The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-27
Chris tmas Echoes.

WASHINGTON, December 26-Secretary
sTYnd and Mrs Blaine had truly family gath
their children being at home for this re-
union- There were Major and Mrs. Cop
Plnger, with two childreni Mr.. and Mrs.
Jr., and Hattie Blaine, and Mr.. Walter Dam
Blaine.
A merry party of dainty debutantes sat
around the table in the dining room of John
X MeLean's residence Christmas night, In
formal teas, evening parties and other pleas
ant tributes to the debutantes have marked
the opening of the season, but this was the
first formal dinner to which young ladies
had been invited. The decorations of the ell
egantly appointed table were entirely rose
buds, in all shades and of all varieties. Mr.
Mclean sat at the head of the table and Sec
retary Blaine was his vis-a-vis. These were
the only gentlemen in the room, although
number of swell young men were present
later, in order that the debutantes might not
lack for partners in the dance. The girls.
who wore exquisite costumes, included Miss
Hattie Blaine, who has Just left school, Miss
Louise Bainbridge Hoff. whose coming out
was made the occasion of a most fashionable
event, Miss Myer, Miss Laura jackson,
Miss Rachael Cameron, Miss Adams, Miss
Pauncefote, the daughter Of the British Min
lister. Miss Bliss, Miss Almy, Miss Eyre,
Miss Brook. Miss Story. Miss Rosalie Brown,
Miss Parke and Miss Carlisle. Christmas
Joy was oONCA al AOulo WuCH tu6 party
broke up.
Mrs. aalford. wife of the private secretary
TO the President, Is dangerously ill in this
city with consumption. Mrs. HalfOrd's
health has been failing for some wears, and
It has been found advisable for her to live in
Florida eight months of every year. The
cloud now hanging over the household is all
the more deplorable from the fact that
bright young daughter is about to make her
appearance In society.
The First Of the Tariff Hearings.
WASHINGTON, December 26.-The first Of
the series of tariff hearings mapped out by
the House committee on ways and means
was held this morning. Gentlemen interest
ed in metals, ores and coal were permitted
to give their views.
Geo. r. Ely. president of the Western Iron
Ore Association, spoke in favor of the reten.
tion of the duty on iron ore.
George Tobey, of Massachusetts, address,
ed the committee In favor of free importa-
tion OF iron ore and coal. he read long
memorial prepared by the New England
manufacturers of iron and steel in support
of the position which he advocated.
+. S. Wetherbee of New York, president
of the Eastern Iron Association, argued that
the chief obstacle to the development of New
England manufacturers was the almost pro-
hibitory freight rates charged by the New
England railroads. Th 3 manufacturers in
terest would be best protected by keeping a
stimulated the mining industry. If it was
removed capital would be intimidated and
he believed that all mines in this section Of
the country would be abandoned.
wife of Rear Admiral Rogers.
WASHINGTON, December 26.-Mrs. Rogers
wife of Rear Admiral G. p Rogers, died
this evening, after a long illness.s
Mr.. Harrison Takes an Outing.
WASHINGTON. December 26.-The Presi-
dent left Washington at 2.30 this afternoon
on cunning trip. He expects to return on
Saturday.
Washington Notes.
Past Assistant Paymaster Cowie has ad-
dressed letter to the Secretary of the Navy
in regard TO certain insinuations made on
the floor of the Senate relative TO the bill
proposed by him. and asks that court of in
quiry be ordered to make full aud searching
investigation of his conduct in connection
with the whole matter.
Only half the usual number OF ''unmail-
able" miSdirected Christmas presents to peo.
pls in foreign lands have been received at
the dead letter office this year. The annual
collection of such articles is enormous.
The State Department is informed by tel
egraph OF the death yesterday of Robert j.
Stevens, United States Consul at Victoria,
b. G.
The widow Of General George FL. Thomas
died suddenly Wednesday night at her resi-
dence here. She had not been in good health
for two years past.
Commissioners Raum, of the pension bu,
day Wednesday he had three chills slightly
congestive in character, followed by high
fever. He was restless during all last night
but was somewhat better this morning.