Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-08-07
Fifty Years Ago

The Star for July 20. 1899, contained re-
production Of drawing by James G. Hill,
\,..., architect, showing ''the four
rev k'eh story business building which
buiIdino Is being erected at the north
west corner of Tenth and F
streets" This structure. it was explained
was to be occupied by Rich, the shoe
man." I was the property Of Mr.
Bond of Boston. who is wealthy
businessman Of that city" A basement ex-
tending under the sidewalk was to accommo-
date mems goods and the riding and SPORT
ing features as well as rubber goods" The
main floor will be devoted to- the sale of
ladies boots. while on the second floor will
be displayed slippers oxfords. evening" re-
ception and novelty" merchandise Shoes for
children and infants will be found on the
third floor, and on the fourth floor will be
located the stockroom, receiving and ship
ping department and mail order department"
The business establishment thus described
half century ago still fourishes at 1901 F
street. with Herbert j. Rich grandson Of
Bernhard Rich, as president and treasurer.
Mrs. Kate Chase Sprague died at 10 min
utes past O'Clock this morning at her his
torical homestead, Edgewood,
hote SPro9ue just beyond lexington, this
Decd city" Thus The Star on July
81, 1899, announced the pas.
sing of 'the most brilliant woman of her
day" She had been the daughter and official
hostess of Salmon p. Chase of Ohio, Secre-
tary OF the Treasury under Lincoln and
Chief Justice during the Reconstruction
period Married to Gov. William Sprague
OF Rhode Island. later a Senator from that
State. she had played a leading role In the
Nations Capital as a political hostess. Her
beauty was phenomenal. her intelligence re-
markable Only a series of minor accidents
prevented her from achieving the presidency
for her father. He died in 1873. she was di-
vorced in 1882 and went abroad to live, her
son committed suicide, other sorrows accu-
mulated Finally. the erstwhile queen of
chickens and peddling milk. But the magic
Of her name continued to be q legend to the
last.
Elihu Root of New York became Secretary
of War on August l, 1899, and The Star of
Mr.. Root trait and described the ' c e
In Cobinet mony of his induction as
member Of President McKin-
ley's cabinet. Gen. Russell A. Alger, whom he
replaced, gave him official welcome to his
new position. He was A years of age, with
nearly SO years Of his career ahead of him.
Washington was to be his home until 1915,
while he served as administrative head of the
military establish tent of the Nation. then
as Secretary of State under Theodore Roose-
welt and finally as Senator from New York.
His principal monument here now is the
Elihu Root auditorium Of the Carnegie Insti-
tuition at Sixteenth and P streets NV.
y \
City Postmaster Merritt, according to The
Star OF August 8, 1899. was abreast. of the
times, If not in advance of them,
Motor Moil when he ordered inquiry made
Service "as to the availability Of auto
mobiles for use In the local
delivery Of mails" Mr.. Bell, superintendent
of free delivery service. allegedly suggested
to Mr. Merritt that possibly some use might
be made Of the horseless carriage, and Mr..
Merritt said that by all means Information
should be procured as to whether these
machines can be made Of use. It has been
thought that possibly the maker Of some
Of these wagons might wish an opportunity
for . practical test Of the machines. and