The morning times., 1895-07-28

tically, MI Crutchett arranged the pipes
| so that, not only the house, but the cosy
porches should all be lighted, and he placed
the gasometeT In sort of alcoye near
the basement entrance already described
When all was ready, and in perfect work
ing order, Mr.. and Mrs. Morse invited the
members of both houses OF Congress to
witness the result. 1t was considered
marvellous and people from all parts of
the city flocked to the cottage to see the
greatest curiosity OF the day
Congress hesitated no longer but apprO-
priated 100000 for the purpose OF light
ing the city, which was hardly more than
Struggling village at the time, and it is
to be supposed that only a few streets.
were lighted.
Mr. Crutchett made and spent several
fortunes, by his ingenious contrivances,
but after all. died in absolute want MI
and Mrs Morse spent several years in this
home, which long enjoyed the distinction
of being the first and only house in Wash
ington lighted by gas.
Looking over the records Of the dis
tinguished men who must have been pres
ent at this gathering, as they were occupy
ing seats, either in one, or the other
house of Congress, such an array OF names
appears as have lllumined the most vivid
pages of our history?
Foremost is that of Lincoln, then John
Quincy Adams, MillaTd Fillmore and An
drew Johnson, who occupied the presi-
dental chair, jefferson Davis, and sam
Houston, who enjoys unique distinctions
as being tue only presidents OF portions OF
our great republic.
Other great names appear among them
A H. Stephens, Reverdy johnson. Alex
ander Buel, Thaddeus Stevens, J. G. Fre-
mont, Stephen A. Douglas, Henry Clay,
Hannibal Hamlin, Daniel Webster, Lewis
ard oil
mon P Chase, ThOs. Ewing, John c. Cal
houn, and Isham G. Harris.
With these bright consultations OF the
political world gathered in the enjoyment
of familiar social intercourse, Bethel Cot
tage becomes invested with an interest
associated with but few houses in Wash
iugtou. After several years of brilliant
social and political successes, Mr.. aud Mrs.
Morse returned to their native State,
where Mr.. Morse was aSsubSequentlyappoin
attorney general of the State, which posi-
ton he held at the breaking out Of the War
He shared, however, the fate OF many
and was imprisoned for political reasons
after Gen, B. F Butler became the military
ruler of the city of New Orleans. The
splendid fortune that had enabled him to
entertainS O lavishly yduringhiS Congressional
career dwindled until, at the time OF his
death, hardly a vestige remained. His
death occurring soon after, his family was
left in comparative poverty.
Returning to Washington, Mrs Morse
found that the home where she had reigned
as a social queen, had been converted into
a boarding house, she took apartments
there aud, with her daughters aud son. Mr..
Alex Porter Morse, who all are accomplished
writers, began the world almost anew.
The old fashioned garden, with its box
bushes, was planned by her, and every nook
aud Granny was peopled with shades OF the
past. Later on the family bought home
10 the West Eud.
The old picturesque house rs now owned
by Mrs Jose Yzauaga, who resided there
for some time, but leased it again for
boarding house purposes, when she made
the French capital her home
The grounds are quite extensive, with
odd old outhouses consisting of laundry
of antiquated appointments, the remnants
of what mi ght have been au old style ciStern,
a henhouse, and other ruins whose utility
is questioned now. An entire square
comprises the garden proper The house
is sadly out OF repair, yet it has an intrinsic
value aud wealth of association as unique
aud Interesting as historic KARMA.