The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-11-02

wealthy, seems to have reached the
view Of Mr.. BAIL Gordon. who. AFTER
playing politics" for awhile, retired IN
disgust
Dewey Officially Announces That Ne
is to Marry.
The Washington. d. o. Post OF Tues
day says:
There is to be fair mistress
shortly Of the Dewey home-the gift
of the American people-at l747 Rhode
Island avenue, whose new occupant
took formal possession yesterday. This
fact became known yesterday when the
Admiral revealed the secret OF his en-
gaeement to Mrs Hazen. daughter Of
Mrs. Washington Mclean, aud sister
Of Hon. John r. Mclean, Democratic
candidate for Governor Of Ohio. She
is the widow Of Gen. W. b Hazsn. OF
Signal Service fame who died In
Washington in 1887. and has fortune.
Admiral Dewey and Mrs Hazen have
been friends for several years. Prior
70 being assigned to the Asiatic Squad
ron he was frequent visitor to the
home Of Mrs. Washington Mclean,
where Mrs HaEen usually passed the
winter season. During his two years
absence from Washington the Admiral
then commodore and Mrs Hazen
kept up a correspondence. and upon his
return 20 the Capital, TO be honored by
the nation, Mrs Mclean. 1t will be re-
called. placed her magnificent home on
Farragut Square at his disposal. she
and her daughter going to their subur'
ban residence on the Tennally town road.
Mrs. Hszen is a charming woman. Of
about forty-tive years.
Rum0r had connected the names of
Mrs Hizen and Admiral Dewey for
some time. and while there seemed to
be some ground for an engagement, full
credenc5 was not given it.
A delegation from Tennessee seem to
have been the first recipients OF the
news. Prominent people Of Nashville
had an appointments with the Admiral
last night to invite him to attend the
celebration on the arrival ef the First
Tennessee Regiment from Manila. The
Admiral received the delegation, headed
By Representative J. Wesley Gaines, IN
the library Of his new residence. When
the invitation was extended Admiral
Dewey stated that it would give him
great pleasure 20 visit Nashville and
see the First Tennessee Regiment.
many Of whom he knew. He said,
however. that he felt obliged 70 de-
cline the invitation. The Philippine
Commission, he ssid was in session.
and he would have TO be present.
Admiral Dewey then grew very ner-
vous, and walked up and down the
room several times Finally he halted
in front Of the delegation, his face
wreathed in smiles
Gentlemen. " he said. there
another reason why l may not be able
10 be present. -
Here he stopped. aud began to blush
like a school girl. The Tennesseeans
waited most respectfully TO learn what
possible reason could keep the Admiral
away from their State upon the arrival
OF their pet regiment. Finally the Ad-
miral came bluhtly to the point.
THE fact of the matter IL. | have
just this day secured the promise Of the
most charming little woman in the
world TO becomA Mrs. Dewey "
ENTHUSIASTIC CONGRATULATIONS.
Dr. A. S. Wharton, Of Nashville, who
attended Annapolis at the same time
Admiral Dewey was cadet there
and who has since kept up an intimate
relation with the hero Of Manila,
rushed forward and gave him a hearty
boyish hug and warmly congratulated
him. The other members Of the dele
CATION rendered their congratulations
in a more dignifed. but no less sincere
manner. The Admiral then told the
delegation that they were the second
to learn Of it, 1t is thought that the
first announcement Wits private, at least
that is what the gentlemen from Ten
nessee contend.
Admiral Dewey has been q widOwer
since 1879. His first wife was the
daughter Of one Of the former Cover
nors of Vermont. He has a son 90
gagged in business in New York. Mrs
Hszen's only child. a son, to whom
she was devstedly attached, died q
year or so ago.
The date Of the wedding has not been
fixed