National Republican., 1885-04-04

EOlh lut Nuttu VI INV bAlh WhNH
Editor RitehiO Welded His Trenchaut Pen.
Distinct from the surrounding popula-
tion of tho capital may be found small
colony of people, inhabiting venerable
walls rich in time-honored associations,
in many cases dating back to the days
Of Gen. Washington. Modern fashion
has set its stamp in the locality where most
of the mansions may be seen, but at tho
portals of these aristocratic doors tho in
novation ends. For little moro than
one-quarter Of century tho "old regime"
in our midst has sat behind its heavy silken
curtains, around its claw-footed ma
hoRany adorned with its massive service
of solid silver lined with gold, as intact
from the surrounding city as the palm.
crowned island from the aggressive sea.
Adm ministrations, with all their attendant
spendors, have como and gone, receiving
no more recognition from them than did
Louis Napoleon from tho naughty old
noblesse of France. In later years
sons and daughters have married
and slipped noiselessly away into the
broad world; but no newspaper reporter
has beon present to describe the priceless
old brocade aud point lace, which may
have answered the same purpose for two
preceding generations. 1t 10 an old world
tradition that luck follows the bonnie
bride whose marriage veil has rested
upon the brow Of her mother" Boosting
descent from the highest lineage, with
slaves to obey its slightest wish, u naughty
combination was planted upon tho soil of
the great western republic, which became
s.s, s,, g.. ..iE- % hat
existing in the old world. while being
superior 10 all that which goes to mako
progress" the watchword of nation.
Endowed with the loftiest talent, cult.
waited to the highest degree no man or
woman could be IN initial part Of this
charmed circle unless they could lay
claim to the tribute Of honor and trust
Wealth alone was no open sesame" to
this "high-toned society" where du0l
was liable to result for taking woman's
name in vain. A newspaper correspondent
was severely logged for writing to his Now
York journal that young society belle
was to bo married to tho President. IL
was not the executive, but the young
lady's friends who bestowed the castiga.
ton and defended her pure name.
1t can historically be said that the "old
regime was in its meridian splendor
Wuen WITS, JaIuCS N Olh was InlbtEtsS
of the white house; but 1t did not dmin-
ish when the Hon. Thomas Richie was
leading editor at the capital, and Mr.. w.
W. Corcoran with his beautiful and nc.
Complished daughter wore social stars of
the first magnitude. During this epoch
President Buchanan departed from the
severe etiquette forced upon his predeces-
sors, which prevented the chief magistrate
from taking part in tho social life Of the
people. and attended the wedding of tho
eldest daughter of the Hon. Thomas
Richie. This editor was the fortunate
father of seven daughters, who were
known to the public as the Seven graces,"
as all were brilliant, many beautiful,
and not Cinderella" among them, as
each and all occupied the warmest place
in the beautiful home.
1t must be remembered that the Dis
trict of Columbia lies within the limit of
the late slave territory, and for this
natural reason it could not be otherwise
than loyal to the sentiment engendered in
the soil. that whom disintegration be-
gan the fugitives should flee southwark
instead OF north. In behalf of truth let
it be inscribed in the annals Of our
country, the age which includes the strug-
gle of the so-called southern confed-
eracy," has seen no more heroic sacri-
flee, and the century is stained with no
more precious blood.
Behind the prison bars Of their own
solitary homes the 'old regime" has
clung as though enchanted until Presi-
dent Cleveland has come to unloose the
fearful fetters forged by the late un-
happy fate; and he alone enjoys the
honor of taking these naughty hands
within his official palm. His accom-
plished sister Is greeted socially. the
proud distinction accorded to her alone.
She will not find the 'old regime in
the countless throng which visit her ire
ceptions," but balmy days, when the
breath OF the arbutus and violet WOO the
invalid and long-imprisoned to Natures
out. of. door embrace, she will find them
coming in ones and twos, lovely, graceful
women in the afternoon of life, upon
whose brows are stamped the shining
glory of great sorrow. Their eyes have
the same wistful look of those of tn,
mariners wife, whose beloved sailed Al
sea and was never heard of more. "W,
could got no news from tho southern
boy! We believe that he was with Gen
Lee ut Petersburg. We never knew hii
fatew
To the credit of the "old regime" let /
be written in letters Of gold that tho live
of its women have been of the most exalted
character. Preserving their "incognita'
as in days of yore, without allowing tn
right hand 10 know the workings of IL
lett, they have been the heart of unosten
tatious charity, and ono who sutIere,
much in connection with war through tn
SORROWS OF her children shares with Nj
Corooran the loitiost veneration from al
those acquainted with their beneficen
work. While Mr.. Corcoran has create
IL retreat for gentlewomen, Mrs. Stone ha
built home for widows whether they
gentle or otherwise; rospectability, wan
of means, and faith in the Apostles creed
Caucasian descent, being tho only requi
sites required.
THE LESTHALL HOME FOR WIDOWS.
On the corner of Nineteenth and
streets northwest may be seen structur
which at once attracts public attention
Its architecture is of the utmost sin
plicity, without slightest pretension t
ornament; but nothing is left undone i
the way of solidity and endurance, fo
in that respect 1t can compete with th
government buildings only a short di.
tance away. Tho beholder will be II
minded that Mrs. stone intends tn
"home" she has founded will stay unit
the last widow in the garb of fishwoma
shall cast her limo into the Potomac, a
ready become a muddy brook, like Ms
caulay's fisherman of the Thames, or
wiser words, until the unhappy genu
known as Washington Widows" beoom
extinct. Situated In the most aristocrati
part of tho city. with surroundings {
the most attractive kind, with plenty
air and sunshine, Mrs. Stone has prC
vided a way in which the industriou
widow of limited means can not only b
surrounded with comfort but with man
of tho luxuries of life. Modelled on th
flat" principle it has every convenlenC
Of these modern inventions, except wheI
water and fire are concerned. These tw
monsters of horror are thoroughly undC
control. Water aud all pertaining to
is confined to tho Easements. An engiu
10 roast the inmates has been dispense