The Washington times., 1895-03-31
lwntten exclua.velyfor The TImesl

(Written eXclusiyelyfor The Tlmes.l
While fencing isa very old art and one that
iscommon IN Europe, il is comparatively new
here and 1t isoniy within the last year that it
has become one of the fashionable amuse-
ments of Washington. Heretofore, it was
known to a few OF the officers in town and
familiar to the members of the foreign lega-
tions, but there We're scarcely any of our men
who possessed this accomplishment, and
among the ladies, except such as had learned
il abroad, it waspractically unknown.
But since September, a class has been
studying ardently. and around in some of our
most beautiful mansions visitor will often
run in on group of ladiesin theirqueer cos
tunes and fighting as if they were bent on
drawing each other sblood.
Perhaps the best known among the fair
fencers is Mrs. Barney, who lives on Rhode
Island avenue and takes great interest inthis
art Sheisa fine fencer, and may perhaps be
classed as the best OF the ladies in that sport.
She wields her foil well, and can thrust an
antagonist as well as her master, who gives
high praise 10 her grace and skill.
III the large picture gallery the lessons,
which take place every Tuesday and Friday
morning, are given, and il is pretty sight
S the class of ladies lines up, all in the natty
dress worn for the occasion, and spend about
an hour in trying to run each other through
with the point of the foil-that is, if the foh
were not rendered harmless by button
ON itssIender point.
DEYoTEES OF THE FOIL.
The friends OF Mrs Barney, who are learn
ing fencing, have theirlesSons in class at her
home. Among them are the Misses
Mckinney, Miss Card, Miss Patten, Mrs.
Pierce, and Miss Mcpherson.
A great many of the diplomatic corps are
under the guidance OF Prof. Darriolat, who
is the first 10 teach this art in Washington
and has the classes of ladies and gives many
private lessons To the Foreign ministers at
their own homes.
Among the gentlemen who are pupils are
the British Ambassador, Sir Julian PaunCe-
fote, Mr. William Endicott, young Mario
Mendonca, son OF the minister from Brazil,
John Lodge, son OF Henry Cabot Lodge, and
the minister from Argentina, Senor Zeballos.
Next to Mrs Barney. the Misses Mckinney
are regarded as the most proficient. They
both have studied abroad and are wei
matched in their use of the foil and when
theresa contest. the honorS are abouteveniy
divided. They are strong, free fencers aud
are devoted to the sport.
AlEs- 6bItlDl AiCiNhdN " llp i4NtS III u bNthe
tiful home on y atTeet is another or this class
and wears very handsome costumes which
are immensely becoming TO the handsome
young matron who handlesthe foils sograce-
fully She began in September last aud by
now asprogressed so rapidly that she Is one
of the best OF the class.
Miss Edith Patten is another one of this
same set. She is one OF the three rich sisters
who came TO Observation-Disclosures yea ago
and have since been among the smart set at
the Capital. These girls are fond OF sports
and are fine hands with the ribbons, so il Is
very natural that they should become
experts in fencing. Miss Patten attends the
meeting twice week at the nome OF MIS-
Barney.
Miss Card is another pupil who has
learned rapidly at this class, and Mrs
Pierce is progressing rapidly in the handling
OF her weapon. Miss Sheriff. takes less ons
at the same place and SO does Mrs. Train,
of Connecticut avenue.
Miss Mcpherson, daughter of the Senator,
is a pupil of whom the professor is very
proud, for she is one of the best, and has
acquired the knowledge rapidly, hccom-
ing one of the most expert ard graceful of
the workers. She is a young lady with
! plenty OF good looks ard with her line
figure and splendid carriage is ore that
| would attract instant attention in any as
| semblage in the world. Perhaps il is tc
the cultivation Of this sport that she owes
some ofthe development ofherfn physique
| She is blonde with a clear complexion that
gives assurance OF the good health that
arises from an abundance of exercise.
ANEW CLASS TOFORM.
This class viii end when society dis
perses, but another is to be formed which
will meet at the home of the wealthy Mrs.
S. S. Howland, who was a Belmont, of
is fond not only of society, but OF all things
else that amuse the rich, and she has taken
up fencing with great enthu siasm. AT
first she was an attendant at the class OF
Mrs Barney, but she has gotten up a rev
set, and among the number will be the