Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1881-07-04
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON LETTER.
ESPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS OF THE MoN1roR.I
WASHINGTON, ID. c., June %, 1881.
Another of those dark and bloody
tragedies that disgraces our higher ma
ture and casts lifetime gloom over
loving hearts, occurred Saturday after
noon at the mansion once occupied by
the Russian Minister, Catacazy, and his
beautiful wife, whom virtuous (?) Wash
ington bellies, leaders of the fashion
tabooed, who however carried society by |
storm with her beauty, accomplishments
and wealth. The house is No. 1886 |. |
St., northwest, well known boarding
house. and the principals in the affair
which brought death and misery were
son and son-in-law of Mrs Myra Clarke
Gaines. Mr.. W. G. Whitney was
son by former marriage. Mr.. j. I.
Christmas married daughter of Mrs.
Gaines. The two gentlemen had been
partners in business but could not agree
and at the time of the encounter they
had no business connection with each
other. There we're hard feelings be-
tween the brothers-in-law, and Mr..
Whitney. who was a man of high tenn
per and who drank sometimes, had de-
clared that he would kill Christmas. On
the fatal afternoon as Christmas was
passing to the dining-room Whitney APP
preached him and with an oath declared
he would kill him. Christmas. who was
escorting an old lady to the dinner table,
attempted to avoid Whitney but was
dealt heavy blow which staggered him.
He caught by the bannisters of the
stairs. and as his assailant appeared 20
be endeavoring to get a pistol from his
hip pocket, Christmas drew his pistol.
fred one shot which severed the artery
above the heart, and Whitney lay speech
less in gore of blood, dying almost
instantly. Mr.. Christmas went to his
room, lighted a cigar, took up news
paper, and sent servant for an officer.
There is little doubt but he will be &C.
quilted, as even the broken hearted
mother of the unfortunate man who was
killed exhonorates her son-in-law. An
inquest was held Sunday morning which
resulted IN the committing of Christmas
to Jail to await the action of the grand
jury. Whilst still in the lieutenant's
room at the station house many friends
called and brought baskets of delicacics
to the prisoner, his mother-in-law send
ing basket ALSO Mr.. Christmas has
three children-his wife is dead. The
murdered man leaves wife and three
children.
Last night about eight o'clock our
city was visited by most unusual storm
in which rain, wind and hail were the
accomplishments. A heavy storm of
rain and wind occurred during the af-
ternoon of the same day. The intolera-
bly, hot weather which ruled Sunday and
Monday has given place to a most balmy
morning. The breezes are heavenly
enough to have come from the land Of
the blest. The streets are bright and
clean, but the broken limbs Of some Of
the trees and the scattered leaves attest
! the fact that the hail made no child's
t play of its work last night.
3 Mrs. Garfield, who is fast recuperat
e ing, is still at Long Branch and will
t remain whilst her husband returns tt
E Washington for few days, though h,
/ will be with his family next Sunday
Y again. The formal call made by Gran
: at a public reception at Long Branch
e upon the President will not be returned
: as he, Grant, was one of the very las
i to pay his respects to Garfield. Their
t is rule which makes it unnecessary 70
j, a President to return a call, yet GARFIELD
O had intended to waive the custom ha,
l. Grant been more personal in his visit
e Mr.. Conkling registered at Wormley
il Saturday. He is reported to have com
on account of valuable mare whic
= has been injured in pasture, but Their
It are many friends in secret session wit
n him at his hotel, and the general SUI
IS mise is that other business than the a
IS legged brought him here. Georgetown
l. about. to manufacture our ice for US, a
h machinery, etc.. is being prepared fl