Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-16
WASHINGTON SOCIETY.
Good Words for the Cultured People Of the
National Capital.

NOou NOruB IOr the Sultureu feOple Oh the
National Capital.
In an article in Lippincotts for Septem-
Der on Society in Different Cities Mrs.
NJ. E. W. Sherwood has this to say about
Washington: Washington is now the most de-
sirable place of residence in the whole conti-
nent Of America, from its fine pavements its
broad streets, beautiful houses, ample apart
ment houses, abundant markets and conven-
lent access, with the certainty of society the
year round. Even in midsummer, with its
neighborhood of wooded heights, it is said to
be not disagreeable In spring it is the fairest
flush on the cheek of Proserpine No spot, ex-
cepting the Riviera, is more beautiful. A
drive to the Soldiers Home in May is darling
dream Of jocund summer.
Then these stately squares. each of which
embalms hero with perpetual benediction
of roses, that vision of the Capitol which, like
an architects dream crowns the hill and fin
ishes ones perspective, all this and more has
always made Washington pleasant, and, since
prosperity has crept in, now makes it the spot
OF all others which rich American should
choose as the site of his home. when he does "a
stately pleasure house decree"
Mr.. Bancroft set the fashion in making it
retreat for the literary man, and had theory
that las one grew older one should SO south"
1t was a wise choice for he both gained and
Hay have followed his example, and many Sem
ators and officers of the government have
brought their libraries and established them
selves in luxurious homes in Washington after
the fatigues OF political life are over. These,
with the learned gentlemen who wear the
ermine, the judges Of the Supreme Court, the
cabinet, the officers OF the army and
navy. who are our only nobility, who
always hold their rank-these are always
there, and there are said to be nine
faar al Univ lie rati ,,, h. 80
Washington who have nothing to do but talk,
which they do very well; they talk as well as
they once fought. So you have the core of an
excellent society. independently of the gentle
men who are in the Capitol Strengthening out
the nation. Thus society has in Washington
what it needs in other cities; it has q recog-
nized head it has its social laws, it has its very
great and immediate necessity for being
and with this head it is like kingdom or a
church. Who does not remember the dictrm.
mo church without bishop, no state without
a king?"
The ruling powers in this fair city are very
lenient, however, and its rich and luxurious
new inhabitants need not busy themselves
much about them they have all the advantages
of the arrangement, and then amuse them
selves as they please. Even when Congress has
departed Washington hospitality keeps up.
Thus a society is created in which the indi-
vidual is still OF great importance, nor is any
one rated by the tax collector. 1t is a city
where money has nothing to do with social i'm
portance Intellect, agreeability and personal
magnetism have everything to do with "a
position in society"
Dinner giving in Washington has always been
a sort OF religious duty, since the first stately
days of Gen. Washington. Then for fifty years
the colored cooks continued to make terrapin
and fried oysters a sort of gIorified inspirer of
conversation. Then came the confusion of the
war, and almost Immediately followed a GER
tain luxury, first in the house of Gov. Morgan
and afterward in the house of Gov. Fish, which
has spread with an almost alarming contagion.
1t was feared at one time that luxury was steal
ing away Washington's best charm, ana poet
wrote a very clever set of lines of the past day,
when electricity, and champagne, and all of
Edison's inventions were unknown, but,
although Gen. Washington had seen none OF
these. yet the nation had unluckily now no
Gen. Washington.
But the capital city has not been spoiled. It
is of vast extent and it can stand great deal of
luxury. Nobody is crowded out in Washing
ton. 1t still is a happy retreat for people Of
small means. 1t does not disdain or ignore the
widow Of a brave officer, nor does the man who
has failed to make million get crowded to the
edge of the pavement, nor do the four hundred
''cross over on the other side'' when he passes
Washington is true to its traditions in this re-
spect, and it has what New York has not it has
repose. The days are long and sweet and quiet
If one is not in the House of Representatives.
One may well be- proud to have q foreigner
introduced to society in Washington. 1t is not
to be expected that an Englishman can ever
see the best that We have, one reason being
that he doesn't wish to see it.
Even Englishmen find something to admire
in Washington. Even Mr.. Hamilton Aide ex-
cepts Washington from his adverse criticisms
He found New York horribly vulgar, and no
good dinners there "a point wherein We do
pride ourselves), dirty streets 1--WE are guilty
there), and yet oven so good judge, SO cosmo-
politan and fair a critic as Mr.. Aide, one OF the
most amisble and intelligent Of travellers, falls
into the old mistake, that moldy English
chestnut Of supposing that We say ''bunch" for
bouquet 1t is amazing, this 'insular infalli-
bility" with which they all follow old Mrs. Troll
lope. Yet he did enjoy Washington and see
much that was agreeable in its cosmopolitan
circles.
Washington has no commerce and few
theaters. One would suppose that it might be
dull to person accustomed to the rush Of New
York. But several New York gentlemen have
taken up their residence there after an active
life in the great city, and seem to be entirely
repaid by the charm Of its society for the
greater excitements Of New York.