Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1886-01-04
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, Dec. 2SM.

VIC uoudS way ao thC "a Jtedl. l0o
government departments were closed
and the clerks freed. There were
whole forests of Christmas trees for
the little folks, and charity was busy
distributing good things and pretty
things to the poor. The turkey
found its way everywhere from hum
BILE homes to the palaces of the rich.
There were decorations of evergreen,
Examinations, and other outward
recognitlons of the festive season
which perhaps made everybody who
could feel happy little happier than
usual.
The inmates of the soldiers home,
reform schools, hospitals, and SINH
lar institutions were supplied with
the regulation Christmas dinners of
turkey, celery, cranberry sauce and
mince pie, given in many instaL ces
by the hand of charity. The proprie-
tor of Wizards hotel alone furnished
Christmas turkey or chicken to five
hundred poor families.
Many churches were opened on
Christmas day, and appropriate ser
vices with elaborate musical pro-
grammes were listened to by large
audiences. The way in which these
religious celebrations were attended
attested the fact that in this respect,
at least, Christmas does not change
with time. ,s-s
Quite a number of senators and
representatives went to their homes
to spend the holidays. A few ac-
copied an invitation by the Balti-
more and Ohio lines for trip of a
week with their families to New Or
leans, and not few members of the
house remained ID Washington to
work for committee places. The
undignifed manner in which some
members proceed IN their application
for these places cannot be to Sc
verely remarked upon. They even
file letters of Endorsements with per-
sonal pleas in which they dilate upon
their own merits.
Speaker Carlisle is spending his
holiday time in making up bis COM
mittees, but he is not man to be
influenced in his judgement by mere
testimonials of ability and good will,
such as those presented to him by
members in their canvass for prefer
ment. A number Of new members
do not seem TO recognize the fact
that there is an unwritten law con-
uected with the makeup of house
committees. 1t has never been GUS
tomary to give any new members the
Guardianship of a committee. To
displace members from their old po-
sitions, where they have had expe-
rience, would disarrange routine
work and create confusion.
Speaker Carlisle has he'd such
large experience in the house that
he is personally familiar with the
qualifications of all the old members,
to whom he will give the leading
places. Having no friends to reward
or enemies to punish, the only thing
he desires to know from members is
where they prefer to go. Beyond
that, personal pleading will have no
effect upon him.
The president is spending the holt
days busily as usual. He received
several hundred Christmas cards,
and several fat turkeys from farmers.
The president and Miss Cleveland
joined Secretary Manning $ home
circle on Christmas day and ate their
Christmas dinner. On the following
day all the Hendricks mourning dra.
perry was removed from the public
buildings, and Nj. Cleveland's first
New Years day reception will be
the next event at the white house.
The first of January is the inau
guration day of the social season
here, and the butterflies of fashion
are in a hutter as to what they shall
wear when they receive their gentle
men friends under gaslghted chan
deliers next Friday. Many gentle
men also are bordering the annua
question what they shall veal for thu
New Years calls. Shall it be ;
swallow tail coat or Prince Albert
The beau monde Of Washington say
z oWaiio" ldfi Soat 10 EiCNtt III oluS
until sig O'Clock, or the dinner hour
Persons from the country are ofte
seen here making calls upon the cab
met officers. before that hour, in ful
evening dress, under the impression
that it is the proper thing. Still tn
? fashion Of this world passeth ava
and cOmeth again, and the manner
= of the North are not those of til
South, nor The manners of the Eas
= those of the West. In other worC
people do not think alike. JustiC
6 Miller. Of the supreme court, wi
, make his New Years calls III a swa
low tail coat, if he makes any at al
The president will receive his Ne
Year callers in Il Prince Albert Goa
The diplomatic corps will pay the
respects to him in court attire al
the representatives of the army al
:. navy will wear The full uniform
their rank. Citizens will present
e mixtnIe Of swallow tails aud Pin,
Albert's, with here and there GU
| away and sack coat.