Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, February 28, 1875, Page 5

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1875.—SIXTEEN PAGES. 5 THE SOCIAL WORLD, The National Capital During the Lenten Season. -Sleighing on the Potomac-- Senator Pinchback. Charles Sumner’s Home Converted Inte a New England Ciub- House. FAeroes and Heroines Who Marry Daring Lent, Club, Church, and Private Parties Last Week. Social Gossip in Suburban Towns, Announcements, ‘ WASHINGTON SOCIETY. from Our Oun Correspondent. TRAVELING FROM THE FROZEN NORTH, AB COLD AS IT CAN BLOW. Wasnmcror, D.C., Feb. 25.—The yenerable Bociery of ‘Oldest Inhabitants” have plunged nto tho depths of past meteorological aunals in fheir endeavors to discover a precedent for this winter, whose Hnked coldness, tong drawn out, bas driven many of our citizens to the various ands of the eypress and myrtle, where softer ‘breezes ‘and more congenial suns quicken the e of winter's reign. ‘Something unheard of within these latitudinal Simite, familiarly yclept the “‘ Sunny South,” is fhe wholeeale slaughter, by cold, of the hardy and Qeantifal rosebuehes and other ont-of-deor sbrabs. Daring some of the mild winters inci- dental to this climate, roses have budded end plossomed and shod their fragrance into the sacly days of the new year, without s0 much a3 a whiff of now to make them afraid, But this winter bas turned even the cheerful green leaves of the ivy and myrtle to a dingy brown, and we ean no longer look at thom ani feel happy in their promise of epring-showers soft and peno- trating, flowers opening their bright oyes after their long slambers, and birds busy with house- weeping cares, singing as they toil. “r's AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NOBODY ANT oop.” } he Potomac has been covered with a glittor- Ing, impenetrable coat of mail for weeks, so that skating and sleighing on its surface are very com- mon occurences. A few days since, some gentle- goen ran a race on tho river with their trotters and natty litule sleighs, and one of the prettiest sights to lookers-on, the other evening, was an ice-boat in full sail, moved silently over tho smooth and moonlit surface of the river by the «sharp nor’wester ” keenly blowing at the time. ‘The boat was manned by's crow of ten, and the white sails of the craft louked like the outspreed wings of some buge foreign bird, and the snow- covered banks sparkled with the brilliancy of 50 many diamonds, and the river gleamed as if = ‘Diana in her dreams Had dropped her silver bow ‘Upon the meadows low. ‘THIS HOUSE IS TO BE LET Fou LIFE OR TEARS. The house owned and occupied oy the late Charles Sumner is now under discussion for a ngland Club-House, its dete of purchase being fixed for the 4th of March next. It scems very appropriate that it should not pass into the bands of any one individual for a private res- idenoo, as it will always be an object of interest to the public, who will desire to see its interior srrangements, as woil as its ‘mere plain exterior brick walls. The house stands at the corner of H street and Vermont avenue, in the immediate vicinity of the Arlington Hotel.in fact, it is eonnected With the;building as cloeely and incon- voniently 28 were the Siamese twins with one another. ITS ORIGINAL OWNER. Years ago, Mr. Kennedy, a real-estate agent, sndamanof reputed wealth, built a block of three houses, two of which faced the exquisite Deauty of Lafayette Park, tho third opening up- on Vermont avenue. Tho first one, on H street, ‘was for years rented by Senator Pomeroy and his “handsome, witty wife, the middle one was used ‘asa first-cinss bo! g-house for ** Senators and their families only,” ard the third was pur- chased by Mr. Hooper (just deceased) and given ‘Mr. Sumuer as a wedding present, upon his mar- rying the widow of Mx. Hooper's son, who for- feited ber fortune, sccording to her husband's last will and testament, by entering into a sec- oud matrimonial contract. *LMDERALITY AT A DISCOUNT... A few years sfter this block was finished, Afr. Corcoran built the Arlington Hotel, just in_ its rear, purchasing the middle house for the ladies’ evtranco into the main building. He offered liberal inducements to Mr. Sumner for the pur- chase of bis house, which had increased some €40,000 in value since its purchsse, but tho Eenator was not disposed to part with his man- sien. Senator Pomeroy was offered $15,000 for the mere relinquishment of his lease, but, for once in his life, the Kaneas Senator resisted the temptation to put money in bis purse, although the moans employed were perfectly legitimate. Perhaps it was tho legitimacy of the transaction which deprived it of its greatest charm! - LOOKING BACK. ‘The Inst time I eaw the interior of Mr. Sum- ger's mansion was just prior to his doath, and I most distinct recollection of its numef- ous pictures. which fairly covered the walls from floor to ceiling, and leaned against the base- boards in their profasion, and the tables covered with curious articles, and various knick-knacks of value, and statuary. The Senator himself had ona dark-brown’ dressing-gown, carelesely tied around the waist br a cordand tassel, snd, as we centered his etudy through a previcus en- gagoment, herosefrom his writing in all the towering majesty of his grand physique, and, throwing back bis mass of wavy iron-gray hair, grve us a courtly and genial welcome, and sid aside his pen to tell us of some things waich we ‘Were anxious to know. OH! THAT THOSE LIPS HAD LANGUAGE. Uike, a German artist of considerable merit, bas just finished a fuit-length portrait cf tho “ Augost Senator,” standing nt his desk in the Senate Cbamber. in the imposing and dignitied attitude so familiar to those who were accustom- ed to sceing and hearing him. The picture 18 on exhibition at the Notunda of the Capitol, and is ® mss excellent likeness, although the face iva trifle youthful for the hair. Mr. Sumner sat for this portrait about threo weeks ~ before bis cath. The Haytien Government had petitioned + Mr. Sumner for an oil-painting of himself, which ‘wns partially finished when he sat for thie last ne, and with which he was greatly pleased. ARE WE 60 600N FORGOTTEN WEEN WE ARE DEAD? ‘Mr. Ulke has painted two since, exact dupli- tates of the first one; one ordered by the im- pulaive enthusinem of the colored citizens here, to ornament the walls of their large and hand- ome pressed-brick and brown-stone edifice, called #48 “Sumner Schoo! Building ;” but their entbusiasm was short-lived, and the. funds Were never raised for the purchase of this splen- did representation of the man who held their in- terests go closely at heart, and will most proba- bly pass into the hands of some white ers, and hang proudly on the walls of some public hall, gazing benignly down upon the youths ef the Republic, urging them to dare to ba true,—dare to do right. RIDDLE'S FORTHCOMING BOOK. z Mr, A. G. Riddle, who made himself conspic- uously obnoxious to the Shepherd Ring by bis Prosecution of Richard Harrington et al., inter- ‘ested in the ssfe-burelary, has just completed a novel, portraying Washington life daring the Wer, which promises to make a considerable Yipple in official circles, as it reveals some of the mysteries behind the scenes, and walks boldly into politics, lobbying, and various corruptions, of consequences. Andrew Johnson's istration is severely criticised, and it will ‘beallthe more piquant now that A. J. bas re- tamed to our midst. Mr. Riddle is a smali msn, but a fearless one, and says what be wants to, without first sitting down to count the cost. @ THE DOOR AFTER THE FUNDS ARE STOLEN, It seems abont time for Congress to suggest that Indion Agenis ehould keep strict sccount of expenditures, These men have been hitherto Puvileged thieves, to # most reprehensible ex- tent. Why they should ever have been exempt trom the necessity imposed on other officials, af strict returns of moneys intrusted to them," is past finding ont, To illustrate the loose manner in which their busi- ness affairs are generally conducted, let me cite one instance which came under my personal observation. A certain in- dividual of German bicth was made Agont for one of the tribes of Indians still keeping & Vicarious hold on existenco and their so-called hunting grounds. The Agent’s salary was offi- cially fixed at 22,500 var annum, which was very ample, when one takes inte consideraeion the isolation of the Agént’s homestead, sud the few necessities or opportunities for spending money. But he took to himself s wife who was not will- ing to hide her hght beneath the Scriptural bushel, but insisted upon traveling, ‘¢gTRANGE COUNTRIES FOR TO SEE.” By the way, at the Agency a school was sup- posed to bo established, acd $1,009 per snnum was voted aa a slight recompense for the teacher, whose laborious efforts in endeavoring to enlighten the perverse and benighted chil- Gren of the forest were appreciated even by | members of Congress. The Agont’s wife be- came the teacher, thereby lengthening the capacity of tho family purse,—ber echool num- bering one pupil, whom sho kept at her house as a sort of pet and plaything. Now mark-the further abrowdness of the feminine intellect. The by-laws road that tho salary of the teacher should be paid only during the timo of actual teaching, so my lady, not to be thwarted in her desire to travel, takes her school of one pupil with ber, drawing her salary for suck on arda- ous undertaking with praiseworthy regularity. Husband, wife, and school scrive in Wash- ington, accompanied by a handful of In- dians desirous of ratifying some new treaty, or piecing up somo old one. “The gonorous-hearted Agont, his wife, and as many white menas In- dixns,—ropresenting themselves as interpreters and so forth, etcetcra,—visit Mount Vernon, tho theatre, the opera, and every piace of interest ; hire carriages, give lunches, drink immoderately of beer, champague, and whivky, allow the In- dians to visit disreputable places, and then coolly send ir the whole amount expended dur- ing a three-weelre’ stay at a hotel, without itom- izing, for the Government to cettle, and the Government foots the bill with hardly a mur- mur of dissent or disspprobation. Furthor- more, this Agent was a very poor man prior to occupying this position, and, although acting in such capacity hurdly threo years, has succeeded in purchasing a controlling interest in one or two mines, has bailt himself a comfortable cottage at a fashionable summer resort, and was able to live well and sapport a luxuriously dis- wed wife witha remerkable Jack of effort. vervthing that Ihave written I know to be Rositively ‘trae in this case, and there are hun- reds of others for which, uudoubtediy, this sketch will stand a “speaking likoncss.” THE LONE OF CONTENTION. “Senator” Piuchback isa man no less ro- markable in his persons appearance than in his litical career, His stature is medium in eight, whilo his shoulders ate broad, and his well-shaped head set croudly above them. His complexion is a rich bronze, and bis hair, which ig sprinkled with pray, is perfectly freo from African kinkiness. His features are very jar, his mouth showing a little of the negro fullness, while sround* it there always lingers a sbsdow of a smilo, cynical, almost cruel, in itsexpression, His eyes are black and full of tire, and I should imegine Would be flashing and scornful and fearless in an exciting debsto, Hosa very striking-looking man, taken in any company, and remarkably handeome. His dress is careful in its details and expensive in its materials, and has tho sir of being made by mastor-tcilor. His manners are oasy and tuconatrained, yct I always think, when looking at him closely, that he boids him- self under perpetual res! BIOGRAPHICAL. P. 8. B. Pinchback is 3 Georgian by birth; about 37 years of age. His father was a man of wealth, and owned a largo plantation in Holmes County, but as schools way back in the '40s and °50s of this century were not tory pleutifully dis- tributed throughout the South, and wero 2s far out of the reach of men whoze biood was tiaged wich shadows, young Pinchback’s education was attained only through persevering personal ef- fort. Hoe first enlisted as a private in the Union army atthe outbreak of the War, but after Geo. Butier’s orguvization of colored regiments he waa appointed Captain of one of tho compunios. His entrance inte political life dates as far back as 1865, und tivo years afterward be was’ elected tothe State Coustitutionsl Convontion'of the State of Louisinns. The year following be was elocted State Senator, 2nd was vent as a dele- gate to represent tat State in the Chicago Con- yention which nominated Grant for President. Ho temporarily alled the position of Goveraor, made vacaut bythe death of Gov. Dunn, and bocame Acting Governor after the impozchmont of Warmoth. In 1873 he was elected to the six-year torm in tho United States Senate, which position he has not as yet beon enabled to occupy, but which, in my eetmstion, he will graces hundred times better than some of tha White meu who Lavo gained their sou:s in a suf fieiently questionable manner ‘to heag the sword of Damocics over their guilty heads. OUISEL. — | WEDDINGS, RARE MATLIMONIAL VENTURES. ‘An occasional venturesome person slips his hend into the noose matrimonial during Lent. Among the adventurous may be mentioned the parties concerned in the Smiith-Walker wedding. Mr, B. B. Smith, of Chicago, who is with Jan- sen, McClurg & Co., was marriod at Provi- dence, R. L, to Miss Addio G. Walker, of that place. The bride’s father, the Rev. O. T. Walk- er, officiated. At South Bend, Ind., Feb. 24,-Misa Annie oa Williamson, only daughter of the Rev. N. D. Williamson, of the Reformed Church, was united in marriage by her father to Dr. Thomp= son A. Murray, of Appleton City, Mo. Miss Dora A. Matthewson, of Lockport, I, was married on tho 23th inst., at her fasher’s residenco in that city, to Mr. William J. Good- ing, of Bedfieid, N. Y. ‘Mr. M. BR. Mundio, of this city, and Miss Lydia Locke were matried Thursday at the resi- dence of the bride's parents, tho Rev. H. W. ‘Thomas officiating. i? ‘Wednesday ovening, 24th February, Mr. and Mra. Elery C. Balkam celebrated their wooden wedding bys patty at their residence, 22 Vin- ceunes place. ‘Their friends to congratulate them were Ars. H. B. Gillett, of Fond du Lao; Mrs. E. W. Cook, Mrs. E. Lawrence, Mrs. Jo- seph Haskell, Mrs. Hull, Misses Osborn, Miss Keoney, Miss J. Balkem, Miss Bean, Misses Bull, of Chicago; Mr. Luke D. Phillips, of Highland Park ; Mr. E. W. Cook, Mr. Rt, Williams, Mr. G. Peter Blair, Mr. C. Plumb, Mr. RB. Mareton, Mr. B. Lewrence, Mr. R. Bead, Mr. B.S. Bailes, Mr. Green, Mr. G. Kinney, of Chicago; Col. Boardman, of Fond du Lac. MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Louis Falk and Miss Cara D. Dickinson will fulfill their marriage engagement at Union Park Congregational Cuurch, Thursday ovening, March 11, at_alf-past 6 o'clock. They will be attended by Mr. and Mrs, Dickinson, Miss Pleda Dickinson, sister of the bride, Misses Mary Goodrich, Eva Locke, Marion Egan, and Della Dean, all of Chicago; also Messrs. Charles W. Dodge and Edward Stark, of Milwaukee; George Ball, M. Petrio, and Alien Dickinson, brothor of the bride. The usbers will be Mossrs. J. J. French, Walter Hodge, Chazles W. Armstrong, and 6b. W. Dodson. ‘no Lev. C. D. Helmer will officiate. ‘Dr. Charles E. Davis, of North Clark stroct. has bid o brief odieu to s largo circle of friends, and gone to Detroit on a trip matrimonial. Tao Doctor has been a resident of Chicago but a few mouths, during which time he has won many friends. Tho-nameof the lady whom he will marry is Mina Wadsworth, of Petersburg, Mich., at whose home the meaaing wil take place dur- ing the prosont week. The lady is hignly cal- tared, and a favorite of the circle she leaves. sas aie SOCIAL GATHERINGS, ‘THE CLUBS. Among the Clubs for whjch Lent’ has no ter- rors may bo mentioned the following, which have given entertainments daring the past week: ‘The Irving Club gave complimentary party to its numerous friends at Snow's Academy Wednesday evening, which was attended by a large and select gathering. Prof.’ Snow's excel- lent orchestra furnished chazming musio for tho fine programme, which consisted of somo eigh- teen well-selected pieces, with several extras. ‘A pleagant timo was enjoyed by all, attesting the popularity of the Irving Cinb among its mem- bers and friends, snd spsaking well for the success of thor future efforts. Thoir next party will be held at the same place Wednesday evening, March 10. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Carr, Mr. and Mrs. Snow, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Misses Carbine, Kilmore, Ben- nett, Emmons, Louis, Marlow, Keliy, Cunning- ham,. Burgess, Mills, Weaver, Joy, Kidston, Rockwell, Sculty, Jennings, Law, Allison, Miss Fairman, of St. Joseph, Mich., and Miss Small ; Messrs. Blubm, S. Elares, Sweet, Gentry, Fra- zisr, Guth, Welling, Edmonds, Carter, Kirtland, Drake, J. Klares, McLean, W. Simpson, Mars, Vaughan, Cary. Kidston, Brown, Murrey, Vin- cent, Gaskins. and Stewart. ‘The Viola Club was entertained Tuesday even- ing at the residence of Damel Barclay, Esq-, No. 734 West Monroo strept. Theso are ack- nowledged by all who participate in them to bo exceedingly enjoyable gatherings. Among thoze proseat were the Misses Prescott, Fake, Patter- son, Taylor, Tomblin, Griffin, Barrows, Stem, Franklin, Castio, Barrows, and Hawley; also ‘Meesrs. Buchannan, Oreatt, Davidson, Babort, Clark, Guth, Borrows, Griffin, Jewett, Elsrood, Millard, and Pitta. @ Progressive gave their masquerade ball Wednesday evening at Grow's Hall The following were among the many elegant coa- taumes worn: Mrs. Hills wore a handsome prom- enade dress made of Toe Tnmuxe and Times. Mrs. Andrews made up haadsomely as a flowor- girl. Mra. Wood mado tho best * Dutch” girlof the season. Miss Lee was ettired as an Oriental, Miss Forrest made a good Topsey. Miss Upps wes apage—pro tem. Mr. Hills took Sam's part well. Mr. Baaks was Captain Jack. Thore were many other tadies and gentlemen who took elegant characters, and ‘enjoyed themselves thoroughly until they separated at 2 o'clock. La Favonte Cinb met again Friday evening at Martine's West Side Hall. A largo number of the Pall Mall Club were present, as well as rop- resentatives from the Sans Souci. There wero fully 150 couple there, and they enjoyed them- selves mostthoroughly. PJoasanter unions than these seldom occur. Pound furnished the mu- sic, a8 usual, ‘Thoraday ovening last the Nucleus Club—s social organization consistmg exclusively of leading German belles—gave ® phantom party at the residence of Mr. Lewis Huas, No. 158 Throop street. Upwards of twenty young couples wero present, who consecrated the even- ing to music, dance, mirth, and hilarity. Af- ter thea young people had masqueraded for a fow hours, they donned their masques, pil- low-cases, and shoots, and sat doyn to a most elegant collation propared by the young ladies, aftor which dancing was resumod and continued untiia late hour. Among those present were ‘Mr. and Mrs. Goorge Apfel, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Tiedomann, tho Misses Jacobs, Misa Tilly Gross,. Miss Backy Huebn, Miss Bonner, Misa Weber, ‘Miss Gloscker, Miss Groutsch, Miss Zarburg, Miss Dovermann, Mias Ottmann, tho Misses Tic- demann, Miss Reimus, Movers. Kissinger, Torch, Jacobs, Naper, Kaempfer, Muchlie, Weber, Dovermann, Gloccker, and many others. ‘Tho West End Club met at Mrs. Horton’s, No. 421 Monroo street, Tuesday ovening. A dramutic performance and series of conandrums were followed by dancing. ; Tho Germania Mannerchor gave s dramatic performance, followed by a ball, at McOormick’s Hall last evening. Tho Grand Pacifie Hotel gave another enter- tainmont to the guests last evening. ‘The Enterprise Pleasure Club gaves “calico” hop at Contral Hail Thursday evening. ‘Tho O. A. F. Club gave a dramatic ontertain- ment at Standard HallThursdayevening. ‘Tho Lady of Lyons” was produced for the edification of the assembled gyeals, who scemed to fully appreciate the efforts made in their Dohalf. ‘The Welcome Sozial Ciub gave ite third com- plimeatary party at Snow's Academy ‘Thursday evening. "Yho Prairie Avenue Club met at Mrs. Hughitt’s Friday evening, and dancod the hours away. The William B. Warren Lodgo, No. 200, A. F. and A. M., gave theit first annual complimentary Dall Monday evening at Orientst Hall. This, in spite of the inclement weather, was fairly at- tended. Tho suppar, by Eciciardt, wos excel- Jent, aod the committee, Messrs. Underwood, Adcock, De Luce. Buttorworth, and Carpenter, deserve special praise for their attention to their guesta. eitne Pickwick Club gave s masquerade ball at Germania Hall Wednesday, which resulted in a plonsant evening to all who participated. There were the usual sumber of grotesque and histor- icat characters. ‘Phe Minorva Clab gavo a maequerade at Cale- donia Hall Friday evenog. Many of the char- acters wero very happily produced, and it may de safely ranked among the successes in & social way. ‘Tho last of tho St. Paul's asomblies was given Fridsy evening, and much enjoyed by all pres- ent. The sociable of tho First Baptist Church, which was held Thursday evening at the resi- dence of tho pastor, tho Iter. Dr. Everts, was most enjoyable. Between 150 and 200 persons were assembled, completely filling the rooms of the pastor's house. Tho meeting is one of tho most incontrovertible proofs-that harmony, good feelin;z, and strong hope in the future animate the membership of this church. PRIVATE PARTIES. There were not a great many private partics last week, but amoag thoso that did occur may be mentioned the following : ‘lise McKinley, of No. 258 Michigan avenuv, ontertained her friends at a tes-party Tuesday cvening, Wrignt acting as catorer. é ‘Mrs, Blackatoue gave a pleasant Innch-party at her residence, No. 252 Michigan avenue, Thureday evening. ‘Mrs. Barelay, of No. 355 North LaSalle street, gave a children's surprise party ‘Thuredsy ovening. ‘Mra. Newell, of No. 379 Superior street, enter- tained ber friends Driday evoving. Miss Florence Root, of No. 1267 Indiana ave- nue, entertained a number of her frieads Mon- day evening. Among tho guests presont were Misses Barton, Furlong, Gilmore, the Misses Munger, Misses Fitch, Chase, Wheeler, Gifford, Holmes, Boone, and May ; also, Sfessrs. Thomp- son, Griffiths, Fitch, Argust, W. and H. O. Hongh, Chase, Gilmore, Barber, Fenderson, and many otbere. “Tbe surprise party given to Mies Bortha Wam- pold by atleast thirty of her young friends at the residence of her parents, No. 1134 Wabash avenue, Wednesday eveniug, was one ot the most succes.ful ontertainments of the kind of tho season. The candies and the othor refreshments were furnished by the young ladies, and finished by them with the generous assistance of the young gentlemen: ‘hoy went home reluctantly atalate hour in the night, after cousiderable dancing, playing, aud singing. Credit is dno for the excellent management cf this pleassnt cffair to the Misses Gusta Morris, Bertha Hart, and Sarah Cabo. ‘There was a surprise party given at the resi- dence of Mr. Dryer, No. 509 North ‘Clark streot, ‘Tuoaday evening, which was largely attended by his numerous friends from the South and West Sides. é eee EVANSTON. (THE SOCIAL CLUB. ‘The event of the week, and one to which eager eses have been looking for some time, happened in the rooms of the Social Club Thursday even- ing. ‘Tho entertainmeut consisted of a minstrel’ performance under the direction of Mr. Archi- bald Winne. All the good qualities peculiar to such a performanco were retained, while every- thiug low or objectionable was discarded. Tick- ets of admission wore in demand, aud were be- spolon at least tro weeks ago. As esch couple belonging to the Club havo st their disposal only one complimentary tickot, the number of visitors is necessarily quite limited. ‘The largest audience the Club has seen sinco the opening night greeted the performers as tho curtain rose at 8 o'clock, displaying the Knights of the burnt cork arrayed in whito vests and kids in the highest style of tho art. Nr. S. B. Raymond acted as middleman, while Mr: Winnoe menjpulated the bonca most skilfully, and Mr. {. W. Coney handled the tambourine in a way that showed be was no novice in tho business. ‘The ontire troupe was composed of Mlossrs. A. Winoe, Frank Powors. G. W. Mur, Mobert Beatty, C.G. Ayars, 8. B. Raymond, T. Copetin, ©. H. Duiton, M. B, Iatt, J. C. Humphrey, D. B. Dewey, and L. W. Conkey. ‘Phe singing in the first part was particularly fine, the solos by Messra. Ayars and Powers eliciting tremendous applause, ‘The Old Clock” by Mr. Powers, being encored, as were also the comic ballads by the end meno, Messra. Winne and Conke;. ‘At the conclusion of tho first part, the com- pan} wero first talked to sleep by Winno’s story about Smith, and then driven from the stage in desperation onc by one as he tackled them individually. : ‘Mr. Winne's bons soloin part second challeng- ed criticism, and left nothing to be desired in thet line. He is mastorof the bonea. The stump speech by Mr. Lloyd G. Gage, who was arrayed in 3 linen duszer and white pants suit- able to tho aceasion, was, as the ladies would say, “‘perfocrly killing.” ‘The specch consisted of good local hits upon tho members of the club, and were weil relished by thoso present. ‘The violin, ficte, and pianorecital by Mesars. . Copelin, ©. H. Dutton, and H. A. Cooper was well executed. In a little farce called ‘‘ The Troublesome Ser- vant,” Mr. Rumpbroy showed that he could take the part of that individual without trouble, while ‘Mr. Scott made s good gouty old gentleman. ‘The best thing of the evening in the line of comicalities was the farce w! closed the en- tertainment, called “The Virginia Mummy.” ‘Mr. Winne took the lesding part, or that of the mummy who was hired to keep still. Mr. Muir asthe datkey gitl, Lucy, quite captivated the hearts of several sistersa few shades lighter than himself. ‘Tho psrts were all well taken, and the manner in which the whole performance paseedoff retlects the greatest credit upon its orignator, Mr. Wiane. 4 Quite a number of strangers were present in the audience, and there were noticed from this city Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Crosby, E. Winno and wife, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Richards, Miss Adams, Messrs. F. Boies, Knight, and Salmon. . For the entertainment in two weeks “ Cinder- the old style. ella” is in preparation, which will be brought out with splendid scenic effect. ‘A RICH INTELLECTUAL TREAT was afforded to quite a company of the htcrar7 pennies ‘of Evanston by the invitation of M:ss izzio Boynton Harbert, the authoress, to attend aconversation on Now England authors, which was led by A. Bronson Alcott, at her busband’s. residonce, Friday evening. Inthe arrangements and receiving the guoste Mrs. Harbert was _as- sisted in an ficient manner by irs, Edwin Lee Brown. The parlors were filled completely. ‘Mr, Alcott, who isa white-hogred old gontlo- man, preluded his remarks by saying t all literary merit flowed trom New England, a prop- osition some might be disposed to deny. The statemont was also made that there was no pure American authorsbip-until the firet quarter of the present century. Frantlin, Barrow, Jeffer- son, and Dwight wrote in old English style, while ‘Woshington Irving made use of the Dutch style. The keenest interest was manifested whon Mr. Alcott began to tell of his daughter, Louisa ‘M., the suthoress of “Little Women,” the work by which her renutetion was established. The characters for this work were. drawn not only from real life but trom the family circle, the four girls mentioned in the book being none others than his four daughtera. To tho habit of Keoping a journal began "in oarly life he attrib- ted tho succeas of this literary effort. ‘Mrs. Harber bas the thanks of all who were in attendance for this opportunity of hearing the New England autbora discussed in such ap in- telligent manner. Another conversation will be held Tuesday evening, when more will be able to attend. SURPRISED. ‘Mies Mary Currey waa very agreeably sur- prised by a number of her young frionds, who Uropped in and wpent a social evoning with her Friday night. Dancing and games were the or- der of the ovening, sad were indulged in with zest. Thoro were present Misses Florence Mann, Mattio Newall, Dora Phelps, May Ben- nett, Sudio Bailard; Neltio Mackey, and Katie Spalding, Dr. Marcy and wife; Megara. IL. Wheelor, J. Childs, V. Brainard, A. M. Bennett, A. Currey, Soule, and Parriuh. In addition to the sociable managers of the Methodist Church, Mrs. Prof. W. P. Jones in- ‘yited quite a largo number of her. friends to mect at Lakeside Hall last evoning. The ladies’ bus- bands wore incinded in tho invitations, conso- quently areal lively, sociable timo, mas the gossip, was enjoyed. ‘A RICH TREAT is in store for the children in the public achool Tucsday afternoon, when it is proposed to take them all out eleigh-riding. All people owning sleighs have been requested to send them to the school-house at that hour, when tho young folks will undoubtedly have a jolly time. ‘The young ladies of the Presbyterian Church will holds fair in the church Tuosday ovening. A musical programme hes been arranged, and will be carried out in the course of tho even- ing. r Quito a number of guests enjoyed the hospi- tality of Mr. Charles Randolph and his wifo at their house in South Evanston last Monday, the birthday of Mr, Randolph. hes Alice AM. St. John, woll and favorably known to Evanstonians, bas recently been ap- pointed clerk in the Post-Office. "Phe Baptist Church sociable at the residence of Charles E. Browne, Thursday evening, was a lonsant affair. Tho reading by Miss M. EB. Brown showed excellent cuiture. ‘A rather practical joke was played on the Postmaster, B. A. Clifford, by his clerks, a Indy and gentleman, Wednesday morning, For some reason they formed's ring, and concluded to leave the employ of the Government without notifying his majesty. On his arrival at the office, about 9 o'clock in the morning, he was somewhst sarprised to Sind the office closed, but immediately swore in two fresh clerks, who will not play him such a trick. ———= SUBURBAN GOSSIP. . LAKE FOREST. The event of the week has been the Wash- ington tea party given for sweet charity's sake py the young Isdies of the Missionary Society. ‘All the old tranks in the village wero over- hauled, and the result was amaziog. It was enough to make one wish for the old times baci agsin. With so many ravishing toilettes it is hard to select for mention, but here are a fe Miss Farwell wore a bright sea-groeu silk, with underskirt of pink silk, and 1odia muslin court- train; hair in high puffs and powdered, with pearls woven in and out in a wonderful way ; pearl ornaments, and an immense peari-colored fav. Miss Effie Neef wore a black, peasant waist, with underskirt of brocaded silk and pink satin court-train; hair Pompadour style, pow- dered, with ostrich tips for ornaments. Mise Warren’s costume, green silk with gold orna- meats, sttracted much attontion. Miss Nellie Warren wore an old party dress of her mother’s, white satin, most elaborately embroidered, with white laco overdress, hair high and powdered, and white oatrich tips. Miss Nellie Benedict wore a brocaded silk with train and inwmense puffed sleeves, pearl ornaments, hairin high puffs and powdered. Miss Kitty Skioner wore an old- fashioned broad striped silk with lace fichu, hair puffed lengthwise, with pearls and ostrich tips for ornaments. Auut Deidnmia (Ars. Hotch- Kies) woro a blecte satin dress, puffed sleeves, with old-style laco shawl and collar, and gold beads; hair puffed at the sides. with high gold comb. Dame Smith wore a black silk with short -waist, embroidered muslin tichu snd cuffs, hair high and powdered, with thread-laco cap, old- fashioned gold ornaments. Mias Wells woot as Blartha Waskingtoo, and was dressed as Stuart's picture represents her. The Misses Ward, one in purple and tho other in black satin, attracted attention. Three young ladies from Jerry Hall Sominary appearod in very pretty costumes of Miss Minnie Threkold os Mrs. John Quincy Adams, Miss Covert as Mrs, Madi- gon, and Miss Cain as Mrs. Jay. ‘Mr. John Ferry was dressed as an Indian bravo, with suit of fringed buckskin, war paint, feath- era, andall. Mr. J. V. Farwell, Jr., was dressed as Brother Jonathan, and must have whittled up several fence-ratis in the course of the evening. ‘The guests wore rocoived at the door by Sam~ uel Dent (‘Yashington's servant), dressed in searlet broeches, with white stockinze, kneo buckles, gray surtout, and an immense ruffled shirt bosom. His wig was hugh, curled, and powdered, and if ever thore was a colored fellow-citizeu happy this one was. The supper was very: bountiful, consisting of the good old- fashioned dishes of baked beans, brown bread, chicken pie, Indian pudding, baked apples, ap- plo, mince, and pumpin pies, besides the moro modern ones of ica cream, scalloped oysters, wine jolly, and evory kind of fancy cakos. ‘The music was fine, the sleighing was good, and everything combined to make the evening de- lightful and memorable. Tho programme be- low, which is very good reading, will further ex- plain this affair: A Washington tea-party, In honoure of oure Greste Fether George Washington, Ye Fridaye nyghte din- nerre at ye Dickinson Home, (wh is sete on ye Wash ington avenue, at ye bye-waye of Linden’ avenue). Estynge begins ns soon after ye 6 o'clock trayne, 08 yo menne folkse can make theyra twilyghts. Alle yo fam- ilies of this city are boundo not to take supporre or dinnorre (as ye case may be) on yo Frydaye, ye 25th daye of February, but all ye menne, womenne, and childrenne comeand est all of ye our bountiful boarde. ‘Two shillynges to be payde ta yo old colored servant (of Washington's boay-guard) on coming in. Allo yo shiliynges wh shall come in for this here entertainment are to go for yo sake of all those who need them, Alle ye fine synggerres, Uncle Sabin and his gude wife and kina friond, will be so gude as to synge for us, Hearty thanks be unto them. Other smiuséments wh space and tyme forbid us to speak of will be provided. N. B.—Dinnerre from seven until nine by the clock. N. B.—Forasmuch as ye children aro sometimes troublesome, ye mothers ‘fro requested to sea thai do not eat too much and to give them peppermint if thai do, and to place them under the aeats if so be thaicry obstreporously. N. B. —¥e old Washington’s body-guard will put out alle ye boyse wh slamme ye doors, or wh do throw apple cors on ye floore, N. B,—Alls yo menne folkse are wantod to tye ye horses of yourn under trees or sheddes, and give to them each some fodder so thet thai may not disturb the synggerres while thal synge. (Deacon Barnum has agreede not to turn out his #rin- Gel Cow, she that has a cracked bell and opens gates, for alike reason.) N,B,—Aunt Deldamis and Dame Smythe will be on ye look-out to see thatye young menne do not sten! kisses from ye young womenne wh isnot proper. N.B.—Fathor Lind iadesired not to chaff ye young womenne about ye young menne and s0 put silly notions into theyre hesds, N. B.—Owing tothe predominance of young womenne in our citye, exch young manne may bo allowed to keep company with “one young woman for not more than twenty minutes, snd each young manne may seo two or three young’ womenne home, save that young manne who took only ons to the gude prayermeeting. N. B.—Allo ‘eartes join with one accorde in thanks to our learned Uncle Weston and his most excellent daughter for theyro kynde hospitalitya. The Entre Nous Clab met at Mrs. Neef's. ‘The paper was road amid great applause. Amoog the invited guests were Miss Patterson and Miss Willard, of Highland Park, The latter added very muchtothe enjoyment by her beautiful singing. Last week the Club had a grand eleigh- ride to Highiand Park and back. Next week they meet atthe residenco of airs. J. Y. Far- well. Capt. and Mrs. Sabi have added very much tothe ontertsinment of the young people by having dancing at the Academy every two weeks, anda course of lectures between. ere. has also been a very intereating course of lectures at the Seminary by Mrs. Leonowens. The dramatic corps of the Entre Nous Club have been request- edtorepeat the play ‘‘Icion to Francsis,” but have not yet given their decision, ‘ i -AUSTIN, ; Laut Thursday evening the Austin Club gaves reception at their hall in that village, which called ont many people from Riverside, May- wood, and also from thecity. No pains ssemed to bo spared by the Comittee to make this a most enjoyable affair, and great credit is duo Messrs. Murray, Hopkins, McCarthy, and Weeks for the menner in which the guests were entertained. Some eighty people were present, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Barker, Mr. and Mrs. MoFarland, Mr. and Mra. Snow, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Mr. and ‘Mre. Bassott, Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead, Mr. and Mrs. James Chisholm, Mra. A. G. Cour- gen, and also Messrs. Snow, Hughes, Dale, Sher- wio, and Smith. The toilets werd beautiful, and smong the most striking might be mentioned that of Mrs. AM. Y¥. Murray, who was dreasedin a rich black gros-grain, heavily embroidered with silk and jets. She’ woro ornamonta of Malachite and coral, Another handsome toilet was worn by 3 beaufifal young lady, Miss Eva Hill, of Roches- ter, N.Y.” At was of gray sill, trimmed with blue satia and tulle, with garlands of pink buds. Her ornaments wero pearls. Mrs. Orrin Warner looked vary stylish in black gros-grain, trimmed with thread lace.’ Afra. McFarland, nee Barker, who has just returned from her wedding tour. in the South, and looxed as all brides usually do, —lovaly of course,—wore an ashes of roses gros grain trimmed with beautiful natural flowers, and cameo and pearl ornaments. Mrs. J.J. McCarthy was dressed in stee!-colored_ silk trimmed with point lace, and wore corals, Miss Stewart wore white tarletan over white silk, with natural flowers ia her heirand atthe throat. Mrs. A. G. Courson atiracted considerable attention in mauvo silk trimmed with point applique lace, and ornaments of onyx and gold. Pound furnished the music, and Bowen, of the Austin Hotel, an excellent suppor. ‘WESTERN SPRINGS, A one of our lively subarbs, has been more than usually lively of late. The social of last weak was largely attended at the residence of T. B. Brown, and was s very agreeable affair. Tho following ovening the B. E. S. Club tendered a very pleasant surprise to Mrs. W. A. Samson, and, with music, dancing, and refreshments, the evening was delightfully spent. ‘Last ovening the seme party surprised the family of Mr. 8. Detamater, and enjoyed a lib- eral supply of refreshments and much fine mu- sic on tho piano snd organ by HMre. W. A. Gil- mour and Miss Ella Calkins. The hours flew rapidly by, and the company separated at a late hour in the best of spirits. ———— ANNOUNCEMENTS, i |. PLEASURES TO COME. . ‘The Silver-Leaf will give » social party at the residence of Mr. L. B.:Carpenter, No. 11 North Sangamon street, Tuceday evening. Tho Independents, having finished their regu- Isr series of parties, will give an extra ono at Martine’a West Side Hall Thureday. ‘There will bo asoitee dansente given by the pupils of Mrs. Simons’ Seminary under the tui- tion of Prof. Snow, at Standard Hell, Monday evening. Mrs. Pliny B. Klingman will receive her friends at No. 1853 Wabash avenue, from Feb. 25 to March 25. Sovereignty Lodge, No. 148, I. O. R. B., will ive their fifth annual ball Saturday st North Sige Turver Hall. The Informal Club will meet Tuesday even- ing. ‘The Turnyerein Vorwaerts will give » masquer- ado at Varein Hall, West Twelfth street, Monday ovening. : Another hop will be given at the Bishop Court Hotel Wednesday evening. ‘The managers of the Woman's Hospital are thinking of agrand calico party after Lent. The Liederkranz *Society will give a concert and ball at North Side Turner Hall this evening. ‘Tho ninth anoual ball of the Muiligan Guat will occar at Me Jormick's Hall March 17. ‘fhe Pall Mall Club will give another party af- ter Lent. which is to be the best and finest of ali —ao say those who hope to be present. The Hiawatha Club will hold its next regular assembly at the residence of Judgo Sturtovant, No. 503 Weat Monroo street, Friday evening. The final Sociable of tho Oriental Consistory, 89d, 8. R. P.8., will take place at their asylum, No. 72 Monroo street, 'thursday evening, March 11, Sublime Princes and Koights Tomplar are requested to appear in uniform. ‘Tickets used for tho past four sociables will be good for this, The Home Dancing Club will give a “calico” party for the benefit of the temporance cause at ‘Wood's Music Hall, corner Green and Washing-. ton streeta, Monday evening, March 8. : Acalico ‘hop and musical ontertainment will be held by Kilwinning Lodge, No. 311, A. F. and A. M., at Corinthion Hall, 187 East Kinzio gtreet, Tuesday evening, March 2 A cordial invitation is extended to the fraternity. ‘The Gardon City Dramatie Cinb bad s rehear- eal last avening, and will soon favor the public with the production of two popular pieces, which will be put on the stage much more com- pletely than is generally dose by amateurs. HUMOR. A pair of tights—Two dransards. How to make a clean eweep—Wash him. A pair of rubbera—A washerwoman’s bands. Red hot—The trade-mark letters on 9 warm stove. Dentist ballad—‘'Ob, who can tell the jaws we feel ?” The mummies belonged to the first families of Egypt. Lament of the sidewalk—' Everybody is down on me.” od The Irish are 8 hopetal people; they slways try to wake the dea When is s small baby likes big banker? ‘Whon he is a wroth-child. - Mies Claflin says the man doosn’t lave that can be Governor of Tennie C. “ Ah! glorious weather this,” says tho doctor; “gplendid ran of broken legs lately.” ‘There ia nothing so effective in bringing a man up to the scratch as s healthy and high-epirited flea. Phe attention tho Speaker of the House secures by the use of hig gavel is rapped atten- tion. Red used on a railroad signifies danger, and seys stop. it is the same thing displayed on a man’s noso. “If thore is a place for everything,” inquires a doubter, ‘ where is the place for a noil 2” On your enemy’s nose. Yonkers Gazelle: Why is sstoro that doesn’t advertise like Enoch Arden? Because it “sees no sale from day to day.” The rural correspondent who anxiously in- quires concerning Sanserit, is informed that it is the languege which the Sanacritters used to ‘The song of the Washington youth—“'I want to bes lobby man and in the lobby stand, with brass upon my forehead and greenback: in my hand.” A Pennsylvanian bosats that he makes a soap that would * wash a politician's character white as snow.” There must be a good deal of “lye” about that soap. «For hoaven’s sake, lend me $5,” said a desti- tute man to his friend, ‘I havo had nothing in my honse to eat for fourdays butrice.” ‘+ Rice Us said the other, “if Thad known yon had riceI would have come around to dinner.” Young Mr. Sauermilch, of Pennsylvania, is an applicant fora cadetship at West Point. It is melancholy to reflect that though he should do- yelop the military genius of = ‘Hannibal, he can never represent the cream of the army. A party of men animatedly engaged in discuss- ing politics before « country store attracted the ‘attention of an aged agriculturist. ‘There's somethin’ the matter hero,” he observed to hia wife; and, drawing in his team, ho lightly shonted toa consumptive individual on the out- skirts * What's afoot?” ‘Twelve inches,""was the sardonic reply. The aged agriculturist swore somo and drove on. Cruel!—Smith (usually a shy, reserved, and silent man) tells a rather long, but orberwise en- tertaining, etory about an orange, which me2ts with great success. Brown (when the laughter and applause have subsided)—* Bravo, Smith! Capital, old man! But, Tsay, you told it better one night at Jones’, a few months ago!” Jones—*No, no! Where be told it best was that morning we vreakfasted with you, Brown, somewhore about the beginning of the year be- fore last!” fe ‘Mr. B——-vas a noted penny-s-liner, who had written much in the way of novelettes,. and earned quite an extensive reputation in fiold in his younger days. A few years ago he wsa ono day reviewing the incidents of his literary career with an old friend, when he re- marked, ‘I have during my literary life received a great many puffs and flattering notices, from the press.” “And that, of couree, eaid the friend, was very gratifying.” ‘You will say remarkably so,” was the reply, ‘* when I tell you Sha it ‘one exception, 1 wrote them all my- THE FLOOD OF 1849. Special Causes Which Occa- sioned Kt. Description of the Scenes on the South Branch and Main River. Serious Destruction of Property and Loss of Life, _ Possibilities of Its Recurrence. Chicago’s great calamities have been from flood and fire. The temporary style of build- ing the great city, with combustible materi- al, because wo cannot wait to build befter, has taade the calamity of fire one to be looked for. But that a city situated as Chicago is, on the top of # plain, with no hills or mountains; near no water courses, with foaming torrents; no ele~ vated reservoir, with a pent-up deluge eadanger- ing, but on s river so sluggish 28 to have @ cur- rent to run either way as the wind might blow, should be subject to » devastating flood, isa most remarkable phenomenon. And yet we had just such an one, which was Chicago's greal.cal- amity that stands second to its calamity of fire; and this food disaster occurred within a few days of twenty-six yearaago, to-wit: onthe 12th day of March, 1849. FEW OF THE PRESENT POPULATION OF CHICAGO know anything in particular about that flooa, or how it came, snd the extent of it, so great bas been the growth and obange of population in our midst. They will read an account of it with a8 much interest as they williead the leat grest important fact made into news, xs telegraphed from a neighboring city as having occurred but yesterday. Some of our old citizeus, and those having valuable property in ebips or on docks on the river, who have been reminded of this great flood, and think the conditions are similar, stand in some fear at the present time that the event is sbout to bo repeated. ‘The circumstances are similar inasmuch 23 now, asthen, the immense surface of prairie country west and north that hasa drainage towards Chicago is covered with a cont- ing of ico and snow t has sealed up the sloughs and water-courses, and every avenue by which the surface-water might sink nstorally in- tothe earth. The Despisines River and Salt Creek are frozen to the bottom, except in the few places where there are deep holes. All the rivers in the country are very low; the wet slonghs have for some years past been turned into dry ground, the marshes and ponds have disappeared, ao destitute of rain hevo the few pest years been. if the earth were not covered with this coating of ice and frozen soul, the thira- ty ground would soak up a rain of foriy days and forty nights like » sponge, and be none the worss for it. Nature is more than thesa forty days behind with its water- ing-pot. Much extra rain will be required to fill the channels and low grounds before they will overflow to deluge other flacos. But it is true, if we were to bave seasonof copious rain at the present time, the water would SLIDE OVER THE GLASSY PRAIRIE, in all the lowest ontlets, into the greater chan- anels of the river, like rivalets down a mountain side, and leave no drops behiod to refresh the spriogs end wella. All our suburban towne are suffering for water. Bat at the time of the great flood the springs were full and rivers ready to ove:flow their bahks. In the winter of 1948-9 there came carly rains and light snow, that froze inte 3 coating of ice like the present condition of the couatry. This formed a shell to keep the subsequent suow and rain-falis all on the surface. Then followed a succession of heavy snows, so that in the begin- ning of March there was a body of snow on tho earth which had been unequaled ia amount for imapy yeers. The body of snow is not cow great. In tant respect we are not subject to so great a peril. Areference to the map of this section of the State will show at a gisnce THE CAUSES THAT MAKE A FLOCD. such as have bad, possidle. Nearly tro- thirds of Lake County, nearly allof the north part of Cook, aud a tier of townuhips of the cast of DuPage County, are so drained by nature that the surplus water of this extensiva@aroa may bo thrown into Chicago River. Mora than twenty townehips. or 720 square miles, are so drained by the neighboring rivers; the North Branch, having ita head in the great Skokie Marsh, which lies wout of tho towns on the laxe shore, betxeen Evanston and Hyde Park, and the River Des- piaines, whieh takes its mse in Wieconsin, and traverses tho loagth of Lake County almost paraliel with the lake, from'S to 5 miles from the shore, passing Chicago about 10 miles weet of the South Branch on its courss to tho south, running parallel with the canal from the summit ‘til ‘it forms the head waters of the llinois at its junction with the Kankakee. ‘The Desplaines is joined by the Salt Creek, a con- aiderable river of DuPage County, beforo it reachea the vicinity of the summit level on the Ilinois & Michigan Canal. Above the summit, and before the conjuuction of these two rivors, is the original high level of THE WATER SHED between the Iake and the Ilinois, and the low flat by which the Indians ic early times found a water-path for their canoes through the original Mund, Lake, which is now centralized in the Ogdéh & Wontworth Canal. The water in the Desplaines 18 eo near on level with the lake that it may sometimes be a free choice whether Heat go to Lake Michigan or the Afississippi ver. Now, in the winter of 1848-9, we find that there was a heavy body of snow on the und, over- Iaying a coating of ice that had been formed in the early pert of the winter. In the beginning of March there camo heavy rains that sunk into the snow as into a bank of sand. This was fol- lowed in a few days by unusually warm weather, with a rain fitted for the temperature of Alay, under which the body of snow went down like wax in, tho flame, and tho atmosphere was steaming with evaporation. The waters poured ja floods inte all the natural outlets for a day or more. JHE NORTH BRANCH overflowed its banks, but no damage was done jn that direction, as it bad a brosder surface, like that of tha Skokie, on which to distribute the surplus water. From a much wider source the melting snow and rain poured into tho Des- plainos. The strong thick ice of the river was soon broken up and carried down the stream in large masses, until near the summit level on the canal it formed a gorge, damming up the water so that it OVERFLOWED INTO MOD LAKE and thecanal, and from these two sources poured the vast accumulation of the whole region around into theeo pent-up channols, tae only relief to abice was through the South Branch into the lake. Early on Monday morning, the 12th of Bfarch, this torrent broke into the South Branch, and the thick ice gave way under the presuare. The river had been made ‘the suppot safe-harbor- age for the winter of a largo nulnber of capal- boats that had been tied up by the shore, or ran into the numerous sloughs or inlets that put into the river bank, and some were drawn up bish and dry-on the shore. Ins number of the bosis resided the families of those who had care of them for the winter. Schooners and sloops were laid up along the frail docks for the wioter, stripped of their sails and rigging. There were then only two bridges on the Soath Branch, at Madison and Randolph stroets, which were low, floating on bulks, and were insignificant strac- tures comparea with the presert bridges. The ice, breskang st the head of the current, was borne slong, and piled up in masses as the tide bebind impelled it on with irresistible force toward the main branch, damming up the water behind which OVERFLOWED INTO TIE STREETS. _ Breaking over the obstructions which its own force raised up, the tide rushed on, taking the canal-bosts, crushing them or lifting them high upon tha ice-cakes, dragging the schooners from their moorings, tearing up the piling and 5 ing the timbers of the docks tomake room for its courses,—the torrent rushed on, taking Madison street bridge, then Randolph street, sweeping them sll down in s compact mass with the schoonerssnd caual-boats, crushing in the tco, untilit encountered the adverse current from the North Branch, when it took A NEW AND WILDER RUSE down the main branch towards the Jake. The bridges at Wella and Clark streets went ai a blow, and sil swept into the lake. In this part of the harbor were laid up the larger craft, and farther down, at the bend of the river below State street, andnear what we called the garrisen in those days, now Rush street bridge, were Inid up steamers and propellers. Theso vee- sels were all uofit for sea, neither having —_ rigginy on board nor their machinery in order. ‘The owners realized the peril they wero i, from the impending Sood and the crush of ice, boats, and bridges down upon them, yet refused to cut their vessels free when thera waa a chance of their escaping mto the lake, choosing rather to risk the present dan- ger than the unknown perils of laving their vessoly driven upon the water, to be buffeted without control on the waves and driven upon the shores. This made the damage in the river all the greater. A few of these ships were torn from .heir fastenings in the main branch. were driven out upon the lake, and rode the seas alone, and wero allthe safer for their freedom. It would have been muoh batter for the shipping interest bad the owners permitted the whole fiotiato have gone to sca without rndder or compass, sails or rigging, or man to guide, SOME OF THESE LABGLR VESSELS, unable to resist the current, broke from the piers, turned their sidés to the stream, tore out the pilmg or snapped their cablos,” striking against others as they swept down, broke them away, when they were drawn into the impendiug mass swosping down the river, tearing away docks, as woll as ships of every grade, and every obstruction. Said sn eye-witness: “Thus moved on tho floating masa, vessels, cakes of ice, timbers, etc., raking agaist the wharves, tearing up or breaking off the piles, crushin down the docks, and crowding their timbers an planks upon the shore or into the warehouses, and sweeping boxes and barrela into the stream to mingle with the confusion. .No power was ad- equate to check its course, or to turn the current of destruction, Veasel stove against vessel, hull rushing on buil, chains clapking, anchors draz- ing, cables "parting ke bornt flax, and spars svapping like reeds,—masts and cables entangling, breaking, and crashing, ‘the fleet of wrecks worried on through a namber of blocks in the heart of the city. The canal- boats and amallor Iske craft were crushed and broken into splintera, between tho heavier and stronger frames of tho larger vesacla. The eail- ors vainly endeavored to guide their ill-fated ves- sels, check their progress with chain or cable, cr to haul uptoapier, or do something to savo them from impending destruction. Feetle wie the hand of man, and all human aid was nought, to help or eave. Women and children, sho fam- dies of the Captains aud sailors who resided ca board, were secn on some of the boats screaming with fright and begging for help. ‘There was no nelp or relief that could be extended to those on. board ; their only chance wes to await the fate of their veasel, and then to leave by scrambling over the debris, or escape by boat when at Isst it should come to rest inthe goneral crash that awaited all. Many lives were lost.” This is a vivid and true picture of the scene as the athered mass of the shipping of the harbor took its « new impotas at tho so-called basin, and moved down through the heart of the city, gathering up everything from shore to shore as it moved on, accumulating in bulk as it passed each pier and warehouse, till it reached THE BEND OF THE RIVER BELOW STATE STREET. ‘There and below the owners of larger vessels had persisted in retaining their ships tied to their docks. These were torn partly loose and tarned around into the stream, where they were crushed and wedged in by the raft above coming dowa apoa them; and hero. with a fearfal crash, and the breaking in of abips’ sides, and the lift- ing up of halls, and breating off of masts, and wedging in together, the moving mass slowly came quivering and quaking to a dead-bult, forming a dam across the river, Against this the tide rose, pree8ing harder and harder upon the jam of wrecks. The water rose in the rivar above, settling back into the streets, up through Water to Lake street. Some vain and dangerous attempts were made to CUT FREE THE VESSELS hanging by the cables at the lower end of the jam. We remember the attempt of Asa F. Bradley to cut with anax the links of au inch- and-a-half iron cable that held one ond of a pro- peiler to the shore, to get it frea to relieve the pressure fromthe raftabove. Every now and then s crushing movement would take place that seemed tothrill the whole wedged mass. Over the broken sides and masts escsped the few sailors who were left aliveon board when the vessels came into the jam. About 12 o’clocs afew of the veesels wero libersted, and took their departure into the lake; among them was the steamer Globe. This took away a part of the barriar, against which the mass rested. Tho vessels having beon at rest for some time, peo- pend clambered upon the decks and on tho roken spars to survey the ruins around. Thea the jam took ‘A NEW GENERAL MOVEMENT afew feetdown the stream, causing a terrible stampede from those on board, who were fearf) of alaunch in that condition onto the bros lake, snd they mado their hasty exit with much difticuity. Here tho jam came to its firm amd final rest, till removed, after the labor of som. weeks, by piccemeal, after the flood hed suk sided. This cslamity brought the whole of Chicags ont to witness the thrilling sight, which ha pendd in the space of a fow hours, aad all look- ing on with fear, conscious of their inability to do the feeblest thing to stay the digaster. All the bridges of the Sonth aod main branch were swept away, 80 that there was no passago from the Soath Sido to other -sections of the city. ‘The shipping n the North Branch was not dam- aged, as there was no clearing out from that river, though the water was very high and the current strong; but fortunately the ice held, and the shipping remained to their moor- ings till the flood went down. The South Branch from the canal, and tae main chancel, above the great jam ac the bend of the river, were swept nearly clean, taking the docks,—which wore thon generally of frail structure. The water continued to riso and rash down the whole length of ti rivor with fearfal velocity after thé way had been swept clear by the firstrush. It is said that 5 * TBE FORCE WAS 89 STRONG that it greatly benetited tho harbor by dredging out, down to hard bottom, all the silt that had gradually been filling up the channel. Aw the water rose in the river, canal-boats and schooners that had at first escaped were set sfloat or broken from their fastenings, and, ox they came down buoyant upon the rapid current, nearing the jam that joined the dam, were sucked in and broken in fragments, and nover a piece tbat could be identitied ever seen after. Some of these canal-boate striking the jam end- wise. tie forward end pitching down, the reat ald be lifted in the air, and, like, » flash, pear, asif plunging over o cataract. ‘Tha cacrent, which was dammed up so a8 to flow back into the streets, dug its way under this immense raft, drawing us every light thing as in 8 macistrom, and came belching out below, bringing only mud and sruialerty which were rapidly swept off into the 2. ‘THE PICTURE-MAKERS of the day improved the opportunity by taking dagnerreotypes of this sceno of the coufased mass of spars and hulls that formed the raft in the river, which, aftor all, gave but » feeble. im- pression of the reality. Itis hoped that these have not entirely perished, and some photoz- rapher should take the hint to reproduce them in the more complete style of the art at the pres ent time. It was estimated that half o: the shipping laid the winter ~ in this Nearly io de all the canal-boats were lost. All the bridges, except one on the North Branch, were sweps away. "Ad a hike southwost wind kindling a fire in the wooden section of our city mizht produce snoth- or conflagration,so a like heavy body of snow mpon the ice surface of the country, as we have it at the present time, accompanied with a heavy, warm rain, and a damming up again of the Des- plaines, might make a flood in the Chicago Riv- er more disastrous than that of 1849. None of the natural causes have been removed. A con- junction of circumatances is all that is needed to accomplish 3 like resule. A TRIBUTE. TOH.M. A. And is it mine the tark to write ‘Thy purity of mind and heart? Ob! pause one moment, and invite Some gifted, worthier pea than mine . ‘To yield the tribute, anc impart Its genius to ennoble thine. ~ ‘And do you ask of meto bring ‘An offering from the reams of song? 4 happlar Mure then mine ahould sing Of pleasures that for you must be: 'y happiness has perished long; No broken hopes ahoald come to And still the task you sek of me ‘Ah! might I to thy life imoart Such joya as I shall never sec, ‘With pieosure would I greet thee th ‘And abield from Sorrow's every ‘With my unworthy, bumble pen. Goains shines from thy lofty brow fire gleama from thins eye; ‘Thy cheek with hectic flashes now, ‘And thy frail strength consumes S57, = ‘As sunset’s splendors fade and dla After the glories of the day, Life's sorrows from And every joy will with thoo Dae, we -Accept the offering that I bring, Taworthy as it is of thee ; Abappler Muse than ming will sing ‘Thy worth, at no far distant time,— But noue, of lova or constancy,