The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1878-06-21
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER


SQUARES - THE RETURN OF MRS.
HAYEs-THE COMING WEDDING AT
THE WHITE HOUSE," POTTERIsM"
From our regular correspondent
WASHINGTON, D. c., June S, 1873.
Never has body OF Legislators been
convened in our National Congress who
have talked more and accomplished less
than has the Forty-fifth. The much
haraugued silver bill, which was per-
haps the biggest stumbling BLOCK 20
practical legislation in this great cry
and little wool" session-has caused no
apparent increase in the amount OF coin
IN private purses, and the people are
forced to conclude that all those pleas
ing legends about revival OF business
and plenty of money, were so mary
decisions and SHARES. Now that the
session is nesring close, its sins OF
omission seem even more glariDg than
those of commission. One of the most
shameful of the former is its neglect
to make proper appropriations for
Identifying the government grounds in
and about the Capital, and for continu-
ing the few public works tending to-
ward that end which. for lack OF. neces-
sary funds, were long since suspended.
No city in the country can boast of a
greater number Of breathing places"
than Washington. An unbroken park
of three hundred acres extends from the
Capital to the Executive Mansion, and
some ninety more are scattered through
out the city, varying in size from the
scrubby little " fiat irons" at the inter-
section of busy streets, to vistas OF
forest and lawn, whose presence is q
perpetual beneficence. The largest OF
these is that surrounding the White
House, which contains eighty acres !;
the Smithsonian grounds contain fifty
two acres the Capital grounds forty
eight acres; Monumental grounds forty
four acres and those about the Agri-
cultural Department thirty-two acres.
Then there ara the Lincoln, Lafayette,
Farragut, Franklin. Mcpherson. and
no end Of other squares, each with its
handsome statue whence it derives a
name and many of them with expen-
sive fountains, most of which, however,
are dry and empty as the Golfers of
those who would beautity them did
Congress but vouchsafe the where
with" Year by year the weeds within
them grow rsnker - thriving, like
human beings. upon generations of de-
cayed predecessors, until to-day, that
part of the Government reservation
fronting Missouri avenue, from Third
TO Seventh streets, look more like a
Michigan swamp in its primeval state
than the delightful resort it was de-
signed to be. The wilful ignorance and
gross stupidity of some members of the
Appropriation Committee are all that
prevents this Paris of America" from
becoming worthy lis name as the capi-
tai of great country. and. indeed, are
enough to provoke even female saints
into the use of sdcre mOts. Yet such is
human perversity. that these same igno-
ramuses are duly returned to each sue
ceeding Congress. greatly to the dis
gust of Washingtonisns. Both citizens
and strangers are a1sni%SYHlah u the Will
be the most beautiful city in the
world" but that dies .faustus can never
come till more public spirited aud
liberal minded men are sent here than
those who now comprise the majority OF
the aforesaid committees.
Mrs. Hayes has returned to the
White House from her trout Fishing ex-
petition. and is at home to all who
care to make social call The family
dine about six o'clock. leaving the din
ing-room soon after seven. The red
parlor is the reception room for these
popular informal evening visits. "
Stuart's full length portsit of Wash
ington occupies the place on the wall
formerly filled by portraits of General
and Mrs. Grant and their four children.
Ushers are on duty IN regulation suits
of black. with white neckties. Visitors,
upon entering the White House, hand
q card to the usher. who informs them
whether or not Mrs. Hayes is at home
Mrs. Hayes does not keep her visitors
waiting. If she has guests staying
with her, she takes each new arrival to
these friends and gives an introduction,
not only the name. bat their residence,
thus giving each topic of converse.
ton. These evening visits are very
pleasant. Mrs. Hayes 10 On admirable
hostess, making each guest at home,
interesting herself in them personally,
going from che or other of her callers
to say pleasant word of greeting.
Miss Plat. who has been with Mrs.
Hayes the past year, and much admire
for her many accomplishments and
good qualities, is To be married OH the
10Th of June. and in contemplation of
all the White House weddings we are
wondering who will succeed the pretty
Miss Farland. Miss Mcfarland, Miss
Plstt, and others who have held social
carnival there. Miss Platt is the
daughter Of the Presidents only sister.
and has travelled through Europe, ai-
ding culture. grace, and dignity to her
| charms.
General Russell Hastings, Miss Platt's
intended. formerly of Willoughby.
Lake county, Ohio, enlisted as lieuten-
ant in the 23d Ohio Regiment at the
beginning of the late war. and was
soon promoted to assistant adjutant.
general on the Presidents staff, and
was very severely wounded at Winche.-
ter in the battle of Opequ in ga. He
was thought to be mortslly wounded.
Mr.. Crump, of the White House, assist.
ed in carrying him from the battlefield
He was promoted to Lieut. colonel of
the 18th Ohio Regiment. and brevet-