The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-19

The mercury crawled steadily Down
ward in the tubes Saturday night until
yesterday morning sixteen degrees above
zero was recorded and the keen wind cut
like any icy knife. The mounds of snow
on the statues and the heavily laden trees
were soon swept before the gale. while the
creaking limbs swung in the cold night
air. The day dawned cold and clear as
the proyerbial bell. and with it came the
tinkling of sleigh bells from every street
and avenue throughout the city. Hundreds
of people took advantage OF the emporium
fly and drove TO church on runners. while
hundreds more drove into the suburbs and
took to the country highways for their
sport. Almost every one who owned
sleigh was making use of IL at some time
yesterday. and the livery stables that were
called upon in the afternoon were unable
to supply the demand They all did
thriving and a driving business.
The great democratic highway was. as
usual. Pennsylvania Avenue, and cutters
sped along both its broad sides all day long
and into the night. The region Of Du-
pont Circle and Connecticut and Massa-
chusetts Avenues was bright with the
plumes of the sleighs and the merry faces
of their occupants. while the constant
;ingling of the bells made music all day
long. The legations were not prominently
identified with the procession. though a
few of the attaches were out for brief
spins. The day itself accounted for this,
and IL is probable that today will witness
a rarer scene.
The President and Mrs. Mckinley are
expected out in their cutter in the fore
noon. The well-known black pair or the
clays of the Executive stable will be
looked for this morning. and many are
anxious to see how the President handles
the ribbons. as he always drives himself
when taking his wife for sleigh ride.
Lord Pauncefote is the owner of fine
turnout, and the great sleigh OF Count
Cassini. The Russian Ambassador. will
probably be seen on the hardened roads.
The opportunities for the sport are so in
frequent in this city, and especially at
this season, Notwithstanding the fact that
this storm is almost a repetition Of the
one OF a year ago. that almost everyone
who can afford the luxury has at least an
hour or so in the bracing air behind
stopper. and as il is safe prediction
that this will be the last chance of the
season. today promises to be gala one.
The freeze came so suddenly upon the
heels of the partial thaw that people
were unable TO entirely clear their side
walks. and the consequence is decidedly
dangerous walking. Several bad falls and
resulting fractures have been reported.
and the horses have had hard time at
corners.
The official reports from the Weather
Bureau say that We are TO have steadily
increasing moderation in the temperature
during today and tomorrow and the snow
will last but a short time in the city.
The cars of the City and Suburban line
were stalled in G Street for a time last
evening through the breaking OF part OF
The machinery Of one of them, necessitat-
ing the turning off of the current. and on
f Street similar accident delayed pas
sengers for a short period. Otherwise the
service was little interfered with.
The relief of the poor has been an ac-
tive source of employment to the several
charitable organizations of the city. and
many have been warmed and fed during
The cold snap. The Central Union Nj ssion
has been crowded. and the Associated
Charities have done good work in the re-
lief of many deserving families.
With n rising Thermometer the conditions |
will change, and the destitute inhabitants
De made a happier lot. The street clean |
ng work will be theoretically taken in
hand today. and it is hoped good progress |
will be the result in the business section |
IF the city by night.
Coasiing parties have been making ar
engagements for carnival of fun tonight |
IN the hills in the city streets. and with |
he omnipresent small boy, will make OF !
he residence portions a series OF gay
scenes.
Some of the Porto Rican delegates have
never seen snow before, and TO these the \
all was one of bewildering beauty and the |
;ubiect OF their undisguised wonder and |
,dmiration