New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-22
GOSSIP AT THE CAPITAL.
u.cu1NGrON BEGINS TO ASSUME THE
APPEARANCE OF A MILITARY POST.

crry.s SOCIAL ILFE-AID PROFFERED
By TIE RED CROSS OF FRANCE-MR
MElKLEJoHNs APPOINTMENT.
Washington MAJ 21.-Washlngton begins to
,ssume the appearance Of a military post
There are frequent visitors from the camp at
Woodburn Manor. just outside of town, where
,he District militia and troops from Pennsyl-
yanla. Massachusetts, and New Jersey are en-
camped: the officers OF the Army and Navy
following instructions. wear their uniforms
whether on or off duty. the business streets
are lined with bunting and in the resident por-
ton of the city Old Glcry is generously dis
nlayed There is some criticism that the Capt.
FOL and other public buildings are not especially
guarded and surprise is expressed at the alb
sence Of troops from about the White House
but it has not been thought necessary to take
this precaution and the President seriously OBJ
jects to any dsclay.
Colonel Francis l.. Guenther has leen named
brigadier- general of volunteers by the Presi-
dent and assigned TO command the troops at
Wooiburn Manor. This appointment meets
with general approval and is especially popular
with the officers Of the District troops who
know something of their new commanders
record This post. it will be remembered was
selected for Senator Sewell, who declined 1t In
order to retain his seat in the Senate.
General Guenther, who has been colonel OF
the 4th Artillery and stationed a; the Wash
ington Barracks for some time back. mas d
fighting record Of foriy-four years, having been
graduated at West Point in 1859 He took part
in the suppression of John Browns raid and
served with distinction from the beginning 10
the end OF the Civil War. He Is nan OF me
appearance is regarded as one OF the abiest
officers of the artillery, and is generally lked
BY his subordinates.
The death Of Mrs. Morrill,, wife of the senior
Senator from Vermont, is a source OF deep sor-
row to a large circle Of friends. For more IMAM
forty years she had been member of society
nj the capital and for the greater part OF
that tine a conspicuous figure In IL. senator
Morrill, was elected TO the XXXIvth and served
continuously until the Nth Congress From
the very first ne took n leading part. especially
In questions relating to the tarif, and his
family naturally gained a prominent place in
society which was much simpler then than II
is now
Shortly after his election TO the Senate In
1861 Senator Morrill built the substantial DICK
house facing Thomas Circle. which has been
his home during the sessions of Congress since
II was finished. The house Is an unpreten'ious
one. but the interior gives evidence OF rare
culture and at no official home has the nos
pilality been more cordial or sincere or less os-
,entatious; for, while kindly In her Judgments
Mrs Morrill, disliked all outward show. and her
life was as simple In Washington az at her home
In Stratford.
Many years ago some friends OF Senator
Morrill,. among whom was Senator Hamlin OF
Maine. planned to give him surprise party
on his birthday The plan was admirably
carried out, and the occasion was so en)oyabie
that since then Mrs Morrill, CELEBRATED the seha-
tors birthday BY a reception. Those parties have
hecn notable as bringing together more proIhi-
nent people than any similar functions
Anru IA last marked the eighty-eighth year
OF Senator Mo.rilrs lfe and although she hao
been indsposed during the winter ana uhapie
IN take mart in any social festivities when the
time ,or the Senator's birthday approached
Mrs Morrill, felt she would be able to be pres
ent and the Invitations were sent out. On the
evening OF the reception both Senator and Mrs
Morrill, seemed TO be In the best OF health and
Spirits Mrs Morrill, received with her usual
eordalitv and II was not remarked that she
Appeared weak or Ill. But this was her last
Appearance In public. and her death brought TO
q close a beautiful and kindly life
Mrs Morrill, was a woman OF fine appear
ance tall and slender with strongly rnarKeo
features and expressive eyes. Her carriage
was graceful and dignifcd. her manners
cordial; and though reserved and self contained
she made many warm friends. She vas ready
In conversation and possessed great social tact
LnI ~ III iQuG XlCQ LID all TIC