Evening Star Newspaper, August 11, 1883, Page 2

2 SHE MYSTERIOUS DOUBLE MURDER AT THE FRENCH LEGATION. THO SUICIDE OF MINISTER PABA- boL. Secrets of a Famous Old Mansion. DOWN THE OLD GRANAM HOUSE To ROOM FOR THE NEW COLUMBIAN ESITY BCILDING. PULL MAKE eNE “Murder does not always out,” remarked an old meebanic in a conversation with a Star re- porter several daysaince, ‘and here!s aninstance of it. Indeed time has only served to thicken tie pilot. In this house two men were mur- dered only fo rs ago, and yet how tew anything at all of it.” The speaker was at work removing the toan- i Graham mansion, at the th and H streets north- mee occupied by the Metro- the new building for the is now being er yuld speak they would a it might not make hairs e Interesting read- ho knew of the oecur- “If these old wail tale unfold that. w stand on end, It ro gested that he wonld exp! proceeded to do, OF PREVOST PARADOL. n Anatoli ed by M. Luel who committed 5 a this city, at his residence near 9th street, on July thing to do with the colt, the ived on the opposite side of > house adjoining Worml ir respective were t having a war the personal rela- ven the Frcneh is ron Geroit to all oats days after his arrival on Ne York a but that out MEN. On the morning of ved men, servants of found dead in their beds. ment room at the north- east corner of the hou of them was named Sandy TP ni “ And now fi January 5, 1 and the was awa 2 When word was in one that his two ue Very umuch ter was reported tothe police, of the upper room servants were found excite ‘Th aud at to kaew w r the inters Ject a fore! police, as n le them many colored peo- ple who were relatives and friends of the two Men found dead. THE INV Dr. W. W. Potter IGATION. then the coroner, and . Egpat Berthemy ted him to be very thor- ush in his investization. Messrs. John P. Hil- toa, Jo. Lenin, a. C. Plant, William Micheal, 8. T. Tune, William Loring, P. O'Hare, Joun Myers. A. M. Brook, Charles Birch, A. A. Fowler aud Peter Weicker were summoned as a coro- ner’s jury. When the jury was sworn, Count Berthemy called them together in his parior, and said: ‘Gentiemen, I surrender my house to Your control. Please be as thorough as you can in this work. 1 demand it as aresident, and as | representative of the French government. My lezation will assist you in every way it can? Theories? P ¥ of them; but none of them ameunted toansthinz. The one that got the most cirealation was that some one in the inter- the Germzn leyation had poisoned wine, hicit it was thought the French minister would d is Servants cot the poisoned bottle any thou n war hat something to do with y how no one seemed to know. i a theory that there was fonl : that the flaes from the fur- | at they {focated. d death Until to- 1 never have | partfeular examine the angeand | se of time, | at is, a8 wins in taking « Bues and pipes w! I found, hotewitisr: that they were ir far as the abzene: The contents of the ston Were seat to Dr. Antiseil, then chemist at the e an analysis. He com- , inthe meantime the jury taking a recess to await the re- mony at the inquest. He potatoes in both stomachs, was a vinous smell, indi- ad both drank wine. In one strychnine, but none in the d there was great dif- an up trom th Bout which eating that th stomach -applied. The contents yielded ho crystals of strychnine. He was confident, . that death was not caused by any Roxious gas or chloroform. which some had sus- Peeted. and was satistied that the death of both Was caused by poison. Dr. an army surgeon, who made the post morteim, testified that though he was con- tide death was caused by a narcotic poison, nothing abyut the organs to positively COUNT BERTHEMY’S TESTIMONY. Count Berthemy testMled that he saw both men about the evening before, and had heard that Dizys had remained out till late He at night. court uni though there led on the | took place bot | these were, through thief, who THs DOCALY svictpe THEORY had supporters aiso. The cook of the French Jegation, Girandon, was a witaess, but he ad- ded no new facts, though hegot very anzry and wanted to whip any one in the room when the Jury was in session. Was there a verdict? Oh. yes. The several si = istered by some one unknown to hem, or something of tiat kind, but it was not satistying. A number of the friends of the dead men thought that tle cook had ‘doctored’ some eatabies or wine, and that these men had fallen in with it, either ate of or drank it; but this was also only a theory. His condact at the inquest @id not warrant such a conclusion. A REMARKABLE FATALIT?. What became of the cook? He has since died. He afterwards, Mr. Wormley tells me, worked Yor him awhile. He seemed to feel very bad be- cause any one suspected him, even refusing to go out on the strrets as much as ke formerly id. Ife grew weak and soon died. And that Yeminds me Joha voe and Dave Bisley, the Avo detectives who worked for months on the jury had ht in a verdict of When Count jj case, have since died. So, also, has Count Ber- themy, and Baron Gerolt, John P. Hilton, A. A. Fowler, and a couple of others who were on that jury. The French government afterwards sent over two of their best detectives to clear. up the mystery, and thongh I could tell some interesting things about the way they worked on the case, I will not just now. They did not do much clearing up, however, and both con- Jessed to me, as they were about to return to France, that the indications were it was one of those cases that grew deeper and deeper, in- stead of clearing up. I said then they were about right, and [ haven't changed my opinion about it since. Tt never will unravel now.” NEW SUMMMER RESORTS. Virgima Bench, News—Wih: Ocenn View and New- at the Future Prom- Correspondence of THE EvENING STAR. Fortress Monnog, Va., August 11, 1833. New Yorkers are imbued with the idea that the metropolis istne “Hub of the Universe,” and they seem to believe that nowhere is there anything equal to those things which are to be found in or about New York Cit: I lived in that great city several years, amd ever since then I have continued to have a lively’ interest in all doings and things in which New Yorkers are absorbed or are even partially concerned. And while it is a fact that “everything under the sun” can be seen or obtained at New York. the same is true (although in some respects on smaller scale or in lesser degree) as to Washing- ton city. But I began this note for the especial purpose of making one particular comparison with New York in favor Washington—that is, as to con- venient and attractive places of resort for recrea- tion, pleasure, sport, suitable to the desires or tastes of eversbody in the matter of quietness or liv al enjoyments. New York has its Coney island, Rockaway Beach, Long Branch other ilar places of resort, and also its tifal Hudson river, &e, Washington, aside from the peculiar loveliness of the city Itself, has its grand Potomae river, with its many ‘harming beautie: ‘ial attractions and historical interests, from above Ty section” all the way to its broad mouth; and among the numerous moun- tain and river resorts nothing exists elsewhere whieh surpasses in interest and attractiveness the Old Point Comfort. Within a radius dozen miles are Fortress Mouroe, the United States Soldiers’ Home, (01 if the most delight- fully situated as well as one of the most_per- ivctly managed institutions in this country,) the upton Normal School and its industrial works, the town of Hampton—which, having been destroyed by fire during the war, is now a new, thriving, enterprising piace of about 2,500 itants, with historical memories cherished by a community which has the proper go-ahead irit—Ocean View, a fine place for it-water bathing and enjoyments of social nature. Most important of all, looking to the near future, are Newy News and Virginia Beach. Newport News will. within the next few years, be the most important shipping point south of New York, aud by next year it will take rank as an attractiv e of resort for seekers of pleasure and recreation—there being already at this wWell-situaied, well-watered. accessible town a hotel not excelled by any south of Phila- delphia, and there are other attractions and accommodations which will draw people thither, not only in summer time, but, if is claimed, in win 130. ia Beacn is to be, beyond doubi, die resort for people in this section of the country, if, in fact, it shall not draw from the northern seaside places many of the people in surf bathing and who enjoy the cing air fromthe sea. This new place tras just been opened to the public, but without the ex- pectation of a great amount of patronage this season. It is uated on the ocean coast, a ape Henry. The managers ‘ol eight miles of the best beach on the Atlantic coast, are building a large attractive and are preparing numerous and | g culty the fish (especially the larger nple accommodations for thousands of | lin ascending the river to spawn. As uests who are expected to locate at|the United States own the Great Falls of the or visit the beach next season. | Potomac and the island at that point, and Piers are to be erected so that steamers from | Washington and elsew at the beach. y land passengers Communication by raitroad fi y open. One of thi place is that. be it is upon the unobstructed coast of the ¢ ocean in southern latitude, it will be | zble as well as the most delightful | place for ocean bathing, because of its prox- | imity to the gulf stream. the warming influence of which is felt m the waters that form the surf on Virginia Beach, in a manner and to a degree unknown at any other beach accessible to the public. ‘The future greatness of Newport News as a shipping port. and the popularity of Virginia Beach as_a watering place, may safely be pre- dicted. Only some. unforeseen disaster will re- tard or prevent the fultillment of this prognosti- cation, ©. LETTER FROM OAKLAND. Days and Nights in the Alleghanics— Th ¢ Oakland Hotel—Its Guests and is Pleasures, Et Correspondence of Taz Fvextxe Szan. OakLawp, Mb., August 11, 1883. ‘This place, as in days of yore, is the most de- lightfal of summer resorts. The atinosphere and climate is cool and bracing; there is real tonic in the breeze, and invalids feel the benefit of their sojourn. The Oakland hotel, conducted by “the Welckers,” or rather Felters, is well patronized, almost every room taken, the table is bountifully supplied, and everything clean and comfortable; in short, the reputation of the Washington “cuisine” is kept up. The guests embrace every locality of the | country, but are principally from’ Washing- ton, Baltimore and Cincinnati. They are very social and agreeable. Of course among such a large number. there must be a few “dudes” of both genders, and they are princi- pally furnished by Washington, They are lovely specimens, but their antics and stupidity fail armless inthis cool latitude. We have only ‘one or two females whose trunks would fill a sage ear; but these are suvicient to “peint moral and adorn a tale.” The color of their dresses, hats and parasols varies as_the hues of the rainbow, and hourly. What a pity that kind Providence should have created such creatu: ‘They are living examples of how little use a we e chooses to be a doll only. pres the West End custom of exclusivenessis s| maintained, much to the amusement of soi minded, common sense people. what meat th 13 feed,” as if they were hot our servants. Science is also represented, and_ in no less a person than Prof. Bell and his family. The electricity of sociability does not emit from his conduct. He is as distant as the telephone battery that he promises to invent for future use for long distances. Congressinen xe, Hazleton, Gen. Williams, and their families, have been and are here, and have contributed much to te general good cheer. AMUSEMENTS. Hunting and fishing are in abundance, and the lovers of both are quite content with their results. The other day we had a rifle match at 100 and 200 yards. and very gocd scores were mnade—33 out of a possible 35—but. then, Gar- rett county has been celebrated tor its marks- men. Many improvements ought to be made here, and if the B. & 0. R. R. Co. is wise they wiil go to work at once, and no longor delay in adding bowling alleys, etc,, to its yuluable property. ‘The grove in front of the hotel isa perfect paradise for the children and nurses, and I can- hot imazine a finer spot of greensward and Shade. ‘This is, inde: Mecca of health and invigorating and recuperative power for baby- hood, and the mothers appreciate it. POLITICS. Politics are very dull here. No mention is made ef any special candidate for 1884, except that it issupposed that either Arthur or Gen. ‘man will be the republican standard bearer, with chances in favor of “Tecumseh,” as he has no political record, and no faction to “run a muck” against. The Cincinnatians here are evenly divided as to the Ohlo outlook, with a slicht balance in favor of Foraker. The tem- perance fssue is no longer so prominent as it was, and sensible Germans are coming back to their party, for they see that the license is not only Just, but in reality too low; at least such was the opinion gtven by two prominent saloon keepers of Cincinnati. RGYPT, ETC. Last evening Simon Wolf, esq., late consu general to Egypt, delivered, by general request, an address on Egypt. It was largely attended. If general applause and close attention can give evidence of satistaction, then Mr. Wolf ought to feel Nene pear Tt lasted an hour and a quarter, and was certainly a success. Every evening we have a dance, and the young people, and sometimes the elder, enjoy the “ niazes ot the waltz,” and, with the thermometer at 60, it is no wonder they enjoy It, for it adds to thelr comfort, for we have almost every night blazing in the grates, and they are by no means uncalied for; but this has been so far an excep~ tional summer. : The season docs not close until October Ist, ud September is one of the most charming and leasant months here. The St.urcircutates vi largely here, and its coming ts looked for with great pleasure. May its course evér be onward and shine forever. man ean be ifs ber- I wonder “on | a CITY AND DISTRICT. THE BLACK BASS QUESTION. A Few Words About the Maryland Fish Law—Prospects for the Future. To the Editor of Taz Evenixe Stan: FLINTsTONE, Mp., July 30th, 1888. Tn a recent issue of your paper a correspond- ent, signing ‘‘Chester,” in an interesting article on the “black bass,” takes occasion to severely criticise and condemn the law of Maryland re- cently enacted forbidding the taking of fish in the upper Potomac during the month of May. Anvther correspondent, signing ‘‘Angler,” not long since did the same thing. It is evident that these gentlemen have not taken the pains to carefully examine the law and inform them- selves in the matter, or thelr criticisms would have most likely been more intelligent and to the point. As chairman of a special committee of the Maryland house of delegates on the mat- ter of protection to fish in the waters of the up- per Potomac, as the author of the bill which became a law, and as an ardent and enthusias- tic lover ofthe sport with “rod and line,” I take a great interest In the matter. Please, there- fore, allow me space in your valued paper to set your correspondents and other tault-fnders Tight in the matter. “Chester” complains that the fish “suffer in- finitely more from netting, with its endless con- trivances,” and the contemptible “‘set lines” or “out lines” to which some poor fishermen re- sort, than by any other means of depopulation. That is trae; and if “Chester” had taken the pains to examine the law he would have discov- ered that not only these, but ail methods of de- stroying the fish during the month of May are forbidden under heavy penalties, A little re- flection would have convinced him that it was also necessary to prohibit at the same time the taking of fish with rod and line, as unprincipled persons would surely have asserted that fish ex- posed for sale or found in their possession had been taken in that way, no matter how they were caught. To make the law effective it was necessary to prohibit fishing in any manner. agree with him that the prohibition should have extended to July, and personally I was in favor of that; but objection was made on the ground that so many “residents of Washington” came up the river to fish during the month of June, and that it would be cruel to deprive them of sport at that the, especially as it did not at all lessen the supply of fish, but only served to give them an increase of food. If, however, as “Chester” asserta, the waters are turbid and but few, if any, fish can be taken before July, where is the hardship in the law? But let me explain, not only to “Chester” and “Angler,” but to all lovers of the sport who are interested in this matter. that this law is only part of a general plan for increasing and restocking the waters of the upper Poto- mac with fish, particularly black bass, which seem to thrive better than any other variety in | its water It 1s well known to all who are famiHar with the habits of the black bass, and other fish also, that, at the approach of cold weather, and when the streams are swollen by the tall rains, the fish leave the smaller streams, and. going out into the deeper waters of the river, are carried by the swiftly running current or, perhaps, purposely run down into the lower waters. In the spring, when the spawning sea- son approaches, they seek to return to the up- per and shallower waters again, but are met by several almost, if not quite, insurmountable tructions inthe Great Falls of the Potomac ud the canal dams on the river, beside numerous private dams across the tributaries. Prof. Baird, U. S. fish commissioner, and Major Ferzuson, late fish commissioner for Maryland, both of whom I am sure ‘‘Chester” will concede to be good authority in these matters, assured the writer that the one great obstacle inthe way of a plentiful fish supply 1n the Potomac is the t 4 as the goyeriment authorities were about to erect. an additional there, it was sable that dam across the river deemed proper and ad- Congress should be asked a sufficient sum for the ‘ay over the falls and dam at | that point. The writer labored “in and out | of season” to that end, and,thanks to the assist- ance of valued friends and to several Representa- tivesand Senators, has the satisfaction of know- | ing that the appropriation has been made, and the work isunderstood to be in progress. Then the law (which “Chester” abuses so lavishly) vicles for the erection of fish-ways over the canal dais at the expense of the state, A part of these are already completed; the remainer are in process, of construction. All owners of private dams are alyo compelled by this law to erect suitable fish-ways. amd many of them have already done so. Of course all is not done that ought to be done in this matter; but surely “Chester” and others might find much to com- mend as well as to condeinn in this law as it stands. I had intended giving “Chester,” and your other readers interested in the matter, some of my experiences in bass fishing, and a few notes upon their habits, as Ihave observed them, but the great length of this letter precludes it, and I leave it for a future communication, Very truly, yours, B. L. Turner. t ee Continuation of a “Rattling Fight.” To the Editor of Taz EVENING STAR: In your issue of Saturday last is what pur- ports to bea correction of my article in Tue Star of the 23d ultimo, entitled “A Rattling Fight in a Mountain Pass,” &c., from the pen of “a member of the 15th Virginia infantry.” The correspondent says of Major Simpson, whom I aceused of carelessness, but not of lack of bravery or other good qualities—“‘and it appears to ime that such a death as his should ob- literate all his military shortcomings, especially in the memory of a more fortunate comrade in arms.” Now, althongh only a non-commis- sioned officer in the 17th Virginia tufantry, Maj. Simpson was my friend, and I only spoke of his arelessness to aecount for the fact that the regiment was surprised in broad daylight, in a locality which he must have known to be dan- Every man in the 17th knew that inpson was a brave man anda kind- varted man; but I reiterate the statement that his neglect to take proper precautions in the matter of pickets, &., caused | the surprise by the enemy of the 17th Virginia reziment on at least two occasions when he was in command. It is all well to sas “De morluis nil nisi bonum ;” but there is also a debt due the living. This “15th Virginia Regi- ment Man” says I made many blunders and innu- endoes, and states: "The 17th has a splendid record, but I think it is claiming rather too much to say that it saved the army on that occa- sion.” I meant to say no such thing, and my article will fairly bear no such interpreta- tion, even in prejudiced opinion. What I did say was, that the 17th regiment had the task of defending Afanassas Gap (of course there were other gaps to be defended) while the trains were paren! behind the mountain wall, and that if Merritt's brigade of cavalry had forced them back the trains then passing would have been sacrificed. I said nothing about “saving the army.” The trains were like a snake, in that instance,— if you break its back in one point it is as good as if youhad smashed its whole carcass. Finally, the correspondent giving vent to the real animus of his alleged correction, says, “*In the rush of steeds and men,’ of which your correspondent speaks, the 17th, I think, lost one man,” which shows how much or rather how little the 15th Virginia man knows of the matter. It seems, Mr. Editor, that one cannot write about any episode of the war, no matter how honestly, without treading on the corns of some individual, or some regiment, so to speak. T. J. Murray, ‘The Dog Nuisance. To the Editor of Tux EVENING STaR: Again we have the old neglect: Lock the door after the horse is stolen. A woman having been badly torn by dogs, presumably licensed, I would like to ask what right any legislature has to make a law allowing any city to authorize ary dog to runat large any time, subjecting any person to the Hability to be mangled or die of bydrophobia? Then, I would like to ask if the city ts not legally Mable for all the conse- quences of dog licenses? Night is made hid- eous ay aos and Gifs f night danger- o1 y the ing and how! and biting of these brates, authorized by awe 3 would be said and done were I grind away all night upon a cracked organ or an old- fashioned “‘horse-fiddle,”-(an instrament which would make the most gentle horse smash things) at thecorner ofsome street, where the m would delight at least four squares? I have lived at two places where the pandemo- nium of dog music made sleep very difficult. The police are tamillar with these facts, and I am Informed some of the howlers are owned by members of the Police (peace) fraternity. The We Naas ayreace QUESTION AGAIF. Views o¢-Ex-Fire Department Chief : Holmes, To the Editor of Tae EVENING Stam: It ‘o&cars to me, from reading the views of those opposed to suffrage, that the only object of governments is to protect property and look after'lts rigtits, and not the rights of mankind. It is sgid that all just powers should arise from the donsent f the governed. One would think we were stehling fifty per cent of our taxes fromthe government, as they all appear to be aMna! if ta sudject shouid be agitated, we woul lose that which they say the government owes, dis no Honest man is ever afraid to discuss a transaction’ which is honest.and just: but it looks#o the,from their standpoint, that some- had been swindled in the ‘transaction. If people are selling thelr rights and only get 50 per cent, it would considered a better trans- action in selling to get 100 per cent, and then the principle of taxation without representation would not be violated so far asthe District is but our rights as citizens of the United States would still be denied us, Some talk of qualifications for voters. Well, who would be competent to make the qualification? Would it not be dangerous to make one? tor then it would be conceded the right, and others would likely follow, and would it not be, as some express it, “Flying to ills we know not of?” This country has had unprecedented success upon the fundamental principle of manhood fps Others express views making the ‘alification of voters tor simple municipal fticers upon a higher standard than a voter for the highest officer of the land, the President of the United States. The best citizen of any country is he who shirks none of its responsibilities; who, if necessity de- mands, offers his life that the nation might live. It is well known that some of the people in this District, when the government was on trial, tlew to foreign shores with all the available means they could command, not having the manhood to take sides, only at a safe distance, and thereby trying to cripple the government under whose protection they had made the mens to go abroad; then when the victory was won came sneaking back, and to-day are ‘enjoying the re- sults, saying if you are not the possessor of real estate you ought not to have the right to vote, because you are not a tax-payer. Ihave been taught there is but one tax-paver, and that is the producer, because if production stops then all taxation ceases. It was always said how lib- eral the southern people were at our fashionable northern watering places and abroad, bat it is conceded now by every onethat his liberality was at the expense ot the poor slave that was home toiling on the plantation, and whom he seldom saw but to spend the proceedg of his produc- tion. While the war destroyed this so-called afistocracy, at great cost of human life, it has built up a inonetized one, which, considering the times, is as dangerous, and will;I am afraid, cost more to destroy than the slave aristocracy; but I hope not. Some say the ballot, but it took the bullet to destroy slavery; but I don’t think, for one, that the monled aristocracy are any the less powerful. Considering the differ- ence in the times, there is not much difference between owning a laborer than owning a man’s labor; true, there fs some difference. We see the operators of the Western Union telegraph company on a strike for eight hours work and 15 per cent increase of wages. If Jay Gould would concede that to them it might not leave him so much to spend on his ald around the world in his fine steam yacht. The operators are his slaves, as before tlie war no slaye-holder could fravel in that style with all his oppresston and robbery of the slaves. * GEORGE HoLMEs, 602 Pennsylvania avenue Loud Call for a Water-Roach Trap. ‘To the Kditor of Tux Evestxe Star: Do you or gny of your readers know of a trap to catch crotgn bugs or water roaches? I have tried with signal unsuccess all the remedies ot which I havo heard to get rid of these intolera- ble pests—insect powder, Paris green, ground borax and such advertised remedies. None of them will do. The insect powder at first sets them crazy'and they run out of their hiding places without reference to what they are doing or where they are going, but this effect does not last long. They spon sei used to it, lil one getting used to Scotch snuff, and the habit once formed they look for it. !Paris green will do only where there is nothing else to eat. They are good feeders and will not take Paris green asa matter of choice. Fire doesn’t burn them nor water drown them. For a near cut, I have known them to run across a hot range. A blazing light put under one when running along the wall causes it to drop, but does not hurt it. Drown them? They are amphibious. Like the se: they are most expert swimmers and divers. The only way Is to trap them, but where is the trap? If some of your readers will invent atrap to catch and hold them his fortune is secure. Please publish this and set some ingenious fellow to work in producing @ roach trap. ze will deserve the reward he is sure to reap. pases til eed SAE Birds, Trees, Lawn: To the Editor of Taz EvENmNa STAR: For the information of the champions of the sparrow nuisance, I will say: The way to test their virtues in the Insect line is by an autopsy after they have dined. What I said years ago on this subject was fnot guess work. The agri- cultural branch of the American institute, New York, made a searching inquest. The verdict was: No value as an insect antidote, a fruit de- stroyer, and general nuisance. In the absence of sweepers they might have some use as scay- engers. The highest approach I have yet seen to utility was a contest over a grags- hopper, which they limbed at a lively rate, doubtless as a trespasser on their domain. For years the elms around Lafayette square haye been devastated, many of them now almost. denuded, by a caterpillar (about one-third ofan inch long); a dainty bit for a hungry bird. over the cit predators. Why is this so, if the sparrows are insectiverous? The best antidcte is vigorous growth. Forest trees are taken from natural conditions, and no effort is made to supply those conditi On the contrary, we do our best to curtail them. And yet we wonder at our failures. We deny to the earth light, air, rain, the natural debris, and give noartificial food. Besides, the close pavements cause fermentation, scalding of roots, and the generation of malarious gases. Many will remember that there was a regular biow up trom this cause at the junction of 7th street and the avenue shortly after the asphalt was laid. Then, theasphait holdsand radiates the heat and scalds the trees. Last year on H, be- tween lith and 15th streets, tlie trees leaved three times. The effect is worse on streets east, and west, because the breeze is less. There be- ing no chance for evaporation to moisten and cool the air, and no circulation, as on the streets north and south, the effect will be worse. Nor is this all. Ihave been almost profanely indig- nant at the vandalism of the men employed in excavation. When the drain-pipe (10 inches) was laid inside Lafayette square the roots of those large elms inside the fence were mutilated shamefully; in fact, without any necessity, the large roots were cut off whenever they inter- fered. The cut was eight or ten feet deep, and, as I have said, no necessity for mutilation ex- isted. = In the management of lawns and irrigation there is the ea:ue woful want of common sense and eeonomy. 1. There iswater enough wasted to maintain parks.and lawns in vigorous growth all the sea- son. Most of this water, especially in foun- tains:and public buildings, could be applied after their present use. 2. Irrigation, unless properly done, (thorough wetting when needed,) is a damage. 3. €utting’ lawns closely Sore. dry weather without thorough irrigation beforehand, thus exposing thel ground to the sun, (the shade ae a tects and the grass condenses moisture,) Gutting-closely late in the season is a great damage. * mistake. The after math is necessary to pro- te he heavier the better—from winter freezing. agree with the late criticism on the abomi- nable’boxes.” A box can be made that will not be an eyesore and will lust twenty-five years. It may be of:wood or iron, and the cost will be lesa than half the present’ bungles. Then they should be removed entirely. But meantime ornamental hitching-posts should be erected at suitable intervals, and no horse should be allowed to stand unhitened. A tree of twenty- five rae growth may be ruined in a few mo- meni Having presented these matters in detail to the Commissioners, I now submit them to the Ing and preserving the beauties o¢ the-ity. and e city. =) J. B. Wourr, An Unlucky Family. Mr. Kin: Secretary Chandler's _brother- in-law, ie the survivor of a once large family, in which sudden death has been the rule. Out of nine who have died, not one was illan entire week. ing death. of thi may be seen evidences of these |. LETTER FROM SARATOGA SPRINGS. A Crowd at Last-The Day’s Pleasures —The Dreesing—Judge Hilton’s Cot- tage—To Lake George and Back—Per- sonal Mention—The Saratoga Dude, Etc. Special Correspondence of Tax EvENmNG STAR. SaRaToca Srrines, N. ¥., August 10th, 1883. A distinguished ex-member of the Cabinet, who has for several successive summers spent a few weeks at Saratoga, asked me at one of the big hotels during an evening concert lately, he glanced at the small number on the galle1 “Do you not think the glory of this place has departed?” “Temporarily it seems to have done so,” I re- plied, “but I hope not permanently.” “T think it will never be as crowded or gay in these mammoth hotels again,” he continued, “as you and I remember it was up to last year. I think the present mania which has overtaken So many of the wealthy in our northern cities for imitating the English, will prevent these hotels for some years to come being crowded with the same people who used to display their wealth here every summer. The English do not gather in crowds In big hotels, and so their American imitators think they must discontinue this custom, which they are ashamed now to remember they once en- Joyed very much. So they try to imitate in summer the English country life, and if they have no country seats, or own no cottages at summer resorts they hire them now. Look at the number of New Yorkers who this year are living in cottages on the Jersey coast, or on Long Island as an evidence of this. Many of them are the same we used to see passing seve- ral weeks with their families each sumuer in Saratoya hotels.” Although many of the ‘old set” are ab- sent, Saratoga now has a crowd of visitors,sand its streets are fulland hops have become more animated. Five hotels have morning concerts from half- feae ten to half-past eleven. and in Congress Park the excellent band plays fm half-past seven to nine, when the majority of the water drinkers are quaffing the pure liquid, some taking it cold and others hot. There are also evening concerts every day in this park, includ- ing Sunday, when there is sacred music. Once @ week there is a fine display of fireworks there. THE HOPS. The Grand Union, thus far, has borne off the palm for the brilliancy of itshops, that on last Saturday evening being by far the gayest of this season, and as distinguished for elegant toilets as a city ball could be. Several who are most favorably known in Washington were among those present in the ball-roomthat even- ing. The Haytien minister's son and daughter, Mr. and Miss Preston, were among the dancers, Miss Preston wearing pink silk, with lace ruf- fles, and Senator Mahone’s wife was the most rezally attired lady present. She wore a wine- colored brocaded velvet, trimmed with lace. In her hair were diamond ornaments, in her ears diamond solitaires, on her neck a large cross of single diamonds, on her arms four nd bracelets glittered, and she also wore several diamond rings. On Tuesday evening the ball room at the Grand Union was so much crowded for a time with spectators that the dancers had small space left them, and fairly knocked each other over as they whirled over the smooth floor. There are many more gentlemen who dance here now than when last I wrote, and they evi- dently came prepared to go into the ball room regularly, as they brought their dress suits, without which they cannot be admitted to hops at the Union. Z Mr. and Miss Preston were again among the dancers Tuesday evening, and also Miss Kate Breckonridge, of Louisville, who visited her cousin, Mme. Godoy, at the Chilian legation last winter. Miss Breckonridge, who, by the way, has just come from Richtield Springs, will go next week to the White Sulphur springs, West: Virginia, with her mother. She usually spends her sum- mer there. DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER. * The weather has greatly improved and is now warm and sunny enough to permit ladies to wear the lovely, thin, white dresses they had to keep hidden during the rainy weeks. Such dresses are what largely contribute to make Saratoga mornings at the springs and at the balcony concerts at the hotels brilliant. For many years the greatest number of elegant toilets have been seen here in the morning, rather than in the evening, but up to this week | cashmeres and silks had to be worn mostly in- stead of diaphanous lawns trimmed with lace and ribbons. Again onesees regular ball dresses of light shades of silk, or satin trimmed with tine Jace, at breakfast. One of Mrs. A. T. Stewart’s morning robes is of cream colored striped cashmere all in one shade, very profusely trimmed with cascades of lace and ends of cream colored satin ribbon down the front. The back of the waist 1s gath- ered in rows with plain spaces bétween, and the skirt falls full from the waist. She still pre- serves her youthful aires and has very tiny feet, on which—with the above dress—she wears black satin pipes plain stockings. She does Years old. . JUDGE HILTON'S COTTAGE. So many in Washington taking an interest in the building of ornamental styles of residences, I think perhaps a description of Judge Hilton's cottage in Woodlawn Park maybe read with pleasure there. It is on a slight rise in the grounds, and commands fine views of both the Adirondacks and Green mountains. It isa Queen Anne house, with wide covered balconies on the first floor, following the irregular projection of the villa on each side. One of these balconies i oda. The Inte- It. Is fin'shed chiefly in cherry and oak, ali the doors being of the latter wood. JUDGE HILTON’S COTTAGE. The mantels and chimneys are a particularly striking feature, especially that in tip broad en- trance hall and in the large parlor. ‘The latter room is divided from the still larger dining- room by round carved wooden columns, which leave a wide open door-way in the center, with windows formed by the high carved wainscoting between the columns on elther side. These windows, of course,have neither frames, sashes, or panes of glass in them, and, as well as the doorway in the center, are draped with elegant portieres of crimson plush, embroidered in silk and gold thread. The dining-room, which is a bracketed room, is furnished with yellow satin damask sofas and chairs, which belonged to the first Napoleon and were used by him while Em- pear of France. Much of the china now used yy Judgo Hilton and family was also once the prpnerty, of the same emperor. It is white, fine hin porcelain, with a gilt band as a border and asingle gold N. inthe center. There is a variety also of other choice china—royal reester, Copeland ware, Dresden, etc. TO LAKE GEORGE AND BACK. There is no place from which pleasant excur- sions can be made with less tatigue than from Saratoga. It is now possible to make the trip to Caldwell, on Lake George, by rail, go the full length of the lake by boat, cross by ral] to Fort Ticonderago, on Lake Champlain, and return rail via Whitehall to Saratoga within eight ee leaving here at 8:15 a.m. and returnin; at 3:30 p.m. Mr. Samuel Norment, of Washing- ton, took his wife and daughter and three other ladies on this trip this week, when all greatly enjoyed the beautiful scenery visited. PERSONAL MENTION. Col. C. W. Moulton and his wife, formerly of Glendale, Ohio, were here the first of this week. She has since joined triends and gone to Block Island, R. I., and he has gone to New York and Washington, in one of which cities they expect to live in future. Mr. Vail and his wife, Admiral Stevens’ with cream colored not look to be fifty ; huin and bustie of city life, invariably make a Intaly._ Mas Kilbourg has eet st Bloc Tend with ‘Justice Miller's Mra. Kilbourn and Miss Bella e: to return from Earope within two meetin tative A. Herr Smith and his sister let lee for ar Branch. , & Span' ntieman, who was very intimate with Senor Miantilia while he was — minister, and his wife,is now here. le heard lately from Mme. Mantilla, who is now sgain living in Madrid, ahd is enjoying ex- cellent health. Mr. Emory Storrs and his t variety of neokties seem now to have taken the place of the lady who used to wear three new dresses every day at Saratoga, without a mention of whom no letter from here was complete during more than halfa century. He is known to wear three different cravats per diem, and Is said to keep a package of them in the hotel office, so he can change them without going to his room. I hear of General Sherman's wife and daugh- ters—Misses Lizzie and Rachel—being in Maine. and a gentleman from Ohio says Senator Sher- man’s wife is at their home in Mansfleid, in that state. She never goes to fashionable watering places or seems to travel much In summer. Major General Sickles is here, and is one of the youngest looking persons at Saratoga. Miss Margaret Edes arrived a few days ago at the United States hotel. Mr. A. L. Barber, of Washington, has been at the United States hotel. Capt. B. P. Nimmack passed through here Saturday on his way to Plattsburg to visit his family. Representative-elect Wemple, of this district, has been here lately, and ex-Representative Ma- son, of this state. “The Iatter has gone, but ex- pects to return soon with his wife. Rev. Dr, Bartlett, of the New York avenue chureh, Washington, has been spending a few days here, Assistant Attorney General McCammon and family are also at Saratoga, and Mr. Z. Moses, of the Post Office department, and his wife, are at the Grand Union hotel. When Postmaster General Gresham's wife and danghter concluded their visit to Judge and Mrs. Hilton, they went to Indiana to visit Mrs They expect to return to arly in September. SARATOGA DUDE. “Yes,” said the Saratoga dude, “I do wear corsets, they ve tout ensemble of afigure, mate or female, perfect as ignorant nature failed In doing. I must admit that my tout enscmble is perfect,” he added, with a futile attempt at concealing the yanlty which oozed out from every pore. As he mounted the tally-ho coach, and taking the most conspicuous place on top, blew the horn himself as It drove through the streets, the vill admirers to whom he had addressed his last remar! exclaimed; “Do hear that, now; that's his toot horn symbol he was talking about. Don't tt makea bully noise? He's right, it is (octane? Though £ don’t see how the corsets elp it along.” To meet the case of such as the dyde, who, In love affairs (except when honestly making love to himself), is as hollow as in dress, the old lines “But wherefore do I murmur thus? ‘This world ts very wide, My heart shail be an omnibus, And carry twelve inside,” should be changed to— “But wherefore should I worry so? ‘This world’s not going to stop, My heart shall be a tally-ho And carry all on top.” “Tis true, that as I drive, I must Mine own horn-blowing do, But then I'll raise such clouds of dust, ‘That none Can say who blew.” Miss Gruxpy. ee SUMMER LIFE AT ROCK ENON. How Time is Killed—Novel Contests— Who Are There, Etc., Etc. Special Correspondence of Tue Evexixo Stan. Rock Eon Sprines, Va., August 6th, 1883. The summer days pass very pleasantly at this favorite resort. As a retreat for mothers and | children during the heated term it cannot be surpassed; while gentlemen, when once they | steal away for a few days fyom business and the strong effort to do so again, and nearly always | succeed. They find it a splendid place to loaf, | at is what they come for, they say. They | can, if they wish, leave Washington or Balti- more in the evening, and by stopping at Win- chester over nigit. enjoy an early morning ride of fifteen or sixteen wiles overa beautiful moun- tain road, arriving at their destination in time for breakfast. Or, by leaving either city in the morning they can arrive heye the same evening. One of the main secrets of the real enjoy- ment here is that one becomes acquainted with everybody upon very short notice. One is not obliged to go moping around for several days, playing wall flower, but is at once taken into the circle and svon enjoys the fun with the rest. Then, too, the requirements of the more fash- ionable watering places are ostracised, and the visitor need gy no regard to the latest styles, but can di with the utmost independence, and can exjoy the mountain life in whatever comune desi oe es 4 he surroundi! count very pictur jue and beautiful. "Rearly every morning one of the big carryalls belonging tc the hotel isdrawn up before the door. and isat once filled by a merry party bound tor a ride to one of the many points in the vicinity affording a magniticent view of the mountains and valleys; or fora! fiying yisit to Capon Springs, the neighboring summer resort. I was one of such a party which went on Saturday morning to ‘Anderson's View,” three miles distant. The road was rough, but our tempers were even, and the jolts and jars only seemed | to add to the pleasures of the day. Upon ar- | riving at our destination we found a party of pedestrians already enjoying the lovely pano- rama of purple mountains and green valle stretching as far as the eye could reach. A re- turn to the hotel by a different road adds greatly to the pleasure of such atrip. Walk- ing parties are greatly the fashion here, toi and to see a party of ladies, who at howe would not dream of such a thing, start on a long walk to the “Pinnacle.” or the *Catamount,” from both of which points magnificent views are ob- tained, is a matter of daily occurrence. A popular feature here is the bowling alleys, which are kept going from morning till night) and the boys who “set ’em up” scarcely have time to swallow their meals. Nearly every day there is a hot contest between two teams,which attracts many spectatcrs. On Saturday there was aregular tournament between the alleys, which was greatly enjoyed by both contestants and spectators. The players were all trom Washington, and the averase score was so good that there is talk of challenging Capon to a match. The teams consisted of Chas. B. Beall, captain, A. C. Bradley, Wm. D. Cabell and John H. White; and Rudolph Kauffmann, captain, W. W. Burdette, Robert Johnston and Dr. H. W. King. The latter team won by sixty-nine points in five hotly contested games. A few moving spirits frequently plan some lange evergreen cross, with one of the children's olden-haired doll babies clinging to It for deat life. The desien which took the first prize 4 moss covered rustic gate, leading to an pump, from which the water lowed pl | pond filled with live fish. The idea was conceived and ingeniously executed. A fancy dress ball was held last Friday even- ~ ing. During that afternoon ecarocly a iady could be’ seen about the piace, and it was evident that their energies were being taxed by the Ii tle ones in devising and arranging costusres for the approaching event. When the time arrived and the maskers filed into the ball room, the spectators were surprised at the variety of char- acters and the success of the costumes. There were the conventional “Topsy,” “Fat Boy,” “Milk Maid,” “Red Riding Hood,” “Oscar Wid “Apple Woman,” “Mary Queen of Scots,” &e., &c. Where all the costumes came from is a mystery: but they were all ingenious ly gotten up, After the masks were removed: the remain {the evening Was spent in dam cing, nearly body taking part. Among the guests from Washington sqourt ing bere are Mr. B.U. Keyser and family, Mr. Chas. B. Beall and family, Mrs. John A. Baker and ebildren, Mrs. D. A. Chambers and children, Paymaster Mrs. Mansfeld, A. C. Bradtey + Robert Johnston and family, Dr. H. and daughter, J. P. Lothrop and W. Pairo and wite, J. Paul Chambers, D. Cabell and family, Jno. H. White and nily, R. E. Henning, M. A. Nicholson and |. A. B. Ruff, C. M. Bell and family, W. W. e and family, Mr. and Mrs. Radolph W. D. Riley and children, Mr, P. F. Larner and children, & rd Kauffmann, Mrs. 0. C. Wight. Mrs. and Mrs. J. A. Ruff, son and daughter. AMONG PACIFIC ISLANDS. 2 Fabiu—curions’, rat Eclipse tormy Scas—The Un —A Cyclone with Wave and Earthquake Accompaai- ments. rHE Correspondance of the Evrxine Sra. U.S. SreaweR Wacuvsert, Pareere, TANITI, Socrety Ist aNDa, June U1, 1885 According to promise, I will now give you @ sketch of our trip from Honolulu to this place. ‘The last four or five days of our stay in Hon- olulu were v sfpr allof us When on duty we were busy in preparing the ship for @ long sea pas and when oif duty were on shore making our p. p.c. calls on our many friends who h 1 entertained us se handsomel; At last, A\ eday of departure came, and instead of pearance our decks usually pre- oked like those of a store «hip, but suggestive of good Hving, at least, during the pass: In the port gangway there was a pen containing some sheep and pies, and the pooms and nettings were well stowed with re disfigured by chicken stocked with noisy fowls, person think at times ‘wnsported to some farm yard, none of Uncle San’sold ships, During the forenoon numbers of our shore friends, as well as ¢ rs irom the foreign war vessels in the harbor n board to say good bye, so we had no chance to display on our faces the sad feelings that perhaps existed in some hearts. At 1 p.tn. we were lying at single anchor, “hove short” and swinging to the stiff northeast trades, which came fushing down the Nuuann valley, seeming anxious to give us as much of the sweet perfume of U ley as possible, before it bore us sunny clime, but farther sou! home and friends. i sented, they stable sea stores of all kinds, while the castle and well op were po KALAKAUA CAT The arrival of His Majesty, the King, to pay his farewell call, was all that detained us. He Soon appeared, coming in his royal barge, ac anied by a couple of his staff officers, and ving consented to go with us until we All hands were at their stations way, 80 that in two minutes s arrival we had loosed our last Hian soll, and the anchor was dang- pow as We steamed out of theharbor. Each vessel that we passed dipped her flag, and the band of the German war vessel “Leipzig’ played “Hail Colunbia,” making the hearts of all on board swell with pride for our native land. The steam Iaunch of the Russian war ship, filed with officers, steamed alongside of us all the way outside, and at last gave three rousing cheers as they turned to go back. The" cheers “were heartily returned for America’s powerful friend. The King soon left us, and the rounds of cheers that were exchanged were in- dicative of the strong friendship existing be- tween this dittle- kingdom and our gpeat re- publi." = The land rapidity faded from view as under steam we hastened towards the south. When We were well in the “offing” fires were hauled and we were depending entirely on the usual! faithful trades. They did not tail us either, but carried us clear down across the line, where we ‘picked up” the southeast trades. ' But little happened to break the monotony of a long ace voyage until one day, when the wind had us for a few houra, some of the sailors caught a large shark. They succeeded In getting tt out of the water; but before they could get it on “ board, the line parted and he was again free, a piece of pork and a hook ahead. A BIG ECLIPSE. The Gth of May we witnessed the ectipse of the sun. It was almost total, and iasted from |S8tollam. During this eclipse I noticed for the first time that every hole or hollow of any kind, no matter what its form was, cast @ shadow, or rather made a light spot, in the shape of a crescent. Jn the morning of the 284 day we sighted * land, and as soon as It could be seen plainly we found it was the Island of Upulu, and that we were Just off the harbor of Apia, our destina- tien. On approaching the island ft presented a different and much more attractive appearance than the Sandwich Islands did.for,instead of the mountains being brown and barren, they were The beach, as. with cocoanut trees, and a little ance out there was a line of heavy breakers, made by the coral reef entirely surrounds the island. Au the reef allowed ns to pass into the | yond, which furmed the harbor of Apia. The town is beautifully vituated at the foot of « steep mountain, down which a beautiful water- fail tumbles. We had scarcely let go our anchor when numbers of canoes came alongside, con- taining almost naked savages. They were the most pertect pictures of physica! manhood that Ihave ever seen. With their tall, straight, ath- letic forms was united a face expressive of much intelligence and friendship. They had all kinds of things for sale—war clubs, spears, mats, cloth, and many trinkets, &c., of exquisite workmanship, besides pouitry, eopenmnte ba- — oranges, and ~ rested the ~ island, very acceptable to us twenty-three days of po fare. They did not care so mach for money as for clothing of all kinds, handker- chiefs and tobacco. The weather was suitable evening amusement, such as tableaux, charades, theatricais, or a fancy dress bail. When no such specialty is on the program a walk up the road is followed by whist in the large parlor and dancing in the l-room. At such times nine or ten whist tables are running at once, but the sound of the cards and the merry laugh of the victors are moderated asthe rich voice of Mr. B. U. Keyser fills the room with ite sympathetic rendering of one of the innumerable ballads he singd so well. On last* Friday the announcement was bal- letined that in the eveniug the screaming farce of “Popping the Questicn” would be present 24. At an early hour all the seats were occupied, and “standing room only” was announced. The roles were enacted by well-known ‘Washington and Baltimere ladies — gentlemen in a very satisfactory manner. ‘The stage setting was quite artistic, aud added greatly to the success of the entertainment. Earlier in the week some children’s tableaux were successfully ar- ranged by Mrs. Mullan, of Baitimore. A series of pictures, representing “Little Red Riding Hood” and her meetings with the wolf: Sa yron | warm during the day, but at nizht cool leasant. The evenings were notable for bril- lant moonlight, which addseven more to a tropical evening than to those of our owa Unlike the Hawaiian fslands, these are some- times visited by terrible storms, earthquakes and tidal waves. They always occur in the winter and in March. On the 24th of Marchy, they hada terrible cyclone, bezinning at the southwest and working uround to the north- east, wheré it could blow full into the harbor. ‘The storm was accompanied by a tidal waveand an earthquake, and * demaze was done. Of five vessels lying in the harbor at the time ot + the storm -tour went into the corel reefs and were complete wrecks inside of twelve hours. The earthgoake caused an upheaval of the earth in the harbor and made several acres of new coral reefs, nearly closing the entrance to the harbor. The rise of the water due to the tidal daughter, and Mrs. the daughter of | and the Beast;” “The Seasons;” “Ne southwest shore of the island of Savail, the the late Commodore Stev. and her daughter, | “Crossings Sw: ” &c., were given with | west island of the group. to the westward of Mig Barely are at the Windsor Motel, 2 realistic ef reat or ——— Up the wave swept the shore and destroyed Col. Condi ani ide, recently Miss ones who took part and ‘who en- ee ee —— a cia lok ie ton Pacific, *, ived here as as expected to do, secon ugust is w! known visit owing to his ill health, iJ “‘waiters’ day.” Upon this occasion wait- | and Tongs Isiands during the Their friends here have heard that Justice and | ers have a contest in Accompanied by Mrs. Field sailed for Japan on July 28th, to be. are three show we went to absent only nine weeks, however. greatest taste and ingenuity, and the awards are | ment has a The Haytien minister and Mme. Preston, and | made by a committee For sev- | is said to be all their children, except the eon and daughter | eral days last week the walters devoted what | from my observation who are here, are at cottage at Oceanic, | spare houre they could find to making prepa-| was correct. close by Seabi N.J. rations. The country people, as urna, brouzht very much a evergreens, mosses and sold them | ing land is about 1.200 f to the k: ad ee ae depth of water is 20 fathoma, and in a procession and viewed the different | there at once. tables. of the designs were the most generous unique, and some showed ance ‘They taste. The boys evinced their pleasure at re-| thing that they marks of ciation by broad ns sok peo turn. tae fl lngton at Valley Forse” Gone a hls horse i lot ‘of me lex ~ and a were both made of coiored pasteboard, but the Ebina we nally took tthe loathe ar ha ene Te, Proportion trom the Mavi: aber Sahota Lemeplpcte=td bes ov account ered with four represent snow, as was. days, ground. Miniature sinskets were stacked here ' iro,ical mctropolia