New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-26
GOSSIP OF THE CAPITAL.
A QUIET CHRISTMAS AT THE WHITE
HOUSE.
CAREER OF MR.. THOMAS. THE RECENTLY AR-
POINTED MINISTER TO swEDEN-Hs
LONG CONNECTION WITH THE
STATE DEPARTMENT.

spirit has been ABROAD curing the past week,
and except for the depression In official circles
consequent upon the mourning for the Prest
dents mother it has been merry Christmas
and a successful one, especially for those b
whom the season means the most. the shop
keepers These gentry have had material evi-
dence Of the return of prosperity. The amount
Of money spent this year is greater than 1t was
last year or for several years back and the
local dealers are finally convinced that the long
heraded good times have at last arrived.
At the White House Of course the day is be-
ing passed in the quetest fashion There are
no children. to whose Invocation the spirit OF
Christmas invariably responds in the Executive
family. but President and Mrs. Mckinley have
gathered at the White House the members Of
their immediate family to spend with them thelr
first Christmas in the Executive Mansion. which
circumstances have rendered a sad one
The former Minister from the United States
to Persia Alexander Mcdonald who died re-
Gently at his home in Lynchburg, was In Wash
ngton less than month ago for the purpose Of
settling his accounts with the State Department
Mr. Mcdonald was then i'll. suffering from
obstinate attack Of bronchitis. which he attrib-
uted to the exposure incident upon his attend
necessary for him to appear on this occasion In
knee breaches and silk stockings, style OF cos
tune he was unaccustomed to. and which In the
Indictment weather resulted in giving him cold
from which he never recovered Mr.. Mcdonald
had the distinction Of attending the funeral OF
the Shah Of Persia who was assassinated while
he In Persia; the coronation of his sue
cessor Mugafer-ed- din. and the coronation OF
,rt, - Dt,Cc oil u,fth n
fortnight. an experience probably no other per-
son ever enjoyed. At the Moscow ceremonies
Mr. Mcdonald was the only American Minister
present resides Mr.. Breckenridge, the Minister
resident Teheran is not regarded BY diplomats
as either a healthy or pleasant capital. and the
trip there from the Caspian Sea is through
rough country and has 10 be made on mule
back Most American Ministers have hailed
their recall home as a relief from the tedium OF
nacton. for there are practically no duties con-
ncctcd with the position. Mr. Mcdonald. on the
contrary. expressed himself as pleased with life
At the Persian capital. and, instead Of leaving 1t
in September. would have remained until the
arrival Of his successor. a. ;. Hardy. had it not
been for his Illness and the fact that he was
an xious 10 escape the Persian fever, which then
prevailed
Senator Stewart Of Nevada is rugged Of
constitution and as brawny Of sinew any Of
his colleagues and he takes much pride in
his ply steal strength do younger athletes.
The other day Of the junior Senator's. pass
ing him by In the cloakroom. called out by way
Of greeting: well. Senator. you're looking
mighty fine this morning"
You NAV have meant that ironically" said
the silver Solon but am feeling fine. and just
to show you how fine feel I've mind to toss
you over my shoulder"
Nonsense replied the younger Senator.
You couldn't do it."
Hardly were the words out OF his mouth when
Senator Stewart grasped him firmly about the
body and lightly tossed him over his shoulder.
much to the sceptics astonishment Senator |
Stewart attributes his fine physical condition to
the out of door life he has always led. In the
Early days in California he was OF necessity
much in the open. and since he came TO Wash
ngton he has not allowed his legislative duties
20 interfere with his habit Of life The Senator
5 an excellent pedestrian. he learned to ride the
bicycle at age when most men are getting
-eady to die. and almost any day can be seen
dng in Brewster buggy behind fast road :
'ter. his white beard blown about by the wind }
md his jovial face looking out from beneath 4
ouch hat. on the way to the farm which he
WINS la Montgomery County.
Mr.. Reed has spent much OF his time recently
II the office Of the Lighthouse Board nvestigat-
ng the affairs Of one Of his constituents. Mark
Ianna- not the Senator from Ohio. but a man
rom Maine. who for many years was custodian
I the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse and the recip-
ent from the United States Congress OF a medal
or signal bravery in saving life from vessel
wrecked off the lighthouse one terrible winter