were ready to take instant
flight over tho mating that extended from curb.
stone to vestibule cards were turned over
at tho correct corner and delivered into the GUS
tody Of waiter No. l. who passed us on to waiter
No. 2. His quick ear caught the low repetition
OF our names, the door swung open with grand
flourish, and we stood duly announced before
Mrs. Secretary Fish. An instant of kindliest
greeting, wee morsel of attention before the
welcome must be spoken to the next guest, and
then we drifted over to the opposite side of the
parlor, watching the various groups changing SO
Mrs. Fish wore plum colored silk {
With trimming Of turquoise blue, while her curls '
we're crowned With the unique head dress no one
Use could possibly wear SO well.
We found Mrs. JEWELS parlors crowded For s
'oung people especially, the Postmaster's man. v
ion is delightful, since ballroom adjoins the
alon and street costume are the thing" for most v
dancing, while the music makes ]
harming accompaniment to the ceaseless chat u y
ing. There were but few dresses of decided II
olors worn. Black silk with velvet trimmings t.
r solid black vevets were most frequent, but X
onne.s showed combinations Of tint and ma. = =
,rial in bewildering variety, and one lady was b
orgeOus amid all the somber toilettes, for over r.
er carriage dress of garnet silk she wore polo ~
aise of darker velvet; diamonds flashed from
eek and ears, and if the plume in her hat were
alled while the poor ostrich was living, I'm
ositive the dsconsolate bird never survived
10 loss Of that matchless featherl I didn't
Nvnf nj, no lint I oh ;l-aL
ut like il! We feel so comfortable when fully LIZ
ware that no fault can be found with our raj. NJ ~
ent! pa
The sunset was 80 near that the parlors were W.
most dusky when arrived at the residence of ~
'cretary Robson, but Mrs. Robson looked as W ~
70 crown. It was good to see the Secretary w w
andng with ex.Secretary Borie behind his an an
lie, with his jolly face fairly radiant as he az
ltched her. He is very proud of his handsome %a
onse. Under the curtains dividing the parlors to
found Miss Stone, the young belle Of whose W
'eet beauty we had heard SO much. She is love- ~,
with her pure, transparent skin and the bright Wv
il. like glory, over the white forehead. Then, Tn
WIN on sofa by her side sat SUSIE Lee another 20
ashington belle, and we wanted to stare much ~,
,ger than politeness allowed don't blame e ~,
ntlemen for falling in love with q beautiful a.
%. There Is so much pleasure in looking at an
picture it makes; We feel so serene, 90 for III
rul OF everything disagreeab!e in its pres o ;
1ny
nd, creating an atmosphere that will too soon o.
nish. POI
We had been told that Mrs Bristow would not hri
eceive, so we missed one pleasure, which We oel
'pose to enjoy when the next Wednesday shall tIv,
srur NOPE X.o,,,,ro,,, hal
9 to dazze us on Friday evening, when Secre- W
y Fish gave card reception. We went early ue a
1 we might watch the arrivals in the DIRE pei
ms. Well please let your fancy have horse. Wy,
a let it speed fast and far, bringing to YOUR w.
mory all the gorgeous visions Of the Arabian wei
hits let the fabulous wealth Of Monte Cristo enc
avished let Goconda yield its treasures the nte
the ce.makers show their filmiest webs n
s. me! you'll call that extravagsnt-unless g.
have seen just such superb display as was for
before me there. sol,
confess never imagined anything like it. s%n
of it all remember the exquisite dress Of a nu
Spanish Minister'S bride as the most striking era
the lons-trained skirt was a success ion Of O."
plated tulle founces, headed with swans A.
d. The low-cut corsage came down over mott