Evening star., 1933-11-26
Capital Sidelights
BY WILL r, KENNEDY,

Virginians are pointing to the identi-
1cation with their State of William c.
Bullitt, who Is about to enter the Serv-
ice of the United States Government
as Ambassador to Russia.
In the Colonial days his ancestors
were prominent in the neighborhood
Of Dumfries, Prince william County,
and not long ago he and Assistant Sec
retary of State r. Walton Moore, in
whose old congressional district Dunn
fries is located, visited the site of the
original Bullitt home, on the peninsula
lying between the Potomac River and
Quantico Greek.
Mr.. Bullitt is descended from Col.
Joshua Fry, who commanded the Vir-
ginia Regiment on the Ohio in which
Washington was lieutenant colonel.
The new Ambassador, through his
Virginia ancestors, among whom was
Patrick Henry, is related to many of
the best known Virginia families
In Hayden's Virginia Genealogies, "
there Is a detailed story Of an affray in
which one of the Ambassadors for
bears figured. In 1765 a quarrel be-
tween John Baylis and John Scott,
who was destined to become notable
clergyman, resulted in a duel being
arranged. When they reached the ap-
pointed place. young Cuthbert Bullitt,
who was Scott's second, endeavored to
prevent the duel Exasperated by
this, Baylis used insulting language to
Bullitt and invited him to take his
principals place Thereupon the duel
went on, with Bullitt substituting for
Scott, and Baylis fell to the ground
wounded, but drew two fresh pistols
and fired at Bullitt without effect.
Baylis died of the wounds, and Bullitt
was tried and acquitted.
X y X
An excellent oil portrait of Repre-
sentative Joseph w Byrns of Tennessee,
the House leader, has Just been added
to one Of the portrait galleries in the
Capitol which is of historic value and
which does not cost Uncle Sam one
penny The members of the House
Appropriations Committee dig down
into their jeans" whenever they have a
new chairman and have his portrait
painted by some good artist, to be hung
in the committee suite. The two latest
are those of the late Representative
Will r. Wood, Republican, of Indiana,
and House Leader Byrns, which has
just been hung over the desk of the
committee clerk, Marcellus c. Shield.
These two, both painted by the same
artist, George B. Matthews, are consid-
cred to be exceptionally good likenesses,
ranking with that of Representative
John ]. Fitzgerald of New York.
In this gallery Of appropriations
chairmen there now hang the oil por-
traits of Garfield, Tawney, Cannon,
Good, Madden and Wood, all Repub-
licans. and Randall, Fitzgerald. Sherley
and Byrns, all Democrats. There are
also few Photographic enlargements
Of earlier chairmen - Hemingway.
Holman, Sayers, Hiscock, Atkins and
Dawes.
These are the portraits of men who
have for nearly a century been in
charge Of the supply bills for Congress,
apprOpriating the money to pay all the
costs of Government. which have been
multiplying amazir gly in recent years.
4
Massachusetts people in the National
Capital gave Honey Fitz,' famous for
mer Mayor John F. Fitzgerald Of Bos-
ton, grand acclaim at a reception last
week. This picturesque character came
to the party as guest OF Eugene Ken
neatly. secretary to Congressman Nc
Cormack and one of the most popular
members Of the Massachusetts, State
Society-who, incidentally. has been a
favorite with Honey F1tz" for many
years. The former mayor was called
upon 10 sing the song he has made
famous. sweet Adeline," but for an
encore he sang When Irish Eyes Are
Smilin'" and outdld himself, hitting
the high notes with clear voice which
brought down the house" In spite
of his nearly 80 years, Mr.. Fitzgerald
danced every dance, and the usual order
was reversed by all Of the young women
cutting in on him for a partner.