Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1878-06-12
From. ourlRegular Correspondent
Washington Letter.
WASHINGTON. Jnnee.

convened in our national congress who
have talked more and accomplished less
than has the forty-filth. The much har-
angued silver bill-which was, perhaps,
the biggest stumbling block to 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 10 con-
clude that all those pleasing legends about
a revival of business and plenty of money
were so many decisions and snares. Now
that the session is nearing close, its sins
of omission seem even more glaring than
those of commission. One of the most
shameful of the former is its neglect to
make proper appropriations for beautify-
ing the government grounds in and about
the capitol, and for continuing the few
public works tending toward that end
which, for lack of necessary funds, were
long since suspended.
No city in the country can boast of II
greater number of breathing places "
than Washington. An unbroken park of
three hundred acres extends from the cap
ital to the executive mansion, and some
ninety more are scattered throughout the
city, varying in size from the scrubby lit
tie hlt-irons ut the intersection of busy
streets, to vistas of forest and lawn, whose
presence is perpetual benelcence. 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; those about the agricultural de-
partment thirty three acres. Then there
are the Lincoln. Lafayette. Farragut,
Franklin, Mcpherson and no end of the
squares, each with It's handsome statue
(whence it derives Il name), and many of
them with expensive fountains, most of
which, however, are as dry and empty as
the Golfers of those who would beautify
them did congress but vouchsafe the
wherewith." Year by year the weeds
within them grow ranker-thriving. like
human beings, upon generations Of decay
ed predecessors until to-day, that part of
the government reservation fronting Mis-
souri, avenue from Third to Seventh streets,
look more like n Michigan swamp in its
primeval state than the delightful resort it
was designed to be. The willful ignorance
and gross stupidity of some members OF
the appropriation committees are all that
prevents this Paris Of America" from
becoming worthy its name rs the capital
of great country, and, indeed, are
enough to provoke even female saints into
the use of SacYe motS. Yet such is human
pcrversity that these same ignoramuses
are duly returned to each succeeding con
gress, greatly to the disgust of Washing
tonians. Both citizens and strangers are
universal in the verdict that "Some dd1
Washington will be the most beautifu
city in the world,n but that dies tauSt@
can never come till more public spirited
and liberal minded men are sent here thai
those who now comprise the majority o
the aforesaid committees.
Mrs. Hayes has returned to the Whit
House from her trout fishing expedition
and is at home every evening to all VIII
care to make social call. The famil
dine about six o'clock, leaving the dining
room soon after seven. The red parlor i
the reception room for these popular in
formal evening visits" Stuarts flu
length portrait of Washington occupie
the place on the wall formerly filled b
portraits of General and Mrs. Grant, an
their four children. Ushers are on dut
in regulation suits of black with whit
necktes Visitors upon entering til
White House hand card to the ushe
who informs them whether or no Mr.
HAYES is at home. Mrs. Hayes does NJ
= keep her visitors waiting. If she hs
guests staying with her, she takes eac
new arrival to these friends and gives a
introduction, not only the name, but the
residence, thus giving each II topic of cor
versation. These evening visits are yer
pleasant. Mrs. Hayes is an admirabl
u hostess, making each guest at home, il
= teresting herself in them personally, goin
l. from one or other of her callers to say
Z pleasant word Of greeting.
Miss Plat, who has been with Mr.
Hayes the past year, and much admire
for her many accomplishments and GOO
: qualities, is to be married on the 10Th
June, and in contemplation of all Il
White House weddings we are wonderr
~, who will succeed the pretty Miss Farlan
r Miss Mcfarland, Miss Patt and othe
- who have held social carnival there. Mi
Platt is the daughter of the president
. only sister, and has travelled throue
" Europe, adding culture, grace and digni
to her charms.
General Russell Hastings, Miss Plat
Us intended. form erly of Willoughby. La
=" county, Ohio, enlisted rs lieutenant in Il
23d Ohio regiment at the beginning of Il
late war, and was soon promoted to ASST
at tant Acknowledgement on the president
staff, and was very severely wounded
b Winchester in the battle of Opician in 6
Z. lie was thought to be mortally wounde
=. Mr.. Crump of the White House assisted
carrying him from the battlefield.
was promoted to lieutcnanl-colonel of Il
18th Ohio regiment, and brovet brigade
IS general for gallant services with the sta
when the famous charge was made in t
:" Marsh.
The Potter Investigation committee
still grinding at the doctored and mix,
ty up statements, oral and written; which a
brought before them. The witness Andc
son is yet the center of attractions, III
why SO much weight should be placed