Year: 1864

The lovers Of fun fare sumptuously
every day in this festive capital and
gaiety runs riot


Man is wonder TO himself The ap.
parent farce of secession ordinance
by the rebellious little State Of South
Carolina cast a gloom over the spirits of
the people, and they spoke in gloomy
accents of the condition of affairs. Sad
ness grew more and more profound as
State after State followed the example,
and for q whole season there was scarce
ly an evening phop in Washington
Vienna and Big Bethle so moved upon
the spirits Of the people that they
could scarcely pursue their business oc-
cupations for days after the reception
of the news.


But these times have changed Men
and women have become so accustom-
ed TO the evils that surround them
that little impression is made upon
them We read almost without con-
cern or emotion the details of Bull
Run the second, Murfreesboro, Chicla-,
mauga, Antietam Fredericksburg,
Charlottesville, and Gettysburg, with
their mountains of carnage and rivers
Of blood The speculative classes in
stead of eing,impoyerished by the war
have been enriched, and sadness and
apprehension have given way to ex-
travagance and gay festivity. In no
place are these results more apparent
than in Washington In addition to
the usual ceremonies at the White
House at the private residences of
numerous prominent citizens and so
journers, our numerous public Halls
are the scenes of frequent and brilliant
soirees, often partaking somewhat Of a
public character, and to this extent, at
least cOmmendable.


One of the chief incentives to the
latter class of amusements, quite q
number of which are announced, is the
coming drqtt, which is viewed with in
difference only by those who are not
subject to it. and who have no pOsteri-
ty who are otherwise. All the local
clubs of the city are in the ring, and
the whole is to be crowned BY a grand
ball in the hall in the Patent Office,
now occupied by the Sanitary Fair
The President and all the members Of
his cabinet, the Vice President and the
Speaker Of the House, are announced
as chief managers, with long lists on
the part of the army, the navy, the ma
rine corps, the House, the Senate, and
the People The proceeds Of all these
entertainments 90 to the enlistment
fund Of the District, to aidin the filling
Of the quota, and thereby avoiding a
draft If the people would pay as much
on subscription, the committee oh en-
listment' would get more, but there are
a large class, you know, who can only be
reached by poking fun at them


Speaking of this great fair, which has
had an eminenuy successful run, of
several weeks, may as well say that
the scene closed tonight with a grand
promenade concert. The ceremonies
were more than ordinarily interesting
Among the visitors were Mr. and Mrs
Lincoln, MGor-Generals Sickles and
Oglesby, Commodore Montgomery, and
other officers of less note. Gen Sickles,
being loudly called for, addressed the
audience as follows


LADIES AND GExrLENEE Nothing can be
more interesting to the citizen soldier than
this scene. Nothing can more convince
him that his lsbOrs on the field are appre-
ciated. Il is indeed cheering for them to
know that you are iabOring for them while
they are lighting their battles-the battles
OF the Republic, and Of liberty. The cause
is worthy Of every exertIOn, and as for my
self, l regret no sacrifice have made for IL.
The approaching campaign viii be the most
desperate and sanguinary that we have



Our relations with foreign powers have new
er been more auspicioUs than at present.
We viii close the war without violating
any treaties, or offending the christian sem
timent Of the world


The speaker also alluded in comph-
mentary terms TO Gen Grant and the
President, and concluded with an earn
est appeal to all to perform all their
duty


General Oglesby then made stirring
speech, after which Mr. Lincoln was
loudly called for, and spoke as follows


LADirB AND GENTLEMEN ! appear 10 saw
but q word. This war falls heavily upon
all classes Of the people but the most upon
the soldier. All that man hath will he
give for his life; and though oil have con-
tributed Of their substance, yet the colder
perils and often yields up his life for MS
country's cause.


We have witnessed many extraordinary
things IN this war; but nothing more re-
markable than the labOrs and devotion Of
the women Of America. have never stud