The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-10-01
Our Washington Letter
From Our Regular Correspondent.

return, bis familiar equipage, with the
handsome seal browns has been seen on the
streets. Sometimes it is on the avenue, the
only occupant being Mrs Cleveland, in
stylish black silk, and with the seats cover
ed with packages that plainly indicate that
she has been indnlging in that foible, shop
ping But gene rally the carriage may be
seen whirling in a cloud Of dust towards
the Presidents country home. Mr.. and
Mrs. Cleveland visited it the morning after
their return, and they have driven ont there
several times since. 1t has been decided TO
their regret, that the mansion will not be
ready for occupancy before next summer.
The exterior has not yet been completed,
and within the work has progressed no far
Their than mailing on the laths. A score of
workman are busily engaged on it, and a
number moe are laying out the grounds
1t will he charming zig bower when COM
pleted, surrounded by trees and command
ing picturesque view. The shape and
style of the house has been so changed that
it would be impossible for the former owner
to recognize it.
No one is allowed to approach the house.
The President has given orders to that eff
feet, and sturdy Waterman with mild
looking dog, is stationed there to carry
them out. The entire farm is being enclos-
ed by barbed wire fence, seven and a half
feet high. This would indicate that Mr..
Cleveland intends to keep deer.
Everyone is returning to Washington
now. The President has issued an order
that the regular Cabinet meeting shall be
held as usual on Tuesday, and he expects
ali the members of the Cabinet, with the
exception of Mr., Manning, to be present
And when the Cabinet returns, society will
suaggle back.
One of the most familiar faces on the
streets of Washington is that of Mr.. Ban
croft the noted historian. Amid the drift
ing population Of which the Capital City is
largely composed, he remains a fixture;
and his strongly marked features, surround
ed by snow white hair, and his step, firm
in spite of his advanced age, are we'll known
throughout the city. Mr.. Bancroft has
grand daughter Of whom he is very fond,
charming young lady who arrived from
France several years ago. During the first
months of her stay here she could not under
stand English, and Mr. Bancroft delighted
in being her Interpreter.
But now she speaks English very easily,
and has become quite society favorite. 1t
is in connection with her that one of the la.
test stories about Mrs. Clevelands tact and
graceful courtesy is related. Some mend
acious correspondents, in their mania for
news, invented the story that the Presi-
dents wife and Miss Bancroft were great
cronies. In consequence of this report, sey-
eral persons who did not know Miss Ban
croffs address, sent letters to her in the care
of Mrs. Cleveland. The latter forwarded
them to the owner, with note saying. that
the rumor was only a mistake. and that
she hoped it might prove prophecy. Miss
DdiClol was Wei y illuCii plcitScu3 iIlu tHeIS
every prospect of their reported friendship
being verified.
1t is amusing to see the various methods
adopted by men in public life here to get
rid of the office hunter with whom :hey are
plagued. One of the most original ideas is
that of Assistant Postmaster General Stew
enson, who has an ingenious way of politely
making it uncomfortable for the office hunt
ers. He has on an average about fifty
callers day, and can tell whether they
want Offices or not at a glance. If they
belong to the former class, he invites them
to take a particular chair near bis desk. 1t
is luxurious chair, covered with leather,
with easy springs on all sides. 1t might be
supposed that the visitor would stay longer
in such a chair than a hard one: but Mr..
| Stevenson has a theory that the average
Office hunter would feel far less at home in
a really easy arm chair than on something
hard and uncomfortable, like what he has
been accustomed to. This theory he has
fully demonstrated be correct, for when
the visitor sinks into the chair he complete
ly looses his talking powers, and Mr.. Ste
venson has little difficulty in getting all
the business from man and then dismiss
ing him in very short time.
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