Evening star., 1914-11-29

have cost 100000 when it was ready
for occupancy. The house had a lead
ing part in things social during the
years it was Senator Stewards home
and after he leased it to the Chinese
legation
When the question of a home here
was being, discussed by the senator
Mrs. Stewart saw the possibilities of
the Dupont Circle site and that selec-
tion was made.
She had just returned from long alb
sence in Europe and the orient, and
had brought back qualities of furni
ture of such massave description that
no house she found in Washington was
spacious enough to give it proper set
ting. 1t was especially true of her
collection of mirrors. So she designed
the rooms, their height and general
arrangement to receive her Florentine
and teakwood treasures. The entrance
hall was oval shaped, and a winding
staircase was a most decorative fea-
ture. The main drawing room was at
the left of the hall and faced south.
The dining room and a reception room
were on the north side. The ballroom.
among the first of the modern ones in
this city, had the full width Of the
house across the rear. The mansion
soon became known as Castle Stewart.
The ballroom created the greatest furore,
because there were so few similar
rooms outside of Corcoran House. etc.
Mrs. Stewart entertained elaborately.
and lived up to the traditions of her
southern birthplace Her father was once
United States senator from Mississippi.
She had roughed 1t after her marriage
in the west, but was a real queen in this
city. For each of her three daughters
she gave many parties, and the last big
event of her life in Stewart Castle was
the marriage of the youngest
When the Stewards disposed of the
castle former Senator w. A. Clark Of
Montana was the purchaser. and he had
the building demolished, though he still
owns the site
The Chinese leeation's occupancy of
Stewart Castle was a regular Arabian
Nights dream brought to a reality. The
ministers each in turn entertained like
princes, and there was a great deal in the
newspapers for several years of the abuse
of their hospitality by uninvited and other
guests. In those days the Chinese min
listers used to play Santa Claus role
at the capital. and scattered gifts of tea,
fans, furs and other articles of native
manufacture. such as sweetmeats with a
lavish hand. For several winters the
Chinese New Year was celebrated by
big ball. the host having all the guests
he had asked. and, in addition, it was
said at the time, a great many he had
not expected. whose subsequent feats in
RAPID disposal of his elaborateIy served
supper and wines were more marked than
elegant.
During the Stewards occupancy of the
house a fire started one winter night.
and before 1t was checked burned out the
Mansard roof. The glare attracted thou
sands. who watched the fremen in their
successful efforts to save the building.
* X
Two fine buildings are now housing
the largest of the women's clubs at
the capital
Clubs and Their the wash
Homes at the Capital. 'ae'11 az Or club; ana
K streets, and the Congressional Club,
at New Hampshire avenue and U
street. The latter Is receiving the
finishing touches and will have an i'm
portant part as the scene of the clubs
hospitalities shortly.
These two clubs point to the fact
that the broadening of woman's in
terests in the last ten years and before