The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-01-14
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.

Xmas, the merriest and happiest of all
festive times throughout our land, is looked
forward to, prepared for aud enjoyed 10
the capital with more enthusiasm than in
any other city, aud this is as il should be;
the seat Of christian government, Of a
christian people, in no other city Of the
Union should the Xmas welcome with its
old yet new lesson Of love to all msnkind)
be eclipsed. Xmas should be welcomed as
one Of the strongest conservators Of society
the christian religion controls, for it teach
es lessons of charity aud generosity on no
other occasion so acceptably practised.
Politics and sectional agitations rest for the
time aud one and all are brought closer to-
gether by the exchange Of festive pleas
ures and joyful meetings Never within
the memory of the oldest inhabitant we're
the streets so crowded with pedestrians
were on the day before Xmas day, and the
abundant space and wide streets seemed all
too little room for the thousands Of busy
Nmas caterers.
A visit to the Washington market which,
by the by, is one of the handsomest build
ings for that purpose in the country, COM
pleted about three years ago, is full Of
interest and instruction, After a
walk through the market 90 that morning,
or better described as a scramble through
the surging crowd, l could hardly credit
that we live 10 the midst of hard times.
Mountains of beef, selected from prize
cattle fed on the blue grass of Kentucky;
acres Of luscious steaks, mutton, veal, &c.
Mounds of succulent pig, ribboned and
decorated for the sacr6cial fire. Game Of
every variety to arrest the attention of the
epicure, and stacks of plump turkeys, all
festooned with strings of ivy and coils OF
pine, while embiemstc flowers, crosses and
thousands OF American flags waved over
the whole.
Not least, by any means, in the catalogue
of the Nuas preparations in the capital, is
the decorative department. They have q
great advantage here over many parts OF
the country 10 the variety and abundance
OF their evergreens The holly and the
ivy, more suggestive OF the old time Amas
than anything else; the rich, red holly
berries, cleaning 10 their warm crimson
IN the wreaths and garands, and the mys-
tic and symbolic mistleto, which many per-
sons in this country have never even seen,
hanging over the doors. One of the city S
most beautiful customs is the universal
earnest and beautiful decorating of Its
churches at this season and their Joyful
service Of song. | should not imagine thai
any other place could equal Washington il
the number of her Nmas trees; aud in
this her children are most favored. Wheth'
err it is to be accounted for 10 the abund
ant growth Of material for identifying anC
hanging their gifts upon, so easily attained
by every one, or for any other reason, 1t i!
q certain fact that there scarce remains {
house without where they have The
slightest excuse for planting one, from g
month old cherub to sweet sixteen. and frou
much practice they have attained to grea
perfection 10 this art as some OF the trees
that | saw we're q marvel of beauty. Tit
heavily laden branches overhanging palaces
10 enchanting grounds 10 miniature
With beautiful walks, trees, flowers an,
fountains playing, complete works Of art
aud to judge by thesgreat preparation
aud the rivalry manifested are NOR
thoughtot and appreciated by the grown
up children. 90 New ears eve
the impressive watch-night service
were, held 10 all the Methodist churches
Each quarter of the last hour was rung GU
by the Metropolitan chimes, IN imitation &,
the Westminster chimes in London, ant
the hour of twelve tolled on the large bel
The Doxology was then sung by the con
gregatlon5 accompanied on the bells
After which Professor Widows rang GU
brilliant programme of beautiful airs o
tue slvery chimes. The weather on Ne,
Years day, Indictment and wintry as it war
did not seem to interfere the least wit
the New Years receptions, which wer
very humorous and brilliant, and the street
were thronged with carriages. At all tn
receptions, Notwithstanding the conseQuen
rush, the utmost good will and courtes
prevailed. The absence OF wine from th
tables OF the cabinet officers and iron
those of nigh social distinction was notice
able. The reception at the White Hous
was Of uurivalled brilliaDcy, the decora
tons o. the house were very beautiful
all the mirrors aud chandeliers in the hall
aud parOrs we're festOoned with similar an
gorgeously- blooming plants and vases; al
on stands, We ferns and blooming flo or
10 great prOtusion. The brilliant red bios
sous Of the POmesettia made gracefr
aud lovely contrast with the green foliage Q
the tropical plants that surrounded them
The whole illuminated with gas lightiD
up the happy smiling faces aud dispiayII
the beautiful dresses to great advantage
The celebrated Marine baud was in al
tendance, their superb music lending All
NATION 20 the gay scene. President an
Mrs. Hayes received in what is known a
the blue room, assisted by distinguishe
company of ladies and gentlemen, Nj
Webb Hayes making the presentations t
his father, the President, and Colone
Casey,to Mrs. Hayes. She wore an ivory
tinted, silk-traiued skirt and high cOrsage
the neck was cut Y shaped and filled i
with lace. Not any iewelry III her dar
hair, single white plume and ivory CONT
Mrs. Hayes is a very charming lady an
with her hair dressed 10 q by-gone bu
most sensible and womauly fashion lookin
10 me as if she had just stepped out OF a
old picture / have never seen any on
combine SO much sweetness aud lascina
IiOn Of manner and no one could NOR
gracefully dispense the hospitality OF
nation 10 the drawing rooms OF the his
toric mansion.
SOCIETY.
Indications point to very bIi
liant society season. The past week ha
been very gay and the numerous enter
tainments well attended. The presence c