Evening Star Newspaper, December 24, 1875, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, Sundays Excepted, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, Penssyivenia —— corner 11th Street, Bw The Evening Star Newspaper Oompany 8. H. KAUBFMANN, Pres't. psalm need EVENING STAR ts served caries steers as kes Ocise ren weanr on Four OENT: PER MONTE 0 CENTS Back. By mi 4 prepard—66 amonth: siz months. 93.00; one year, 96. WEEKLY STA’ a SPECIAL NOTICES. => NEW JERUSALEM TEMPLE, North O01 itol street, between B snd H 0 —Bervice Saa- MEMORIAL CHU (4: street moni aveuue; yasior, J. G. Bi rize.—Ser- ¥ioe of praise Cnr.sapay day from 7 to § ociock tu the morning. Chi Sermon, Sai or ing st 11; Onildren's rervice at 7 p. m. ‘Tree Tuesday night TSS. AEIENG OF THE WeTKo BRANCH OF EVANGEL DE. for the elec ion of officers, to arraaze for and other business, witl be th instant, at] o'clock p.m., ‘M.O.A ic L ALLI- CS er oe PEM ASU BANCE COMPANY @F WASHINGTON AND R TOWN. FE an 1, Over jamk of ‘ —The Sieckhviders cf the Firemen's pany will meet at their office on MONDAY ry 3. 1876. between tre nours of 10 a he purpe co of electing thir for the «neu {Kep.| pany, cor: a and P OE WEDNESDAY, the mth day of J anuary, 1576. The polls will be opeaed at 12 m_., and closed 2p at sks will be closed on the lth of Jan pened January 13. 1376. HuBT, P.evident 1. 5 SES, Secretary decd td Crit PEWS IN THE NEW ASOENSI BING CHURCH will be rented oo MONDAY EVE- j. the 27th inst., at 7 oclock. The Vestry hope all persons desiring to rent will be present at the revting. are: MARKET— WESTESN . between 19th and 2th ill be held in this mar- DaY¥, ember 28, .) commencing at 5'o'clock a. m., m. Ho market will be held Sat- J. W. BOOTH, Market Master "WASHINGTON MARKET OOMPANY — ‘Tne Annual M-ctiag of the Stockholders of Pe Waskington Market Company will be held at the Office of the Cc the market grounds i the city ef Washingt: ck Doom on the FIRST MONDAY, be: of January, for the en’ year, and to act on any other subject withia er Of the corporation ENS. D. Wil Wasatincton, D.C ; Dec. 20, ¥ NOTICE TO C¥-HOLDBRS. Meteat Fire Ixs. Co, Ww TON, December M4, 1875. Policy holders are hereby noutied to renew their Insurance (for 1576) at the office of the company, on er before MONDAY, Dec. %ih, 1875. Iu order to fave time and avoid the crowd, come ssveral cays befo last Monday. J. WESLEY BOTELER, Sec’s RAMES, &c.. 1 and sts 7th street, above New Vork decis OFFics ¢ BOOKS, YOUNG MENS CHSISTIAN ASSOC T h and D streets. BE BEARY, FARLOR AND CON BOuMS. EVENING CLASSES IN @RAMMAK, and “ SOCIBTY; DAILY PRAYEI GS. at 121) sn §p. mm; SABBATH SER- VICES in Lincotn Hall 3: m, Incted by ofthe Asssocistion; Music, led by precenta: Young Men's (exciu. +6 p.m. Young men cordially in- dec7-tr WEST'S AL\DDAW SECURITY PRATT'S ASTRAL, A yare O1U8 van be had from GEORGE EY. EAL, Ja 9 a ee PiTMAN'S SHOBT-HAND eer teacher at Hoys's mF Band's church, 43 street northwest. Full LEARN Sind an AND CHOCOLATE, Pw 4 Frasrant, WITH MILBUEN'S UNBIVALLED £0DA, 1429 PeyxsYLvaNia AVENUE, near Willard’s. SEE DIPLOMA of Holmes’ Old Dan af the Mountain Liver St Dr. Geo. iM How- store. corner 7th and I Borthwest. for the detection of Se Se EL La Le oct’ 108" | JOBNSON & 00., BANKERS, Corner cy th Sirest and Pennsyivania Avenue, Desiers in Government end District Securities. Poreign Exchange and Gold. eeplt-ly iS EB. OFFLBY or KERS, Sraxers, men. cue tr AWER BIPTEENTH aNd F CenTyracte Trearery Dow BAK OF DEPOSIT, EXCHANGE, &c. Deal in GOLD, Government and District BONDS, Foreign EXCHANGE, &c. ‘Ccllections made on all potnts. Apvestment Securities on Commission. maré-tr | aes & CO. * * BANKERS, _spls-tr 1429 F street, “>> EVER' TLL HAVE IT! — The OS Ente Stace “CENTENNIAL MEDAL.” A ir illustrating the growth UMM GoRakY beszie, aR BUILDINe, ARKLL co., F* NOP Te Bo. 2297 Pewnxsyivayia AYENTE, Gencine Pebble Spectacies. C, * Davinsen & co., . BALTIMORE, Pr deeT-1y at MD. OLOCcKES STATUABY. PUT UP CO! IN WASHINGTON FREE OF ‘The Largest and Handsomest Stock im the Country. MPLETE CHABGB GOODS RETAILED aT § Linenty of WHOLESALE PSIORS. Bo. ON AUTIMORE, MD. decW-191stp BAZILIAN PEBBLE SPECTACLES. B H. H HEMPLEK, ‘OPTiCiAN, 8 dec. trist: corner 4% street. TA SACBIFI Ove Light LAN DAULBT, three cireviar front (OU PES, Ly AY, alt nearly new. it of pew and seco ES and BUGGIES, on hand at PLD. SCuMIDE SCO. 3. No. 319 Ib ete bee Cand Dew. Brady's NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, NESYLVANIA AVENUE. LETWEEN O29 PENBORLAND Tru STREBIS. Brady has the pleasure of announcing to selends und the public thet betas revaraed a Wate ‘of the best artists, all tne recent ‘ements in the P 2413 PE. Avz., bet, lth and 12th sts, pauceisr: 1CINES AND JEMICALS. Besse ap! PI Ee VLLET GOODS Ui Sau ane roorm BRUSHES, MOUVERATE PRICES. 3 Svonue, between Lith 111 sacred ! end 12th Che vening Star. *. 46—N2. 7,097. WASHINGTON, D. C., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1875. TWO CENTS. EVENING STAR.' DOUBLE SHEET. Washington News and Gossip, GOVERNMENT Recetprs To-pAy.—Inter- nal revenue, $101,155.89; customs, $145,162.94 THE AMOUNT Of national bank note cur- rency received at the Treasury to-day aggre- gated $7 total for the week eading to- day, $2,052, JANUARY INSTEREST.—The Secretary of the Treasury has directed tne payment of the January interest, to commence oa Mon- day next, without rebate. THE PRESIDENT retvraed from New York last evening, and among those who had in- terviews with him today were Maxey, and Representative H2uacock, of Texes. THE Com™MIssionEs of Internal Revenue denies that be has the legal! right to prescribe the quantity of malt that shall be equivalent toa barrel of beer for purposes of taxation, which right has been contested by the Brew- ers’ Association. ATTORNEY GENERAL P’{ERREPONT says there is no truth in reports that have been circulated that the President 1s in favor of pardoning Joyce, who was recently conv: ¢4 at St. Louis of complicity in the whisky fauds. A CONSCIENCE STRICKEN BRITISHER.— The Commissioner of the Internal Revenue has received a $10 note from @ conscienca stricken individual in London, who says it is due the United States, and requests a knowledgement in the personals of the York //eraid, With the signature “P. H. A DECISION WANTED.—The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has submitted to the Attorney Genera! the question as to whether dividends due non-resident alien stock. holders of the Illinois Central railroad sua’! be paid to said stockholders or to the com- pany, as claimed by the latter. The Attor- ney General will render a decision on Mon- day. THE MONFY OXDER OFFICE of the post office in this city will be removed from its present location to room 15, in the west cor- ridor of the general post office building, by the Ist of the New Year. The room. waich has been appropriately furnished, is much more convenient in foint of location, and is beiter adapted to the transaction ‘of the money order business than the one at present in use. WEDDING AT THE METROPOLITAN CHURCH.—Metropolitan M. E.charch was. crowded last evening at 6 o'clock by the rel- atives and numerous friends of Mr. Clarence H. McEwen and Miss Bettie Haveuner, on the occasion of the marriage of the couple namcJ. The groo.a is a highly appreciated clerk in the Sixth Auditor's office, and the bride is the charming and accomplished darzhter of a muca_respected citizen, Mr. Jobn F. Havenrer. The ceremony was per- sormed by Rev. Dr. Newman, after which a pleasant reception was held at the residence of Mr. Hayeuner, and the w-ddei eonple took the 9 o'clock train for New York. Messrs. E. Graves, B. Hay, Toomas K. Rowe, F. J. Tibbitts, F. Rowe and E. Smoot were the ushers at the church. NAVAL ORDERS —Lieutenant Commander Edwin T. Woodward, ordered to the Vanda- lia as executive, J0th January next; Ensigns Orin E. Lasher, Frank A. Wilner, Ten Eyck D. W. Vecder, and S. W. B. Diehl, Passed Assistant Paymaster J. Porter Loomis, Gun- ner Sarmuel D. Hines and Acting Carpenter Solon H. Maloon, to the Vandalia, 10th Jan- uary next; Lieutenant Commander John McGowan, ji s his detachment from the Juniata, Ew in station, on 29th ult., by Rear Admit Worden, and has been anted permission to remain in Europe; Firentenant Henry O. Handy, from the coast survey. fae instant Dent; ul wep p Pru cis M. T, ial duty And ordered to the Vandalia, 1 january, Master John W. Danenhower, from tbe Cojorado on the 3ist Instant apd ordered to the Vandalia, loth January; Ecarswain John Hall, from the navy y£.a, Boston, on 3ist instant, and orders; 16 the Vandalia, i0th January. ——_—ore A FASHIONAPRLE WEDDING.—Blooming- ton, Iilinois, was excited over @ fashionabie wedding on Wednesday evening, the con- tracting parties being Lercngt Sion Swayne, &@ manufacturer of Toledo, Obio, son of Jus- tice Swayne, and Miss Sallie Worthington Davis, daughter of Justice Davis, Judge [nc ge colaborer on the Supreme Court bench. The ——— at Judge Da- vis’ residence. The bride eutered leaning on the arm of her father, and Mrs. Davis on the arm of Justice Swayne, and the ceremoay was performed by Rev. John McLean, for- merly pastor the First Presbyterian cburch of Bloomington, under whose ral care Miss Davis had worshipped from her childhood. The invited guests were from all parts of the Union, and included many prominent persons. Judge David Davis is a native of Ceci! county, Md., and went, at the of 25, to Illinois, where, after a year nt in Pexin, he settled to practice law at icomington. While studying law at Lenox, Mass., he had made the acquaintance of Miss Sarab, daughter of Judge Walker, of that state, who became his wife. THE PHILADELPHIA METHODISTS AND BisHop Haven.—The ministers of the M. E. Chureh, in Philadelphia, held a meeting on Tuesday evening, at which Kev. T. Sher- man pi @ vote of approval for what is kvown as the “third term” of Bishop Haven, which was objected to by several members of the meeting. Dr. Wood- ruff stated that it was pot intended to have any political signification, but simply the enstomaty complimentary vote. After this explanation the meeting unanimously adopt- ed the resolution. A FIENDISH AC Highland Falls, N. named Paul Ravcom r. Bergh’s agentat arrested a man cruelty to animals. a quantity parts of his horse for It appears that the wretch of turpentine over the hi and deliberately set tire 2 it. The poor beast wson was horribly burned. a was tried before Justice \ bby, who sentenced “him to the Orange county common jail for one aun- dred days and topay a fine of $25. VERDICT AGAINST THE BALTIMORE AND On10 RAILRoaD Company.—The suit of rs. Sherman against the Baltimore and Ohio railroad company was concluded in the cireult court of Shenandoah county, Va.,on Saturlay with a verdict in favor of the intift for $3,000. Her busband, Nathaniel Sherman, was run over and killed a de lacoed part of a freight train in 1874, and the suit was to recover damages for his loss. RAILROAD COLLISION.—A. trata Nashville Great ¢ Louisville, South Yan into the rear end of a freight train, yesterday, near Louisville, Ky. Frank Moore, ‘ofthe in, jared on the and valghtly ure All the passengers. ex- i caped Ljury. The ‘anda number of freight cars were UNDERTONES. The absurdity of the idea entertained by many Congressmen,—by a majority of them, it may be said,—that first-class works of art an be got for the adornment of the national eapital by advertising for proposals snd samples, as they do for fuel, seating-wax, ete., is very forcibly illustrated by the recent experience of the Boston committee charged with the duty of erecting a memorial statue of the late Mr. Sumner in thatcity. After carefully examining and weighing the merits of all the models sent in, they finally rejected the be.t thrce which had been accepted for award of contract for one of them, in accord- ance with the terms of the competitive arrangement, and decided to give a commis sion for the work to Thomas Bail, the et to final rejection by the com- mittee. This leaves the artist free to do his best work, under the inspiration of his best moedts and conditions, w.thout the embar- rassment of trying to carry cut the ideas of other people, who, by the way, are quite likely to know nothing about art. In no other way can first-class pictures or seulp- ture ever be obtained. Not ouly this, but as a rale the best artists refuse to enter into competitive exhibitions of this kind, so that the field of selection is generaily limited to the efforts of mere tyros, or those who have not yet obtained a recognition and standing as artists. What does the high-flying sublimated sort of musical cr.ticism so often met with in the big newspapers amount to, any way? The readers doa’t understand it; the artists are rarely satisfied with it; and, as a fact, nobody believes 1t. And little wonder, as to the latter, particularly. It is claimed by friends of the former musical critic, lately deceased, of oue of the many “‘ieading Amer- jean newspapers” published in New York, that he brought more than $30,000 worth of advertisements of musical instruments, ete.. to its columns,—*‘and this in addition to the ordinary standard announcements of that class: At this rate,a musical critic is a truly valuable and probably @ necessary ad- Junet to a “leading newspaper,”—in @ Pe: cuniary int of view; but the question which will disturb the reader is whether the reviews of the critic were written in the in- terest of the public or of the advertising col- umns aforesaid. Either way, the revelation is a sickening commentary upon the value of the “intelligent and independent criti- cism” one reads so much about now-a-days. ete A goose died recentiy in the Garden of Pianta, at Paris, which was shown by un- questioned documentary evidence to have been two hundred and three years old a: the time of her death. This seems at first read- ing to be a ripe old age, even for a goose; but in our city markets one may occasio: bry one,—and not infrequently @ pair of ducks,—if toughness may be taken a3 evi- dence, a good deal older. Inde-d, if dryness and resistance count for anything, a couple of centuries would not seem to be a very great age for a chicken. Sed The pian whieh was first suggested and urged in this column @ long time azo, of put- ting @ placard or time-tabie on the letter- boxes throughout the city to show at what hours the mail matter deposited therein will be removed to the post office for mailing, has at last been adopted by the powers that be. But in part, only; for, while these useful bulletins may be found on maay of the boxes In the business parts of the city, they are conspicuously absent from those located in the move remote portions of the tow.» where such info, mation is reaiiy more im- pees. or rather more difficult to obtain, n in the central parts of the city near the post Office, and where, perhaps, the collec- Uons are made oftener. The device is so useful, sosimple, and costs so little, either in money or trouble, that there Is really BO good reason to be given for not making its application universal. Wil! not the proper authorities therefore ziv- the neccessary in- structions to ius end? Where to much’ can be accomplished with so little, it Jeems in- excusable not to utilize that litle to the utmost. : “Judge not; the workings of bisbra'a Ana of bis heart thou canst po: see; What leoks to thy dim eyes a stain, tn God light may on! de Accar, trom some weil-won field, Where thou wouldst only faint and yiel: “The look, the air that frets thy ‘May be a token that below ‘The soul has closed in deadly. Whose glance would scorch tay mali grace, ance would ecot . Rud east thee shuddering on thy face® ate The efforts to convert the Centre Market- house into a battiemented castle and the old National Hotel into a Venitian palace seem to be earnest enough, but there is danger that they will hardly reach, so to speak, in an archiicctural sense. ate query propounded above as to the value of musical criticism is by no means limited in its application to music alone. It is, indeed, applicable with equal force to all branches of art,—to painting and sculpture, as well as to music and the drama, and, io fact, to everything in regard to which no absolute and visible or tangible standard can be set up, and where much must neces- sarily be left to individual taste and judg- meni. And this, too, irrespective oi the baser elements of injary consideration or personal favoritism or prejadice, which too often enter into the case. The theat- rical debut of Oakey Hall in New York | last Savurday evening affords a most strik- ing illustration on is point. The ver- dict rendered on this interesting event by the newspaper gentlemen of that city who Assume to have all knowledge of things per- taining todramatic art in their special keep- ing, is 8o conflicting in character as to leave the reading public entirely at sea as to whether Mr. Hall's effort was a complete success, only tolerably gocd, or a flat failure. One of ‘the critics, for example, says he pre- sented himself throughout simply as Oakey Hall; that in not one of the dramatic situa- Uons of the play ‘did he for @ moment suc- ceed in getting himself outside of his own sbell;” that “his visage is fixed, severe, and inexpressive; bis voice hacd and metallic, bis action angular and wooden.” Another records it that the ex-Mayor “acts like one boro to the stage,” and that “his success WAS DOt only unequivocal, but as well de- served as It was unequivocal.” A third says: “Mr. Hall's task, which was very difficult, and which demanded the most delicate and carefui treatment, has been successfully car- tied out fp fourth Ca i rer rage tad adoption of a new profess: yy saying tnd plot of the pi fm 4 lan- t that, “with time he will, no doubt, achieve what all bis fri ane cess.” * * More might be quoted places? Alack and Alas! If the wicked ebaps up about the Imperial Hotel get to selling pools on the publisher of the travel- ing parson’s next book, it is clear that the Harpers will sell very low down in the List. ate “Dear, dear, what an age of progress and high-priced toys this is!” is the way tt struck an elderly lady on Pennsylvania ave- = yesterday. At least that is what she sald. — HOW NEWS IS GATHERED. Old-Time Journalism and the New. Thirty years ago, nay, less, instead of the corps of representatives of the press now es- tablished m Washington, the best newspa- pers of the land were content to await the slow process of mails (uo fast ones then) to bring them the newstrom this politicalcenter. What Congress did Monday usually reached them Friday. Their writings were as poo- derous as their notions. They had more idea of didatic flourish than of the vatue of cur- rent events. In those days of Washington letter-writers, had a President been assas- sinatcd, the fact would have been found only tu the moral which their labored effort would bave revealed. They were not men of facts, and only alluded to them for the purpose of basing text for studied effort and fiae writin As the world moved on they were pushed to the wall. The active American mind had more to do than read newsp2per sermons. When the telegraph was perfected, the old covies gave way to what they then deeme t the upstarts. Dignity and essays suceumned to what is now called American cheek and enterprise. WHERE NEWS IS ORTAINED. The mode of getting news and the haad- lng of it is no secret. Every newsgather has channels of information which belong to him pretty exclusively. By this is meant that one may enjoy facilities, of a social na- ture, which may pour the article into his lap. The great point is first to get the erode facts. It is the talent of the wr' which adds the spice and the sauce. se who bave merely the ‘nose for news,” withoat the faculty of working it up, mast not ex- pect to reach the highest round of the profes- sional ladder. Now the main spring for all news is in the executive departments. In the seven grand divisions which the Constitution create. In each of them, tco, is found twenty diverging channels. Some of course have depth; others are shallow, but like all small streams the latter at times catch some of the drift, and a wrecker must watch them all. In the Treasury department the fountain bead is the Secretary. To one who hasnever applied the newspaper ey to Mr. Bristow, or who puts it in operation for the first time, the conclusion would be jumped at that he is @ rather dry fountain. ‘ell he is. There is notrouble togetathim. That is to get into his presence. But to draw from him some of the troubles which wear upon him requires tact and ingenuity. He treats all who wait upon him cordially. He listens aitentively, but bas iew opinions or suggestions to volun- teer. Go to him on some deunite subject, asx lim about it, and he will give such informa- tion as is consistent with his sense of duty and respopsibility. Ask him the question if “hehas any news,” and hii swer is @ shake of the head. Carryin; does in bis head all the grand batch of whis- ky information (not whisky) what a fund he bas in store if one could only check it out. There is only one way to get at Mr. Bristow. if one is in doubt as to the truth of some statement which he has caught in the other rivulets, put it tohim asa fact, and if itis not so his eyes will betray him. Likewise if itis. He speaks more with his eyes than witb his mouth. Mr. Conant, one of the Assistant Secreta- always willing to give to the press ths information which comes under his ob- servation. He deals in the public debt state- ments and makes the calls for tie redemp- tion of bonds. Judge Burnham, the other Assistant, is Quite cordia) tn his welcome to all callers. His class of information is the interpreta- tion of customs laws and matters alfecting the tariff. The New York Bulletin and Jour- nat of Commerce representatives find in his office an Elysium; but to newspapers that don’t care about printing the changes of duti~s on ecdfish balls, lobsters In ‘tin over- coats, and the ad valorem on inte cow’s hair, or argols, any moré than pr Ing often the Sermon on the Mount, flad in that quarter but little to amuse or instruct the general reader. The officer in cuarge of the customs divi- sion would rather see a book agent or a wild- eat come into his office than a newspaper man. Some of ‘the boys” call on him every day, more for the purpose of letting him know they are around n withany view of being benefited by the call. either socially or intellectually. Il the information from bis division is given out through the chief clerk's office. Mr. Pratt, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, is a favorite with newspaper men. He can state a fact with terseness, and has a head as clear as @ bell. John Jay Knox, the Controller of the Cur- reucy, rarely has anitem. He bas a remark- able facility also of forgetting whe. he has @ good thing on hand. ie jolliest, aud best liked man by the guild in the Treasury department is Treas- urer New. His heart is as big as his vaults. He bas a genuine Western bonhommie which makes a visitor feel at home, the minute the door closes one in his office. He can tell 2 good story, enjoys one with a keen relish, and is not chary with his information when he has any. But the worst todo business with ts Archi- tect Potter. He may ve all right when you get at him, but it is the getting at him where | the rub comes in; one must go through a round of visiting cards, @nd the etiquette of the thing is too i dious to create a desire for trequent calls. Once in his presence, how- ever, barring @ gcod deal of dignity on his part, he usually gives the information sougat Tor. In the way of statistics, Prof. Young can overwhelm an nary miad tn less time than any other known qua atity in the Treas- ury department. He has more statistics in him to the square inch than has the multi- pilcation table ora rs os ‘t len times mag- nified. What he can’t hold in tae way ofsta- tistics he haads over to bis assistant, Prof. Elliott, who can not only largesse what Young don't dition can find time Stories on the “ Earth’s retain out of the want, but in ad- Lo write Christmag a 4 little judgment can make positive and prove correct. At the White House Gen. Babcock usuall makes public such matters as the President desires should be announced. The the It does iad salt who has anc in this i : Fore attention to ©. a st tra ka i i ue : rh ES E fi : i ART NOTES, 1t is worthy of note that in addition to being a place of popular and elevating re- fort, alike for residents and strangers, the Corcoran Gallery is steadily coming into use by art students, who avail themselves of the extensive and valuable material collected within its walls, as a means of educating themselves in drawing, color, etc. During @ brief visiton Monday last we observed not Jess than six enthusiastic workers engaged in copying pictures in the main and east rooms, and we were informed that several others who were not then in the building are similarly occupied on the “ pay day: of each week. Of those we saw, four were ladies, two being engaged in reproducing Durand’s fine forest view, and two at work on Muller's ‘Charlotte Corday,’ while one gentleman was enguged on the ‘Talking Well’ and the other on James Hart's cattle piece. From such an inspection as a some- what distant and hasty glance aforded. the copies, so far 23 they were advanced, bade fair to be creditable. and gave promise of better work in future. It is to be regretted however, that more use is not made by be- ginners of the grand casts in the lower rooms. Copying favorite and striking pic- tures in color is @ pleasant amateurish pas- time,and shows apparently more gratifying results for the time expended thaa drawing from the antique: but if students wish to lay a broad and sure foundation for after sucwess In art. their best field will be found for some Ume among the casts in the halls of stata- ary,—than which, by the way, for purposes of training, no beiter collection can be found in the country. —Under a commission from Columblan University, Mr. Ulke ts painting a three- quarter sitting portrait of Mr. Corcoran, which, so faras the likeness of the subject is concerned, will, we think, be pronounerd the best that has been painted of him; and this notwithstanding Eliiott’s in mau. spects superb representation of the same gentleman on the walls of the gallery that bears his honored name. It might also be called Mr. Ulke’s best picture, except that in respect of the pose it is not so natural and character'stic as that of the President, painted by hima short time since. As to the mere likeness, in color, featares, aad ex- pression, it seems to be all that could be de- sired by any one; but its otherwise good ef- fect is somewhat marred by tae prominent introduction of an elaborately carved chair and a showy-gold-beadel cane, which is brought forward In a stiff obtrasive sot of way. Mr. lke is also engaged on a portrait of Professor Henry. which bids fair tobe a most creditable effort, although when we saw it the likeness had not reached the same degree of excellence which marks the por- traitof Mr. Corcoran. It is also a three- quarter picture, and renresents the eminent scientist seated in anatural and easy posi- tion before @ table, his right hand, which holds a pen, resting on the arm of his chair. Upon the table are placed materials for writ- ing, and a few volumes of Smithsonian [n- stitution Reports and other scientific works. These accesories are subordinated to the cen- tral point of interest in the picture, and add to rather than detract from the quality, and effect of the composition. The claim of Mr. Ulke’s friends that each of his pictures is better than the last seems to be fully jasti- fied by these portraits. They both show gratifying progress. — Since his return from the Pacific coast, Mr. Baumgras has been turning to good ac- count the large collection of studies made during his long absence, and which inclades characteristie scenery and figures found all along the other side, from Panama to Van- couver's Island, and from San Fraucisco to Omaha. So far, most of the pictures he bas painted up to this time since bis retura have been small in size, and interesting for the almost pho! ic fidelity with whieh they represent fol and geological forma- tions, rather than valuable as works of art in the broader sense; but he has now on his easel a view in Humpolt Valley, Nevada, which promises to fll, when completed, all requisite conditions in the latter sense. It shows the lake and marshes in the fcre. ground, with the magnificent monntain range, in a pines hong ligh\ ia the dis- tance, and combines throughout excellent atmospheric effect, tne color, and t breadth and freedoni of treatment. Ii we shall be surprised if it be not pronounced when finished and placed on view, the best work in landscape that Mr. Baumgras has yet done. —All Washingtonians interested iu art and artists will learn with pleasure that Mr. Rowzee, one of the most promising of our young painters, who had to give up work for ayearortwoon account of partial loss of sight, has so far recovered the use of his eyes as to beable to —. pursue his studies. He dare not undertake as yet anything minute in detail or elaborate in finish, but be is making good the loss in this direction by giving us @ series of broad free transcripts of nature,in which the characteristics of out- door life and the breezy freshness of the Geids are portrayed with marked fidelity and ten- derness. He is at present working on land- scapes of thia claas, for several of which we understand he already has orders. —Mrs. Fassett, a Chicago artist of con- siderable repute, who has recently opened a@ stadio here, made a good beginning in painting a portrait of Mr. Justice Miller, of the U. S. Supreme Court. It is a three- quarter full front view, showing the judge seated, wearing his judicial robes, and gives great satisfaction to the family and friends of that gentleman. Mrs. F. is also engaged @ portrait of Vice President Wilson hich promises tobe a faithful likeness and excellent picture, notwithstanding the tact that never bad the advantage of a sii- ting from hersubject during his lifetime. We pote with reai pleasure the acquisition of new artists here, and trust this accom- plished lady may never have ion to for Wash- regret having exchanged Chicago ington. —At Markriter’s, where beautifal things are always to be found, may be seen a num- ber of pleasant landscapes in pastel, by Brewerton. While pictures in this mate- rial are not valued by connoisseurs as high- ly as those in oi! or water colors, they have Choate & Co.’s a little picture in oll colors, “which, though hardly equal in merit tosome Hl ‘ i Hf i f iy a3, . aig mK i SOCIAL MATTERS. ‘The'exodus for the holidays has produced vo visible difference In the throng upon the streets. The Avenne, especially in the ternoons, has presented the animated ap- pearance of & large social gathering. In its contempt for conventiqpalities, our city has the power of drawing together its resident and floating population in an informa! man- ner that fs usually possible ovly in commu- nities Mmited size. When our citizens sally forth as io the holiday season, baving & common object in view, they meet and greet each otber and laugh and chat in groups upon our thoroughfares with as little re- straint, though with as great decoram, as if assembled beneath the hospitable roof of a mutosifriend. This warmth of manner and independence ‘of unfavorable eriticism ap- pears especially appropriate to the celebra- Uon of Christmas, when, if ever, all should feel the strong ties of a common humanity. Moving in aod out among the animated groups and lingering promenaders, we saw “men as trees walking,” or trees as men walking, as yon prefer, suggesting an incur- sion of dry goods; or, better still, that “Bir- nam wood had come to Dunsinane,” but come on pleasure bent, and not on hostile thought Intent. The Christmas trees thas borne along made a festive appearance, in which the many individuals hastening by, garlanded with wreaths of evergreens aud holly, and bearing crosses, stars and other devices for decorations combined to give an exhilarating assurance of the good time at band. Adding to the pleasing effect was the air of mystery assumed by all who, o-er. laden with paper parcels and with happy faces, upon thelr way, ete. Fine ladies pon and gentlemen exquisites have not the smailest objection to carrying bun- dies when Christmas is at hand; rather tt seems @s if the indignity consisted in walk {ng the business streets without one. Amon z the bright facesin the gay crowd we were pleased to observe Mrs. Robeson, Captain and Mrs. Hoff, Mr. and Mra. D. R. McKee, Mrs. and the Misses Kilbourne, Mrs. Rogers, Judge Otto, Mr. Longworthy, many more of the favorites of society. Col. Doun Piatt, accompanied by his guests, Mr. ‘and Mrs. Raymond, were taking an airing by means of @ drive. The Spanish minister, @ nobie looking man With his handsome young wife, the A meri- can beauty; Madame Mariscal, the wife of the Mexican miaister; Mr. Barges, the Bra zillian minister; Sir Edward and Lady Thoruton and the Misses Thorptoa and Bai- tavzi Effendi, were among the foreigners who seemed to enjoy the novelty of the scene, as well as the pleasure of greeting all of the society people of the capital. It @ fine pageant, aad ifonly the valmy sprin, like weather continues we will have the merriest Christmas for many years. Next week opens with many festivities. Monday evening the Army and Navy Ciab give their secoud’ german, and Mrs. Re tfern has invitations out for a german for the same evening. Miss Mamie Redfern, who has been at school in New York, where she las borne off the first honors, has reivrned home for the holidays, and the entertain- ment is given tn her ‘. During the holidays Miss Leila Pay gives german. This will be a novelty, as there will be only twenty couples, and ihe |adies will all wear fancy costumes. Invitations are out for the wedding of Mr. Frank Swayne, son of Mr. Justice Swayne, to Miss Young, of Toledo. Miss Young ts the daughter of a former law partner of Chief Justice Waite. He is now the wealthiest banker in Toledo. Miss Waite is to be one of the bridesmaids. Tue hampo j takes place on the 20th. Jadge Swayne and family and the family of the Chi ve left Washington for ef Justice bave already Toledo. The entire state of Illinois was ay tion over the spproaching nuptials of daughter of Mr. ice Davis to another one of the sons of Judge Swayne, Mr. Harry Swayne, which took place at Bloomiazton, ip that state, a few days ago. The engagement of Dr. Baxter, chief medi- cal purveyor of the army, to Miss Florence T is announced. iss Tryon is the niece of the Hon. Otis Norcross, ¢x-mayor of Boston. The young vey @ is handsome and accomplished. She was the guest of Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Patton returned on Wednesday from their bridal trip. Anew and beautial home awaited their retarn, aod th couple at once oe upon e young ube abilities of ¥ 2 Theed: Miss Wendell giters german in honor of and Mis. Patten. Miss Dunn. daughter of the Judge Advo- in New York wih parents, Mr. in New » Mr. ‘iss Dunn retucos panied by ber young aunt, Miss Lanier, who wiil make her devut in so- ciety this winter. Judge and Mrs. Howell are enjoying the pleasure of a visit from thei son. who is a student at Worcester, Mass. Judge and Mrs. Aldis have likewise welcomed a cadet of their family, who will spend his Carist- = ion with them. ug the holiday season her wer General and Mrs. Jewell ter, Mrs. le — and his ular wife. rs. A. R. Shepherd will at home on Tuesdays after Jan. ist. Mrs. and Miss Kilbourne will reozive their friends on Fri as also Will Mrs. Alex- ander Bruen and Braen. . Se Chandler will begin her re- ceptions on the Wednesday in January. Mrs. Fish and Mrs. Robeson will likewise one of those to whom ‘ednesday belongs, and so would be the wile of the Vice President if we hada Vice President and if he had a wife. On Monday last Mrs. Bancroft received many of her friends, among them the Count and Countess yos, Sepor and Senora Sant Anna, Mrs.and Miss Fish, Mrs. and Miss Eames, Mrs. and the Misses Beaie, Mrs. and ee ee ae ey mough and Gen. aod Mrs. Marcy. por- trait of Kaiser Wilhelm received the custom - ary tribute of admiration, and many noticed as the commandii posite the door re! the uniform of the of Germany. has recomi ber DMadame Sunday evening receptions, which are very informal, ‘and are restricted to her most —— te friends and members of the diplo- matic be Man; the friends Robeson on Wednesday figure of Gen. Marcy $ and form in same. A The board of directors of the Ciitidien’s hos- ital hope to give a grand ball for the bene- {of that Institution early ip the season, in lieu of the Easter bali usually given for the | Same worthy object. They will model the | entertainment by the famous and aye | success.al“Cuarity ballot New York.” Oae | Of the theatres will probably be used for the cecasion. and no vains will be 5 to | make this the leading social event of the gay Scaron. An international tea party also for the benefit of the Children’s hospital is In contemplation, which it is hoped will be no 1.3 successful Chan wes the Peasaats’ Caro ival last week, the net proceeds of which were $2,500. Telegrams to The Star. CLEWS & CO. COMPROMISE. FIRES, MURDERS AND ACCIDENTS a NEWS FROM OVER THE SEA. —_.—___ - FOREIGN NEWS. Kintab Taken by the British + Dec. 4.—The Timex nas a sp telegram irom Pevang to-day say olborne reports that he bas taken Without any loss. The and Lela fled to Palave. ccidemt to au Ocean Steamer. QUEENSTOWN, Dec. 24—The steamship Kenilworth, which left Liverpool oa the 13th and this port on the following day for Philadelphia, has returned bere, baying lost her propeller. Geo. Kintah Maharajah’s Ismail jent Dec. 4.—A passenger train on the Connectient Western railroad ran into some freight cars on tne side of the track ncar Millerton last night, occurring through the neziect man. The baggage-master, name! Barke, was fatally hurt, and several others slightly. wan! in charge, and lodged bim in jal! Wootward some two years azo was county trustee and absconded, leaving @ deficit of about $160,000, He intimates that olbers shared in the embexy at, and that be will make it warm for m when the pro- per time comes, as thus far he is the only one Who has suffercd. ——o———— . _ Pires. Gengva, N. Y., Dec. %.— The White Spring farm building and mansion, owned by Jas. «). Sheldon, were destroyed by fire Loss £50,000. i BLUFFS, Dec. 4.—Fire at Red yesterday, destroyed the entire cast side of the public square. Tne dulldings wereall of wood, however, and Lhe loss will noi be more than $20,000. .. New York Bank Statement. NEw York. Dec. 1.—The following is the weekly bank statement: Loans, ” 1 i ASC, $64,100, legal ten- 13,300; deposits, decrease, jon. serve, increase. $354,600, = ‘enviction WILKESBA) » Dee. 24.—Patrick Ryan was to-day convicted of murder in the sec- ond degree for killing J. Tooley, and sen- tene:d to 11 years and 10 month prison- ment. a Probable Marder. New York, Dec. 21—James Smith, while intoxicated last night, beat bis wile, Marga- ret, inflicting injuries which will probably prove fatal. Smith was arrested. = The Bowen Libel Case. New York, Dec.—The jury in the libel suit of Henry C. Bowen agatast the Brookiyn Koge reured last vight, but bave not yet agreed. —Henry Cjews & Co. arranged with their creditors and ob- ned @ full discharge. eee Charles O'Comor New Yor«, — +.—Char) Better. 5 les O'Conor bas better. Woeet quistie. 2 6 venia red. 1 tSal amber, 1.<7ai 80; fou white, rate, 4 pomiaall: je Domi aud heavy, Lite ae ming Youn, Dec. 24.— Stocks dull and lower. cue 6. Gold, 13. Bxchange, long, 68%6; 2. " N *, 4 — Fh @ unchanged | ween cop jour qnict end eos. THE WHISKY FRavp CasEs—The Presi- dent and Convict Joyce —& Re whisky ring shall have its course.” teyviewer wow thal Babcock would aging than either his or and that if the government tbe matter properly, exposures of others more important members of the President's household, or to use Joyce's jon, “the entire White House will be ned badly scorched, the President not excepted.” ——— WHAT GEN. SHERMAN BELIEVES Ix.— Siete samt erence " e ir starting for Mrs. Henry Willard last winter, aad is now on a visit to this city.