The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-07-06
---------------------.----- ------------
II pISIY TO WASHINGTON.

| "ho"he Nefhon--A delightful Tlnl0 all
| Round,
McSsrs. Editors: Being one Of about
fifty girls from the Columbia Female
College, together with Mrs. Jones,
wife Of the President, and few other
married ladies (who went, as they
said, to keep us straight) and Misses
Baker aud Swygcrt, teachers in tho
Columbia College, We left Columbia
Thursday, the 17th June, IN charge
of President j. l.. Jones and Professor
j. Walter Dickson, on an excursion to
Washington City. Long before the
arrival Of the Charlotte train, which
was to carry us IN special car, we
i might have been seen hudtllcd togcth-
cr near tho track with trunks, hat
boxes, satchcls, NC, all eager to hear
the sound or the whistle of the engine
that was to speed us on our anticipate
cd happy trip. Some were sitting on
trunks, some standing, all chatting
and bat few listening. In short, it
was a perfect Babel, as YOU can well
imagine, If you picture to yourself
,, fifty light-hcartcd young girls let loose
at once from restraint Of strict College
discipline. In due time the train ar
rived. We were soon all on board
and moved off amid the waving of
handkcrchiefs and kissing Of hands to
dear relations and friends. Nothing
worthy Of note occurred from Column
bia to Washington ut which place VIC
arrived the next day at one O'Clock.
putting mp at the National Hotel.
Being very much latigued, we spent
the remainder Of the day in rest and
recreation.
Saturday morning bright and early
we set out sightseeing.
TIE WHITE HOUSE
being Of most importance was visited
first. 1t would take volumes to name
and describe everything seen
in that beautiful place, and l
will only mention q few objects
Of the most Importance. After enter
ing the gate we were first attracted by
large fountain filed with beautiful
gold fish. In this lovely spot we
could have remained for hours, but
some Of Of our. party were already q
great distance in front, and for fear Of
losing them we fingered here only Il
few minutes. After casual glance
ut the grounds we entered the far
famed East Room. One of our party
remarked that this was her idea OF
Paradise. The cciling is divided into
two panels beautifully decorated. The
chandeliers, mirrors and furniture are
of the most elegant description. From
the wall is suspended magnificent
portrait of Martha Wushin gton.
Passing ont westward we entered the
Green Room--so called from the color
OF its furniture. Next is the Blue
Room, in which the President receives
his guests. 1t is Of oval shape, fur
nishcd in blue and gold. From the
south window Of this room we haye Il
grand view of the Potomac river and
the Washington Monument. The
room next is the Red Room, being, as
its name indicates, furnished in rcd.
IL is used by the Presidents family as
q private parlor. We were not per-
mittcd to enter any of the private
rooms, so | cannot describe their
beauties. WeneXt visited
TIE CoRCoRAN ART GALLERY,
gift to the United States by Mr.. w.
W. Corcoran, q wealthy banker and
pllilanthropist of Washington. It is
opened daily. On Monday, Wcdncs-
day and Friday an entrance fee of
twenty-five cents is charged; on other
days admission is free. Leaving the
Gallery VIC next proceeded to Lafay-
cite square, opposite the White
House. 1t includes seven acres. Two
bronze vases seven feet high and
weighing one thousand three hundred
pounds each ornament the grounds.
There IS also the equestrian statue of
| General jackson, which weighs fifteen
tons. After samtcring some time in
these grounds, we returned to the
hotel for dinner. This disposed of, VIC
were ready for another tramp. The
next day being Sunday we went to
the Metropolitan church, said to be
one of the finest in the United States.
a hymn was sung, then prayer by
Prof. j. Walter Dickson of the Colum-
bin Female College, after which the
pastor Of the church preached an
eloquent sermon. After service we
were permitted to go through the
church, the sexton explaining every
thing that was Of interest TO Us.
Sunday afternoon we visited Oak
Hill Cemetery, which is in George
town, and is situated on the heights.
For beauty Of situation, exquisite taste
in adornmcnt and general management
it cannot be surpassed. Il was
originally the gift Of Mr.. w. W. Cor
corali, and now embraces thirty acres.
Secretary. Stanton, Chief Justice
Chase and many other distinguished
dead are buried there. Nlondny
morning we visited the Capitol. just
in front Of the gate we paused to view
tho Naval Monument, the height OF
which is about forty feet. Two tig.
urcs, History and America, crown tic
top, and below these figures stands
Victory holding wreath in her right
hand. Beneath Victory on each side
is a youthful Neptune and Mars. The
monument bears thc Inscription, "Ir
mpmOTV Of fho n{llrnre co,,,o,, ,,>r)