The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-01-10

WAsHINGToN, Jan. 9th, 1885.


At the Capital, the holiday season just
closed was devoted, as Of old, TO feastinp
and merry making. There were festvi.
ties innumerable, and celebrations at
churches, schools, and asylums. Charita-
BILE clubs did noble work for the children
of the poor, and New Years day was
given up to calls and receptions. 1t cam
not always be said that the Tendency OF
the time is to abolish the hal and per-
petlmte the good features Of u popular
observance hut such was really the ,qlse
in regard to New Year customs here In
tOxicating beverages were offered in but
few houses. Four ladies Of the cabinet
made brave stand against them, and Il
number of prominent hostesses, besides
many who were not prominent, but
whose residences were thrown open to a
stream of gentlemen callers, declined cx-
posing their guests to the temptation.
IT, carriage and coupe, with their dis
astrous effect upon the finances of impe-
cunious youth, were not so much in
demand as on former New Years days.
And the evening dress suit, with IFS pneu-
mountaineering tendencies, was the
exception rather than the rule Still
there was no decrease in the number of
callers or open houses. Hundreds of par
lors, decorated with Christmas and New
Year tokens, were the scenes of SUCCESS
full receptions where ladies in elaborate
toilets received brief calls from hundreds
of guests and exchanged New Year
greetings.
President Arthur received. of course
his last New Years reception at the
White House had been anticipated with
unusual interest, and nothing was left
undone to render it imposing and salts
factory. The mansiyn was as brilliant as
illumination and flowers could make it.
The Diplomatic corps brought all their
gorgeous court costumes, decorations, and
gold lace. The Army and Navy officers
shone bright in their gilt trimmed uni
forms, and the Presidents lady assistants,
of whom there very sixty, were resplen-
dent in satin, velvet and diamonds. The
President beamed with cordially
through the interminable Misunderstanding,
never permitting himself to look weary
or impatient for moment. He grasped
the four thousandth extended hand with
a hospitality that caused an observer to
say he looked as if he wanted to press it
for old friendships sake.
Some surprise was expressed at the
absence of Mrs, Blaine from the White
House New Years reception, and in
quiries were made as to its cause. 1t was
rumored that the President had sent her
an invitation to be present, and that she
declined without thanks, stating that she
was astonished to receive such an invita-
ton after her husband hal received such
cool treatment during the late campaign
from the occupant of the White House.
After its two weeks vacation Congress
assembled yesterday. This session must
end, you remember, before the inaugural
ton of Mr.. Cleveland. The Senate will
he called Immediately thereafter, in extra
session, to consider the new Presidential
appointments.
Congress is going to have fierce de-
bate over the Nicarauga treaty, which
promises to be the event of this session.
Since its adoption involves distinctive
imeric policy VIII ich will be offensive to
most European nations, the various for
cign Diplomats have been instructed by
the Governments to use every means to
defeat its ratification. They are already
moving in the matter by interviewing
influential members, and it is said some
banquets have been arranged rs a short
way to secure Congressional friendship.
Despite dinners, entertainments and lob
byists, there are congressman who are
going to vote for the treaty, simply be-
cause it is opposed to vote for the treaty,
simply because it is opposed by the
European monarchies.
With the New Year, the work of pre-
pairing for the inaugural ceremonies has
revived fresh impetus. Comittees are
discussing and arranging the procession,
decorations, Accommodations, the ball, the
supper, and all the various details. 1t is
Thought there will be no trouble about
securing quarters for all, if organizations
will communicate in time with the com
mittee of public comfort During the
parade on the fourth of March, an
effort will be made to keep Pennsylvania
avenue clear of vehicles and people. The
entire space from curb to curb is to be
reserved for the procession, and if neces-
sary ropes will be stretched to conline
the crowd to the sidewalks. The parade
at the Garfield Inauguration was a farce
so far as appearance went, because the
people crowded so close up to the mill
tary that those looking from upper win
dows could see little but moving mass
of heads.