The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-12-25
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
THE CITY IN GALA ATTIRE ENJOYING
THE FIRST sLEIGHING.
Death of Poor Little Lord Fauntleroy.'
Christian Efforts Gospel on
Wheels.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16.-SnOw flakes
are the gems in the frost kings coronet
and the merry old monarch scattered
them with lavish hand last week, wher
he stole in on US IN the night and wrapped
the city in his ermine mantle. When
the stir of daily life began at o'clock in
the morning for here we take things
leisurely), street navigation was difficult
for pedestrians, and the prancing steeds
(?) of cars, herdics and cabs were minus
their arctic Shoes and made but little
Roadway. For short time there was q
regular blockade on Pennsylvania avenue,
and belated business men gave anxious
signs, but it was soon over, and then the
fun began. Out came the sleighs with
their jingling bells, neat little cutters,
boxed bodies gaily painted, rough boxes
on runners, and the irrepressible "small
boy" with his sled, and in trice the
avenues were teeming with merry,
rolicking crowd. Senator Stanford's
arctic coach presented fine appearance
and attracted much attentian. 1t was a
large double sleigh painted black and
lined with elegant black fur robes AT
each side of the coachman's seat tall
purple plumes waved, and the coal black
horses heads were decked with similar
feather. There was such an air of lux
urious comfort about the whole turnout
that doubtless many looked with envious
eyes upon it. No handsomer team ap-
pears on the highway than the beautiful
Arabian span owned by Mr.. Allison
Nailor. They are pure white, with the
most delicate limbs, finely arched neck
and nostrils, showing the faint tinge of
pink, like sea she'll. The presidents
family coach is very unpretentious> and
much like the old fashioned southern
coach to be found in every planters home
stead.
There is no city in the Union where
driving is more generally INDUCED by
women than here in Washington; from
the four seated family carriage to the un-
calmly little dog cart, they are at home
with whip and reins and will draw up be-
fore some attractive shopping place, lift
out the weight and anchor their steed
with all the air of experienced hands.
Horseback exercise for women, like all
other fashions, has grown immensely, and
the city boasts some fine equestriennes.
Yet remember that thirty years ago Miss
Lulu Corcoran (the late Mrs. Eustis), and
a young friend were always noticeable
when out for their daily exercise because
so few indnlged the habit Miss Corcoran
wore cloth habit of rich dark blue,
which made fine contrast to her COM
plexion OF creamy white and pale golden
hair. A pretty picture she made as she
rode along with lesurely grace, followed
by stately groom in dark cloth trimmed
with great brass buttons.
HOME AGAIN.
After an absence of two weeks Mrs.
Harrison has again returned to the execu-
tive mansion, accompanied by Mrs. Nc
Kee and the children. They were pro-
vided with special car at indianapolis
and ran through in about twenty-four
hours. The president and Mrs. Dimmick
were in waiting at the depot to receive
them and the little ones were quite eX
uberant in their JOY at meeting grandpa"
once more. Mrs. MCGEE is enjoying a
visit from her old friend and schoolmate,
Mrs. Elbridge Gerry, who will be a guest
at the white house for few days and
then sail for Europe. Mrs. Harrison is an
art lover and does exquisite work in china
painting. Some weeks ago she was the
recipient of beautiful letter from the
artist, Mr.. j H. Moses, which was illus
trated in water colors in all the richness
and beauty of autumnal glory. The corn
shocks are bound, and close by are great
golden pumpkins, suggesting Thanks
giving pies. The blossoms by the way
side are gaily tinted, and over all hangs
the yellow disk of the harvest moon.
The whole is pretty conceit and is much
priced by Mrs. Harrison.
Baltimoreans say that Mrs. Harrison
visits their city quite often on shopping
expeditions, surely not of necessity, how
ever, for our stores seem to offer every
thing one could desire in material, variety
and price. They never were more abund-
antly stocked, and the selections are con-
tinually increasing in elegance and design,
whether for personal adornment or house
hold decoration. A recent fashion is
evening receptions at the larger business
houses. Two weeks ago Messrs. Wood
ward & Lothrop 0he Boston house,
opened an art department In connection
with their immense establishment, and
cards were issued for reception, at which
refreshments were elegantly served. The
building was aglow with light and the
guests enjoyed rare treat in examining
the gems of the art department. This
store which is on the corner of Eleventh
and G streets, northwest, bids fair to be-
come the Wanamaker's of Washington.
Another handsome affair of this kind
was given by Messrs. Kaufman, who have
lust taken possession of their mammoth
store on the block above the Boston house.
The interior decorations were very effect
i've and artistic. The center columns
were trimmed with ivy from floor to
ceiling and all the iron beams supporting
the gallery were dressed in the same
manner. Out from the foliage hundreds
of incandescent lights shed their soft
CLEANS, and the different counters were
arranged as booths and draped with rich
est fabrics. The employees, both gentle
men and ladies, were in evening dress and
received the stream of guests with cor
diality. while Prof. STEMS orchestra of
fourteen pieces discoursed sweet music
from the balcony. This is new depart