Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-04-23
Our Washington Letter,

| AShiuHA tnSAO NAhlh l.. iA.S AAAAS>oy
When we left Chicago the evening was
nice, and about II O'clock we were in a
heavy rain storm; o'clock =, IN. we were
in snow storm. In Ohio the snow was
aboat one and half inches and falling
fast. {
Friday afternoon we reached West Vir-
gina The trees were in full bloom, and
the grass green, and from to 4 inches
high.
We reached Washington at 1870 Fri
day night, found our friend, Mr.. John
Sims, awaiting our arrival. l found my
self snugly stored away at his pleasant
home for the night. On Saturday morn
ing l went to the Capitol; was inducted
into Office Of which l will speak about
later. was told to report for duty Mon
day, but my pay commences Saturday
morning. l went then to the new build
ing just completod-the new Library of
Congress. 1t is undoubtedly the finest
building IN the world. shall not attempt
to tell you about the architecture and
sculpture and painting, for it would take
me week to give you anything like q
detailed description of the building. 1t is
said the government itself had never be-
fore called upon representative number
Of American painters and scul ptors to
help decorate broadly and thoroughly one
Of its public buildings; but there were
fifty Of the best sculptors and painters
engaged in the work.
The site of the Library originally COM
priscd two city blocks, containing seventy
houses, with an extent, as has been said,
of ten acres. 1t faces exactly west; it is
four hundred and seventy feG long. from
north to south, and three 8!ndled and
forty deep. from west to ei it occupies,
exclusive approaches. three and three
quarter acres.
l would like to say more c;;ss9ut this
building. but time and space forbids.
There was no session today on account
}oftih funeral OF Senator Voorhees, Of Indi.
ann. who died Saturday nlRrning
l will write again soon when | shall
tell you something Of the city.
Washington, d. C.. April 10, '97.
A review Of things in Washington, the
civil service law is one thing that is giving
republicans and democrats much con.
Germ 1T this time, and believe if the tariff
question was out OF tho way civil service
would get death blow. There never
was such press for places there is
today, and there are hundreds Of men
right hero on the ground, making thei,
demands for places. The House of Repre-
representatives. is not doing anything
They met Wednesday and were in session
5 minutes. Saturday they met and were
in session half hour. They are waiting
on the Senate.
Friday the 2Gth was Emancipation Da,
in the District. l agree with the frs
speaker, Mr.. Chase, with regard to th'
parades, and think about all the bes
people OF the district will accord with hin
in this matter, tor the parades arc no
managed with the best results.
The Recordership Of Deeds for the dis
trict is considered about settled in Wash
;1gton. Ex-Congressman Cheatham O
.,orth Carolina seems to be the lucky man
lie is here working his case. Each ant
every man who is expecting 70 get one Q
these appointments is right on the groun'
and leaving no stones unturned.
Easter Sunday inWashington was beau
tiful; the sun rose bright, and the day wa
very pleasant--it was q raro day, all
everywhere could be seen new hats, ney
dresses, new shoes and now gloves. Th
city itself almost had on 4 new dress TO
the trees anu flower beds were in fu
bloom. attended service at the A. NJ. +
church. First the Sunday School at 9:3C
They had very fine Easter Sunday, last
ing for two hours. After the clase Of tn
Sunday School, ihey marched enmass int
the auditorium. The church was we'll fill
cd to listen to their pastor, DR.. j. A. John
son, as he had on Sunday previous state'
to his people his subject, but when tn
time arrived for the opening, Bishop Elm
cry was present, and DR.. johnson pre-
scnted the Bishop, who preached fin
fine sermon from the 1st cor, 18th chap.
l4th verse. In the evening at 1880 tina
famous choir had a song service. l thlnl
the best | ever heard. The church wa
crowded to its utmost capacity, man.
were turned away. and this church sent
1000 people. The decorations was grand
pond lilies. cut loses, tulips and a grca
many potted plants.
We had the pleasure Of meeting ant
dining with Mr.. W. r. Pcttiford, Presi
dent of the Alabama Pnny Savings Bank
and Loan Co., of Birmingham, Alabama
The bank today have capital stock o
S25,OOO. Mr.. Pettifordis business man
that YOU could see from glance.
Mr.. John Sims is still "old business
and knows how to take care of what he
makes. If one was to see his home b.
won Id see at once the trulhlulness tf
statement. His son and daughter tht
both worthy young people. are
r. l.. BARTON
No. IS, Fifth-st. N e,
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