Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1881-01-06
THE FLORAL RING.
Unpleasant Developments Affectin
Several Mem hers of Congress.


Several Mem bers of Congress.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8o.-Oongressman
| Lefevre's rosebud and noseRsy" sub-com-
mittee has got to work. DO far 1t has been
developed that the Government pays some
1876, 600 annually to keep few Congress-
men and those who are In the flower
ring" In boutonniers and bouquets. There
are half dozen gardens around the city,
the chief use of which seems to be to raise
choice flowers along with few plants.
The evil has grown to vast proportions. II
began some years ago, when surveying
expedition returned here with some for
eign plants, which were placed under q
shed and $500 appropriated to take care
of them. Out Of this grew the Botanical
Garden aud it's adjlncts. Since that time
there have been half million dollars
spent on these gsrdens and small army
of employees, with a superintendent for
every 300 feet of ground, has sprung up
along with the plants and flowers. That
is rot all. Stories OF scapdalous misrule
! OF The privileges Of the gardens reached
the ears of Uoug, essmen, and Mr.. Lsfevre
concluded that aD investigation would do
no harm.
At its first meeting the committee sent
for Mr.. Smith, the superintendent OF the
Botanical Garden, just at the foot Of the
Capitol steps, OH the western side; but
Smith hearing that he was to be inyesti-
gated, conveniently absented himself. A
subpoena was issued for him, and at the
meeting yesterday he appeared oonsidera-
bly, agitated. While no did not go into
details, it WAS Learned that the greater
part OF the money appropriated was ex-
pended for propsgatlDg rare plants and
fne roses. rhe gardens were run by a
clique of Congressman who monopolizsd
the flowers rs soon as they bloomed.
Some Of the members had handsome
bouquets sent to their homes every day,
and upon the occasion of receptions pro-
cured all their floral decorations at the
| expense of the GoverDment. But the most
scandalous admissions were those relating
to members who caused baskets and
bouquets OF flIwers TO be sent two or thr. 9
times week to the residences OF females
of questionable repute. The names OF
these females were carefully suppressed,
but the localities OF the dwellings showed
that they we're not the wives OF the mem
bers, nor their sisters, cousins, &c.
Every effort Is being made to keep the
names of the way ward congressman out
of print. IL was also developed that one
Of the members Of the committee himself
had caused large baeket of flowers to be
sent to him on the last day before the
recess, and it was placed upon his desk
in the House with card attached which
he had left at the garden for the purpose.
This was said to be a common trick among
the members. Tne exquisite boutonniers
which Senator ConkliDg aud Congressman
Springer appear with each morning, it was
limited, are sent them from the garden.
The wives of congressman and Cabinet
officers and whole troops OF friends make
daily demands for flowers, aud they are
handed out freely.
This investigation was laughed at when
it WAS fi,sr proposed, but, trivial as it is,
the results of the FIRST days meeting of
the committee have caused host Of men,
bers to become very anxious to have it 90
no further. Mr.. Lafevre contemplates a
radical change in the entire system, and
will endeavor TO have all the gardens
placed under one management, with such
restriction as will prevent the indiscrimi.
nate raiding nov practced and the distri-
button of Governmental flowers for the
adornment of boudoirs of beautiful
females who may be members of Con
grsssionsl harems.