Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1890-01-10
Washington Letter.
January 9th 1890.

January 9th 1890.
The Presidents New Years Re-
ception, which is always the
crowning social event of the year
at the National Capital, was in
vested with much more than ordi-
nary interest last Wednesday.
First because it was the centennial
of George Washington's first
Presidential reception, and second
because it will figure in history as
the first of Benjamin Harrison s
receptions, and may have the adj
ditionaI distinction of being the
most brilliant of the present Ad-
ministration to make it which,
every circumstance seemed Ito
conspire.
In addition to the regular
representatives of foreign coun-
tries, who on such occasions divide
the honors with our Army and
Navy, there were present the dele
gates to the Pan-American and
International Maritime Con-
crosses, all arrayed in the gaudy
uniform representative of their
Nation and official position.
The White House was scene
Of bloom and beauty and the gath
ering of fair women and gorgeous
ly dressed men assembled there,
was one to be remembered. Two
OF the ladies of the Presidents
circle were conspicuous by their
absence on this day, Mrs. Har-
rlson and Mrs. Blaine, each of
whom had been called to mourn
the loss of sister. Mrs. Mckee
graced we'll her mothers place of
honor, and if there was any dis
satisfaction at the substitute, as
has SO often been asserted there
would be, there was not the slight
est surface indication or even a
ripple, to show that this asser-
ton had any foundation.
During the present holiday
festivities, Washington society for
the first time since the days of
Vice PRESIDENT Colfax has been
treated to Vice Presidential re-
ception at the hands of Mr.. Nor
ton and his charming and ac-
complished wife and daughters at
their new and elegant home on
Scott Circle. The affair was en-
joyed as novelty as we'll as on
its own merits. The Cabinet and
the Supreme Justices also kept
open houses and in all these places
the mist and the cold gray clouds
without were dispelled by the
glad faces and the good cheer that
abounded within. The custom of
having these receptions very gen.
orally prevails in this city.
The American Historical Asso-
citation has been in session at
Washington the past week, and
many very interesting subjects
have been under discussion by
some of the brightest minds
in the country. One of those in
attendance was the eminent and
venerable historian, George Fl.
Bancroft, who is a resident of the
Nations Capital, and who at the
great age of ninety, still preserves
his interest in affairs, and perse-
veres in his work. Speaking of
history, l am reminded of the
fact that a very strange occurrence
happened at the Washington
Navy Yard this week. A work
man was dismissed there for sin
of commission done more than a
quarter of century ago. The
man is John S. Jones of Maryland,
and he was ousted from office for
being one of the party who aided
Booth, the murderer of Lincoln, to
escape across the Potomac on the
night of the murder. This shows
that time has its revenges. Jones
was appointed about two years
ago. He does not deny the charge
against him.
The erectly rigid and pyrotech-
mic Ingalls, is, | am informed,
loading himself for the greatest
effort of his life deliverance
to be given soon after the re-
assembling of Congress. Il ap-
pears, from all l can learn, that
this speech is to be on the general
condition 60 of the country. 1t is
likely to be extremely partisan in !
tone, and will probably provoke
an acrimonious sectional debate.
Ingalls, is nothing if not dramatic,
and, as usual, he will announce the
time of his speech, so as to assure
large audience.
One of the powerful pillars of
he Republican temple, - the
Hector Of the House, Judge
William ID KalIav os pap,,,,l