The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1880-01-16
STATE CAPITAL.

JANUARY IA, 80.
- The icy wrap Of Winter at last envel-
ops the earth, and the sunny skies that lin
gered 30 long with Us seem 10 have taken
themselves TO other climes. This old-fash-
Toned, rugged little city, il Invested Of all
the pomp Of state, would appear but a
gloomy refuge for the traveller hut the in
terested Of all classes congregate about the
General Assembly, which is the chief at
traction Of the season, whether grave or gay.
The Capital Hotel is crowded There
are thiriy-two lady boarders, wives or rela-
tives Of the members, and the spacious par
Tor il, at all times, the resort Of charming
circle. In the morning may be seen
crochet-work, embroidery, tatting and deli
cate balls Of zephyr, which keep the fin
gers busy while the restless tongues glibly
discuss affairs OF the freside and Of the
state; for to many Of these fair ones paFlia-
mentary matters are as familiar Al house
hold words. In the evening the gentlemen
stroll in, or stand in groups about the corr
dor and Office, giving the house an air Of
stir. Ladies and gentlemen from the city
join the throng, unable to resist the magic. |
Piano music is usually in order after the
string-brand ceases lis periodical strains.
- The Club Hops have not yet begun.
When the dancing is fairly inaugurated
there will doubtless be impromptu assem-
blies in the ballroom every night.
- The Leap Year Ball, on Friday night,
was the initiatory diversion Of The session.
The various lady committees were syste-
matieally arranged, and the gentlemen
were called for in hacks quite a "a mode.
At nine o'clock Wolfe's Band from Lexing-
ton opened the ball with most inspiring
music. The Blackburn family were large
ly represented. The dressing was far hand
somer than is customary in Frankfort, aud
the array Of beauty was such as may be
found only in Kentucky. With watchful
courtesy the young ladies arranged the
dances, providing that il any were wall
flowers it should not fall to the lot Of the
stranger gentlemen. Distinguished men
from all parts of the State were present.
Among the visiting ladies Miss Sallie Ben
nett, of Louisville, and well-known in Cen
trail Kentucky, bore of the palm for beau
ty and grace. She was belle, regardless
of Leap Year etiquette. But the weeks
record is not all rose-hued. Disease, which
is no respecter Of occasions, has entered
this grand old pile of grey stone, and il
fereely graphing with the life Of an in
teresting little son Of one Of the members.
About his bed Of suffering the humane la
dies of the house take turns in watching,
and all dread the result.
The four candidates for the office Of
State Librarian fingered here ill Satlr-
day. Mr. Bush, the efficient ofiser to
whose executive ability and industry is
due the hourishing condition Of the Libra
ny, bears her defeat with womanly forti-
tude. After years Of painful vicissitudes
haven seemed open to her wherein she
might find such solace as necessity requir-
ed. In moment this fluctuating popular
ity, regardless Of merit, was blown away
by the breath Of new fancy, and she
mas herSeii aurii'' rehhiless' she KNOWS
mol where 10 turn Tor employment Her
only son Is torn from school 10 seek MS
maintenance by the sweat OF his brow
and II Is when contemplating this irustrA-
ton Of legitimate ambitio~ that the Wild
owed mothers tears melt down her hard
won eomposure' In the midst OF this dis
tress her lovely little daughter Nellie Is
stricken with dangerous Illness, brought
on partly by over-wronght nerves. "Mam-
ma" she means, 81 prayed every night that
you might be elected" Verify, the faith
Of the trusting little one was pinned to a
higher power than mans caprice. Mrs.
Cook, the fortunate successor, is a most
lovely woman, and one who will be well
coined in Office as possessing every requis-
lite qualification save experience. II is I'M
necessary to comment here upon the other
aspirants who were defeated.
90 The proceedings Of the Legislature
are most interesting TO witness. Occa-
sionally there is considerable wrangling