The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-02-03

no urtner communications from him, and
soon asked for his recall.
This was complied with, but no censure
rested upon the Envoy by his Government,
neither was another sent in his place until
after the treaty OF peace was signed.
Poussin, Of France, was recalled in 1Si9
when Zachary Taylor was President. Mr.
Champion, OF Great Britain, was handed
his passports in 1855: and intercourse with
Russia was suspended in 1871 when Mr.
Catacazy was recalled The last was the
recall Of Minister West AT the inStigation of
President Cleveland.
The homes OF the most distinguished Of
the Legations are the British, the Russian
the Mexican, and the Chinese.
The British Legation residence is one Of
the finest, and WAS built during the time
when Sir Edward Thornton was England 5
Minister here, at Il cost of S12j, 0G0. 1t
stands on the corner of Connecticut ave
nue. and street, and was almost the first
house OF any pretension built in what is
now known as the West End.
The ground was purchased at small
figure, not "A 1.-THE OF what IL Is worth to
day. The house is large, commodious
brick structure, and with its substantial
stable, outbuiidingS and garden, occupies
nearly "A square. When Is was commenced
ii was set down in barren waste, but to
day IL il the center of the fashionable
residences Of Washington.
Shade trees stretch their protective
branches over the building and the Eng
hsh ivy spreads "a green mantle over the
somber walls. The house stands far
enough back from the street To give an air
of SecIuS.on ia the place; the grounds are
Enclosed by an iron fence; and a porte
cochere, over which is placed the British
coat OF arms, Is Il prominent feature.
The front door As approached by asphalt
walks, and another leads To a side door on
the rear Of the house, where the offices of
al 4 .aI
small, stuffy rooms in corner are given Ia
official matters: the rest Of the house is
the Minister'S private residence. None
but his personal friends can hope TO enter
behind the massive handle Of the big
front door" letter may reach him, a card
never.
II, by a stroke Of good luck YOU should
obtain the open sesame Ia this grand
home, you would find spacious hall from
which rises n heavy oabcn staircase.
Upon the first landing is a magnificent
portrait Of Queen Victoria. 1t is the pie
ture of a beautiful girl Of Is in coronation
robes. All OF the British Legations OF the
world have, as a part Of the furniture a
picture OF the Queen, which is supplied by
the British Government.
The house, one 81 the largest i'm Wash
mgton, ~ luAurIouSly furnished, and in II
as many can be comfortably entertained
as at the Executive Mansion.
The British Ministers To the United
States, for many years, have been almost
invariably bachelors or widowers Si
Charles Vaughan " ho was the Minister
when jackson WAS President lived i'm tn.
old Decatur mansion, which is now TN,
residence Of Gen. Bcdle. Sir Charles wa,
beau in general of the olden STYLE: n.
was courtly IN manner, ceremonous il
detail; he gave numerous entertainments
chiefly breakfasts, to the bellies of IN,
time, always inviting married ladies TO
chaperons.
He was succeeded by Minister Fox. vii.
was more distinguished perhaps, than
any other as being the honleliest man il
Washington. He lived in the house ono.
owned by John Mason, now the Infan
Asylum, on Pennsylvania avenue, nea
Washington Circle. He was passonatcl
fond Of games. Ii is said that he oftei
played with Henry Clay Daniel Webster
John N. Clayton and James Buchanan
and the amount Of money won and los
was astounding.
Mr.. Fox was followed by Mr. Pakenham
who lived in the Corcoran house He wa
considered Il cautious diplomat looking we
after Engiand's interest. He entertaine
royalty, and many splendid Dime
showed the Italian hand of the CAUTION
diplomat in the social menu.
At the time Sir Philip Champion wa
British Minister, Lord flgin arrived /,
Washington 10 ratify the Reciprocity Treat
with Canada. His Secretary was Law