The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-02-17

den from view by the grand old oaks ant
elms with their thick dark foliage casting
heavy shadows upon the picturesque and
ancient-looking place. If these grand ole
trees, the growth of centuries, could speak
what ta'es they would tell! They have
been silent spectators of many a gay and
festive scene in this historic home.
The elves in their branches have peepeC
in at the windows. taking note OF many a
gay cavalier in knee breeches and pow
dered wig leading the ladies', arayed in
the quaint and beautiful costumes OF a
century ago, through the stately minuet;
but whispering leaves tell no tales, and we
have only to imagine the story they have
kept through the years
We do know who were some Of the friends
of George Calvert. We know that Henry
Clay was such boon companion OF his
that a room was set apart for him, which is
still known as the Clay room. When he
wished for rest, or seclusion, this was his
retreat. 1t is a large square room looking
out upon an idyllic view Of meadow land
dotted here and there with broad old oaks
surrounded by an expanse OF woods as far
as the eye can reach; now and then can be
caught a glimpse Of a silver stream wind
ing its way in and out; while beneath the
windows is a miniature lake, in the center
OF which is a little island with the re-
mains of a rustic Summer-house upon it,
gone sadly to decay. And here sat Henry
Clay when he drafted the famous Missouri
Compromise Bill.
The room now looks bare and desolate
having been dismantled Of everything that
once gave it an air of comfort There is a
picture of Henry Clay and his home Ash
land, hanging over the mantel; and one
solitary piece of furniture, an ancient
wardrobe, in which they say the Sage OF
Ashland used to hang his claw hammer
coat, nankeen vest and broadcIoth breeches
after days hard fought battle in the
Senate with Calhoun, or Benton or some
OF the other great political warriors of the
day.
The house was erected by Henry Stier,
who was father OF Mrs. George Calvert 1t
is built IN the characteristic style Of many
OF the homes OF Southern gentlemen: large
roomy and massive, surrounded by lawn
OF so acres stretching out to the north,
giving you at a glance an intimation of
the hospitality for which they are so noted
AS many as so fair DANES and chivalrous
cavaliers have been entertained under
this hospitable roof after night of gay
festivities
There is pOrticO surrounding the front
door the roof Of which is said to be sup
ported by pillars that were originally made
for the dome OF the Capitol but being too
short were soil TO Mr. Stier The front
doors are Of sold oak and in their mas
siveness are in keeping with the architec-
tural grandeur Of the old place
Inc nall or more properly, corridor is
large and spacious; one door out of this
leads into the saloon and door at either
end leads into the wings of the building
The saloon is large, imposing room The
south side is quite taken up by high arched
windows from which the eyes rest upon
the same peaceful landscape as in the
Clay room above
This room is ornamented with fine wood
carving and stucco work, for which the ola
. fnln f.,,,
mounted chandelier with the prism effects
sought to day, is suspended from the cell
ing The walls are vivid green This
peculiar characteristic is found through
out the house; one room is pink, another
deep fawn-color another blue
The drawing room and the dining room
to the east and west, have each marble
manteis, said TO have been carved and
sent from Canara, Italy
The stairway, over which so many of the
dignitaries of the country have passed
| leads from the west wing. The casing is
| Ornamented by beautiful arabesque pat
| tern. The newell post and railing are OF
| solid mahogany and oak
| The steps are broad and low. easy OF
| access, and when you have once made the
ascent you go on and on, past room after
room; and it can easily be imagine how
so many guests could be cared for Some
/ OF the rooms, to be sure are very lmitediu
space, but night in one of them would he
| far preferable to a ride of 20 or 80 miles
afterthe small hours had closed the maZes
of the dance. In those days little was
thought of horseback ride OF 20 miles tG
attend ball.
At the end of the west wing is the library
When | was there two sides OF the room
were occupied by mahogany bookcases
that reached from the floor to the ceiling
Empticd of their contents, they were but IN
keeping with the banquet hall deserted
| look Of the whole place
IN one OF the chambers stood solitary
piece of antique furniture. an ancient
wardrobe and dressing case combined. II
was made of walnut, with mahogany We
! neering, which was cracked, twisted ant
blistered by the heat and dampness OF
years; solid and cumbersome i'm appear.
ance, supported 10y the heavy, conventional