Evening Star Newspaper, May 3, 1884, Page 2

ST THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON. D. C ATURDAYS MAY # / * 1884-DOUBLE SHEET CITY AND DISTRICT. RUILDING HOUSES, A Fine Ciass of Impr. Progress. ments Now in RSITY PARK NG ERNCTED. ; 1 expensive houses | erected this year a3 last,” remarked a| own builder toa Star reporter, “but | number of what may be | now in progress of | ting from 23,000 to honses plenty of th IT have an that but few expe © houses will be this year; that is lf we take last year for, i UNIVERSITY PARK i 4% subdivided the property nm college, and atket. The portion front- -t is divided Ingo lots which are wide, with a depth varying Mr. Hill holds these lots Erie street extended runs * parallel with this rans streets, names familiar 3 and friends of the colleze. The visome Improvement for | a Flint on K street. The house will | a wide nter, with an elegant plat- n will be lighted by a ss skylight. The ceilings of the hall paneled in wood. The interior finish i vedi All re on the drst wide double stiding door, thrown ini if desired. ‘The | nt design in pressed brick, black moulded brick and blue-stone nes. The windows will have colored The front will be forty three feet, and e will be three stories high and have in the Lasement. pneider SAMPSON'’S RESIDENCE. A three story brick residence is being built for Mrs. Nellie Sampson on Hillyer place. | It will be 20 feet wide, and 41 feet deep, and will have a press brick front with brick moutd- ings, and the ornamentation in carved brick. | The front will be ernamented with an oriole window, and the building will be erowned with | a gable rovf The interior finish will be ele- | gant and modern. The cost will be 26,500. jessrs. Gray & Page are the architects. EXTENSION OF WELCEER’S. Mr. Felter, the proprietor of Welcker’s reatan- | Fant, on 15th street, intends to carry out this spring the design he has had in view for some time of enlarging his present building. The ex- tension will necessitate the removal of the two brick dwellings to the south. n this site a Duildinz corresponding to the present building will be erected. BUILDING NOTES. An improvement is being made in a section of the city that has been somewhat neglected of late years by the erection of four brick houses on F street, near 18th. These houses are being | erected for Mr. Peck, of New York city. at a cost of $80,000. Mr. James G. Hill is the ar- thitect and Mr. W. C. Morrison the builder. Mr. John F. Doran has begun the erection of | & new dwelling on K street, between 9th and ioth streets. It has a frontage of 20 feet 6, inches and a depth of 66 feet, and will be three | Stories and basement: the bay window will ex- | tend to the roof, and have ornamental brick | cornice. The front will be of pressed brick, ornamented with moulded bricks and brown. stone. The cost will be $6, Joreph Wil- | 2 is the builder; T. F. Sehucider, archi eve dwelling has been begun for Mr. Jos. ar L. It will be 23 teet ck and bluestone trin shixh. bay window full | ctor finish and arrangements i ry respect. The cost ider ts the architect. | is being | nthe fine brick resi- r, to Mr. C. B. Jewell ences are being built by Mr. vreoran and 9. vfs erecting a ri Streets.ai a cost of | % relic awell- | -t and South | 000. | between | wih, by Mr. A. D. Clarke, aia cost of | | on 10th | > south- | ales | and Connecticut brick dwelling is being » betwee i on the nerth side of N and 20th strects, at a cost | Smith is erecting a two-story and on 2d street, between dL street, at a cost of street, vam, at NPYLEN IN CASE years ago I wouldn't hav as, an uptewn unde to a small white casket, in his front office. No, sir, bave known what that was thirty | y didn’t have caskets then; eallcofins. Do the styles change? | yes: they ehange in coffinsas they do In} but mavbe not quite so often, as one | ts: Man doesn't wear more than one style. The | €offins. posited at the hea and toes, were in| , wasn't any | hen they got to making | squarer, until they got to be some- | hape but it was along | cloth caskets came int® tashion. | ‘Ti.cy are modern ext and look very neat and Btylish. A great improvement on the old style. Do we sel! any of the old styles now? Oh, yes; + some old tin r kind. tolks who won't have! wouldn't think of being | ed casket. They want | ashioned coffin made for com-! these old-thue folks ar dying off jassioned evifins will be all” buried pe BEATE away ahead of Europe in caskets,” | king rinzly at the casket. | in front of him. “We imstyle. They don't | y use plain wooden | on them than I ahead of Euroy y style at all; why th boxes, with no more Rave on my hand. ‘They put them on stretch- | ave to cor m over with a heavy | to hide their defects. That's where | the term pali-bearers came from. ‘They are the | four men that hold up the tassels at the corners | m trom dracging on the ‘The men that ¢ Of the pail, to keep tl ground, called rope. In! ¢ phices they have men with Jong wands to | re the hearse, | jon't know how to get up a stylish Now, just look at that. That's what I handsome casket. A man needn't be t to be buried in that, It's the latest | Pattern. and bas heavy silver mountings, haud- Somely molded and chased, and the inside is all comfortably cushioucd. “A casket gotten up Bike that does pot jook bad in a: Parior. They used to make only black Cloth caskets, and leave everything about = ead person biuck, but now th areusing more White for young’ persons. What will a good funeral cost? Well. (menevring the reporter from heud to foot with his eyes), well, E id ive you @ pretty good funeral pr $200 or $250. There's a case full of fine caskets: you may take your , ‘That’: about your ivive you that casket for $75, and then will cowe the hacks and. at- ce. Here's anotiver that wi le more. say abont t for $150. Will added, cutting | yon ba f short ss he caught | Itcame curving over third vase, and Humph- | expected. His playing at third base is improv- : but will doubti | success. ja idence at | built for Mra. Lney W. | g | ship and silk bad; jght-oured shielis,(selected | ews.) silk b McFarland, King and Cor jt | opened on Decoration day by two races of more OUT-DOOR PASTIMES. The markers for the parade, Mesers. Kruger and Brown, can be seen dally wending their way Base Balt, Boating and Bicycling— | °¥er the course of the procession to determine Prospective Turf Events. Base Ball. The Washington club made a very creditable record during the past week, and won hundreds of warm friends, who will watch their career through the championship season with great interest. On Monday and Tuesday the strong team from Richmond was taken into camp very cleverly. ‘The game of Thursday with the Brooklyns, how- ever, was the one on which the general interest € ed, on account of its being the first ame of the championship season. The most critical could not have asked tor a better display of both batting and fi the home club. They made hit after hit, iz twelve runs, and did 3 to zeta single man were out, brought a man fiyii ‘ond base. Kiley got the bail on i wasted no time in sending it in. the bound, ries, who stood on the home plate, scarcely moved trom bis tracks as it settled in his hands betore the runner got there. The play was de- servedly applauied. Fenelly particularly dis- | tinguished himself, playing a faultiess game throughout. A high fy caught while running with the bail was one of the neatest catches yet seen. He ia without any doubt astrong gen- eral player. Hts hands are still ina bad condl- tion, and ah error on his part is almost excus- able. The whole nine played e great game of bal! esterday between the two clubs 3 e not so fortunate. They lost ame by a score of 7to 5, simply because bie to hit well until too late. Had tterin the first part of the game mizit have again been with them. At any event the score would have been a tir, but for the two earned runs made by the visitors in last inn Lovers of base ball expect to see some very | exciting battles fought at Athletic park this | senson. The home club has demonstrated its | ability to play a strong game. Kiley has caught the audiences by his heavy hitting. He didn't make a base hit in Friday's game, but he is liable to make several most any time. King plavs a yery strong base. “Holly” would have hunted a good while tofind a better man for the place. He has saved Giadmon from several bad errors, by being able to take care of baiiy thrown balls. Humphries caught as well Thursday as any one could wish. Barr and Hamill are two valuable pitchers. ‘They are hard to hit, and use plenty of head- work. Trumbull, some claim, will prove as ef- fective as either. ° Gladman is batting well, mnch betterthan was ing daily. The new uniforms of the Washingtons look well. The boys made their first appearance in them on Thursday, and everybody was surprised to see how much larger they looked than in the practice suits. The Nationals did not play much this week, Play some strong games during the coming week. There is plenty of good material in the nine. ‘The Boston and Buffalo teams are uniformed alike. When theymeet it will be dificult to tell the runners from the fielders. In a recent game between Harvard and Brown, Nichols, the Harvard pitcher, disposed of the Brown nine without allowing them a nit. The Nationals deteated the Waveriys yester- day by a score of 12 to 8. The Baltimore hard hitters and the plucky Nationals play to-day at Caystol park. The games of the first two days of the league and American championship season resulted as follows: Leazue—Philadelphia won two games from the Detroits, the New York two trom the Chieago, the Boston two from the Butfalo, ieveland and Providence each a game. ociation: St. Louis won two s from the Indianapolis, the Baltimore two the Metropolitan. Louisville two from the “do, Athletic two from the Allezheny, Cin- ti and Columbus, and the Brooklyn and Washington each a game. Boating. Every evening during the past week erewa have cone out from the Potomac and Colum The Analostans have not ve. only sending out an occa in earnest. ac Solumbia boys are nruch interested in the of club races which has been arranged. and every prep made tor their i die weight crews, which will are as tollows: Tow on the troke. Passaie—Young, Downman, stroke. Vertection—Perr, Kerr, stroke. Tota s—Lake, bow; Oyster, Chapin and Fil- «stroke. Total. 591. There will be a race on the same day for double outr rking boats. ‘The Potomac Club has arranged a program of club races somewhat similar to that of the Co- hunbias. The first regatta will be held on June 6th, aud the races will be four double, outrigger working boats, and four-orded shells. Follow- lug will be, June 20th, donble sculls, six-oar: gunw: lady coxswains, and four-oat y ble outrigger working bo: ust Ist, four-oared | ats, lady coxsw . married and single crews: » gunwale working boats, ie ared shel st 27th, double ; b te senils and tour- Jolnson and . SL Ibs. Brawner, Rady and ibs. de out! e, for silk badses wale boats and vouquet; double and club colors: four- ) cluy championship donbie sculls, club champion- i do and In (picked crew ade well, new men of very well, and if} tess occupy crew. These men will go on t in good trim. zers are working well; the wing daily improve- ity stick to. his ep the river. r four will begin rowing her very shortly. McRae will, without . Dll the stroke seat, and the crew will n be McRae er, Ryan and McKinney. Age tween the Potomacs umbias is talkedof by some of the boys. Not ascrub game, but a championship guine in shell unitorms, with plenty of style. The professional sculling season will be than ordinary importance, one in the east be- tween Courtney and Ross, ‘and one in the west between Teemer_and Conley. Bicycling. The route of parade for tie league meet in Washington has been amended as follows: The Procession will form in front of the headquar- ters, Arlington Hotel, at 9:30 a. m. on the morn- ing of Tuesday, the 20th of May. After a re- | view by the commander-in-chief and staff the line will proceed to1 street, to 15th atreet, to Pennsylvania avenue, to the Peace Monument, countermarching up the north side of Pennsyl- vania avenue, crossing to the south side at Wil- land's hotel. to 15th street, up on thie west side | to Pen a yivania avenue, through the Presi- 's grounds, to Washington Circle. around to New Hampshire avenue, to P-street Circle, down Connecticut avenue to Rhode Island ave- nue. to Seott Circle, around the south side to Towa Cirele, down Vermont avenue, around the east side of the Thomas Circle, down 14th street to I, to 13th street, to New York avenue, to 9th street, to Massachusetts avenue, to 10th street, to Rhode Isiand avenue, to P street, around the north side of Iowa Circle, to 14th street, to 8 street, to 16th street. to Scott Circle, around the north side out Massachusetts avenue, to P-atreet ‘ircle, around the north side to 2lst street, to New Hampshire avenue, to Washington Circle, to K street, to 15th street, to I street, to the Arlington hotel, where the procession will’ dis- miss at 12 o'clock noon. The procession will be led by two markers, Messrs. and Brown, who will carry blue flags, with league emblem in gold. Music will be furnished by mounted bugiers from the United States army. The program of the L. A. W. meet, 36 pages, will be out In a tew days. : The rule cf the board of officers, Tuary 22 of this year, to exclude wheelmen not in connection with the has been re- In the seventh Inning | very near —scor- hit to left field sciuded vy special request, in accordance with this the Ws Cycle Club om tn tee Coe lub has sent a} the invitation to ital club the privileges and Pleasures of the cre. the gait of the march. Col. Staples, of Willard’s hotel, has offered a handsome silver cup for the three-mile event on May 20, to be denominated the “Wiilard's Hotel Cup," to be won three times before it passes into permanent possession. - Whht with the interesting races of the Cap- Ital club on May 16th and the leaue meeting on the 19th, the parade, the league races and the banquet on the 20th this city ought certainly to have a wheeling boom. fates by rail have been considerably reduced, and wheelmen will save many dollars through the efforts of the Washington Cycle Club trans- portation committee, Amos W. Hart, chair- man. With the exception of one hotel all have ar- ranged to provide storage for the wheels of their ests, The Elmira club has hired a sleeping car for the duration of the meet, to carry them here and alsoto serveasa hotel for them during their stay. Joe Pennell, a well-known artist on The Cen- tury, and a member ot the Germantown Bie: un the city afew days aco. He thinks seriously of locating here next fail. He is said to ride the worst-looking bicycle in the world. Joseph Huber, @ bicyclist from Munich, was in Washington this week. Mr. Huber spent the greater part of last swnmer bicycling in Switz- erland. His brother is the champion rider of Bavaria. Arrangements are being made for a game of base ball at an early day between the Columbia university nine and a team from the Capital Bicycle club. Cram will catch for the wheel- men. He was catcher on the Dartmouth col- lege nine when they won the inter-collegiate championship. Bert Owen returned from California this week. He was heartily welcomed by the Capital boys. The photographie views taken a coupie of weeks ago at Cabin Johns bridge, by Noyes and Hannsmann, haye just been mounted: They are beautifully finished, and would do credit to the best professional photographers. ‘The Capital club are completing arrangements for their club races on the 16th inst. They are bound to make the occasion a great success. Mr. W. D. Doremus has presented the club with two lamps and a bicycle self-closing step. They will probably be placed as second prizes in the quarter aud’one mile races. Chas. E. Tichener, captain of the Binghamton Bloyele club, visited the Capital club houge on Tiday. The members of the Capital club are much gratified at receiving the invitation from the Cycle club to participate in the league meet. The Turf. The all-absorbing topic of discussion among turfmen at the track yesterday was the break- ing down of Gov. Bowie's famous horse, Crick- more, the fastest and best race horse, taken all in all, the sporting governor ever owned. Crickmore was engaged in three of the most valuable stakesto be competed for at the forth- coming meeting of the jockey club, aud as the declarations therein were to be made on the ist instant, he was given a trial on Thursday, having as companion in his work the old mare Tennessee, his half-sister. The latter was always noted for delicate legs and bad feet, and it was only this Season that there was even a probability of her being able to withstand the trying ordeal of the “grand preparation” through which the race horse is required to pass. As the horses were to be shipped here on Friday, it was deemed best to subject them to the crucial test at home. They were sent out todoamile and a quarter at racing pace, butafter going about half.the distance Crickmore broke down in beth front legs, and when Tennessee was pulled up it was discovered that she also was in the same plight. Crickwore will be missed in the races of a week hence, asit was thought by many good judges that he had the handicap and diplomatic stakes at his mercy. As stated above, the declarations in the handicap were due on Thursday. Of the twent, ine entered fourteen have been re- tired, follows: Decoy Duck, Nimrod, Crick- more, Tennessee, Frankie B., Swift, Torpedo, Mordaunt, Farewell, All Hands Around, Wool. ley Donviass, Hassan, Murmur and Solitaire. Phos Temaining in are Old Liz, Emma, Bessie, Mark, Hilarity, Wandering, Col. Watson, Burch, Jin Nelson, Chanticleer, Ella Warfield, War Eagle, Pearl @horne, Reteree and Polonia. This is a high-class lot, and insures a good race. The withdrawal of Crickmore adds five pounds to the weizht of each of those remaining in. The horses in work at the track are, with a few exceptions, doing well. .Some are’ gallop- st. Decoy Duck and Mittie B., the ks of Mr. Burch’s string. are complain- ing. The latter was hurt at Norfolk while en route here, and is slightly lame behind. The others in the stable are in flne condition. To-morrow six carloads of horses will be shipped here from Jersey City, comprising the stables of Pierre Lorillard, jr., “Joe” MeMabon, Edward Heffuer, Bridge & Co., W. R. Babcock, Flinn & Co. and the Excelsior.” There will be thirty-six in the lot. Mr. Lorillard’s string con- tains several two-year-olds, believed to be phe- nomenally fast. Crickmore, Frankle B,, Red Star, Col. Sprasue, King Tom, Tattler, Woolley Douglass, Hassan and Murmur have been deciared out of the Willard’s hotel stakes, one mile, to be run on the second day of the meeting. Twenty re- main in, ‘The club-house, newly furnished throughout, was opened yesterday. It will be open to visit- ors up to the opening day of the races, which begin Tuesday, 13th inst. There is talk, how- ever, of giving an extra day's racing on Satur- day next. The berses from Memphis will not arrive un- til Tuesda ‘They will number about twenty. The old tavorite, Ella Warfield, never looked better than she does now. ‘The following horses arrived during the week: GOV. BOWIE'S STABLE. Compensation, b. g., 6, by Catesby—Australia. Nettle, ch. g., 5, by Dickens—Nettie. ch. m., 4, by Dickens—Belle Meade. Analosta, gr. f., 4, by Dickens—Anne Arundel. Anacostia, b. t. y Dickens —Anne Arundel. Empress, br. f., 4, by Narragansett—Mandina. Captain, b. ¢., 3, by Catesby—Belle Black- smith. Marstander, b. ©, 2 ty Catesby—My Mary- land. Catamaran, b. f., 2. by Legatee —Catacazy. Vesta ‘by—Stella, Black Jack, bI’k ¢ Riddle, eh. g. THE PRESIDENTS FLOWERS, The Green Houses Attached to the Exe RARE FLOWERS, GRAPES AND PALMS CULTIVATED FOR THE DELECTATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S GUESTS—THE FLORAL DISPLAY AT STATE DIN- NERS—A TALK WITH THE HEAD GARDENER. The casua! visitor to the White House, who Is allowed the privilege of wandering through the large conservatory filled with rare and valuable plants, naturally supposes It to contain all the floral belongings of the Executive Mansion, and wonders whence come the bountiful supplies of flowers that are a principal feature of every presidential entertainment. By making tnqui- ries he learns that at the rear of the building, a story lower than the front, there is a series of green houses, radiating trom the basement out into the grounds, each house containing ite own variety of flowers or plants, with the proper sur- Toundings necessary to their successful propa- gation and growth. These houses are all beau- tifully kept, arranged with taste, and contain almost every variety of plant and flower of any beauty orvalue. They have gradually increased in number and extent since PRESIDENT PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION, when the White House possessed but three lit- tle and unpretentions greenhouses, with con- tents of but little value, nuddled together In the Tear of the east wing of the building. These af- forded sufficient flowers to grace the President’s table at state dinners, and an occasional extra nosegay. At that time there were two wings, extending to the east and west of the White House proper, only basement. high, searcely reaching therefore above the height of the road way. These wings were used for the slee; quarters of employes and for stables. A, ing the eastern wing were the three greenhouses mentioned, and when the wing was removed the greenhouses were transfe1 to the west- ern side. It was then decided to build a con- servatory on the top of the western wing, and that was the origin of the conser a An extension was made 40 feet cba pyr south. The greenhouse known as the Camelia the moved from the sagan eae side. At its southern end ts a little pavilion cith pil and from those houses. The two Tn Kentucky the solons of the rehitve pia b poo ee = Leper cuccceded in prohibiting whecting i tha ort joned. Connected wine counties of the state. But now the live wheel: Teche eftionen Of eae Conn i Nas men there are going. to test the lescislatiee aot sointw ofgewe pears ee pitta moant stoaiizad toda whieh Yah ‘ihe during Lincoln's adm seta = hd 4 's administra- will be about 2500" wheetmem tn the oity:"be= ‘Aa the rape wines care trained along the tween May 18th and 21st. setmbeite 6 and-roof, there is considerable wail- A handsome menu card Is being made for the i ter's hon dou’t want one lo- banquet of the L. A. W., which ts to serve the ie Epace ar ablefor other purposes, andit ie utilized (62 grow- purpose of a lasting souvenir of 1886 1a the cap- ing various cut flowers and plants. Tue tem- j itui city. perature of the grape house is kept unusnally ‘es 2 high, to force the to ripen as rapidly as possible, with a view iof su} ae ing the Presic dent's table with home of the jelictous fruit be- fore he goes away for the summer. The varie- tles grown are the Black Hamburg. Muscat Hamburg, Muscat Alexgndria and the Chaselas. The conservatory was burned down during Johnson's administration, and all of its valuable plants were destroyed, among them being the largest Victoria Regia in the United States. As is known, it is an aquatic plant of great value. No attempt ins ever been made to re- place it, on account of the want of an appropri- ation for the tankand other necessaries. THE PALMERY. The addition to the conservatory which is devoted exclusively to palnis was originally the billiard room, adjeining the state dining-room, and which was demolished in 1874. About two Fears ago the windyws which opened into the palmery from the: state; dining-room were cut down to the floor and glass doors substituted, so that guests own pass immediately from the glare and heat of a state dinner to the retreshing coolness of the conservatory. To the west of the Camelia house are three more greenhouses, fronting on Executiveaven' One of these, bullt in 1877, was used for the growth of roses when the first attempt was made to | make a specialty of those flowers. It was soon | Apparent that it wes too contracted for the pur- pose, and in the following year fhe rose house, which now bears that name. was constructed | under the direction of Mrs. Hayes. It is the largest house of all, and runs parallel with the | conservatory. In it grow a number of the leading and most popular varieties of the rose, and a few representative specimens of nearly all the other varieties. In this house is the famous j Alpinia Nutens, one of the finest plants grown in the United States, with flowers similar to an orchid, hanging in large clusters, and also the Alamande, a yellow vine of great a Of the other two houses looking towards Executive avenue, gne Is used partly for propagating pur- poses and partly tor the growth of tropical plants, and the other is a second camelia house, also used for soft grooded plants for cut flowers. The former was built in Lincoln's administration and the latter in Grant's. On the outside of these houses are the frames where the violets and daisies are grown in winter. These beautiful indoor gardens are superin- tended by Mr. Henry* Pfister, a Swiss gardener of recognized ability. He las severgl assistants, and they are kept busy trimming plants, cutting flowers, planting shoots and taking care of the gardens about the round: A TALK WITH SHE HEAD GARDENER. When aStar reporter, while rambling through | the green houses the other day, met Mr. Pfister, he was cutting off little bunches cf leaves from a plant nearly three feet high, which was then about reduced to stalks. The stems of the bunches of leaves he stuck into boxes of wet sand. “Iam propagating,” said Mr. Pfister, in answer to the reporter's questions. ‘Every one of these shoots will take root. They are then | does and afterwards placed in the gardens, forming those beautiful, bright-colored beds which attract so much attention. The parent plant will be thrown away.” The reporter learned that one of the most Important duties of the head gardeners office is toarrange sultavle floral decorations for the President’s entertain- ments. ‘I have been here seven years,” said Mr. Pfister, ‘‘and never before were so many flowers used as now. 1 am always told the date ofa phot dinner, and the number of guests, and | make my preparations accordingly. If I have not enough flowers available I buy what more I want. You know every lady present must have a hand boquet.and that takes lots of flowers. The character of the decorations and the designs are left entirely to me; and ot course I endeavor not to repeat my idead: Talways try to devise some- thing suitable for’ the ete: For instance, when the President gave'his dinner in honor of the supreme Court, { nade a floral temple ot Justice, with the conventional scales of justice at either side. At each end was an umbrella of flowers, signifying protection. There is the old frame,” said he, pointing up to the rattera of his work room. ‘The guests always notice the flowers the first thing; that fs, If the decorations are first-class, and are high in their praises. Of course, I am always glad’of it, when I can make them notice them. ‘At one time I had the hanging gardens of Queen Semiramis for a center piece, and at another a lake with coral shores, and plats arffons the coral. There were boats upon the water and a bridge across the jake.” “When a foreign guest is entertained at the White House do you endeavor to design some- | thing that will remind him of home?” asked the Teporter. “Oh, yes,” was the reply. ‘When the Presi- dent gave a dinner in honor of the Marquis of Lorne last year. all the floral decorations repre- sented something strictly Canadian. The center piece was a Canadian canoe, with floral paddles. You can See the frame up there. Then there were | acouple of Lacrosse bats and balls in flowers, two toboggans and two snow shoes crossed. The Marquis said he had never seen such appro- priate and tasteful decorations. That big bell hanging there was the wedding bell at the riage of Miss Emily Platt, President Hayes’ e, to Mr. Russell Hastings. On both sides of the bell hung wreaths with the initials of the couple in the center.” “What part does Mrs, Grant's Hiawatha play in the decorations for dinners?” asked the re- porter. “It is too small for an ornament at state din- ners, and is therefore used at small dinners in the private dining room. At state dinners, how- ever, it is often filled with flowers and placed in the smoking room.” Realizing that he had already occupied too much of Mr. Pfister’s time the reporter ex- pressed his thanks and departed. EIGHTY THOUSAND SHADE TREES, A Talk with Park Commissioner ith—The Work Done in the Streets abors—The ac. “We shall plant probably two thousand shade trees this spring,” said Park Commissioner Smith, pausing, with one toot on the hub, to talk with a°Srar reporter, who stopped him as he was about to jump into his wagon last even- ing. “Iam just going todrive outto 19th street to look after the young trees we are planting there. “Yes. we area little late with our planting this year. The sprinz has been backward and the weather bad. But we keep right up with the street improvements. As fast as the streets are graded we put out the trees. Last year we planted about three thousand. “How many have the commission set out al- together?” asked the reporter. “About eighty thousand. They extend all along the streets and avenues that have been graded about thirty feet apart. and they are all | flourishing. The number that die or fail to de- | velop properly is 60 insignificant that it Is not worth mentioning. Ina tew years Washington will be a forest of shade trees.” ‘They are begin- ning to leave out now, and look how beautiful they make the city. When they all get their growth their boughs will almost touch, and Washington will be one of the shadiest cities in the world. The most of them have already got- ten of a size to afford considerabie ehade and a measureless amount of beauty.” “Do you find the soil along the streets adapted to their growth?” asked the scribe. “No, inno case, We have to dig.a large hole and make a bed of about two cart los of new earth foreach tree. With this, and constant care they thrive nicely.”. “What kind of trees do you set out.” “Probably more of the ray mcples and Caro- fina poplar than any ath ir kinds, but there are from eighteen to twenty-one varieties all to- ther. We plant a good many elms and button- 18, The different varieties of the soft maple make about the best shade; they are clean, fine ped and “free from bnes and worms.’ We plant a great many Carolina poplars because they grow fast and afford shade quicker than any of the others.” And in the low sections ot the city we plant them use thelr broad leaves absorb malaria. They keep the malaria off by absorbing the mtarma that comes up fromm the swampy and iow ground. Most any bi leafed tree will do thia.” “Yes, the commission has done and ts doing lota of work tow: beautifying the city, but I must geteoff to look after my trees. Iam sorry I haven't aseat for you, orl would take you around,” and he jum, in the wagon and started on his rounds. The African M. E. Church. ‘THE GENERAL cuneate oe BALTIMORE NEXT 2 ‘The general conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church of the United States will meet at Bethel A. M. K church, on largest colored ation in the world, comprising thirty-three iiseion work in Hayd and Africa, Nine bish- i officers are included in the represented by Rev. W. P. Koss, D. D,, and others, Baluimore conference will he represented by Rev. 4. A. Handy, D. D., L. 3. Coppen, and J. H. A. John- son, D. D."'Yhe ‘confercnve will De in about ane moutn, ! THE DISTRICT ACCOUNTS, The Text of the Kepert on Mr. Fied- Jers Resolution—The District Com- mittee Recommend an Additional SEersntion for the Auditor's Oliice, Below is the text of the report made by Mr. Wilson, of the House District committee, upon the Fiedler resolution: “The committee on the District of Columbia, to whom was referred the resolution, offered on the first of Aprii by Hon. Mr. Fiedicr, have had the Same under consideration, and rgspectfully report: 1. That the methods of bookke@ing in the Nuan- cial @partnents of the District of Columbia, as Introduced by the present auditor on the first day of November last and since enforced, are such as in the Judgment of the committee, and of expert | accountants consulted by them, will insure correct- "ssin the accounts of those intrusted with the collection and disbursement of public moneys and thetr ready accountability therefor. 2d. That prior to the introduction of these new mcthods, and extending back for ten or more years, there has been no requirement of law and no pro- vision in practice for securinga final and syste- matic audit and settlement of the books and ecounts of the collector of taxes. This failure in prattice may Haye been due to imperfect methods of book-keeping or to a Lack Of | sufficient clerical force, but thls fs hot necessary to decide. During these years many millions of dollars of | public money hove been collected, and the com- imittee are Of opinton that It was due both to the tax-payer and to the collector that at regular | ods there should have been a full audit and ‘settlement of the accounts of the collector's oMce. ‘Tomake such audit and settlement now would | Teqnire an Investigation and an amount of labor be- youd the power of this commitiee t bestow. Yet they believe it shonid be undertaken and carried | forward to completion as rapidly as ts consistent with perfect accuracy. The committee find in the appropriation bill for the district of Columbia of March 3, 1883, an appropriation of $2,500 for tempo- Tary clerk hire toenable the Auditor, among other things, to audit the books of the collector of taxes. Inder that authority the auditor has brought down these books from 1860 to 1865, and he iniorms the committee thatif this appropriation is continued he Will, as rapidly as the magnitude of the work and the requirements of accurney will permit, continue this examination down to the date of the introduc- tion of the new system of bookkeeping above men- toned. As already stated, many millions of dollars have been collected as taxes. ‘The Commissioners of the District of Columbia report that on the 1st day of | July, 1883, there were due and unpaid nealry three- quarters of a miljion of dollars of delinquent taxes, and of special assessment taxes over one million anda half. It 1s clear, without refiecting upon any one, that oMtcers charged with administering such immense sums of public money shouid, at regular and fre- quent intervals, be required to balance their ac- counts and make such exhibit and settlement thereof as will satisty all Interested that they hav faithfully aceounted for every dollar with which they are legally chargeable. The books yet unaudited cover the trapsactions them even by callit experts, but they belleve that this very necessary ‘work should be done, and that 1t can now be most efficiently and economically continued on the basis already laid by the auditor. They accordingly to its assistance competent Iy Tecommend that the committee on, appropriations be authorized and directed to add to the appropria- tion bill for the District of Columbia, already re- Ported to the House, a provision of the’ same tenor and effect as the item in the bill of last year, mak- ing an appropriation of the necessary amount for temporary clerk hire, to enable the auditor to audit the books of the collector of taxes, and that the auditor be authorized and directed to continue such audit on the basis of the examination and audit already made and verified until the same is com- pleted, and to report the result thereof from time to time to the loners for the information of Congress.” a LETTER FROM BROCKVILLE, Montgomery County Affairs—TheGran: gers—The New Bank-—The Agricu tural Society—New Church Buildings, Ew. Correspondence of Tux Evenino Stan, » ROCKVILLE, May 8. The regular quarterty meeting of the county grange, which took place at Liberty Grove hall, on last Thursday, was one of more than ordinary interest. Many subjects of interest to the order were ably discussed, among them the tariff, text books for public schools on elementary agricul- ture, methods of planting corn, &¢. The sub- ordinate granges of the county are in a prosper- ous condition, and are doing much good. The directors of the National Bank, at this place, held a meeting on Tuesday last, and elected Mr. John F. Byers cashier. Mr. B. was for a number of years manager of the Mont- gomery House, and has for several months occu- pied the same position at the Corcoran hotel. The directors ordered notice to be given to stockholders that the second and last install- ment of stock must be paid in on the 27th inst. The building will be ready in a few weeks. The beautiful weather of the past ten days has set all our farmers to work in gettingin the corn crop. It is estimated that the crop planted this Season will exceed that of lust at./many other years. The officers of the Agricultural society are busy making arrangements for the June exhibi- tion, and a committee of the same have secured the promise of Hon. S. 8. Cox, of New York, to deliver the address at that time, and also the promise of Hon. Ran. Tucker, of Virginia, to take the same part at the September exhibition. Itis expected that large exhibits of machinery willbe on hand at the June exhibition. while the floral display will be unsurpassed by any- thing yet seen inthe county. A large number of fine trotters will make the racing first-class. The superintendent of the grounds, Mr. Jacob Poss, 's at work preparing the track and put- ing the buildings in order forthe June meeting. The B. & O. company have commenced deli ering inaterlal for the new depot at Guithers- burg. Mr. Robert N. Spates, an old and highly re- spected citizen of the neighborhood of Bethesda, is dangerously ill with dro, Mrs. Lewis Keiser, of Montrose, is also ina critical condition from the effects of a cancer. In Rockville the building and improvement boom has at last struck the churches. On Sun- day last at the Baptist church it was formally announced by D. H. Boule, esq., that a lot had been tendered to the congregation by Spencer C. Jones for a parsonage. and a proposition to raise funds for the immediate erection of a house for the pastor resulted ina subscription 700. ‘The prospects are that this amount will soon be raised to $1.000, when the build- ing will be commenced, the estimated cost of which will be about $1,800. The congregation of the Protestant Episcopal chureh are making arrangements for the de- molition of their old church building (it being over 100 years old), and the erection of a large and handsome editice in its place. During the past few days crowds of people | from Washington have visited the Great Fails, this county, to enjoy the splendid bass fishing at that point. On Monday last the following were registered at the Cromelin hotel: Senator J. B. Groome, A. 8, Bryan, R. K. Evans, Dr. L. | M. Taylor, Dr. E. K. Goldsborough, J. J. Whita- r, Geo. Winters, G. A. Jordan, Chas. L. Kel- | sey, Jno. Ewan, W. H. Wetzel, Walter Stewart. There were also T. B. Eiker'and a party of seven ladies and gentlemen from Baltimore. and @ large party from the “Corcoran,” of this place, under care of the proprietor W. H. Carr. E. G. Fisher and three other men narrowly escaped going over the falls a few days ago in a scow, and were only rescued aftera severe effort by a party In a small boat, who carried a line to them from the shore. Mr. Henry Bradley has sold his fine flour mill on Cabin John, to Mr. Geo. R. Bell, for the sum of $3,500. Mr. John Young, of Washington, has recently purchased a portion of the Wm. J. Cooke farm, containing 40 acres, near Gaithers- burg, for $5,500. Dr. T. P. Griffith and wife and Mr. C. B. Walker and family, of Washington, have en- gaged rooms for the summer at the “Corcoran” hotel. Benjamin W. Cox and wite, ot same place, and Mrs. R. Dodson and daughter, Car- tie, of Georgetown, D. C., now have rooms at this hotel. Mr. J. E.Camp and family and Mrs. M. W. Chollar and tamily, all of Washington, are peaked for the summer at the Montgomery use. A Lullaby. Written for Tax Evewmre Stan. Ente ‘unfling, ‘With lullaby 80 soft and low, ‘The cherub is beguiling. DEPARTMENT ,OF AGRICULTURE. The Bill to Establish it Likely to Pass. VIEWS OP SENATORS PLUMB AND GEORGE AND REPRESENTATIVES HATCH 4N) MULDROW. The bill to establish a department of Agricul- ture bas been favorabiy reported in both houses of Congress. It stands on the calendars of the Senate and House with unanimous reports from the committees on agriculture. The two bills differ only in phraseology. The provisions are substantially the same. It is provided that a secretary of agriculture shall -be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and con- sent of the Senate, and that he shall have the same salary as is paid to the secretary of each executive department. An assistant secretary to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, is also created. It is further pro- Sided that the existing agricultural bureau, with all its appurtenances, shall be transterred to the department of agriculture. Senator Plumb, who reported the bill from nate committee on agriculture, was asked by a San reporter if be hoped to pass the bill at this session: “Yes,” he replied. “It wiil am sure of it. The bill came up the day, but went over under objection from Mr. Bayard. It will not come up again in the or- dinary course of business for a week or two, but when it does we will get a vote and pass it. This Subject.” continued the Senator, “has been a long time under discussion. Seven-tweifths of the people of this country are engaged In agrt- cultural pursu’ The agricultural interest ts scattered, and is not so well able to protect It- self as other interests. It is important that this interest should have its representative among the government departments, and should re- ceive the care and protection it deserves, Why, look! The subject of our exports is directly connected with agriculture and its products,our food supply, the question of balance of trade, all these important matters are intimately inter- woven with the interest of agriculture. We waut a broad and liberal man to represent this department around the President's table; one who is prepared to furaish information of every kind, and particularly statistical information as to agriculture, its products, &c. The agitation in behalf of an enlargement, an elevation of the bureau of agriculture, has gone on until, I be- lieve, nearly all liberal and fair minded men con- cede its right to a place in the executive depart- ments. Sucha change will be better not only for the agriculturists themselves but for all classes and interests. “Would not commerce and other Interest,” asked the reporter, “lay claim on much the same grounds to such representation?” ‘o, I think not,” responded the Senator. “They could not do so with propriety for none of them represent such a large proportion of our population, and besides these other interests are represented and cared for in the existing de- partments.” Senator George. an ardent supporter of the bill, and a warm friend of everything pertaining to agricultural interests, said: **The chances are first rate for the passage of the bill. The measure has passed the House of Representa- tives once or twice in past Co! and lam informed that it will pass the present House whenever it shall be reached. It is a measure of simple justice, and I think that is generally conceded.” Chairman Hatch, of the House committee on agriculture, is quite confident that the bill will pass, if, In the press of business, a vote upon It can be reached. Representative Muldrow, of Mississippi, who originally introduced the bill and under whose auspices it a Houre of a former Con- ‘ess, also believes the measure will go through y a large majority. The arguments in its behalt used by all friends of the biil are about the same as the reasons its favor given by Senator Plumb: that agriculture comprises more than half the people of the country, and that In ex- tent and importance if is entitied to a Cabinet representation. 4 PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE PROVIDING FOR A DE- PARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES. In the Senate Mr. Kenna has submitted a substitute which he intends to propose fer the bill of the committee. It creates an executive department, to be known as the Department of Industries, with a Secretary of Industries at its head, and provides for a division of agriculture in charge of a commissioner, as a subordinate part of the Department of Industries. cee mere THE DELUDED OYSTER. The Old Superstition About the Letter “RY” Exploded. o A TALK WITH MR. HOLDEN—NO OYSTERS PROM THE CHESAPEAKE DURING TUE SUMMER—HOW THE STEAM OYSTER WAS DISCOVERED, ETC. The last month with an “r” in it having let loose its hold, the beseiged oyster peeps cau- tiously out of his shell and takes in the situa- tion with some degree of satisfaction, contem- plating the approaching moment when he may let loose his reserved store of cramps and revenge himself upon the carniverous destroyers of his solitary happiness. But this is all a mistake, says Mr. Holden, of Harvey & Holden. The oys- ter is deluded; he is as good without as with the He is no safer in May and June, or even July and August, than he would have been had there been enough “r" to go round. But as those who practice eating as a science will not recognize that venerable tradition which gives the oystera holiday in the summer months, Maryland and Virginia have passed a concurrent law’ subjecting to asevere penalty any fisher- man who disturbs him during his summer yaca- tion. “We shall have to get all our oysters from Cape May and the northern waters this seasot said Mr. Holden toa Star reporter. “The Vir- ginia law went into effect last week, and that of Maryland on the Ist of May; so we can't get any more oysters trom the Chesapeake this season. It will be the first summer we have been with- out them. . They afe always in demand. The prejudice against eating them in the summer is wearing away, and folks eat them all the year round. Yes, we serve oysters in the summer time in every style we do in the winter except steamed. The steamed won't do in hot weather. You can have them on the half-shell, stewed, fried, broiled, roasted, escalloped, chafing dish, or in pies, and all kinds and sizes. Oysters are probably more universaily eaten than any other article of food, and [ have the opinion of some of the best physicians in the District that they are as good in the summer as any other time. A big fat oyster, taken from under a lump of ice, is just delicious in the summer. The only trou~ ble is that they are hard to keep in warin wea- ther, and sometimes people eat them when they are warm and not fit tobe eaten. The Lynn- haven or Cherrystone are particularly nice to eat raw, lemon juice and horseradish being the only sauce requi for them; and then there's the famous ‘Saddle Rock.’ The oysters gotten in the Maryland and Virginia waters are about the best. and the beds are convenient for sum- mer trade.” “Do you serve as many oysters Inthe summer as in the winter?” asked Tur Star. “No, not more than halt as many. Every body has not yet gotten over the old tradition, and they associate summer oysters with cramps. But it’s wearing away rapidly now. Another thing that cuts down our trade in warm weather is that we don't serve steamed oysters then. Many people don’t eat them in any other style,” HOW THE STEAMED OYSTER WAS DISCOVERED. “It is said that Mr. Harvey discovered the steamed oyster?” intimated the scribe. “Yes, he did. There are a great many stories concerning how it wasdone. One is that he opened, and he got to putting oa ts aak> theni open Gate mnuthe and to swell them up, making them look fat. Another Ps earriago—the beck bulldiog of Harvey's 267 ing Te- staurant took fire one night and was tothe ground. The H i H | i i E i i iy Li he ? i Lb [ ieee z | i i EE E H i a Fay ial El g F : t oi i hi i | charge to make it a lasting one. old Mr. Harvey, who's dead now, to think! ‘the matter over, and, says be, “] Think camel oysters is the thing.’ that's over twenty years | ago—and about that time there wasa man ad the National hotel who had an apparatus for steaming vegetables. So Mr. Harvey put on his hat, and followed by a darkey with a basket of oysters on his head, went to the National to make the experiment. Letting the st run throngh the oyster for about two minutes, he took them out, and, throwing them out on the table, told the servants to help themselves, In two minutes there wasn't an oyster left, and Harvey knew the thing was @ success. That's the true stor THE CHILDEEWS COUNTRY HOME. ‘The Second Year. The frst annual meeting of the managers of the “Chtidren’s Country Home,” for theelection | Of officers, was held at 1014 17th street, on Wed- nesday, April 30th. The Rev. Wm. A. Leonard, President ex oMicio, presiding. The result was &s follows: Miss Mary L. Wilkes, lady president; Miss Anna Wilson, vice president; Mise Niles, treasurer; Miss Bostick, secre assistant secretary. The board feel much encouraged by the ep year (when this charity was ineug trust the public will still continue th interest, thus enabling those who hi tary: Miss Rodgers, ot managers received last ted), and has been made to the home, which will commodate twice as many ¢ It {s proposed to open the bon June witha garden and pound party The same rules as last year will covern the Teception of children. Applicatons for admis- sion to the home will be received at St. John's church, corner H and 16th streets. Persons wishing to give cots in memoriam may apply to the president, who will be happy to inform them ~ all details on the matter before the 15th ot ay. The managers are particularly desirous to have the aid of the children of the District In raising funds, for, although after paying for the new addition and the rent for the coming year, they still have over €500 in bank, their expenses Will be necessarily much larger, 80 every one | earnestly asked to continue the interest mani- fested last summer, and to send any donations of money to Tug Star, where contributions will be gratefully received and acknowledged for this charity. m the Sth of eee RELIGIOUS NOTES. CHURCHES HERE AND ELSEWHERE. — In the Catholic churches the May devotions are in progress, the services usual! place iu teecrenices en eens ing = Shannon, well-known here, and now of Baltimore, bas been quite tll recently, but is recovering. —The Southern General Assembly of the Presbyterian church will meet at Vicksburg om the 15th inst. Rey. Dr. A. W. Pitzer, of the Centrai church, will go as commissioner for the Presbytery of the Chesapeake. — Rev. J. H. Ryland is holding revival meet- ings at the Twelfth Street M. E. church, and the meetings at Grace M. E. church (9th and 8 streets) are yet in . Rey. C.D. Si of preety heap been maslatany ie. ee France during the week. — Arrangements have been nearly completed by the new church of the Covenant (Presby- terian) at the corner of Connecticut avenue and N street tor the erection of the c apel, expect goon to begin the erection of the church proper. They have nearly 50.000 on hand. — To-morrow evening there will be a maas meetingat Mt. Vernon Place M.E.churchsouth im the interests of the Bible society, in which theeon- gregations of the First Baptist, McKendree M. E., Memorial Lutheran, Central Presbyterian, Mount Vernon M. E. south, and North Capl- tol M. E., will join. — A report that had been circulated alleging illegality in the drawing of the deed given by the Evangelical church tothe trustees of Gal- braith chapel. was denied b: the pastor, Rey. N. J. Green, who had the deed read before a large number of the members assembled on Thursday evening. — The Central Presbyterian church, $d and T streets northwest, expectssoon to resume work on their church edifice, adjoining the chapel in which they have worshiped for some years. This congregation. which has steadily grown under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Pitzer, has ex- pended thus far about $23,000 on t! expect that the church will require $15 — Rev. Dr. Domer, of this city, has recently received a communication from a member of the Special committeg of the hoard. of. dizectors of Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, soliciting his consent to nomination for the chair in theology in that institution, made vacant by the resignation aud retirement of the venerable Dr. Sprecher. Dr. Domer is an alumnus of Witten- berg College. —The question as to who are to be the new bishops will be decided early in the session of the approaching general conference of the M. B. church. There is a strong disposition to appoint one colored bishop, especially among the col- ored delegates. Should it be decided to do so, Rev. Mr. Peck, of the Washington conference, and Dr. Taylor, of Lexington conference, are spoken of. — The commencement exercises of Howard University theological department will take morial place on Friday evening next at the M Lutheran chureh at 7:45 o'clock. Th ating class consists of six youns representing the Methodist, Lutheran churches. Bishoy been invited to address the . has be: Pelled to decline on account of his e at the general conference of the M Philadelphia. — About two years ago the institution known as the Seamen's Bethel Retreat was opened corner Sth and L streets southeast, near the navy yard gate, for the advancement of temper- ance and reli . and for the benefit The building has been leased vara, and the managers belleve that by the help and assistance of Christian and temper- ance workers, a permanent building for this purpose can be secured. The rs of the Tetreat are a president and secretary, who do not receive any salary. The institution is now laboring under a debt incurred in furnishing and adapting the building to the work, andthe managers lock to the Christian and temperance workers for — The total receipts of the Baptist Home Mis- sion Society last year were $401.882.44—a sum larger by far than Was ever received in any one year. —The board of bishops of the A.M. EK. church met in Baltimore Thursday and prepared their address to the general conference, which meets in that city next week. — Fourteenth street, New York, nearly evenly divides the city of New York as to population, and there are 235 evangelical churches one side of the line and 111 on the other. —The Fourth International Sunday School Convention of the United States and Canada will convene at Louisville, Ky., June 11th, and continue in session until the 13th. The bundey School anions in this city will send six delegates and Les. —The Women’s Foreign Missionary Society of the New York M. E. annual conference cele- brated its fourteenth anniversary recently at the Madison avenue church. The society was or- ganized in 1870 by reven women, and bas now @ membership of 90,000. — The Southern Baptist convention will be- gin next Wednesday at the Seventh Baptist church, Baltimore. It is a delegated body, and comprises about 400 delegates, representing all the churches and missions of that denomination in the southern states. —Chaplain Charles C. Pierce, of the 9th U. 8. calvary, now stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, has sent his resignation to the President, totake effect June 30th, and he will enter the of the First Baptist church of Lincoln, to which he has received @ hearty call.