The Washington critic., 1889-03-29
THE TOWNS. PHOTOGRAPH.

variant, the rack. Washington cannot
boast, as does New York city, Of any ami
mails from the celebrated Prussian breeding
establishment at Trakene. Whatever the
breed many Of the Washington saddle
horses are high-strung enough; and, indeed,
on amusing story is going the rounds about
certain representative Of high foreign
power, for whom one OF these Kentucky
steeds proved intractable. A high hat was
ruined, pair Of breeches distressingly
torn, a well-known society lady sadly
shocked, and q riderless horse stopped by
passer-by out near the Soldiers Home.
But all this is tod In most cautious
whispers.
'If you ask me what think of horse
manship at Washington" said an ex-efIlcer
in the British cavalry to CRITIC reporter,
"I'll tell you that, taken altogether, it's
very bad indeed. I'm not so bigoted as to
declare that no seat is perfect except the
cavalry seat, but / must say l like some
uniformity in the style Of equestrianism,
and Washington riders lack II entirely. A
few days ago observed party of Wash
ington men and women on horseback, and
l must say never saw such an incongruous
set in saddles before, except, perhaps, in
my boyhood, when all the lads in the
neighborhood mounted any horses they
could borrow and followed across country
a pack OF bowling ours on the scent Of a
red herring trailed before them. Two Of
these local equestrians rode trotting horses,
but their manner Of riding was different.
One let bis feet lie out on the horses shout
ders, bent forward as II to view the trotter's
forefeet over its forelock, and rose to the
trot. His friend, evidently not of Anglo
maniac tendencies, sat in his saddle like a
German cavalryman, regardless of the
violent thump his seat received at every
stride. The other two horses were very
well-ridden, but one cantercd and the other
progressed by the indescribable gait called
single FOOT would not have you carry
away the idea that / think there are no
good riders at Washington. On the con-
trary, have seen as good cattle and as
good seats as have ever seen in the row."
msw
"More respect should be shown the
United States flag at Washington" said a
gruh old admiral, as he came down the
steps Of the Navy Department, ''and If the
messengers are derelict in their duty at the
Department let men be detailed from the
service to see that the ensign is hoisted
every day on the public buildings at the
Capital. While lying at sea 1t is the quar-
termaster's duty to see that the colors are
run up to the peak every morning at sun
rise and lowered at sunset. The same rule
is observed at each of the garrison posts
throughout the United States, and why the
custom should be obsolete at the headquar-
ters Of the Army and Navy is more than
can understand. On the three splendid
structures used by the War, State and
Navy Departments, respectively, but one
flag floats, and that is on the War Depart
ment. Certainly It would be an improve
ment upon the bare flagstaff which sur
mounts the White House If the Stars and
Stripes waved above the COMMANDMENTS
Chief OF the Army and Navy. And SO with
all the other buildings scattered through
out Washington. Stir up those in author.
ity through the columns of THE CRITIC
and let there be an Improvement in this
particular"
A dilapidated-looking colored man, with
a shabby-looking silk hat, stood with his
back to the door In the Record Office, look
ing around one portion OF the room to an
other, as If taking mental inventory Of the
place. His Prince Albert coat had limp,
detected look, his trousers hung In wrinkles
over his shoes, and his feet were of soft,
yielding texture that enabled him to glide
about and never make o bit of noise. He
stopped SO long at the door that people be-
|, gan to get uneasy. What seemed to catch
his eye most was a new gilt sign which Dep
uty Recorder Schwartz had just put on the
door. Finally he turned about aud sped
silently away. "Who is heY'' was the ques-
tion that was asked throughout the room.
"He is the next Recorder Of Deeeds," was
the only response which received any atten-
| ton. ~
M ~ s.
| Colonel Donan, who has bean at DEATHS
! door at the St. James Hotel In Washing
ton for several days, did not allow the
| wheels Of his Imagination to stop as hl
stood almost in sound Of the stroke Of the
oar of the grim ferryman. One evening
| while several friends were In the room, and
| just after DR.. O'Reilly had told his patient
to keep quiet, Donan began to spread
canvas. aa i, st-
! He planned voyage. 1t is to consist oi
forty Of the prettiest women in the United
States, married and single, and forty Of ths
beaus Of the country. including newspaper
men, authors and artists. A vessel 10 to bt
chartered, and II will be supplied witt
| everything that money and experience as q
voyager can suggest. There is to be a band
| Of music on board. The ship will leave
one Of the piers In New York on May day.
She win be rigged out in holiday attire, and
sail down the bay with her precious freight
Turning her PROV to the tropics, she viii
touch at the islands Of the West Indies.
brief visit to the places of interest wi
follow, and each day will end with ball OF
banquet or both. The voyage will con
tinue across the gulf. Then the Soutf
American seaports will be visited, and a
each the beauty and wit of the United
States will have court reception. A rur
across the isthmus In some way not men
toned by the voyager will follow, and ther
| return.
at will take about six weeks,p he said
as the gas-iet fickered on the walls of the
siclk-room. at shan't cost anybody who II
member OF the party cent. It shall bC
the jolliest, brightest excursion OF the
century. The plans are almost matured
and the invitations Will be out in few
weeks"
Whether he was wandering as he lay OF
his pillow or whether he has some such
picturesque scheme on hand do not know
But ne talked Of Il In q most entraneinl