The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-28

sicians say. was the result of congestion Of the
brain, due to the fever He had great deal to
tax his mind just before the attack He was
worried about the printing of his book, and since
he has been sick the newspaper discussion about
the Grant correspondence has added much to his
annoyance. The seeds of his disorder were
sown during the war, his first attack of rheu
matism having followed Immediately the end Of
twenty four hours march through binding
snow-storm. His last attack, too. resulted from
brief exposure to the snow-storm which visited
Washington fortnight ago.
THE LOGAN MANSION.
The site Of the Logan mansion is unqueston
ably the most commanding in or near Washing
ton. Standing almost due north of the center
of the city, the structure crowns the top of the
highest of that circle of bluffs which was ex-
pected by the fathers to limit the growth of the
capital, and below it lies spread out in full view,
the entire town, bounded in the distance on
either hand by the Potomac and its chief
afiuent while the Landscape beyond dcomprehends
a wide sweep of the blue hills of Virginia and
Maryland. The mansion itself is of brick,
sturdy, square -shouldered, wde-spreadng struct
ure, queerly typical in its appearance of the
character and physical makeup of its now de-
parted owner. Its architecture is of the kind
nowadays described as the ''old fashioned
Southern style, J" and it is one of The best exam
ples of its class. Its interior. has been slightly
modernized since it became the property of Gen.
Logan-about two and half years ago-by the
broadening of stairways and interior doorways,
ont the wide central hall through the middle Of
the main building into which opened directly the
outer front doors, together with the high, square
parlors on either side, carry ones imagination
almost to the old continental days, and betray
an origin in the times when refined architectural
taste sought expression rather in the direction
Of substantial comfort. roomness and soidity
than in Qneen Anne oddities aud flagree. The
porte cochere, almost the only outer adornmentof of
the original structure has been extended to
make high plllared portco along the entire
front General Logan, though not lacking the
ambition to become wealthy, and though sue
cessful in hundred more different underiak-
ings, never acquired the habits of money getting
and oney-saving. and his homo when at the
capital. prior to his purchase of this property,
was made in boarding house. When the bare
rooms of the new purchase were first surveyed
by the General and his wife and friends, numer-
GUS queries found expression as to whore and
how furniture in quantity and kind befitting the
mansion and the standing of its new owners was
to be procured. ''At least" retorted the Gen
eral I'VE have the rooms. That is the principal
thing. We will put into them what we have,
and see how it looks before we borrow trouble
about what we nave to get"
And so, under the supervision of Mrs. Logan.
the plain, substantial furniture which had
looked rather Anticipated in modern boarding
house, was moved in and proved to be strik-
ingly in keeping with the house and its surround
ings. Fewer, additions than would have been
thought possible served to fill up the still vacant
corners, ard then closets. trunks and packing
cases yielded up their stores of half-forgotten
but wholly unique treasures, the gatheri aes
and souvenirs of score of evsntful years, and
these, finding places upon the walls and mantels,
and in the vacant spots, added lghtness, color
and variety OF form They comprised swords,
banners and other trophies of war times;
articles of brilliant Navajo tapestry, Zuni
and Moki pottery. basket-work and elaborate
gewgaws from hundred savage tribes, and
quaint appliances from other strange peoples.
Some were intrinsically valuable, more were
cherished chiefly because of their associations;
but all were curious and interesting; and so
began, only two and half years ago, the home
life so recently and sadly broken up.
This property, though still encumbered by
mortgage, has increased considerably in value
since General Logan became its possessor.
Together with the Chicago homestead. it consti-
tutes almost the entire fortune left for the sup
port of the widow, her chief remaing resource
being the proceeds of the expected sale of the
Generals book. Already project has been
privately discussed among Congressman of pro-
viding for her future by pension bill based upon
the Generals military services. and none have
been heard to question the propriety of this
course.