The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-23
NATIONAL CAPITAL GOSSIP.
ENTERTAINMENTS WHICH KILL.
TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE.

Raise Money for Charity and Crafty
the Pleasant Aims of Upper-Ten-
dOm-SOciaI GIOries of the Brice
. FamiIy-The Postal Delegates at
HOdgsOn Burnett.
Washington, May 2O.-Nearly all
the entertainments given of late by the
highest circles Of capital society have been
planned with view to kill several birds
with the same stone-i. e.. to raising mon
ey for charitable purposes, besides the
usual pleasant aims of upper tendon.
One of the most popular charities in Wash
ington is the childrens hospital, and
thanks to the ladies of fashion, it's finan-
ces are now in a iourishing condition
Among other enterprises for replenishing
its treasury, a tombola and kettle drum
was held the other day in a big uptown
hall. under the auspices of its board of
lady managers, which includes Mrs. Sen
ator Elkins. Mrs. John Sherman, Mrs
Phil Sheridan, Mrs, Sartoris Lady
Pauncefote, Baroness Hemgelmuller and
many others prominent in society. As
few outsiders could guess what tom
bola" would be, the novel attraction drew
a great crowd-and the last dollar from
everybody's pocket. 1t seems to be a spe-
cies of the mild type of gambling which
prevails at church fairs-a sort of glori-
fled grab-bag arrangement, conducted in
this way: All manner of articles were con-
tributed to be sold-some of real value,
others comparative blanks, and some fun
ny little trifles calculated to raise a laugh
at the purchasers expense. All are put
up in more or less pretentious packages,
securely tied with red tape and auction
ed to the highest bidder. The hall was
filled with society's best, both male and
female, and so far as .dressing was con-
cerned, the scene was as brilliant as
white house reception. Mrs. Elkins, who
presided over the tombola room, was ele-
gantly gowned in black Brussels lace,
with a picture hat composed entirely of
corn flowers. Among her efficient assist
ants were Baroness Hemgelmuller, of the
Austro-Hungarian legation; and Mrs.
Patenotre, wife of the French ambassa-
doT-the former radiant in green MORE,
covered with white gauze embroidered in
silver; the latter in a lovely creation of
rose-pink silk. Around the bottom of
the pink skirt was a broad border of
black embroidery, with ruff1es of Valen-
ciennes lace-the bodice garnished with
rows Of lace alternated with the black en-
broidery; a rose-pink parasol and a pic
ture hat of black jet and tulle adding the
finishing touches. Senorita Andrade,
daughter of the Venezuelan minister,
looked the typical Spanish girl in her
belt of scarlet velvet. The Sheridan twins
daughters of the general, two beautiful
girls, about nineteen, were dressed exact
ly alike-in white crepe de chime chene,
with tucked skirts and hats trimmed with
nodding red peoples. Gen. Grants grand
daughter, Miss Vivian Sartoris, was
charming in lilac null with corsage of
lace insertion, a large white hat covered
with purple and white lilacs and a white
tail parasol, also adorned with the bios
SONS. In short, it was notable gather
ing of the prettiest buds and bellies, in all
their summer "gaud and gear" and their
enthusiasm in the good work made them
especially attractive.
Among other doings in the same line
was a charity auction" held in the
spacious parlors of Mrs. Burnett, the au-
thoress. The auction was in aid of a tall
ented young girl, an orphan, who was the
sole support of several younger brothers
and sisters until her health broke down
under the strain. Thanks to the writer
of THAT Lass o. Louries' !" the little fam
lily are secure from want for many a day.
number of local artists contributed
water-colors and sketches In OIL besides
embroideries, hand-painted china and
other fancy articles, which sold for ex-
cellent prices under the good management
of the hostess. Since Mrs. Burnett's son,
Lionel, died, she has been particularly
tender of aiding young people. The story
of his death is unusually pathetic. A
beautiful boy, the idol of his mother, he
was called from earth when Just ap-
preaching manhood. She knew that he
must die, but wishing to spare him pain
and terror, and believing that no special
preparation for the future state is neces-
sary, for SO pure soul as his, she re-
fused to have him informed of the i'm
pending change, but bravely overcome her
own grief, made his last hours and even
his last moments as bright and happy
as possible. The physicians assured her
that the boy would suffer no pain at the
last. but would simply grow weaker and
weaker till the end came. She allowed
no one to shed a tear or even to look sad
in his presence. but everything was done
to cheer and amuse him. When the last
hour had come she told him that he would
presently feel a little faint, but he must
not be alarmed, for mother would hold
him in her arms and he would soon be
better He smiled back in answer and
nestled his head lovingly on her bosom
and with wonderful self-control she bent
smilingly over him as long as his falling
eyes could see and he died with a smile
on his face. Mrs. Burnett owns a beau
tiful home in Washington, bought with
the proceeds of Little Lord Fauntleroy."
She has lately written a play, called The
First Gentleman Of Europe, which was
produced in Washington for the first time
a few weeks ago. This Is her first orig
inal drama, the Little Lord of the play
having been an adaptation of her novel
THE First Gentleman" deals with an
episode In the life OF George w, when he
was the young, gay and dashing Prince of
Wales, surrounded by a brilliant court of
hatterers. Mrs. Burnett has found a mo-
ment in II when his better nature rose
superior to the temptations which beset
him; and this incident is prominently
brought out In the play. In finding some
thing to admire in THE First Gentleman
OF Europe" she Is more fortunate than
Thackeray, who professed to have read
through scores of volumes and hunted
fhrapoh bnnIrada NJ old fau0uwtroa .ra