Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-05-26

Republican simplicity.
GEORGE WASHINGTON AND U. s. GRANT AT
HOME.
What was the old republican simplicity
when you get TO ii? suppose this social
ly corrupt Washington, which 80 needs ref
ornaiion, may safely stand by the example
Of the man who gave il bis name. Will
what republican simplicity did he dress
and livei From the private memoirs by
his adopted son and granddaughter we
learn that single servant combed and tied
his bair in the prevailing fashion, which
was to let 1t grow long, powder it with a
puff ball made Of cotton yarn-whicA, with
the powder was carried in dressed buck
skin pouch-and tie 1t up in a long bunch
with ribbon behind. believe that Gen.
Grant gets his hair combed with more re-
publican simplicity. Washington's every
day dress when riding about the farm was
plain drab, but when President his style
and equipage "corresponded with the dig
nifty of his exalted station" His ordinary
| dinner dress was a suit of black, his hair
powdered and tied in black queue, and
very elegant dress sword. Who ever saw
President Grant carving his roast beef with
an elegant dress sword? When he address
ed The Hall of Congress in Philadelphia he
was dressed in a full suit of the richest
black velvet, with diamond knee buckles
and square silver buckles set upon shoes
japanned with the most scrupulous neat
llank oil l.; ~ ,fsl, 4
at the breast and wrists, light dress sword,
his hair profusely powdered, fully dressed
so ~ 10 project at the sides, and gathered
behind in a silk bag ornamented with
large rose OF black ribbon. His cooked hat
had large cockade on one side OF IL. When
President Grant delivered his last inaugur-
al bareheaded, in the bitter cold and savage
wind, he was not only denuded of dia-
m onds, velvet, rufiies and buckles, but be
had not so much silk bag about his froz.
en- ears! Washinston's carriage was of
light cream color, painted on the panels
with beautiful groups by Cipriani repre-
senting the toIr seasons. He was preceded
by two gentlemen with long white wands
who Kept back the crowd. His stables at
Mount Vernon were furnished with thor
oughbred horses. When he appeared on
horseback it was always with fine equip
ments, accompanied by his servant. For
Mrs. Washington he kept a chariot and
four horses, with black postulions in liv-
cry. The following order, sent to his Lon
don agent, for out-of-door equipage, savors
of IA republican simplicity which would
cause stare in these latter days:
Mans riding saddle, large plated stir
rups, and everything complete.
very neat ami fashionable ~ Newman
ket sadde-cloth.
A large and best (D portmanteau, saddle,
bride and pillion.
Cloak-bag, surcingle, checked saddle
cloth.
A riding frock of handsome % drab-
colored brUadcloth, with plain double gilt
% buttons.
a riding waisttoat of superfne scarlet
cloth aud gold lace, with buttons like those
of the coat.
A blue surtout-coat.
A neat ~ switch-whip, silver cap.
Black velvet cap for servant.
He was very fond of horses, and his eq-
uipaees were always of superior order.
He kept register of both horses and
hounds, and in hunting was always superb
ly mounted and wore a blue coat, scarlet
waistcoat, buckskin breeches, top boots,
and velvet cap. His pack Of hounds was
very numerous aud select, and he used TO
hunt three times a week. When he broke
up his kennel he formed a deer park Of
hundred acres. For breakfa the custom
of his time and society was tea aud coffee,
roast fowl, ham, venison, game, and other
dainties. Never was there a more gener-
GUS hospitality than his. House and apart
ments and servants were at the disposal of
the guest. At dinner the center of the ta-
BILE contained five or six large silver or
plated walters, those at the end oval on
one side TO correspond with the shape of
the table. The walters were filled with
NEUROLOGICAL alabaster figures. On the
outside Of the oval formed by the walters
were the dishes. lie had a silver mug of
beer by his plate, and he drank several
glasses of MADEIRA wine. His wines were
always the best that could be obtained, and
nothing could exceed the order with which
his table was served. Every servant knew
what he was TO do, aud did II in the most
quiet and rapid manner. The dishes and
plates were removed and changed with a
silence and speed that seemed like enehant-
ment.
The truth is that there Is no republican
simplicity to go back 10 except barbarism.
Gail Hamilton in the Gatary for June.