Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-04-29
from, washington.
WAsHrysroS. April 18th. lss

Corcoran Building where the pictures were
hung. we're nightly tbronged with the etife OF
Washington society. 1t is rather 1.-THE tmng
to be artistic NOWADAYS. and to rave over bits
of color wherever seen. The rage. TOR paint
ing was never so great as now All the
Young ladies who make a point OF following
the dictates of Dame Fashion. are taking
lessons in drawing and painting, and'as soon.
as they learn the first rudiments begin the
decoration of fans, plaques, panels, par
asols, horse shoes and card receivers Even
cuffs and collars of silk are hand painted, and
where the fancy for this style of decoration
will stop it is impossible to say.
Almost the first picture upon which the
eyes of the visitor 10 the exhibition fell was
that of Mrs. DIR. Patchem, nee Miss Calista
Halsev, the writer and authorizes of that
piQnant little novel Two OF Is" Miss
Halsey contributed many a racy genre
sketch to the sunday Republic OF this
city. and if marriage does not interfere with
her taste for journalism we NAV expect to-
hear from her frequently when she is fairly
settled in her Iowa home.
The portrait painted By Mrs. Fassett-
whose picture of the electoral commission
won her considerable fame in spite of its be-
ing vet unsold-represents slight woman,
with a fine head, wearing her short, dark hair
curling low upon the neck in the traditional
blue stocking style. The eyes are large and
dark, and the clearly cut, deeply indented
chin shows both perseverance and decision
of character.
picture which fascinated me was one by
a Miss Lockwood of this city, whose work
bids fair TO place her among the highest class
of artists. The scene is from ''Undine" and
is entitled, The Spirit of the Waterfall"
4 large, magnficently formed white
horse is rearing in terror at the apparition
of the spirit, is luxuriant tail sweeping the
ground, his large frightened eyes turned
towards his master, world of fear expressed
in his glittering eve balls and dist ndcd nos
trils. His rider crouches low. gazing won
der-stricken at the spirit, dimly defined
shape in the gloom. with one shadowy hand
lifted through the falling spray to wave the
intruder back. All around are giant trees
lifting their gaunt, leaficss limbs toward the
stormy sky. \ picture calculated to enchain
the attention of any one, albeit that some
critics pick it to pieces.
specimen of the fifteenth amendment was
marked ''sold, at So" Probably the pur-
chaser was a Northern man. | hardly think
a Soulherner would be tempted into opening
his pocket-book to the tune of twenty-five
dollars for such a picture. Here in Wash
ington the col0red youth is not such a raro
aris that to remember him we need to frame
him handsomely and hang him up in our par,
lors.
The collection embraced many sketches OF
scenes in and about Washington, and there
was an excellent portrait of Miss Rachc
Sherman, painted by Healey.
In the same. building in which the Art Clul
has rooms lie Circle Des P,'eciease Redecuiu.
holds meeting every Friday night to cult
vate exclusively the French language anG
literature. Not a word of English is spoken
a fine being exacted for every slip of the
tongue. If it is absolutely necessary fol
some one to say something in English he OF
she must repair to the corridor or dressing
room to say it. Most Of the French resi-
dents of good standing belong to the Circle
and many teachers, both o: French and Ger
man, besides a goodlv sprinkling of vouns
people ambitious to excel in the 'parlezvouS.
The programme is usually as follows An
essay by of the members, an
instrumental or vocal solo-the lat
ter in French, of course--a reading, and one
or two recitations. Occasionally a shor,
tragedy or comedy is given. and the close OF
each season is characterized always bv d
dramatic performance in which the best
French scholars and ablcst amateur actors
and actresses ot the city sustain parts. The
talented Mrs. Lander-oncc a goddess of the
stage-is an active member, and apparently
takes great enjoyment in employing her
IL. Ell /
the Circle.
The leading press correspondents have
their offices in Corcoran building, and quite
number OF artists. Miss Alice Halsey-
sister of Mrs. Patchem-has her rooms for
teaching wood carving here, and has made a
great success of her art. 1t will be remem-
bcred by those who have read 1.-TWO OF U.s.
how much was said in the novel of this sister
and her work Miss Halsev has also on ex.
hibtion number of odd shaped jugs and
vases OF Limoges from the artists of Cincin-
natl. rivallng in beauty the genuine pottery
from Europe. Miss Ilasey also teaches Kin
sington embroidery, in crew cl and silk, that
is used so extensively to decorate screens,
table covers and iambrequins
Washington bids fair to be a small rival of
Boston in ''culchaw,' and people Gene here
from every part of the nted States to secure
u'""t"Sts "iiicu are greater mere than IN
any other city. The grassy squares. TRAN
giles, parks, and broad, smooth streets make
Washington a delightful winter residence.
apart from its well known attractions of So
cieV. to which the presence of Senators and
Congressman add so much. Some admirer
OF Naples once said, zone should see it and
die" Perhaps the Capital of the United
States Will deserve to have the same THING
said about it some dav.
In New lork wealth is the open Sesame to
every portal; in Boston il is absolutely es-
sentlal to pirate science. wear glasses. look
profoundly intellectual. and wither anv adj
vanceS toward small talk with superb scorn
not loud hut deep. In Philadelphia to enter
society one must be able 10 trace direct and
honest descent from the signers of the DecIa
ration Of independence But in our beauti-
ful city OF Washington one can enter society
and keep up good appearance without eth
er grand father or bulging pocket book
y party which in Chicago or New York wouId
entail an expense of several hundred dollars
can be given here for sixty. Yon
can go dressed as you please to anv
gathering. and if YOU possess an
acknowledged worth of intellect and charac-
ter, you will not fail to be treated with every
attention. You dress, saw, as YOU please
the hostess has refreshments or moi. inst as
she pieases. and Won come and 20 in a car
rage or street car just as your pocket-book
pieases. In short. it is not at all necessary
in order q keen vour ,,Os;,;,,