The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-23
MANY CHRt rMAS GIFTS.
Queer Scenes in the Stationery Rooms I'm the
Capitol at Washington.

Washington Special.
The stationery room in the House-wing of the
United States Capitol had it's Opening" of
Christmas goods few days ago. and looks very
gay indeed. It is there the members of the
House and the ladies of their families get most
of the Christmas gifts they give to their friends.
for each member of that House is allowed by
law $l2o per annum for stationery, which he can
take In money get its worth In the numerous
articles that come under the head of station
cry" on which term most liberal construction
is placed
There can now be seen in that room dressing
boxes for ladies and gentlemen, shaving-cases
for the latter and manicure boxes all of the fin
est varieties, the boxes being in coored plush
covers; toilet mirrors. fancy stands of perfumery
In t-glass bottles, ivoryh handled and other
brushes. and combs in boxes and separately,
opera glasses and plush bags to carry them in.
fans, music covers, clocks. candles for sealing
wax and candlesticks for them. autograph and
photograph albums, scrap books, card cases,
pocket books for ladies and gentlemen, as we'll
as portfolios, knives, pencils, pens ink, boxes of
fancy paper. cards, ETC.. and all that comes I'M
der the head of stationery ordinarily. Ali of
these goods are superior in quality, and made
after the newest styles. Many ladies have been
visiting that room daily during the past week,
to get their Christmas supplies.
The law making the allowance of $l2o to each
memb Der for stationery for each session of Con-
gress was passed at the time the Thanking privi
purchase more than double that amount in
postage stamps for their necessary correspond
ence. On the other hand, some of them draw
more stationery of the nature above indicated
than can be paid for out of the specified sum. in
which case the excess is charged against them
and deducted from their salaries.
Some of them rarely have anything for them
selves from the stationery room except the least
costly and most absolutely necessary writing
materials, and let their wives or daughters get
what they choose there for themselves and
friends. One distinguished member, who has
served eight years, has from the first told his
wife that the stationery fund was her perquisite.
and she has drawn literally upon it, but
has given away most of the articles in presents
to friends. One generous and confiding con-
gresham told constituent to go to the sta
tionery room and get something for himself as
a souvenir. and later found that the man had
helped himself to twenty dollars worth of goods.
Some others commute for their stationery and
draw all of it in money. 1t wascharged that acer
tain Western senator, who lived in most mser
ly way during his term, paid for his board wholly
with his stationery allowance, drawn in money.
The Senate also has It's statonery-room. but as
the House has many more members the sup
plies of stationery be ordered for it in greater
variety. and the Senate's stationery-room, in
which Christmas gifts can be obtained by sem
ators and their families, looks very contracted
indeed as compared to that of the House.