The critic. (Washington, D.C.) 1890-1891, 1891-03-21
ON DIT.


In the iast issue OF America" March ~, ia
n very readable paper by tho late Admiral Por-
ter, giving an account of his acquaintance with
Caribaldi in south America. II IL graphic
picture Of the nlustrious Italian libcratoy and
full OF history.
II would hc interesting to know how many
scnntors' wives are drawing pay as private Soc
retarics to their "august, most potent, grave
and reverend solgniors."
.-s
Gcnorall.ongstreet has young sou residing
here who is chip OF the old bocs. He has a
handsome we'll cut set of lcitnrcs. IAN eye to
threaten aud commando a blonde complexion
and fine head. lie looks like young Eng
lsh gentleman home from Cambridge with
that delightful combination OF msnlness, mod
csty and spirit your thoroughbred always has
lie hns the making of q man Of mark In him.
w.
Colonel Jerome Napoleon Bonapartc and
his brother, Mr.. Charles Bonapartc OF Balti
more are much better material for Emporors
OF France than their cousin, the present heir
to the extinct and crunchcd throne. The
Colonel Il graduate OF West Point, was n
dashing lieutenant In the Regiment OF Mounted
Rifles fer back in the lftios and aftcrward q
captain in Spahl regiment OF the French
army. lie has resided in Washington and
Newport ever since the fall of his cousin, Ma.
polcOn ILL.,, and has many Of the characters
tics of the great Bonapartc family.
-
Mrs John Sherwood, who IL . woman OF va.
ricd literary and social attalnmcnts, read to n
select assembly of prominent society people ut
| DR.. W. Il. lIammonds yesterday afternoon n
very clever and Interesting paper on "'rhc
| Possibilities OF an American Salon. Mrs
shorwood's familiarity with the most polished
circles and people ut home and abroad make
any views she may have on the subject OF spc
cial interest. We fear tho salon, however. Is
| nm impossibility az factor in society In Amer
lea. There are too few OF the wealthy and
leisure class willing to devote Themselves re-
ligiousy to being amiabc and cultivated.
Conversation on the current topics OF the
day, literary, political and scientific, Is IN un
known thing in the drawing-rooms of the day
in this country. Social life is the basis OF oui
talk. The afternoon tea, with its namby
pamby, tittlc.tatlc about the next ball, IN,
last wedding, Mrs. Moncybag's house, Mrs
Senator Elijah Pogram's reception and younl
Blazc's attention to Mrs. Divorce represent,
the average flight OF the intellectual socict.
man and woman to whom we are asked [,
look for the Inauguration and development o
salons.
Mrs. Sherwood deserves the thanks OF tn
more civilized Of our people in her effort Il
stem the tide of mental inanity. 80 painfull
apparent in the ordinary conversation at
given entertainment and turn the thoughts o
our educated class to higher topics OF CONVEX
sation than millinery, upholstery, victuals all
gossip. A salon calls for the frequent gather
ing together of the brightest and most culture
people, equipped with information special an
general. The reading OF papers and intoci
ably prosy talks by selr.consttuted soclct
oracles, whom few listen to and by whoi
many are merely bored, does not make n sd'o,
which is the sort OF thing even a board q
patronosscs cannot run. A salon is mercl
a social centre for the interchange or origlni
ideas, through the medium of clever convers,
tion, aided by polished address.