The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-02-27
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON,
WAsu1SGroS. D. c.. Feb % 1877

WAsHINGToN, ID. G., Feb. 90, 1875.
DEAR WHIG:-The latest social sensation
here is that caused by the arrest of young
man, named VIM. S. St. Clair, otherwise
known as Isis St. Clair This young
man found great enjoyment in attending
the numerous fashionable balls, parties and
receptions here during the present Winter,
attired in the clothing of a fashionable
belle of the season. His "get up" was
somewhat remarkable, and strange to say,
he played his part so well that he was not
discovered until Wednesday evening last,
while in attendance at the sociable given by
the Minnesota State Association, where he
attracted much attention, being as it were,
one of the leading bellies of the evening.
But his voice was not as soft as that of
females usually is, owing to a cold. This
was noticed by the female in charge of the
dressing room. and by her reported to the
police. Some of the ladies also smelled a
mice because "Sis" did not look in the
looking glass. He suspected treachery, and
left the hall, but was arrested before he
got square away. His dress was pearl
colored silk, and he wore white kid gloves.
His hair concentrations were decidedly
tasteful, and he managed his train with
elegance and ease. He did not like to be
locked up in cell, nor did he want his par
ents to know of his arrest, but both came
to pass. The case was fixed at the Police
Court and no prosecution followed.
We had still another sensation during the
past week, or rather what might be termed
a capital suicide A young man, James
Mcmahon by name, while laboring under
temporary alteration of the brain, COM
mtted suicide last Wednesday, by leaping
from the dome of-the Capitol building to
the roof Of the main building below, dis
lance of nearly two hundred feet. Deceas.
ed was a youth of estimable character and
highly respected.
The first report was. that Bill King had
returned, and from remorse, attempted to
sacrifice himself near the scene of his sub
sides, but in falling had struck the eastern
front with his cheek, demolishing the struc-
ture without hurt to himself But that
story soon proved itself hoax. Bill is
eating candles with blue nose and heart
among the kanucks, where skunks come
from, and where skunks 60, generally, to
avoid arrest, &c.
To-day being the anniversary of Wash
ington's birthday, it was observed here by
the closing of the banks, and other places
of business, a holiday in the public schools.
a military parade, &c. The mild sunshine
attracted thousands of people to the streets,
and Pennsylvania Avenue presented gay
spectacle with its throng of gayly dressed
pedestrians and a liberal supply of star
spangled banners.
The day was delightful one, and quite
in contrast-so far as the weather was con-
cerned-with that of last week, when ice
and ashes were the most prominent features
of out. door-life. Frozen were our streets.
our pumps and water pipes, the edibles in
our markets, and frozen almost everything;
while half frozen pedestrians slid fearfully
over the glacial pavements and were only
saved by ashes sprinkled along the side
Leafless trees glitteling with crystal frost
work, evergreens gracefully bending be-
meath snow fringe and frozen cascades and
streams scintillating in the sunlight are
beautiful to contemplate when one is quite
comfortable; but with frozen nose, FROST
bitten ears and toes, chatteIng teeth, and
cold chills running down your back like ice
water, one fails to appreciate the frigid
beauties of Winter scenery, and we sigh
for nose warmers, or soft. summer breezes.
1t was cold enough to freeze tongue and
BRAIN to benumb ideas as well as fingers,
and not leave vitality enough to solve the
BROOKLYN CoNUNDRUM
now revived in all its horrible nastiness
and filthy detail. Words cannot express
the contempt one feels for the woman-the
mother-who goes day after day into that
court room where her presence is not need
ed, listening with an amused smile to the
story of her shame, frownins on her hus-
band, smiling on her sanity pastor, laugh
ing, as at some good joke at the reading
of nursery rhyme written by her husband
for her little children, an incident that
ought to have called up sacred feelings,
and would have made an innocent, true
woman wish to hide elself from every
eye. On the other hand, what sad sight
to see man rolling as a sweet morsel in
. his mouth the descreatiou Of his home,
his wifc's dishonor, sacrificing the future of
his children, for notoriety.
OBSERVER.