The National tribune., 1897-03-11

Mrs. Hanna wore ommsndabls frock, being
. combination Of corr. eolored brocade with
lavender silk trimmed and adorned with hue
lace. Her daughter wore q girish costume
Of white chiffon over pale green tafeta with .
bolero Of cloth Of silver.
"a
Altogether, there were many pretty women
prettly gowned and many men in gold lace
and bright trappings and diplomats in even
more brilliant uniforms, making as gay q scene
as Washington could ever wish to see.
x*x
One unpicturesque feature of the ball was the
weary women sitting on the floor. In the halls
and in the supper rooms, where there were no
seats, women would grow too tired to stand and
would sit on the floor, regardless Of their fine
feathers, regardless of grace and dignity. look
ing up defantly at the critical passersby.
x*x
Inauguration is very hard on one-tho fes-
tiyities really ought be spread over three days
instead of crowding SO much into one. In the
first place, and at best under the most favorable
circumstances. one has to sit on an uncomfort-
able bench for four or five hours to see the
parade; then hurry home to dinner; then
scamper about to get glimpse of the fireworks
then hurry and furry into evening costume,
and have trouble about the carriage and the
policemen and crowds at the entrance to the
Pension Office; then crowd and crush to get
good place to watch the Presidential party, and
after it ALL one is apt to be exhausted body and
L. =,
not able to hire carriages or rent good seats on
the reviewing stands, it is infinitely more
fatiguing.
II
Another feature that deserves criticism is the
music of the bands in the parade. Such spirit
less, vague. wandering, unrecognizable music
as they played! 1t was a joy to hear one band
start up with "Oh, Come Then, ye Faithful"
even though it is also the national hymn Of
some one of the European countries-Austria,
probably. The Maryland troops had Mary
laud, My Maryland" and one of the District Of
Columbia bands played lively Sousa two-s.ep,
but the majority of the musical selections were
not only uninspiring, they were positi vely
dragging. and this in a country that boasts
Yankee Doodle" "John Browns Body"
"Star-Spangied Banner" Marching Through
Georgia" Dixie" Sousa's brilliant marches,
and host OF good, lively popular marching
tunes.
x*x
Although the official Inaugural ceremonies
are over, the city is still crowded with sight
seers-brides aud grooms, old maids and young,
tired children, tired mothers, cross fathers, and
boys whose continual delight is to go to tue
top OF the Washington Monument. If boy
had his way he would take trip daily, or
twice day. to the Monument top, but his
folks usually object to his extreme devotion to
that structure. The boy also likes the National
Museum, where he can see all sorts of boats and
all sorts Of carts and all sorts Of minerals and
costumes Of various peoples of various times
and chimes aud wax models of the people them
selves. and host of other curious and wonderful
things Many Washington boy spends every |
rainy half holiday wandering about that treas
ure house. The Capitol interests him, too, and
after few visits he knows by sight all of the |
most important people in the Senate and House,
and is cronies with half dozen or so minor |
officers. who grant him all sorts of unexpected |
privileges. bright, reasonably polite boy in |
Washington usually sees more and has more |
fun than any other kind of human being.
x*x
Lilioukalani popped into notice again by |
in the Diplomatic Gallery OF the |
Senate during the inaugural ceremonies. Her
appearance there could be Interpreted as an |
insult to the Hawaiians if they choose to be |
touchy and consider it So The Diplomatic !
Gallery is reserved for the official representa-. |
tives of foreign Governments The Hawaiian |
have right there, as they come
authorized by their Government. To allow
the ex-Queen seat there WAS, in q way, a
recognition of her Government. which she con-
siders a living and legal one; whereas the
Hawaiians consider the old monarchial rule
defunct and their independence achiyed
There is much curiosity as to how Mrs Dominis
procured her tickets, and it is limited that OIney
gave her them.
ELSIE PoMERoY McELRoY.
Fastest in the Navy.