The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-09-27
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
The Weeks DOings at the Ma
tiOnal Capital

EcFsrs. IL THE MARBLE ROOM OF THE SEN
ATE AND RECEPTION ROOM OF THE HOUSE.
The Senate Reception-room is a large marble
tiled hail. which has been turned into parloT
by the addition OF a handsome rug on the floor
in front of the mantel, on which is placed
mirror and clock whose Office seems priRci-
pally to give people an excuse for looking into
the glass for the gold figures on the ebony face
are almost invisible. 4 baiZe-cOyeTed table
stands on the rug, and comfortable leather
covered sofas and chairs are placed around the
wall These are meant for the accommodation
Of the waiters-nOt those who serve at the
hotels, however; but, judging by what seems
90 be their chief employment walters all the
same for there are no privileged classes in this
sacred precinct. All must send In card to
Some Senator, and wait his royal permission TO
enter. The messenger at the open portal where
YOU may stand aud look inside, takes your card,
which must be sent after p. M, seeks the
owner Of the name which he writes by your
direction above yOUF own. If the Senator be
seeks is within the chamber and not engaged
In delivering q speech or occupying the chair,
he can present your card; but If he is IN the
cloRB-reom in plain view he must not be dis
turbed, and your card viii be returned with
the much reiterated declaration: Not in"
Sometimes the messenger viii return with the
fat-footed message: "The Senator cannot
come out" Ia such a case it is probable that
he has bill in which be is interested, or some
other very excellent reason which, II known,
helms the disappointment materially. Some
Senators are thoughtful enough to send such
addcnda to their denial, and the wound is thus
SO graci0usy salyed that there is no wound at
ali; bat by lar more of them never think TO
take so much pains, and while remembering
their own privileges as Senators, forget entirely
their obligations as gentlemen. Sull / am glad
to state that the latter class are hopelessly in
the minority
When rcur MESSENGER rpturns with veur
Senatorial friends open sesame" you are
conducted by him into the Marble
Room" This is an oblong room con-
strucged entirely of marble-foor, walls
and ceiling; three large windows on the
aOrth side, with three mirrors ON the opposite
side corresponding. the center one over an
open fireplace, with another clock on the man-
tel. On a large rug IN the center is a table
corresponding 10 the one outside, and at the
opposite ends there are large mirrors just
across the corridors leading into the room.
Comfortable leather sofas and chairs are fur
nished, with the addition Of various wicker
and Woafen rockers, that give homclike air
in spite Of the marble lining.
Here you must sit and await the pleasure of
him who babe you enter In some cases y0u
viii wish he had denied you, especially if you
are of a restless disposition or have enough
business 70 q Il yoHr time Most OF the Senators
are very prompt, however: Senators Edmunds,
dock aud Wilson Iowa notably 50. But there
are few who seem TO think the world has
nothing 70 DO but await their pleasure. SEN
Etor Voorhees, has been known 10 keep visitor
waiting an hour at stretch.
I said above that there were no privileged
classes. This has limited exception. Mem
beEs Of the House Of course i5Gt even they
cannot bring their friends with them, save by
permission Of some Senator); employees of the
Capitol also, and recognized members of the
press arc allowed TO 60 in and out at pleasure
TO facilitate business.
Mai. Hitchcock, who is the Superintendent
Of this room, is always kindly obliging and
viii &c patiently IN search Of a dozen or two
Senator'S, if q correspondent wishes so many,
pursuing them even 10 their lair, the cloak
room, when the case is urgent.
il makes a good study Of human nature on
high plane 10 watch these men receive their
visitors.
The two Senators from Oregon, both kindly
men, viii make you feel how glad they ara to
see you; Senator Mitchell being so gracious
that you arc tempted TO think yoa have con-
ferred favor upon him by calling. Senators
Spooner and Allison seem generally too
busy TO sit down, but you are saved
from feeling yourself a bore foT com
ing by the gracious reception you viii get,
and their own apparent regret at their lack Of
leisure. Senators German, Ransom, Brown
and DAM ls seem very popular with their con-
EtItuen's, a. they are often seen in the Marble
Room, and the aforementioned Of these viii re-
cciEe boy seeking employment as gracioUsly
IS the highest functi0nary Of Maryland
IL I5 not the least amusing part Of this study
70 watch the air Of those who pay the calls.
Some approach with a confidence that is sub
line, aud # they meet with rebuff their
ehagrin bolis over, even in words sometimes.
These are usually unaccustomed visitors; old
stagers know that men who have such high in
terests Oh their shoulders cannot always be at
the command Of pleasure seekers Others,
when asked 10 walk in, swell with vanity, and
look ar0and on less fortunate "Waiters " as
they disappear through the door. Others an
prOach IS though they were treading on flow.
ers instead Of marble, and leave with hushed
expression On their faces, as Of one who had
Just been interviewing angels
At the House side the matter is entirely diff.
feEent There an open corridor IS all that can
be afforded 10 the lady friends OF our gallant
Representatives. Hitler al may come, hand.
some and ilolnely wise and simple pure and
impure; OF this latter class there were 10 al
one time recently sitting around in common
with the wives and daughters Of these men
who were compelled 10 come for any puruose
and mauy others just as good. The lobby be
longing 70 this side Of the House. that used K
be a resort Tor invited guests similar to III,
Marble Room Of the Senate is as fine aud a,
comfortable now as then, bat II is appropriated
70 the private use OF members, Who may lounge
there in luxury, while the women Of Americi
who honor them with a call must stand aroun,
the doors to be jostied by all classes Of men. o
20 into tie reeeptlcn-ro0m TO be j0stled By al
kinds Of women. You pay your money ant
you take your choice"
This TcceptOn-room has many hooks am
corners made shadowy by the heavy marbl
columns and by the lack Of single window
and many tete a-tete, there has necessarily
privacy that, TO say the least, has q suspicion
look when seen in public.
They have been talking about abolishin,
even this poor apology for a guest chamber
and il is question whether this would not b
the very best thing they could do If they can
not muster up something little more respecta
bile.
SENATE DIVERSIONS.
The drowsy Senate, with its many emit
seats-though the Senators, unlike the statet
men at the other end Of the Capitol, have re
NAMED within call-has diversion now sra
then when some earnest man makes the 81
hall ring with his appeal for some pet measure
and Senator Stewards speech on the Chimes
question last Friday proved that old age Ia
not cooled the Stewart blood, for as he stood /
the central aisle, his giant stature crowne
with the Snow white Of bis hair aud long beart
he reminded one Of an immovable, snow-cappc
mountain Of bis silyer-iined Safe, and brongI
seBsation Of fear even to the remotest bound