New-York tribune., 1891-12-31
PERSONAL.

The law firm Of Leavitt & Keith has recently been
changed to Leavltt, Wood & Keith, the member,
Charles Wood being prominent real estate lawyer.
Both John Brooks Leavitt and Boudinot Keith. the
senior and junior member of the firm, from
historic American families Mr.. Leavitts grandfather.
Judge ii. H. Leavt the Judge of the United States
District Court In Ohio who in 1862 refused the writ
of habeas corpus in the famous valandingham case,
which action President Lincoln declared worth
more than the winning Of eight battles for the Union
Mr. Leavitts father. the Rev. John VI. Leavt.
formerly president of Lehigh University. is now an
Episcopal theological professor aoa,I in phladepha Mr.
lawyer TO be admitted to practice in the United States
supreme Court and his name stands first on the nst
organized more than 100 years ago.
Colonel Dick Howard prosperous and highly ad-
mied resident OF Coweset r. l. wProvidence), is be-
hevcd to be the only survivor now left OF John
Browns historic party at Iarpers Ferry lie believes
that had that attack been more carefully organized
1t would have proved successful.
Sir william Arthur White. the late British Ambas-
sadOr to Turkey, is thus described in "The Philadel
phia Telegnph- Sir William man OF leonine
aspect, tall, salwart with massive forehead flow
ing white beard and voice like a roar. All, my
dear Sirrrp these words from his lips, ringing like
Irish accent might be heard through the thckest
doors fifty PAGES OFF in street. while his exuberant
gesticulations when rammng some facts into hard
head were vigorously expressive. Sir William quoted
forgotten protocols more readily than most men could
cite the dates of their cldTens birthdays. His mind
was an extraordinary stOrehOuSe of well casSed facts
and he was continually adding 10 It's contents. During
his whole life he never for moment idle. When
Belgrade and Bucharest he used to turn out at earv
morning, attend at the nearest Roman Catholic
church. and then mix with market folk other small
people to whom he would speak in their Language.
Nv the time he returned home to breakfast he had
always collected odd bits Of information which
we're as precious to him brca brac TO collector.
His individuality strong that he might be called
influence incarnate.'
Frederick Douglass has recently secured place as
clerk In the Agricultural Department for the daughter
OF his old master in the days Of slavery. The lady
was brought up in extreme luxury, but has for ten
years experienced great pf4,ans and when the case
was presented to Secretary Rusk lie appreciated its
poetic and pathetic aspects. Though Mr. Douglass was
once the chatte OF this ladys father and actually
sold at the block like mule. he not only eX
erted himself IN her behalf but agreed not to reveal his
own instrumentay in ler success. The facts came
out, however, In another way.
Theodore Mommsen. the famous German his
toran celebrated the tirteth anniversary of his
fessorsp In the University OF Berlin few days ago
lie was the recipient OF numerous congratulations
Won Mommsen was a professor of lawn-ordnary in
the University OF LEIPZIG long ago 1S45. As
was the with many Others he took active
part In the revolutionary movements OF 1S4S and in
consequence was deprived OF his place. For while
he read lectures in Zurich. In 1894 the University OF
Hresau recalled him to the Fatherand For the last
three decade, he has been professor Of ancient history
In Berlin and draws hundreds and hundreds OF stu
dents 10 his lectures lie IS now seventy four years
old but Is still active physically and mentally.