The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1882-01-05
oun wAsH1NeroN Letter
WASHINGTON, ID. c.,
December, 81, 1881.
To the Editor of the STATESMAN.

Although all the government Off
cials and as many congressman as
could possibly do so left the city as
soon as the adjournment took place,
Washington never presented gaYer
appearance than on Christmas eve.
The day was as faultlessly bright as
the fairest Texan day, and the bust
ness streets were thronged by
merry, gaily-dressed crowd, which
seemed not at all to miss the politi-
cal nabobs. The feminine portion
overhauled the grand array of
costly trifles displayed in every
store, for suitable gifts, while the
less generous masculines stood in
crowds along the edges of the side
walks and eyed the beautifully at
tired, bright-faced women, who
streamed by with that curious stare
which seems to come naturally to a
woman after a few idle days in
this city of pretty women. Christ
mas was observed in Il very quiet
manner, strikingly contrasted with
the host of balls, weddings, recep-
tions and dinners of the previous
week. amid the whirl of which two
receptions were particularly noticea-
BILE, marking, as they did, the
RETIREMENT FROM OFFICIAL LIFE
OF two families as beloved and re-
GREETED as they are Numerically op-
posite. l refer to the reception OF
ex-Secretary Blaine, on Monday,
and of Mr.. Yoshida, japanese minis
ter, on Tuesday. Mr.. Blaine's af-
fair was made the occasion of pre-
senting the entire diplomatic corps
to Secretary Frelinghuysen. 1t was
one of the most brilliant, select and
rotable reunions of the kind of
the social record of. even the hos
pitable ex- secretary has to
boast. Everybody in the city
officially, solially, or intellectually
distinguished was present. The for
eign legations were of course out in
full force and their gorgeous and
varied costumes lent a brilliancy to
the scene, such as American social
events seldom have, whilst above
the soft strains of music could be
heard the sounds of many different
languages. The president was there
for short time. He came fashiona-
bly, late and left unfashionably early.
Mrs. Blaine was radiant i'll white
satin, lace and diamonds; Mrs. FIRE.
linghuysen in gold satin, black lace,
and diamonds. but Mrs. Mahone's
diamonds were the sparkling cyno-
sure of every eye; Miss Dodge Gail
Hamilton), was so brilliant herself
that one forgot to notice whether
she wore diamonds or not. On
every side were heard expressions
of congratulation that the genial
eX-secretary was not to be lost to
Washington society this winter. He
intends TO remain here quietly, all
other reports to the contrary. He
is a model of genuine hospitality,
elegant, cordial, and with tact and
personal magnetism that make him
irresistible, and i'll every way atone
for that slight smack of aggressive
ness, and even, one might say, arro-
gance, which are noticeable in Mrs.
Blaine.
JAPANESE RETIREMENT.
The Yoshida reception was fare
well previous TO the approaching de-
parture of the Japanese minister.
The beauty and oriental luxury of
the scene was Swallowed by the re-
grets so freely expressed at the
recall of Mr.. YOshida by his govern
ment. He came here eight years
ago, bringing with him his charming
little black-ey yellow waxen bride;
and their pleasant ways here made
them hosts of enthusiastic friends.
1t will be long before two society
events so notable will take place
again.
Much pleasurable excitement is
occasioned in upper circles by the
fact that the newly arrived Chinese
minister has brought his wife with
him, and there being now q lady to
preside at that legation, its curious
hospitality will give,s society people an
opportunity to study Chinese social
customs. The legation will occupy
Shepherds elegant grey mansion
on Farragut square as soon as some
necessary repairs are completed.
The retiring minister from China
goes reluctantly away, casting be-
hind tender chances at very charm
ing young American girl who, unfor-
tunately for him, does not seem to
appreciate them. He never told his
love, however, but let concealment,
like worm i the bud, grow on his
saffron cheek.
Still another new incumbent of n
position is at present set
ting society agog with curious con-
lecture. Mr.. Lionel Sackville West,
the new British minister, after eX-
haustlng itself in conjecturing who
was TO do the honors at the British
legation for its bachelor head, it
turns out that the said head is not
q bachelor at all, but widOwer
who contemplates Introducing a
lovely young daughter to his new
American friends at an early day.
ONE MORE-INDEFATIG
has been added to the list of Aus
tinites now in Washington. Col. !
DeGress arrived here q few days I
ago, ostensibly to assist the able |
delegation already here in eX-Gov- |
ernor Davis interest. Fe found |
hat the president had gone to New
FORK, and, with the laudable intent
not to let the grass grow
luder his natty little boots, he
posted there after HIM. Neither the
colonel nor the president have yet
returned. They will probably come
together. l don't know whether it
s the president who is waiting for
he colonel, or the colonel who is
for the president. AT all
events the president returns Satur-
lay, and it is pretty certain that
sbout the same time, that the gallant
colonel will be found back at the
Ebbitt laying down political axioms
n the lobby or just as like as not.
isping irresistible nothings into a
)ink ear up stairs in the parlors.
Everybody knows what a killing
lirt the colonel is.
THE FRIENDS OF EX-aov. DAVIS,
md that word includes not only his
Texas supporters but the southern
almost to man), are
,eing kept on the rack of suspense.
The dilemma which presents itself
s this: The south cannot expect two
representatives in the new cabinet
hat would be closing the bloody
hasm too suddenly-it might pro-
luce an earthquake. Mr.. Secretary
# the Navy Hunt imagines that he is
epresenting the south at present and
le is very 10th to discontinue repre-
enting it. Now, unless this iras-
ible, old pomposity can be removed
rom the head of our extensive and