davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
CHRISTMAS TALES.
Told in the Cloak Room at the Capitol
by Congressman.
RETOLD BY AMOS CUMMINGS,
How the Holiday Season I'm Different Parts
Of This Broad Land OF Ours Is OBJ
seryed-Interesting Stories.
fcorresnondence Of the pIspatch. )


| WASHINGTON. December 2O.-It would
be interesting % know how all members
OF Congress spend their Christmas. The
| House and Senate are always in session
in December. The economists generally
| try to use as much of the month for busi-
ness as possible. Sometimes Congress ad-
iourns on the 22d TO meet on the 81 Of
January. At other times Il adjourns on
| the 2)th to meet on the 81 or 4th Of Janu-
ary This adjournment Is what IL known
as the holiday recess. II gives all the
members east OF the Mississippi an oppor-
tunity to spend their Christmas at home
The Pacific coast members and others
from far-off districts are forced 10 re-
main I'm Washington or visit some outly-
ing city. The Down East members enjoy
their Christmas in their own peculiar
way. They have plenty Of picked-up cod
fish, tongues and sounds pork and beans.
and roast turkey with celery and cram
berry sauce. Some attend church. and
others enjoy prayer-meetings on Christ
mas Eve. The Christmas dinner is n
family affair." and is productive Of the
best cheer. Usually there Is snow upon
the ground. and the jingllng Of sleigh
bells is heard. Occasionally a representa-
tive attends a Christmas dance, while
others listen to scientific lectures and wit
ness magic-lantern exhibitions.
In Boston, If Congressman O'Neill Is to
be believed, they go TO the theatres. where
skirt dances have taken the place of pan
tomimes. Formerly they shook props for
dead poultry. prop is a sort Of shell
used in the place Of dice. With the adj
vance OF civilization, however props have
disappeared.
IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Senator Galinger tells a good story
concerning a Christmas celebration in
New Hampshire. A commodore In the
navy was invited to address Sunday
school at a Christmas celebration. He
accepted the invitation with some trepida-
tion. As he entered the lecture-room OF
the church he saw the smiling and happy
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24

and clever actress prior to her mar
rage. Mrs. Lander ls an especially in
teresting woman with many remIns-
cences, and the inte. or of her house Is
as quaint and unique az the outside.
Mrs. GensTal Belknap. the beautiful wife
OF the iass General Belknap, finds her
greatest interest in life in the lovely
young daughter who has recently ap-
peared in society.
TWO very charming sisters are the
daughters Of Washington Mclean, OF Gin
cinnati. One is Mrs. General Hazen. The
other Is Mrs. Bugher. They are both
snort plump, vivaclous women and
wealthy. They were favorites with the
Harrison family, and entertain very sue
cessfully. Mrs. Hazen Is spending the
winter abroad with her little son.
MRS. AUDENREID.
Mrs. Audenreid Is the leader among the
colony in n society way. She is wealthy
very popular. and when Mrs Audenreid
takes n person or affair up IL is sure TO
end In triumph. She belongs TO the inner
Washington set. and is always sought
for by the highest official society.
Her husband was General Joseph Au-
denreid OF General Sherman's staff. Seve-
raj years ago their daughter became the
Countess Divonne. and the wedding was
the last three years.
Mrs. Audenrcid is a leader In many
charitable movements and "A prominent
member Of the Washington Club Of
Ladies. as well AZ Of the several very
select and small circles. where a few wo-
men meet to discuss burning topics Of the
day and phases OF society.
MRS. SHE3RILL.
One Of the wealthy widows Is Mrs. Sher-
rill. whose husband was to the time OF
his sudden death credited with having
more power over the actions Of Congress
than any other man who did not have
vote in It, The Central Pacific railroad
enjoyed very intimate relations with him.
Mrs Sheriff. has n very popular daugh-
ter in society now
one Of the titled widows is the Countess
Estcrhazy. whose first husband was Gene
raj Gibbon. who died OF yellow-fever.
Mrs. Gibbon then married Count Maxi
milan Eseterhazy, who has now been
dead "A number of years. The Countess
lives with her mother Mrs. Carroll, in
the old Northwest section.
a WEALTHY NEWSPAPER WOMAN
AMONG THEM.
The wealthiest newspaper woman in
the country probably is a Washington
widow. Mrs. Briggs COliVia'), who about
dozen years ago was one OF the best
known newspaper women in Washington
at a time when women In that profession
were a novelty and their work was worth
having.
Mrs. briggs is always kind 10 young
newspaper women now, and with her fund
Of personal "reminiscences of public men
and women is always an interesting
talker.
There Is nothing at all assuming about
Mrs Briggs although she is reputed
worth about a quarter OF a million. She
has a fine old home which occupies an
entire square on Capitol Hill, and she Is
now having it rebuilt inside. as she has
decided TO devote it to polytechnic
school.
These are only a few Of the women who
form part OF the colony OF widows who
have elected TO abide in Washington.
CONSTANCE HENER.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
How Its Many MlstresseS Have 0bSefTed
Christmas Good Day.
MRS. CLEVELAND SPENDS IT QUIETLY.
She Makes IL a Festival Only for Her
Family and Servants with Good Things
to Eat and Presents.
Ccorresbondence Of the pIspatchJ

Correspondence OF the Dispatch)
WASHINGTON. ID. c., December D.
Christmas I'm the White House will be
happy affair this year unless the plans
OF the young mistress and her babies 20
sadly aglee. IL Is at present the inten-
ton OF Mrs. Cleveland to spend the day
quietly with Christmas-trees and presents
for all, and an abundance OF holiday
things TO eat, without any public dinners
or receptions as the White House has
sometimes known on Christmas-DaS and
without the acceptance Of any invitations
to dinner or to as much as an informal
gathering.
II is to be a quiet time wherein the
President can lie upon the big couch
which has been built under the broad
window in his wife's room. and play With
little Ruth and enjoy getting acquainted
with the new baby whose first Christmas
will be spent inside the historic wails
OF the Presidents house.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
3-NFLLIE GRANT;
4-MRS. CLEVELAND.

the rear door OF the Presidents house
were given out New-Year cakes ana
doughnuts TO boys who came 10 wish mo
Presidents cook a merry Christmas lt
Is related that as the day wore Oh ana
the drain upon the barrel OF cakes S"eanie
great the energetic Mrs. Madison, "xcus-
ing herself from her guests, went out
into the kitchen and instructed the cook
90 mark each boy with chalk so that h0
could not receive cake the second time.
The Christmas OF - was "a joyful time
In the White House for Nellie Grant had
Just made her debut and was preparing
10 have a gorgeous reception. ln the e.'n-
ing MR. Grant grew as young as her
daughter In those days, and the General
welcomed all 10 her magnificent home.
SIX months later his l9year-cld Nellie
was spirited away 10 English shores. it
was Mrs. Grants custom to look after the
Christmas gifts OF her servants In tho
morning, later 10 spend the day with her
family. and in the evening To- have as
many invited guests as the house would
hold.
President Buchanan and his niece. tina
beautiful Miss Harriet Lane. made a prac-
tice Of standing FOR four long hours on
Christmas night 50 that they might well
come all 10 the White House. In the
afternoon they gave themselves up 10
entertaining all the Oilclai society IN
Washington. In those days the Presi-
dents time was not considered TO be ever
his own. and the first lady belonged to the
people as much on holidays as 0t any
public reception. TO try to, pass n quiet
Christmas-Day then would have been et-
frontery
Mrs Hayes was the first White-HOuse
lady to wish openly that Christmas might
be a day for the home and the home fam
ily; and 1t was on Christmas that she
issued her famous pledge to the White
Ribbon people that although the White
House would he thrown open to all, not 4
drop Of any drink but tea and chocolate
would be served, unless the guests cared
TO drink water.
This year the White House will b.
quleter than It has ever before been when
its mistress was "A young and pretty wo-
man and fond OF society. But II Mrs
Cleveland wants 10 retire for a day into
the privacy OF her home walls, and II she
thinks "A day none too long 10 spend IN
making Christmas a memorable occasion
for her home circle. II is not for any one
to complain.
Let all rather wish a Merry Christ
mas to the President and 10 Mrs. Cleve-
land. and to her little ones, and 10 all
VINO are privileged to gather under the
White House roof as 'one OF the family"
AUGUSTA PRESCOTT.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
Regeneration.

To secure a normal and regular tissue
change throughout the body use Bran
dreth's Pills. This tissue metamorphosis
consists in constantly proceeding waste OF
tissue and its regeneration. Brandreth's
pills are the best solvent OF the products
of disIntegratlon OF the tissues and In
creases their elasticity. They are an al
terative and eliminative remedy, which
allay irritation and remove obstruction
by aiding nature. and are of great bene-
az I'm cases Of temporary and habitual
constipation, torpid liver biliousness' head
ache. indigestion. rheumatism. and dis
eases arising from an impure state or the
blood.
Brandreths Pills are purely vegetable,
absolutely harmless, and safe TO take at
any time.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
THIRD ANNUAL PiTHlAN BANQUET.
Immense Increase In the Christmas Freight
Through the Valley.

WOODSTOCK, VA, December 2.-(spe-
al)-The third annual banquet OF the
King Arthur Lodge. No. Is, Knights OF
pvthIas was held at the Shenandoah
House. in this place. last night. large
number OF the knights were In attend
ance. The order is growing rapidly here.
The United States Express Company has
about as much freight as can be handled
this week, on the Valley branch OF the
baltimore and Ohio. Some OF the express
trains carry as many as three cars. and
the Valley has three daily express-trains
to the North. The company VIII carry
double the amount OF freight they handled
last Christmas.
The Anderson Guard. Company A.. Sc
cond Virginia Volunteers have decided not
10 attend the inauguration OF Colonel
o'FerralI The high rates Of the railroads
caused them 10 decline
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
mAJoR.cENERAL W. D. PENOER.
General X. +. Lees High Opinion OF This
Brave North Caroiuian.

BfAtt NOfln
TARBORO'. n. c.. December l..
Editor of the Wilmington *. @ Mes-
senger:
have letter from General g. c.
Wharton. of RadfOrd Va. detailing a
conversation had with General Lee shortly
after the Inflated battle of Gettysburg
which enables us TO appreciate the con-
spicuous services Of General ". ~. PEN
der In the late war. and the nigh OPINION
entertained Of him by the immortal Lee
When General Lee was preparing To re-
move the Army of Northern Virginia
from the Valley Of the Shenandoah, be-
tween Winchester ana the Potomac. "a
the vicinity Of Orange Courthouse. Gene
raj Wharton was at the headquarters 0f
General Lee 10 receive orders for the
movement OF his comm md. AS General
Wharton was taking his leave General
4. p. IInl rode up, and after the usual
salutations. a general conversation was
entered into regarding the recent Cam
paign in Maryland and Pennsylvania, ana
especially the battle of Gettysburg. In
tho course of the conversation General
Lee said. with sadness: Il ought not TO
have fought the battle of GettysburS
Il was a mistake" Then, after a short
hesitation. he added: But the stakes
were 90 great | was compelled to play,
for had we succeeded, Harrisburg. Bal
tlmore. or Washington was in our hands.
and" with great emphasis. we would
have succeeded, had Pender lived Then,
turning to General Hill. he added: Gene
raj Hill. I think General Pender was the
most promising Of all our young officers.
General Hill assented, and added: hls
death was a great loss to the army. an
l.l n - - General w mar
ton writes that he gives the Identical
words used by General Lee, and that he
has never before given them for puoli-
cation.
I write to ask II this conversation has
been given to the public before? | re-
call other words OF high commentator
spoken and written Of General Pender by
the great commander, but never before
did I know how nearly the fate OF the
Confederacy depended, In the opinion OF
General Lee. on North Cardinals greatest
military hero. DONNELL GILLIAN.
We do not think this has been publish
cd. Certainly, we have never seen 1t.
II is very gratifying TO US. and IS not sur
nrising. Major James II. Foot told US
that the day his command heard OF the
death OF General Pender he had occa-
sion 10 visit General Lees headquarters.
He asked the great soldier II IL was
true. General Lee. with great solemnity
OF manner. said: "Yes. IL Is true. There
was a soldier who never held his proper
rank He ought to have been one or my
corps commanders" The late Mr. Wal
lace, OF Petersburg, the Oldest living law
yer then in that city, told Rev. DIR. T. II.
Pritchard and this writer as they We're
dining with him in 1867 sitting here
talking one day with General \. i. Hi.
who was my wife's cousin, and who had
dlned with me while the city was be-
leaguered by the Yankees. as was MS
custom when he could do SO. | asked MN
who was the best soldier OF his rank IN
General Lees army. He reflected a mo-
ment. and said why, General Pender
is"-Editor Messenger
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
ANOTHER VICTIM OF THE "eooMs.'
For the Benefit Of the Holy Innocents Cot,
Richmond-PouItry Judges.

SALEM. VA, December 23.-(Special-
Nelson ID. Barnett. a prominent resident
OF Roanoke county. having invested too
heavily In stocks and lots I'm the wild
days OF 1889 and 1880, has been compelled
TO make an assignment. His liabilities
are estimated at $1,000 whilst his assets
consist largely OF good farming lands.
The pifering OF chickens and pigs in
the lower end OF the county has become
so bad Of late that a meeting OF farmers
has been called i'm the HOllins neghbor-
hood 10 take such measures az will
be deemed best 10 protect properly from
the destructive raids chat are nightly
made upon IL.
Thirty dollars was netted by the bazaar
given a few nights ago by the children
OF 81. Paul's church for the benefit OF
the Holy Innocents' cot at the Retreat
for the Sick. at Richmond.
Circular No. ,. putting In operation the
State law concerning vaccination in the
public schools has been Withdrawn by
Professor Stearnes. County Superintend-
ent, he having ascertained from the
Southwest that all the old cases OF small
pox are about well and that there have
not been any new cases for twenty-one
days.
ANNUAL CATALOGUE.
The second annual catalogue OF the
Baptist Orphanage OF Virginia. contain
ing the reports OF the officers. lists OF
all donations made during the year. and
such other matters as are OF public In
terest has been printed and mailed to
the patrons Of this noble institution.
which now has within It's sheltering walls
sixty orphans.
The Lutheran Orphanage. also located
near Salem, but which is a younger msti-
tuition than that OF the Baptists'. has
now twelve orphans.
Judge Gooch, OF Roanoke and ~ II.
Pendleton, OF Clifton Forge. both yete-
ran poultry fanciers. will Judge most OF
the classes at the Roanoke Valley poul-
try Show. TO be held here January 18th,
nth, and 18th.
Hard times seem 10 have affected the
matrimonial market considerably the pasr
twelve months. for whilst In 1882 ninety
seven licenses for whites were issued
from the Roanoke county Clerks ONCE,
up to the present In 1885 but sixty-seves
have been issued.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24

There e. always something about an
army woman that is apt 10 make ner
more companionable than women VINO
haven't been through the experiences that
fall 70 her set ,.u., l..
Most OF these women are especially m
terested In charities, and the good WORKS
Of the Capital pront largely by 'heir en-
ergy. ,,a,an
There is Mrs. Crook, wife OF me lnaiah
fighter. and Mrs. Admiral Porter, "no's
husband died within a few years -.
In the quaintest OF old-fashloned COZ.
tages on Capitol anL beside the nome ~
Representative Springer. lives mfs. ast oe's
raj Lauder. who was Jean D~senpo'i
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24

by putting rine-ball under his left
shoulder
"'That night" said Charles. I'VE had a
glorious istmas-dinner--bear steaks
and bears paws roasted. IL was the
finest dinner IN the land, and best OF all
II was washed into place by quart after
quart OF old Kentucky whiskey-no decoc-
tion made OF cactus-roots and ground
glass, but pure old stun"
AMOS ]. CUMMINGS.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24

has found that her httie ones are s,,a.
proved more by the pleasant laxative.
syrup of Figs. when In need ef tho laxa-
tive effect Of = gentle remedy than by
any other, and that Il - more accept
able 10 them. chiIdren enjoy IL and il
benefits them. The true remedy. Syruo
Of Figs, Is manufactured By tie Calls
fornia Fig Syrup Company snly,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24

rifles than country dances. and more
waltzes than quadriles. Among the
dances there II an intermlnable cotillon;
the dancers standing around In a ring
and the partners being distributed at
random: card or watchword Is given
10 two persons Of different sexes and the
Norwegian takes half dozen whirls with
the lady whose card corresponds with his
own. After this she resumes her place,
while the Norwegians spin around in
search OF fresh partners. There is what
is called a halling dance, in which the
Norwegians turn somersaults and at
times sink 30 low that their knees get
nearer the ground than their heels. "A
leap in the air has 10 be made and some
part OF the wall TO be touched with the
toe. Boen enjoys these dances immensely.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
IN KENTUCKY

The Hon. Alexander y. Montgomery, OF
Kentucky, gives a good idea OF Christi
mas celebrations in hls State. In some OF
the congressional districts the day Is
ushered In with horn blowing. burst OF
anvils. and the swapping Of fire-crackers.
Kentucky nectar flows very freely, even
before breakfast. but never so freely as
TO prevent the truly pious man from at
tending church and paying devout atten-
tion to the sermon. In the afternoon
there are horse-races and occasionally n
chicken dispute. At night the air Is filled
with music. Uncle Tom thrums the BAN
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
ro.ov.r Eiftx year.

Mrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup has beer
used for children teething. II soothes the
child. softens the gums aiiays an pam,
e,,rss wind colo, and is the best remedy
snr ,s,arrhoea, Is cents a bottle.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24

orders for printing sent TO the Dis
nstch Company will be given prompt at
ssntiou, and the style OF work ana prices
wili be sars to please yea
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
PHIL. SHERIDAN.

OH. commander o. the army
t.a states. probably Mrs
...II come next 70 Mrs. Logan.
I.|s widow was so young az
No the death OF the General
,.H So very youthful. u seems
. ....s..tic that next year her
ltrr. Mary. will leave the
.loi and probably be oe-
f rhe season. The mother ana
au be- more Ike sisters thah
..e Mrs. Sheridan now mas
ughters a the Sisters School
are among the regular board
pln is az home with her
lIau has lived quietly, but II
r.r.s r9uular with the innermost
Washington, and Is always a
Ht-aftcr acquisition 10 hst
suests.
although size ia by no means "a wealthy
tlr friends Of General sheridan
.s frs tsuffaction Of knowing that
-I.T are in a comfortable c0hoi-
s.- are not likely 20 cause her any
thought.
olDn1es 20 occupy the BRICK resi-
-rc rn Rhode Island avenue, which
piessuted TO the General some time
bro his death. IL Is "a handsome nome
.- lelerars stern features appear 10
f-l marble IN the hall In nne OH
a. ns in the first drawing-room, ana
Dany other places throughout the
~ while tho porlieres and draperics
Dt4uly very fine samples Of Navajo
-l.~els which were given him IN the
Ais. hheTl1an has found the Gepsrais
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
,-MEs. MEAnsrs pINING. .RooM: 2-HEn nEn.RooM.

r ROOM; 2-HER bedroom.
Even n she dil not attain the greatest
honor for which she strove. she has the
satisfaction Of knowing that the NON
ory Of her regime viii never be wiped
out. that no one has yet arisen who could
even share her fame in Washington.
Mrs. Spracu. makes her home in the
residence ber father occupied. out near
the Soldiers Home, when she is I'm Wash
iuEton. II has been hor custom 10 spend
20 part of the last few winters in New
York. where her daughter has been study
inc
In Washington She keeps closely to her
/ self and is seldom met in society. whore
people would bee happy 10 sac her once
more. She receives her old friends, and
there ai" many who delight 10 make n
pilgrimage to ENJOY seeing her. Kate
Chase Spraaue has memories enough TO
keep her company every hour.
/ Mrs. Spracuc has felt the benefit OF the
rise in real estate i'm tho vicinity Of her
holdings. and n few years more viii see
. them valuable property. which she has
business sense enough TO take advantage
/ of at the proper time.
/ MRS. HARRIET LANE JOHNSTON.
An older woman but ore with even
| more brilliant memories is Harriet Lane
/ Johnston. vino is the only eN-mistress II
the Whitc-Hcusc now living in Washing
tom
+ Mrs J,bretou.s fame is all due 10 her
/ own lrliatry and b.auty ana 10 her rule
over the White House and the American
/ tagatiou tD Inulon She is a much
I .,ii,bt-r,r woman whenever She occupics
/ her Washington home.
THE RICHEST WILLOW.
Probably the richest widow is Mrs.
Lhs'e % ii["I.' r "l',y iigGl spt''' yLon TaS me hc
and his colleague. Senator Stanford. Were
the we3lthicst pair OF senator's repre-
s.nting any State.
Mrs Hearst made herself 90 greatly
Uk,d that now when her palace on New
Hampshire avenue is closed so much OF
tine time Washington people regret It.
I.rt There is always the hope that 81 will
l. opeucd next season" Mrs Hearst
has "a habit Of suddenly appearing in the
Capital and opening her house for a few
weeks. or perhaps n month. Nobody
knows just how long she will stay. and she
is apt to leave as suddenly as she came.
Eut Washington always lives I'm hope that
some time Mrs Hearst viii consent to
keep her beautiful house open for an en-
t.r. season. ,,
i1,, En- making other people happy. and
ro .other pcoplc" especially refers to
,...tr, Girls
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-24
OTHER cHRrsrMAs-DAYs.

The White House chrlstmas-psys have
always been interesting: and, strange 70
say, there has been some special feature
about many OF them which has been
really worth remembering.
Martha Washington. who never had the
pleasure OF living In the White House.
but after whose maiden home II was
named, took such friendly interest In IL
ana it's mistress, tha; on Christmss-oay
she sent Mrs. John Adams cooked
haunch of venison. knowing that tho
White House was all upset b. carpenters.
Mrs. washington i'm a private letter writ
ten just afterwards, says: I was horri-
fled when | called TO find clothes hang
ing up to dry I'm the Blue Room and tho
President and his wife eating cold NUT
ton upon a bare table.
Dolly Madison. whom Mrs. Cleveland
resembles In many ways. made great
festival out OF Christmas-Day. ana was
criticised far and wide for her extrasa-
gance i'm throwing open her doors to All
guests and serving them with homemade
wines and black frut-oake; While from