Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-09-25
Our Washington letter.
September, % 1886.

September, % 1885.
Socrates But what is this evil?
Critic Clearly on the body /
should say.
An interesting, but sorrowful CON-
plant has been received by the Sec
retary Of State, this week. It comes
from the Chinese Minister, This
worthy descendent of the almighty
CONTIGUOUS, relates tale of woe,
quite unprecedented. He states that
certain female celestials, upon land
ing in San Francisco, were search
ed all overn by the custom house of
ficers, in the presence of a discour-
teous mob. "They were not only
searched wrote the irate minister,
"but were compelled to take off
their outer garments by compulsory
orders.n As the matter appeared
serious, Secretary Bayard immedi-
ately notified the Treasury Depart
ment, who in turn, wrote to the col
lector Of the port at San Francisco,
This gentleman's reply, came in
few days, reeking with mellifluous
eloquence, and conveying some rath-
err startling information. He intrep-
idly observes, that the women in
question, were obviously smugglers.
This assertion, he declares, is based
upon the fact, that the inspectors
who searched the women, found num-
berless unnecessary article of femi-
nine attire. These consisted of'new
and unworn' overcoats, fine kerr
chiefs, variegated hose etc. So
numerous indeed, were the articles
gradually brought to light, that some
little doubt existed with the collec-
tor, whether these furtive females,
were not in the employ of some large
importing establishment. He clos
es his report with q few remarks re
lating to the common practice OF
smuggling,
The President and his party will
return 10 Washington next week.
We learn this from his ever faithful
henchman, Daniel. The White House
during his absence has been com
pletely renovated. The painting,
decorating and re-furnishing cost
5000. Miss Cleveland,s room, So
called on account Of her having oc-
cupied it, while mistress of the man
sion, has received especial attention.
She will probably spend portion of
the coming winter with the Presi-
dent and Mrs Cleveland. Speaking
of Miss Cleveland, recalls story, IL
Illustrative of her quick repartee. At
reception last winter, certain
Senator asked her, where she came
from, originally. II hail from Buff
falo, but reign in Washington"-she
wittily replied. There has been a
great deal of controversy among lit
terary critics, concerning this lady.
Quite number, think that her mind
is too subtle, and her writings too
metaphysical, for general apprecia-
ton and commentator. Others
aver that her seeming profundity,
is scarcely more than mere gilded
veneering. Well--whats the odds,
it doesn't signify.
That willy redslSin Gcrinimo is once
more reported, as having been cap
tured. We will not credit this re-
port, however, until we see him safe
inside well built Jail. There are a
few faint hearted persons. who favor
treating this nomadic gentleman,
as prisoner Of war These mis-
guided few, have evidently been as
leep, since the days OF good William
Penn. Thefr ideas are accordingly
musty, and appear to dwell upon the
benevolent savages, whom our FORE
fathers so seduously pilfered. Anon,
they appear to overlook the fact that
this deep dyed sinner, has been MUIR
dering and burning the unlucky set
tiers in the southwest, for many
months Upon one occasion he is
said to baye danced a jig, while the
houses of his victims were burning.
Why should such wretch be per-
mitted to live FL see that Florida,
wants ethis extraordinary flend--
what she wants him for, is more
than /, or anyone else can safely
say. NN
No. AIIC.