National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-04-12
GeneralitIes of yyasbinrton sooIetv

The folio wing Is an extract from an article
entitled as above, written by Flora Adams
Darling and published in the April number of
the Brooklyn Magazine The entire contribu-
tion is pleasant and profitable reading. "The
secret of its mastery is-'tis true"
An intelligent study Of social life In Wash.
ington will teach the observer that envy and
detraction are the weapons most used TO defeat
social and official aspirations and that in fact
there is very little basis for the many adverse
criticisms awarded men and women without
regard TO near or remote consequences. Such
an observer will see the rise and fall of many
people, and be led to study cause and effect
from various points OF view, and = natural con-
clusion Will be that Washington Is vain place
for safety unless people are little and unknown.
There are 80 many who dare to wound, who
are afraid 70 strike, but by insldious process
blight the lives OF many men and women aud
II is a well known fact that scandal never dies.
There Is such vitality In falsehoOd that the least
ray Of sunshine in the social sky of one who
has been made victim creates resurrection,
and the fatal work goes on with renewed nc.
tiyity. Careful observers of the whirlpool of
deInction have long since discovered that old
members and their families see less than fresh
importatlons, and that whenever there is an
influx from the rural districts disturbing Gle.
mcnt appears. Why Is thiS The true reason
cannot lie disguised and has to be met in the
form Of women with social ideas confined TO
the sewing circle and mite societies of country
villages where the anmatlng principle of most
lives Is sustained by gossip. They come to
washington ana DIlnB lnelI occupation Win
them: they come impressed with the belief
that Washington is modern SOdom, that all
men (eNCepti.lg their own husbauds) are Sol
onions and all women Mugdalens; and they
feel called upon 70 appoint themselves moral
cOnstables to regulate society, aud 10 make the
work efectuRl they seek Information from
newsmOngers who retail and detail scandals
Ofthe past from the executive mansion down
to the Charwoman Of the treasury regardless
OftTulh. All men know that TumOr seldom
runs parallel with truth, but women "on
mission" do not stop TO analyZei they accept,
aud repeat and n cyclone of slander follows,
and innocent victims are offered without one
thought Of regret; but after an initial period
the rural TovolutiOnlsts become aocllmated 10
the social atmosphere of ladies and gentlemen
who observe the golden rule, With subjects of
conversation beyond retailing their neighbors
faults, and under this influence they lose their
prejudice and In due process Of time lind
Washington society delightful
II is not society 10 attend a Presidents recep.
ton upon n general invitation extended
through the newspapers. 1t Is not the acme OF
society 10 attend hops because you board IN q
hotel. IL Is not society to attend charity en-.
teTtainments on "Cards Of payment" It Is
not society TO be impressed into entertainment
because one can furnish fancy articles, us the
price Of attention Of the "dlsiinguished man,
igpTs' who seek to make II pay, All of these
ailAiTs are pleasant and profitable, but not Top-
TCsCntHtiye OF the circle where the exclusive
element made up of tho best people from each
branch of the government, Residents and
WashingtOnans who have won their place by
consent and hold 1t without fear of oontradiC.
tiOn. If writers Wonld describe this circle
there would be material for praise OF mind,
manner, and morals ofthe very best society in
America from political, executive, physical,
moral, scientific, artistic ana social points Of
view, and II is % be hoped that justice will
guide the hand that attempts 10 draw pen pic.
lures Of Washington society