, 1877-01-07

This peculiar trait Of Washington life, noticeable
at all times, is peculiarly marked on a washing
ton New Year. On that duy it i
the duty. Of everybody, who recognizes
ah ahs ,,;ns s.c!'i J. H., obligation. to eall upon
people, where standing does not Of itself ciye
them rnnk, depends almost entirely ucon the
cards left by the heads OF families on New.
| Years Day. These cards arc carefully preseyy
ed, classified, and recol dcd, and are made the
pass Of all the calls and invitations Of the Cab
met ladies' Tor the coming season. Practically,
the right Of selecting their own guests is thus
| denied to these servants OF the people. It han
pens that these social leaders frequently have
as many as 200 names upon their calling lists,
aud the calls are returned.
Mrs Fish stands at the head Of Washington
society. II her position did not assign her to this
place, she would deserve It for her remarkable
social qualities The Indies Of the White House,
since the days Of Harriet Lane, in the brilliant
have taken the rank which Mrs. Fish assumes,
and dignifes. It might be more in harmony
with the condition Of our republican democracy
thar Mrs. Fish should be parvenue, She Is not.
She came here from one OF the oldest and
wealthiest families IN the country, and the con-
within the memories or the traditions Of her
people. Each year in Washington has
added to her new graces, dig,itics, and
honor. The society bellies could take no
better model than Mrs. Fish. II they take her
for their type this season, the lady gossips say
that they would not have new winter hat
Miss Edith Fish, the Oldest Of the unmarried
daughters, partakes Of her mothers dignity,
and M mas inherited her social qualities.
Ane secretary OF the Treasury received at
The Secretary Of War was assisted in receiving
his guests BY Ills daughters and Mrs Lippipcott.
The Secretary and Mrs. Robson received. as
sisted by her nleces, the Misses Stout. The At
torney General and Mrs. Taft held their first
New-Year's reception in the Ebbitt House par
lors. Their sons bride, just married at CIucin-
natl, received with them.
MISSING F.ACEs-BELKNAr-wLLIA
There were two faces missing from the Cabi-
net this year, which have for many years been
ington society-lHe. Airs. Belknap Was one Of
the few ladies who could venture the effect
upon her own beauty Of having beyy Of bright
girls around her. This she always did, md the
face which possessed SO many destinations for
most people seemed to have its beauty only
heightened by the presence Of the loveliness
around her. There was, besides, chance for
comparisons Of personal attractions and Of tasto
IN dress. These comparisons almost always re-
suited fayorab}y to Mrs. Belknap. Her par1ors
were always crowded. She had the power to,
hold the attention OF u room full OF gentlemen,
IS Mrs. Fish does, but it was fascination
OF very different kind. In the former the ut
traction WIS mainly youth and comeliness; in tho
IT,,
good breeding. Mrs FISH holds men With her
beautiful matronly face, her gray hair, her
queenly manner, and her power Of intellect.
Mrs. Belknap Is now here In Washington, at her
hotel, living apparently inobscurity. She can be
seen occasionally with the late Secretary OF War
upon the avenue In q carriage, which resembles
the one they owned in the heyday Of their
power but the house thcy lived in is closed
The scandals Of the Democratic Investigating
Committee to the contrary, the house never be-
longed to Gen. Belknap. Its real owner was
s'Boss u Shepherd, who some time ago traded it
to Gov. Walker, of Virginia, for some wild
lands. It was stated at the time that the house
was sold for $4,000. AS the price Of Virginia
price might have been fixed ut almost any nom.
Iual sum,
Mrs. Williams, the wife Of the late Attorney
General, is also absent. Her fine house stands
uuoccupied, except by the late Attornev-Gen-
eral himself, who is Constantly busted here With
a yery valuable Inv practice. Mrs. Williams IL
spending the winter in OREGON, The story Of
her beauty and career hare heen made fnn;1;ar
in every corner in the land. She vas in nearly
every respect most rcmarkable woman. There
are manv here who. as thcy nassefi her familiar
ho,,se on Ncw-Ycar,s Nav. much reorettcd The
ahsenra nf the 1adr uho ,vlatcrer mnr have
hecn sad AGAINST her hv SOCIAL r;rn1s. aIwars Ind
a Dleasnnt Smile and a hrilliant word far The
bumblest that called unon her. Mrs. Williams
Conversational powers were unsurpassed by
Williams that Sic was Hnersonified ambitIon.n
that ehu wac no wall a womon
MRS. GEN, suERMAN,
Notable among the ladies' called upon was
Mrs Enr Snerrnun Che ia in pusrv rear&ert