Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1889-02-15
SPECIAL CORREsPoNDENOE.


this city created great stir and gave many
Congressman who had never seen him an
opportunity of making his acquaintance.
The reception rendered him by Secretary
Whitney, it is said, almost depopulated the
Democratic side of the House. 1t is repre-
sented as being most delightful affair, and
those who were honored with an invitation
to it will not soon forget the occasion that
brought them for the first time in personal
contact with the Governor. They had learn
ed TO admire him for the courage and ability
with which he served the people of the State
of New York and the devotion he has ever
manifested in the interest and success of the
great National Democratic party. They
now more than ever appreciate those per-
sonal qualities that attach him 80 strongly
10 his friends and make him so popular
with his party throughout the wide extent
of this great country.
1t is curious fact that previous to the
advent Of the present administration few Of
the devices for expediting Office work has
been introduced in the several departments.
est and most laborious way to do any piece
OF work was the best way. The reason was
that slow and complex business methods
were believed to afford more employment
than simple aud more rapid methods AS
the object Of those who were in control of
the government for many years was to find
as many positions for politicians and their
friends as possible, stcnographers and type
writing machines were vigorously excluded.
-Four years ago only the Cabinet officers
made use Of these Indispensable adjuncts Of
any large business enterprise. But now
there is scarcely an assistant secretary or
bureau Office that does not use them con-
stanily. They are also found in the offices
OF many chiefs OF divisions. Had not the
Democrats been intrusted with the con-
duct Of the government and brought with
them their new ideas of business, their
energy and push, we have no doubt that
stenographers and type writers would be a
novelty in the departments.
Mention of the inaugural ball recalls the
fact that the managers found it necessary
to go to Philadelphia to find caterer equal
TO the occasion. His name is Boldt, and
marvellous stories are told of the dinners he
has served. He is sort of Worth in cuisine,
he aims at producing poems in food, SYM
phonies in dining room decorations. One
of his famous dinners was given by a number
of railroad presidents to Franklin B. Gowan.
Among the decorations were birds slain ten
months before, and Roman punch in tiny
cars of miniature railway train. Another
famous dinner was given to young lady
10 Philadelphia. Japanese screens six feet
high enclosed the space in one corner Of
ball room. Here the tables were set and
the guests served. Over the center hung
large ball of violets. AT the touch OF hid
den spring when the coffee was served, the
ball opened and disclosed large bunch of
roses for the honored guests. At signal
the screen disappeared, cages of canaries
suspended from the ceiling, ana music for
Still anOther famous dinner was given by a
of son John Wanamaker to his bachelor
friends just before his marriage. The dining
room was made to look like q grape arbor.
Nearly three hundred pounds of grapes were
suspended from natural vines. Trees placed
against the walls of the rooms and graveled
walks added to the illusion. These dinners
cost, it is said, from fifty to one hundred
dollars per plate. As the ball dinner is to
cost but one dollar, there will probably be
no such display that will add to the fame of
Boldt 1t is thought that his name will add
much to the dinner the distinction that is
usually obtained by the lavish expenditure
Of money
The transition of President Cleveland
from the White House to flat in New
York, illustrates the simplicity of our Repub-
lican Institutions and shows how readily an
American citizen can resume his original
sovereignty and adapt himself to circum.
Stances after having filled term as servant
of the people.
Nothing can be more indicative of the
absence of the old Puritauica Sabbath than
the general prevalence of Sunday afternoon
parties. There was time when those gay
and festive gatherings were unknown, when
they would have been severely condemned
as the most shocking form Of ungodliness.
They were insideously introduced by South
American diplomatists who have no sym.
pathy with what they consider silent solem.
nifty once week, So delightful were they
To Americans who were invited to participate
in them that the custom has spread like a
contagious disease. Whatever horror they
may have inspired at first is no longer felt.
A Sunday afternoon party seems to be no
more of breach OF improperly than church
attendance in the morning.
There is another social innovation that
may be worth mentioning. Last season
those pleasing gatherings known as "teas"
were what their name naturally suggests,
but this year tea is not tea at all, it is a
punch. We do not mean to intimate that
the so-called teas have ceased to be the
harmless affairs that they used to be- The
idea that we wish to convey Is that tea is
not considered as pleasant to the palate, nor
as stimulating to the tongue, as that well
known compound Of rum, &c. Champagne
has also become very popular beverage at
receptions and it is curious to see the num-
Der of the fair sex whose eyes and cheeks
respond To the stimulus daintily slipped
from the fragile glasses. Had they been at
home instead of Washington, we rather
think that they would have figured as earn.
est workers in the temperance cause.
Mr.. Blaine lease of the old Seward man.
sion for . term Of years not only indicates
his intention of making Washington his
home, but recalls "reminiscences Of q historic
place. 1t is large double house of ancient
i L. e.