The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-01-14
GLIMPSES AT WASHINGTON.

itspVuutHco OF Inc fohtj w dohiubeVp -
like good book I've lnger over Its pages
and at the end place It upon the shelf,
only to take II down again, finding new
beauty at every turn OF its pages. Col-
umns have been written about Washing
ton; delighted enthusiasts have laudcd
the grandeur OF tho capitol and all the
wonderful interesting and historic en-
vironments One returns year after year.
only to experience new enjoyment. And
SO IT has been with me.
The presidents reception on New Years
day presented one emphatic truth-wc live
and thrive In gloriousy democratic
country.
Passing through tho stone portals of tho
White House enclosure, up through the
snow covered grounds. the brilliant SUM
light forming lacework vita the dane
ing shadows thrown from the branches
Of the monarch trees which beauty the
old yard tramped happy joyous army
Of free born American citizens to shake
the hand Of the man who by their grace
had been elevated to his high position.
President Mckinley and his good wife,
after greeting the members of his cabinet
and attended by them and their gracious
wives, stood TO receive the people
= = \
First came the gorgeously attired dInlo,
mats representing the nations Of the
world. Then tho stately and dignfed ju-
dietary; after these came the men who
for the time being rule the destiny of the
Nation--the senators and representatives
of the United States congress Then In
all the splendor OF full dress uniform,
the representatives Of the army and navy,
led by General Miles and Admiral Dewey
Then, keeping step to the martial music
of the marine band. came the rank and file
Of the body poIltc--red faced politician
beside the dapper clergyman stately
danes from Baltimore and rosy checked
girls from Virginia. people in trade and
professional people horny handed country
folk and the omnipresent Tin Washington)
darky sailors aud department clerks
women with children, and old men on
crutchesa universal outpouring of the
populace
1t was n privilege much enjoyed to ln-
ger in the brilliant sunlit rooms. to view
the beauty of the freshly furnished blue
room, to wander through the spacious east
room and the grand corridor. The entire
| lower floor with its rich furnishings and
| fine paintings had It's establishment o.
! Christmas garlands, and was gay with
! flaming poinsettias. banks of spicy carr
\
| waXen blooms, and the delicate prmulas.
! 1t is truly good and democratic GUS
| tom, this presidents reception on New
Years day
There is perfect whirl In fashion s
wheel and society. as one may say, ha'
gotten down to the winter business Re-
ceptions. teas, dinner dances, and debut
tnnte evenings rule the hour. What u
! ortrast to turn ones thoughts from the
contemplation of this fanfare OF fashion
and pass up the broad steps of a handsome
brick structure near the Scott clrcle-th'
Louise home, built and endowed by thu
! late MIR. Corcoran-that man whose lif.
was SO full of artistic and benevolent ac-
ton. Having lost his wife, Louise, and
standing heart stricken by the grave o
his beloved daughter Louise, the ldei
crystalllzed then and there to build as a
memorial to his dead a luxurious home To-
class whose needs appealed TO his sym
pathetic heart---old ladies left without the
comforts and luxuries OF life, particularly
the gentlewomen OF the South impoyer
shed by the civil war. Thirty. years ag,
the Louise home was established The
business for the conduct of the home 4
attended 10 by nine lady directors. TIL,
superintendent is a cultured woman,
member OF one of Washington's oldes
ana pest tamlllCS. IDeTe are 01Dtily tur'
nished rooms Tor forty old ladies' a glas
covered court forms grand hall which
beside a marble bust of Mr.. Corcoran, con
tains numerous tubs of palms, rubber
trees and other growing plants. The larg
parlor contains the rare old pieces which
furnished the apartments in Cannes
France, where Mr.. Corcoran's daughte
died. She was the wife of Colonel Eusti
OF Louisiana.
The reception Office and dining room
are complete with beautiful furniture an
J paintings from Mr.. Corcoran's own home
The endowment fund is ample 10 proyd
the home with all requirements. a bouuti
fully supplied table. No sick persons ar
, received at the home as there is no hos
ptal adjunct but II any OF the ladies' fal
i'll physicians, medicines and nurses ar
carefully supplied.
The entire atmosphere OF the place sug
gests a lovely home full of refined and Il
3 many instances cultured women VINO &
t and come as they choose, to church, cali
ing or shopping the only Requirement
r Us punctuHlity AZ meals There is no eX
pense, except tor clothing and pin money
Is this not beautiful spirit for other
OF fortunes tavorites to emulate?
~
How many times during the long year
Of the past century has the beauty an
HlSipNlN luiflFNt " Mphhl NfInpn ONF
descanted upon! Yet. as years pass b,
interest in General Washington lord
possessions on the Potomac more SOS
! Mrs Maxey wife Of Judge r s. MAKE
OF Texas. n he regent for our Sfai
e Of the MounteVernou association. \
present the distinguished couple are on
: visit 10 Washington was one "
party OF friends invited by Mrs MsXey t
visit Mount Vernon one day this wsel
IT is through her enthusiastic zeal an
good taste that so much has been don
on behalf OF Texas upon this historic hill
: Is there was too much les in the rive
0 for boating we went ny The ela,tric cars.
Il The Hrst object 10 greet us was n
Texas gate. through which all visitor
y who come hy land must pass The desig
Is tn perfect accord With tho other stru-
lures about tho place simple but massiy
rcrtcrs' lodgee unon each side OF grac.
: ful arch the keystone of which has IN
d hedded In It bronze tablet with Il
legend Erected by the Masons and Oths
Il Citizens Of Texas" n vas with plelsul
:. able pride that We surveyed the TeNg
room. with its rich rag carpet; made
;, SILK and woven IN an old loom at sustii
" The room contains some rare old piec,
OF furniture and hangings, and Mr.
Maxey is still engaged IL her patriot
+ labor Of love. 10 procuring additions
q the furnishing OF the room.