New-York tribune., 1899-07-23

ELKINa W. VA AND IT'S ATTRACTIONS
Washington, July 22-No one watches the
deliberations OF the Peace Conference with
greater interest than the Secretary Of the In
terror During his several years residence at
the Muscovite capital he learned to respect and
admire the young Car. whose frankness and
sincerity strongly impressed him, as 1t seems to
impress all those who come under the influence
Of the present ruler of Russia The conference
now in progress at The Hague he believes was
inspired by the highest motives. and hopes that
the outcome will be gratifying to the one who
originated 1t Mr.. Hitchcock's opinion is' OF
course. asked far and wide regarding European
politics. which, as American Ambassador at st.
Petersburg he came to thoroughly understand.
but ne is as diplomatic in expressing an opinion
as though he were still in the Diplomatic Serv-
ice although he talks most entertainngly Of
his life there and the persons he was privileged
TO meet
Mr Hitchcock was extremely popular at the
Russian capital and there many features
OF his life there that were most pleasant, but,
II he has any regrets at having surrendered
diplomatic post for a portfolio in the Cabinet. he
has little time to indulge them for the Depart
nent of the Interior is by far the largest and
most comprehensive in the Government and
properly to administer its affairs is no sinecure'
Secretary Hitchcock has applied himself most
diligently to mastering its details, and one oi
his staff who has been employed in the Depart
nent for nearly a score Of years. is responsible
for the statement that none of the secretaries
he has known learned the ropes more quickly
Small things go to determine popularity one
of the former Secretaries Of the Interior. an
eminent man and a competent othcial' mace
himself generally dsliked because OF the grui
manner in which he responded TO the greetings
OF the employees Of the Department. MT Hitch
cock. on the contrary. is Invariably courteous
and aflable and cordially liked by his great
army Of clerks.
II is rare in these days that an official carries
about with him his insignia Of othce' but 'here
are a few exceptions. Mr.. Sponoru, lorIheIIS
Librarian OF Congress and now ASs's'"i'
Librarian. has for years carried to ana from
his Office a voluminous green bag which hoidS
all his papers. This bag. subject to severe USE
has frequently 10 be renewed. and al every
Christmas his daughter puts new one her own
handiwork in his stocking MI Puthdhl' 'he
,-.sa,t librarian has adopted Mr.. Spofford :
sensible plan and following his eX mpe' all oi
his assistants have supplied themselves WIN
60, baize bags. so that now the employees OF
the Library of Congress are known ny the OaeS
that they carry hung over their rlSh' arms
~, >,;,,le- son ~ the famous rhilologst, re-
o1,I, ,ttached TO the British Embassy as Sec
o,a Secretary. is a young man OF hne appear
- "a ,oIished manners. who Will doubtless
= .-o-o mr. less uonized IN society next winter
~ miller has already felt the advantage VI
aieadvantage Of having 50 distinguished
,.,he, and there are. of course, many amus'hs
,;,arts growing out Of this relationship thd'
80 never come TO his knowledge ShoFuS
atte- his arrival a young and gushing woman
.,-oocbed her hostess at a reception one even
,nr and begged she would present lhe ho'eN
.oho,a- Max Muller, who, she UNDERSTOOD "aS
among the guests.
w., know my dear Mrs Blank she Sao
.os,a,ically. Il just dote on his BOOKS
III tootsr" exclaimed the hostess. surprised
.1a. ber frivolous little friend had read any
.bi,o deeper than the Duchess II Is NO. '''''
NJ Miller who writes books out MS 81.
wit have you read Of Max Muiler D III!
.~, &c his father" sighed the girl l InlsH'
- vyau confess You see. Mrs. BIahA' ""eH
,,a-d The great Max Muller was COMING ~ '-'1
- 1,,,hassv thought I'd cram 50 couIo
80, =, h;,, about his writings l began WIN
.4,,,a Lang Syne.' but it's not very eXciuhs ioi
I've, and I'm only half through with It.
nn-o,,s,q Exciting" asked the no" '"o'
a.-,,sad woman is II possible you ar
.r<.,li,g Of Max Muners "reminiscences or ar
80 confoupding them with Ian MaciaTeh ;
romance" .,--.-....,. ,,orsor non.
.,I,erhaps." called back the young person "'"
unity her interest in the subject gone d.
she Went off on the arm Of a diplomat 10 '0"
auer new worlds