Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1893-04-13
debate was it decided to purchase IT,

debate was it decided to purchase It.
The mirror has received every care
and is now in almost perfect condition,
having been for the last fifty years in
the care of the venerable Capt Bassett,
who has had it cared for Us tenderly as
child. Another article in the little
Mushroom is beautifully carved toilet
case. This cabinet is of ebony and was
made for President Arthur at his special
request, he experimenting the design
and manufacture himself. On one of
the walls Of the room is painting of
George Washington, and this painting
Is considered the best of Washington in
existence. 1t was executed by Rem
brandt Pealc in 1906. Peale had three
sittings of Washington, and ut that
time dentistry was not practiced as
scientifically as it is at the present day,
and 1t is historical fact that at each
of these sittings Washington used raw
cotton rs q substitute for false teeth, so
as to fill ont the mouth and checks.
This gives his face q very determined
look, and not the peaceful expression
with which he is generally credited in
portraits.
Above the painting, rolled up on its
staff. is large silk American flag. In
1885 this flag was presented to the sem
ate by the Ladies' Silk Culture associa-
ton of Philadelphia. The weaving and
the making of the flag was all done in
the United States, of the finest of silk,
superior even to the imported article.
On the right and left of the painting
are marble busts of Lafayette S. Foster
and Henry Wilson. The former was
senator from Connecticut, and was, at
the death of Mr.. Wilson, who, during
his term as vice president, died from
apoplexy in this very room, elected by
the senate as vice president pro tenn
pore. Near the waSh-room is very
handsome gold clock, which was pur-
chased by Vice President Dallas, and
which refuses to keep good time.
There Is also in the room large mir
ror and very eXquisitely carved book
case. The lower part of the bookcase
is used as wood box, and the capitol
guides tell strangers that this is
known as the two-thousand-dollar
wood-boX." II was not orr .iaally in
tended as such. but it was found incon-
vcnicnt to have the wood for the fire.
place stored in the senate lobby, and
necessity demanded that the lower part
of this beautiful case be used for that
purpose. The custom has been to pre-
sent the fender, with it's accompanying
tongs, shovel, poker and other fire utcn-
sils, to the retiring vice president, and
there is also given him the inistaud
The inkstand is usually large and
magnificent affair of silver. Tie
present fender and inlSstand have been
in the room for some time, as Mr.. In
gals, vice president pro temporc before
Mr.. Morton came in, either forgot to
take them away or did not care to.
Each vice president upon retiring pre-
sents the room with some ornament,
and Mr.. Morton's gift will be an easy
chair of the most approved design.
Altogether the room is most delight
full retreat, with its large square form,
succeed ceiling, tinted walls. ccru
carpet, rosewood tables, mahogany
chairs and massive desk. Besides the
room is the custodian of the electoral
votes, for here stands the little steel
safe where the electoral packages Of
electoral votes are placed as fast us
they arrivein Washington.