New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-05

tne summer count Nlncl, the nrSt SECRETARY
OF legation. who acted as Charge during Baron
Faya's absence. has received 4 long leave OF alb
sence, and sailed for Italy some days ago.
Mrs. Dahlgren whose death last week is gen
orally regretted. occupied for many years pc
culiar place in Washington. as leader at once
Of society and OF the literary set. Called at an
age when most girls in the schooiroom 10
preside her fathers household and look
after his welfare. she bad long training in
social matters. which. together with a pleasing
personality beauty. wit and her marriage TO
one of the heroes OF the Civil War gave her an
enviabe place in the social world and power
which she welded conscientiously and we'll
Mrs. Dahlgrcn's grandmother was Of French
origin and her charm Of manner and vivac!ty OF
spirit were doubtless inherited from this an
ccs,or hut from her father she derived clear
and logical mind which made her opinion on
political matters Of great weight 10 the states
men of her day. Her satire was sharp, her VIII
keen; she was brilliant at repartee. and, whhe
her mind and point Of view were distinctly
feminine her steel was worthy. and the most
b intellectual men at the capital were proud 10
crcss swords with her.
Mrs Dahlgren was, too, extremely synpa-
thctc and responsive, and to the last aIthoush
worn by illness and suffering. never lost her
liyely interest in people and things. She was re-
.arded as one Of the cleyerest takers OF her
time. but also good listener. In CONVEX
sation her kindly eyes. twnknS with the hu'
NOR which contributed so much to her own ana
others pleasure. would light up and one felt
that not a word or a fact escaped her, ana mat
she gave to whatever was said its proper value
1t is rare. indeed. that woman occupying so
1..nc M kc
enemies but Mrs Dahlcren had mind far
above petty things. Her attitude compelled ad-
miration and respect and she was TOO constantly
occupied to heed trivial gossip. for II is not on
her social lradcrship that remembrance OF Mrs
pshlgrcn will rest. She was an ardent student
"A ready and prolific writer. and laid down her
pen reluctantly when her suffering made its use
no longer POSSIBLE. At this time she was en-
gagged In writing nor recolcctions Of Washing
ton ne and. since every man and woman VINO
has played a pr minent part here in the last
forty gears Was well known TO her. these rec"l-
lccilous. Il edited aud printed. viii be valuable
addition to- 'hc social history Of that period
Mrs Inhlgrcn's h-si-known work is the lie
II he- husband This book Is admirably writ
ter admirably gut together. and the writing OF
i Was a precious duty. She undertook with
equal love the cii;ing Of Admiral Dahlgren's
lie 0. his son. Uric Bahlgrcn. that young hero
who died IN an heroic attempt TO rescue the
Union soldiers confined IN Libby Prison when
hr had barely he'd his majority. having al
ready attained the rank Of colonel This work
Mrs pahlgrcn regarded ~ legacy from her
husband who. from the moment II his son
death liannrd ~ his own words. ITO write his
memoirs ln Characters that viii never be for
gotten"
Some years ago Mr. DahlCren bought the Old
inn known a. IA. South Mountain House, which
occupied The top ~ that historic mountain on "A
spot Il ground So mario" that TO build its
length ~ seventy five feet, the hill had 10 pe
cut into somewhat This old tavern she en-
larg,d and ycmodcllcd. but so revcrenily. she
SAWS IN south Mountain Magic" a charming
book 81 sketches inspired by her environment.
that the antiquaied appearance 81 the place has
rather been enhanced by the Difference TO the
spiri, 81 iis surroundings. This ideal home she
chrlsiencd Dahcn. after the lltile town IN S"c-
den where Admiral Iahlgrcn's family originated
and whence they came TO this country four gen
erations ago For nearly twenty summers she
lived there. acting the part of Lady Bouhlliui
to her neighpors and writing their stories.
dcvout Catholic, she built some time since a
mn. chanel dedicated to her father and there.
In this temple of her own raising, ty The side OF
nor nrst husband her children have laid her TO
rest
There has been much agitation recently con-
corning the consular service Of the United States
and "A bill for its reform was favorahly reported
from the House Committee on Forelgn AHairs
last week The report recites that
,rh. consular service Of the United States was
/ s,aIliehed nv the acts of July II. 1IS) and