The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-01
WASHINGTON IS GROWING.


Washington Letter in Philadelphia Press.
Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish's prediction that
the social center of the country eventually
will be in Washington finds justification i'm
the rapid growth Of the social. literary and
art colonies in the capital city. Every sea
son witnesses additions 10 the circles OF
distinguished and wealthy people who Sc
lect Washington for their winter residence.
IF / had a dozen houses / could rent
them all within twenty-four hours was
the remark OF Major General Corbin as he
closed a deal for his own residence just
before leaving for his new post on Govern
or's island. The general. on his return
from a Western tour. saw on a newspaper
bulletin board notice that the order for his
transfer to the command OF the Depart
ment Of the East had been made. Before
going home he and his wife stopped at a
real-estate Office and placed their house.
furnished, in the company's hands This
was about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Before they sat down to dinner they were
notified by telephone that the house had
been rented at 5000 a year. The general
himself received a dozen applications for
his house from out-of-town people who de-
sired to rent homes for the season in WASH
ington. but had found the supply limited
and inadequate.
More and more every year is Washington
being selected as the winter home OF sub
s~tantial people from Northern cities. The
rentals for residences adapted TO entertain
ment are more reasonable i'm Washington
than in New York. Philadelphia or Boston.
and the custom has sprung UP of wealthy
people. and those prominent In society. to
rent their own homes in Northern cities and
come to Washington for the season. where
they can enjoy not only a milder climate,
but the refined atmosphere OF art and lit
erature and also enjoy the unique favor OF
W~ashington's special attractions. national
politics and diplomacy.
The frivoIities and absurditIes OF the 900
that has provoked Henry Wattersons keen
satire are not 80 much In evidence I'm Wash
ington, and the winter colonies from other
cities appreciate the more interesting life az
the national capital. To mingle with diplo-
mats from all the great capitals OF the
world. 70 know The men and women IN ma
tional life who make the political wheels 80
around. 10 meet and know scientists. liter
airy people, artists and others whose tmpor-
lance and reputation do not rest upon n
foundation of dollars. is a refreshing expe-
rience to those who have been accustomed
TO winning social position by matching
wealth.
drifts 10 Washington each season there Is
every year added a permanent colony or
men and women OF wealth and Refinement
who have purchased or built delightful resi-
dences here. Within the past year eight or
ten Immense apartment houses have been
erected on plans that appeet To- those who
wish 10 spend a part OF the year IN THIS
city The dearth of suitable furnished
houses. or in fact OF any houses adequate
| for social entertaining. has sent many OF
| these outsiders 90 the Apartment houses
and family hotels. where two or three
suites are thrown together and ample ac-
] commodatlons secured for the demands OF
the social season