Evening Star Newspaper, March 17, 1888, Page 2

ITY AND DISTRICT. ST. PATRICK’s DAY. Cotebrated im the ‘Biow it Used to ve —, Time. Like many other holidays St. Patrick's Day was Yn the olden time im the District more generally ‘celebrated than ft has Deen in late years. ‘Teese arpong early settlers of the District who were ‘Irian blood were not more patriotic, perhaps, but ‘were more demonstrative than at the present daz. In some locaifties, thickly populated by Irish: ‘St Patrick's Day was the most tmportant day of the year, There were aways many of Irish biood Reve who not only observed the day religiously, Dut as a national holiday. ‘They attended mass in ‘ne morning apd a Dall or Danquet at night. CELEBRATIONS IX THR OLD TIMES. ‘As tar back as the 30'S the old Washington Benevolent Society, which subsequently became ‘ne Hibernia Society, usually celebrated this day sort of demonstration. Tt was the cus- Youn vo attend mass in ‘the morning and listen to a of the saint at St. Patrick's. Generally bers were attired In Diack suits, silk hats, aad rosettes and ribbons. With bands Playing “St. Patricts Day in the Morning,” “Gar- Fyowen,” OF other appropriate pieces they passed ‘Yothelr’ seats uncovered. Then tn the afternoon ‘members would make calls at the homes of thetr Ariab-American neighbors, and old fashioned Irish hospitality would be sed. At Right the Hivernias would usually hold their banquet at ‘Carust's saloon ‘now Kernai’s Theater). Here the Yate James Hoban, the jot ator 60. ¥, Custis, Wasnlngvon's adopted som, and ev. I Rider, of Georgetown Colieg?, controvemusaleet ‘would be among the guests, and among the members who were wont to grace the a ‘Kneis, Phil Knais, James Martin, James ‘Givney, sues Saber, Joan gy Michael ™ ‘haei Dooley, Billy Hughes, ‘M. Falty and rs ‘THE THMPREANCE SOCIETY. ‘St Patrick's Catholic Total Abstinence Society ‘Would also celebrate the day. This society owed te origin to agreat extent to Rev. Father Wm. Matthews, of St. Patrick's church, and Rev. Father ‘f.4. O'Toole took much interest in by Cc Fie j Heir AT THE CLOSE OF THE About the close of the war the sugnest fended upon a procession, shouid be contributed othe rellet of sufferers, im Ireland. “So tne pro- cession was ep. _, Tale sentiment has pre- Vailed to such an extent that Portraits of Distinguished Men at the Office of the District Commissioners, While sitting im the District Commissioners office @ day or two since a reporter of Tar Stan casually observed the portraits hanging on the walls of their rooms. At first no impression was made on bis mind, but as bis eyes continually ‘wandered toward the placid features and old- fashioned attire depicted, an interest was awakened in bis mind as to who these by-gone ‘Worthies were. Upon inquiry he found that two of them Were the portraits of Joseph Gales and Wm. W. Seaton, ex-journalists and ex-mayors of Washington. It may not be known that the first- mentioned was an Englishman, born in Eckington (che name Which the Gales estate, near Washing- ton, afterward bore) in 1786. Joseph Gales, Was mayor of Washington from 1827 to 1830. Joumtly with Mr. Seaton he published the ¥: ‘ional Intelligencer, % paper that held a leading | postion in Washington journalism tor a long series of years. The brother-in-law of Gales, Wm. w.s was mayor of W from 1840 | to 1360, and shared with Gales the honors be- | stowed alike by the citizens of Washington, Gov- erument officials, and the country at But 1a majority, perhaps, of the citizens of the stricta large proportion of whom removed | ere from other parts of the country—the once familiar Hames of Gales and Seaton are known “a the portrait of Mr. Gales is one of near ’ one dered in New Jersey, his ative state,by the old resi- sents as her “favorite son.” He was prominent in ‘Whe part he took in District affairs at his time— 1XK-42 He was tnstrumental in the tion concerning the Chesapeake and Obio Canal, which ‘at that te was considered important tothe bust- hess Interests of Washi ‘and Georgetown es- pecially. On the death of President Harrison, in 1840, and the accession of the Vice-President tothe presidental office, he became President of the Sen- inte. He was at one time Secretary of the Navy, and acted successively as Secretary of the Treasury ‘aud Secretary of War. IN COMMISSIONER WHEATLEY'S ROOM dDangs the portraits of Charles Fenton Mercer and Pullip Doddridge, of Virginia; Alexander Thomson, of Pennsyivania, and ex-Gov. Henry D. Cooke, tne Hirst governor of the District of Columbia. The portrait of the first named (like the others, Scales Seaton aud Cooke). were painted by the or- det of the councils of the city of Washi in Pecognition Of services done by them in benalf of the District. Mercer was especially Interested in ‘the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal project, and was appotnted president of the company. He served js native state, Virginia, twenty-three years in Congresa. Philip Doddriage, likewise a Virginian, served In Congress from 1879 to 132, and at the time of his death, inthe latter year, was cagaged ine the laws of the District’ then in force. "The project which he undertook has never yet been accomplished by mortal man, but It 13 to be hoped | That soon some one will be found to pick up the | Task he laid down Mty-nve years ago. } ‘Of Alexander Thomson little is Known. He served ‘Dut two years in Congress, and why hits name is commemorated Dy his portrait Is uakuown, Ofex-Governor Henry D. Cooke little need be Said, as be is still remembered by many of our eiti- zeus. Ap affable, courteous gentleman, and a publie officer of Unsullied honesty, he departed Unis life tn 1881 mourned as a public benefactor. Last, Dut not least, of the portraits that adorn ‘these Walls 1s that of Major Wm. J. Twining, U. S. Army, Ube Brat Ei commissioner of the Dis trict.” Appointed in 1878, when the present form ot it for the District was inaugurated, he served as a Commissioner until May 5, 18S ‘when, from a severe cold contracted at the Great Fameet toe Focamec, be Ged. Ma deuth was parueulariy sad one. in tue prime of life, with good health, a fair promise of distinction in the ue of bis profession. and on the eve of his wed au passed away. In life a soldier by pro- ot th he acted the soldter’spart. When rare that he must die, he turned over ‘and said, “Well, I suppose it ts all over me at West Point.” These were with me; his last Words. Im accordance with bis wish his remains rest in the burial ground at West Point, granite monument, over Dim by his friends and associates, marks his last resting-place. His memory still ves in the minds of men, but of nearly ail of those whose Hkenesses auntie Benigniy down upon the visitor at the Com- ns coflce, and who Keep sileut watch over the tai doings of the triumvirate, may well be patheus of old Kip Van Winkle: “Are We 80 soun forgot?” ——__. ‘The Mote. Written for Tor Evexixe Sra. Ob! brother, don't gloat ‘So hard on the mote ‘But brother, “they say." —Sure "tis the world’s way ‘That, turn your raze inward, ‘You'll see, ‘Laid on the back shelf By foud Mister Seif, A beam in your ven “I have always been dreamy and convemplative, living in a subjective realm and pondering on the @ scrange ta the shadow I saw a certain ‘The Good Time Coming WHEN THESE GRIEVANCES SHALL VANISH —AND WASHINGTON SHALL BE RXALTED—NO LONGER NEGLECTED, STARVED AND FRIGHTENED—BCT TENDERLY FOSTERED BY ITS PROUD GUARDIAN. No. Vv. As long as Washington is compelled to divert from the funds for its maintenance and develop- ment as the capital of the nation Dde- tween one and two million dollars, paid each year im interest and to sinking fund, and the heavy debt thus indicated rests upon it, draining its resources, the growth of the city will be delayed, and the nation, retarded by ‘ts impecuaious partner, will need to move slowly im the grand designs of capital making. But with ‘the full adoption by Congress of the original and ‘true idea of its duty toward the District in re- ‘spect to the capital's financial concerns,and in the matter of general legisiation for its benefit, and tn ‘& trustee's protection of all its interests, whether invaded by persons or corporations, the city will flourish in far greater measure than during even the last decade. ‘Thus favored the Washington of @ not remote future will be still more dis- Unctively a city of magnificent distances than at Present. Though limited only by the boun- Garies of the District, tt will be compactly knit together by a uniform system of streets and avenues, and by cable or electric railways, Which shall utilize additional bridges across inter- Yeulng waterways, such as Eastern Branch and Rock Creek, and Dring the most distant parts of the new capital tn close proximity to the business cent OF, a8 an alternative to the bridging of Rock Creek in the city, that stream may be di- verted through a tunnel to hide its urban ugliness and to remove the cause of West Washington's tsolauon. SURFACE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DEVELOPED CAPITAL. ‘The surface of the city will retain and develop Present charms, and be freed from present de- fects, Overhead-poies will go, and overhead wires Will be buried. A comprehensive system of under- ground conduits will accommodate all pipes whicn Reed to be conducted below the surface, and will confine not only telegraph and telephone wires but also an adequate supply of electric-Uight wires, for Washington's broad streets are to be brilliantly Mluminated at night, and thecity will not be en- Urely content even with the better and cheaper gas to be secured for it by Senator Spooner. The ‘underground Washington, like the surface city, will" be planned and constructed with wise forethought, 90 that continual and extensive excavation of the streets may be avoided. Warning will be taken from the experience of New York city, im respect to which Mayor Hewitt, in @ recent message, sald: “During the year 1887 98 miles of gas mains were laid, 25.58 miles of trench opened for electrical sub-w: 4.791 lineal feet of steam pipes Lald, 3,70 feet salt-water pipes laid, 17,43 excavations made for house connections, 15.42 miles of water pipe laid, 7.12 miles of sewer built and many miles of exca- ¥ations made for repairs of water pipes and sewers, making a sum Lotal 80 appalling as to fur- nish no analogy except in the results of a vast juake.” rae Washington of the future the periodical dattle over for street improvements Will lose uch of its customary desperation, for Congress by itberal lump appropri: for’the Denentt of tts exclusive property, the city streets, Will have at least provided tlie seven millions needed for such improvements in the present cit; and the “neglected sections” will, in great meus- ure, cease from troubling, and the weary r Uoners of appropriations for such purposes will, comparatively speaking, beat rest. ‘The city of Ssphalt pavements will be the paradise of Dicyclists, carriage users, and equestrians, and Sidewaiks Ut to be trod, suowing the same iercy toman that conerete pavements show to east, will re] e present mud-bespatt aggre: ationp of loose bricks. "The Ing sys- will clean the streets. ‘Thousands of additional trees will contribute to the city’s health and beauty. Attractive resi- dences, with the same pleasing varlety of arebl- Yecture that distinguishes those which now adorn Washington, will ornament every eligible site in the expanded capital. New public buildings will delight the eye at every turn. They will not be 80 constructed as to display to all the world a pe- burtous builder with a contempt for architectural attractiveness, and will not be planted upou the Teservations t clog the city’s lungs with brick and mortar, to: re the capital's grand design, and to torture the spirit of poor L’Esfant, already Yoo much vexed. Among them will be a District government building and a local post-ofice. In rudent deference to the deep-rooted but coatra- Eictory convictions of the owaers of eligibie sites ‘the exact location of these buildings Will not be here specified, but it be stated that the local post-aftice wilt noc then be housed with the Fost. OMtce Department of the General Government, to Which it seems likely to be fastened in the near future. Washington's beauty as ‘THE CITY OF PARKS Will ripen to perfection. ‘There will be the same profusion of small, multiform reservations sprin- kled over the enlarged city at the intersection of streets and avenues, displaying all the adorn- ments that nature and the gardener’s and sculp- tor's art can supply. Larger parks will not be Wanting. In the southern part of thecity the Mall, cleared of railroad tracks, and enlarged by the addition of several hundred acres of reclatiined flats, will make @ magniticent park, and furnish a famous driveway by which the visitor, having swiftly traversed historic Pennsylvania avenue from the President's House to the Capitol, may re- turn to his starting potnt by way of the Botanical Gardens, Armory Lot, Smithsonian Grounds, Agri- cultural Grounds, Monument Lot and White House Grounds, winding through trees, lowers and well- kept turf, and passing buildings of great public interest, historic monuments and statues. To the ‘other end of the city Rock Creek Park wil furnish a breathing place, With its thousand acres of sur- faee, its beautiful, winding stream, and its wild and diversified scenery. In the future Washii the Potomac River Will be utilized to its full capacity for the benent of the trade, health, and pleasure of the city. ‘The nt impediment to easy access to the river ‘the impassable barrier of a belt of surface railroad trucks, past—a i$ canal, criminal-infested Mail, and 'h bluffs which needed to be pie: ‘The'loval slices from the District's death rate. The upper Potomac, With its marrow, rocky channel and rugwed scenery, will delight the fisherman; just above the city ‘the stream, With the clubs perched allure lower Potomac the fifteen or twenty excursion steamers ot the present will be Vastly multiplied to furnish fresn air cea the heat of summer and to bring joy to children nd the poor, and despair to tie doctors, Gruggists, ahd undertakers. Public float ing baths will further contribute to the city’s health, Handsome and substantial —perhaps & memorial bridge connecting wit broad avenue leading to Mount Vernon—will fur- nish communication with Virginia, and the Long bridge, that shabby, flood-threatening nuisance of the present, will be only a Feminis- cence. S In that glittering future the local offices of the District will he bestowed upon District citizens in faituful fuililuaent of the promises of party plat- forms. ‘The people of the District. will be no longer stunted citizens of the ( nlted States, but wilt en- Joy representation in both houses of Congress as Sheir legislature, and a voice in the selection ut their executive, the President. The Government clerks Will not be vexed with we examina ons for promotion, intended to rather than to promote, but wich the victory of true civil service reform aiid the abolition of the apportion ment system, which distributes oflces a8 bandits under, the states in proportion ir Etrength, the efiicent clerks. Will’ be treed frou the haunting terror of unreasonable dismissal, ‘and will become a destrabie anu reasonably per- manent element of the city’s house-building and Young population. LINES UPON WHICH THE CITY WILL EXPAXD. ‘Wasbington will be the recognized and only’ meeting place of the American people in conven- tion assembled. In 1887 ft drew to itself gather- ings lake the International Medical Congress, the National Drill of the militia, and innumerable other conventions, inetuding the representatives of such varied activities as the shippers of the country, the woman suwTragists, the Percentage ot growth in Etstrde' ey it goal of haifa muvidently the we dredch anniversary as the c: enjoying during the last part of the century the tender regard of its guardian, the ni will be viewed with Sam's household, and core rs will forget, us completely as it ca AWS, WI as as. the miseries of its early years in which the memi- bers of the national family were disposed to pro- Bounce It “a disappointment to its parents, a dis- ¢redit to the fond opinions of its worthy fathers and god-mothers, and an eye-sore to all its ipaltd fe mateenaarotesmeraane THE ADAPTATION OF THE BICYCLE TO THE USE OF THE FAIR SEX—BICYCLRS LESS DANGEROUS THAN TRICYCLES—THE PROPER COSTUME FOR RIDING— ‘THE TANDEMS AND THE SINGLES, The safety-bicycie has not only brought bicy- cling Within a limit where it 1s looked upon with favor by conservative or timid men, but also seems to have selved the problem of the ap- Plication of the bicycle to woman's use. A desler who has just returned from trip made to acquaint himself with the state of the bicycling mind abroad, in conversa ‘on with a Stax reporter, expressed the opinion that bi¢ycling would become very popular with the fair sex. There are now about 500 women tn Washington who ride tricycles. As one by one Of these Fats ge are Induced to try bicycles— in the seclusion of a bicycle school Yard—and taste of tho superior joys of the Dicycle, they will become enthit for two wheels instead of three. The pieasuro to be obtained from cycling 18 in inverse Proportion to the number of wheels one rides. Already some of the more venturesome of the fair sex have appeared on the streets on ladies’ bicycles, a3 they are called. ‘The introduction of these bicycles will be made more easy by the aj ‘nce simultaneously of the tandem bicycle. ‘his is a machine for two riders, with two handle bars and two saddles or seats. Tho lady will slt iu front and her escort in the rear. With a good rider as her escort a Woman will soon acquire sumi- cient contidence and dexterity on a tandem to be able to pedal her own single bicycle. WHAT THIS SEASON WILL SEE. This spring and summer {t is expected many of the tuir ones will take to the bicycle, and before the year is tar advanced the novelty of the thing Will be so far gone that no lady will hesitate to ride for fear of attracting too much notice to her- seit. The woman's bicycle is the same as the man’s bicycle, with @ modification which removes all obstructidhs between the seat and the pedals, go that @ woman's dress can fall to her feet, as on a tricycle. On the safety bicycles for mén the frame is sO constructed that there isa straight bar from the axle of the rear wheel to the post to which the handie bar is attached in front. Of course such an arrangement offers an insuper- able difficulty to a woman in her ordinary wear- ing apparel. The dimculty has been overcome by making this bar or backbone curve down and uj ward like a letter U. In general terms it may Said that the saddle 1s attached to a little post so as to arrange to bring it over thécenter of tne U- shaped frame. The pedals are attached to an axle at ile bottom of the U. So when the Indy 1s seated upon the — bicycle with her feet on the penals, there 1s nothing to [pero her dresé from falling in per manner. ‘The mount ts made even more iy than on the masculine bicycle, a ‘the left side, with her hands upon the handle bars, the woman puts her right foot through the U abd upon the rignt pedal. Then she raises herseif on the pedal to the a the movement giving a start to the ma- chine, BICYCLES SAVER THAN TRICYCLES. “A safety bicycle,” said the bicycle expert, “is Much safer than a tricycle. An accident to a lady on a tricycle 1s apt to be much more disastrous and more mortifying than ope on a bicycle. The tricycle takes up more room and ts not so easily controlled. A tricycle is.apt to be upset in turning a corner suddenly. A rider 18 almost helpless in ‘such a catastropue, and gets con- siderably mixed up in’ the whecis and different parts of the machine. A bicycle by the very nature of the priuciples on which it depends 45 not going tofall so long as itis Kept in motion. Ita rider gets into a bad or dangerous place, by putting the break on she can come to a standstill "he machine Will then fall over to one side or the other, but the rider's fect ure within a few fnches of the ground, and by putting her foot out she can ‘tal, Yes, 1 arrest her am Very sure the ladies bicycle “will” take well, A se. rious accident at the _ start" might, of course, cueck enthusiasm for atime. From thé inquiries I have received it is evident ‘that many of goo social position here are not only thinking of the bicycle, out are eager to make a start. There ts really no more impropriety in rid- ing & bicycle than @ tricycle. Tu tac. on that score the preference shouid be given I think to the bicycle, for a3 I said they are less Mable to accl- dents of a kind that might subject a woman to mortification. ‘THE COSTCME FOR RIDIXG. “What ought to be understood, however,” said the bicycle man, “is that no woman should at- tempt to ride a byciclo unless she 13 suitably cos- tumed, Women Who waat Ww ride bicycles sould have an tnterest In this. The appearance on the street of a Woman bicycilst with a bustle on would tend to bring the whole business into disrepute. What ts @ proper costume? Well, a lady rider should be dressed plainly in ® costime of flannel, like “an cuuestrenne badlt, without, how: le ever, hay the extra length of’ skirt. It Should made of flanvel, or some material of a heavy texture that Would fall or drape gracefully tothe feet. she should have no bustle and not be tied or strapped up to such an extent as to prevent the ‘utnost freedom in the use of every muscle. One reason why I think women will like bicycles is that 4 graceful woman cannot find any place where the grace of her figure and her gnovements will be shown tq better advantage than on a bicycle. At first, I suppose, ladies will go out bicycle riding in clubs attended by gentlemen on tandems. In this ‘way the ice will be broken, ‘HRALTH ON WHEEIS. “Is it healthful?” repeated the bicycle dealer, rather scornfully. “Well, if there is a man or woman with dyspepsia 1'll guarantee to cure the malady with the bicycle. If there 1s a man who says he cannot get but an hour'ssleep at night, Vil guarantee that, after riding a bicycle a weeic, he'll sleep nine hours, or I'll pay him $5 a might, It 18 one of the surest clires for rheumatisin. “I don’t know much about such things, but I am sure any- Shing that sets he blood in rapid circulation, makes one breathe freely tue fresh olt-door alr, and gives ono an appetite, is tho best medicine oué can take. It there is anything Wrong 1n any part of the sys- tem the rapid puritied by the circulation of blood, ‘ought soon to repair the fresh alr Tho n Arey damage. I know a here, a school teacher, who was in such hopelessly poor healtn that the doctor said something would have to be done or she would die before Christ- mas She Welghed less than one hundred nds, She got a tricycle 90 nds. two weeks she rode to Cabin John’s and she has not seen a doctor or aay medicine since. ‘The exercise, too, is not hurtful in any way. Of course 1t might be overdone, just as one t walk too much. But bicycle after they have learned to ride, never get tired out by any bomen fp riding. It does not ae muscles legs, as many pose. gives play to every muscle of the boay. Saturday Smiles, it customer (inquiringly)—“Got any clean collars and cuffs, Solomon? The Trip from New York to Washing- ten with the Blizzard. DELAYS ALONG THE ROAD—SCENES AND INCIDENTS IN A PULLMAN SLREPER—GNOW AND WIND DRIFTING IN—A DEPLETED LARDER—FORAGING FOR FOOD— THE CONGRESSMAN'S WALL, STRERT STORY. Rain fell in swirling sheets in New York last Sunday night. Those whom business forced into the deserted streets felt more lonesome than they Would have done in the midst of a trackless forest. The infrequent waytarers whom they encountered only increased the senso of loneliness, Everyone hurried with echoing footsteps toward shelter, and travelers outward-bound saw with unwonted Pleasure the gleaming lights of the ferry-houses, where they were to begin the first stages of their Journey away from the great, damp, brooding wil- derness of brick and mortar. People bound South, among whom was a Stax representative, hastened rejoicing to the welcome shelter of their sleeping cars in the Jersey City station, and quickly cud- died up in their comfortable bunks, hopeful of Waking in the morning beneath smiling skies 1n Baitimore or Washington, Not the gloomlest simist in his most dys} dream toat night gould have fore-fizured to himself the experiences in Store for that devoted trainload of passengers ere they finally reached their destinations. On retiring at Jersey City the car felt. perhaps Just a little warmer than was good for a sleeping place, though not uncgmfortably so. During the night some of the gers awoke with a vague sense of cuiiliness. ‘They drew the covering closer and turned to go to sleep again, but did not suc- ceed very well, Then, in a sleepy sort of way, they searched about their bunks for extra blankets. Great Scott! What's this? Something has leaked, for the covering ts wet. No, 1tit only snow which has drifted in. Perhaps the windows are open a bit. No, the windows are tight shut, and thesnow has been driven in somehow beside the double Sashes. And come to listen, the howling notse to be heard is not the racket of the train at all, for the train Js standing stl, It is the howling of the wind, Which must be blowing @ fearful Arctic gale, to drive the snow through the crevices around the double window sashes and into the bunks of the steeping agsengers. ‘The wind in tury dashes with fearful force against the car, making the ponderous veuicle rock on 1ts trucks and filling the 1ainds of passengers who are awake with an unroasonable dread taut sioeper and all Will ve blown away. But it is getlug colder all the time and more covering must be hi No porter answers to repeated calis, and so the shivering passenger crawis out himself, robs the upper empty berth of its big blanket, spreads tt over bis own bunk, snow and all, crawis in again, and Is soon forgetful of cold, storm, yesterday, to- day, and forever, SUCH A MORNING! It seems buta few minutes when he is awakened again by some one conversing with the porter in a subdued tone of voice, It 1s daylight now, how- ever. ‘The train is standing still once more, the gale is still howling about the car, and the snow continues to sift in around the window sashes, ‘What's that the porter says? “No ‘ndeed sir, we aint got to iphia yet. "Deed I don’t know what is the matter, sir. We've been standit here most all night, sir. No accident as I heerd Guess the storm done it. " "Deed I don’t know what is the matter, Most like the conductor he can ‘tell you, sir, "Deed, I don't—" and the sleepy voice of the porter ig lost in the howling of wind and the >-oss-fire of questions which the l~ ally awakent <n ers pour at one another and at all rail; employes in sight as they their heads out of their berths in the hope of learning more concerning the delay. Quickly hustling on their clothis several of them go out to ascertain what's up. ‘They find, as ‘the porter said, the train had not yet reached Philadelphia, although it ts 7 o'clock, the hour at which it was due in Baitimore. A perfect blizzard is Ing. ‘The air ts full of fine, hard snow, which 1s drifting badly in fence corners and along the railroad. Everything is covered with it. The railroad employes look like genuine Santa Claus, their hair and beards being white with it their clothing frosted picturesquely from head to foot, Most of them are indisposed to talk. Those of them who will say anything informed the anxious passengers that many booms $a Poles are down along the line. Several were biown across the track just ahead of the train, as well as a large tree, The train was standing in the suburbs of Philadeiphia, pnt tt ht as well have been in the midst of a prairie. There she remained help- lessly for What seemed hours to the finpatient passengers, Fi PORAGING FOR" BREAKFAST. Worst of all, those who sought to obtain break- fast at the buffet were informed that the supply of provisions was low. The waiter would takeonly a few orders for breakfast. However, there were two otuwer buffet cars on the train, and for these some of the hungrier passengers on the Washing- ton sleeper made a rush. But they got lue satis faetion, for all the buffets were equally poorly pre- pared Uo meet the unexpected demands on them, One had plenty of bread, but little else. Another had some cold chicken and eggs, but no bread; and asone car would not supply auything to the others & complete breakfast could not be obtained in any Of them. So the iess-hardened passengers gazed at one another in painful suspense and mentaily won- dered if they were doomed to starve to death there at the very gateway of a great city. ‘They could understand how such things might be away out in the blizzard-infested northwest, but nere in the super-civ lized East, never, SHE a0VES. But at last the train began to move and soon made {ts way into the Broad-street station. It Was then nearly 9o'elock, and the hungry passen- gers made a mad rush for the restaurant. Like the wolves on the fold they came down on it, seized whatever was In sight and shouted for more” Tuls threw the Waliers luto a great furry, from which they only recovered at the sound of ‘silver Jingling in the Delated waytarers’ pocitet is oF better Sull, at the sight of tt lying comfortably beside their plates. ‘The Vague fears of starvation Which” some of the passengers had enter. tained while Wilzzard-bound in the suburbs added hatural desire for food stomach begins to feel along in the morning, so that there was a very healthy collection of appetites await satisfaction. “Twenty minutes the train nen had rotuised for breakfast. Dut Just as ste: coffee, steak, aud chops began toappear on the tables and to disappear within the hungry travelers, word camme that the traln was about to start again, Hungry as they Were, the travelers were not will- ing to be left benind. Reluctantly they rushed out, leaving their breakfasts half-finished, and again took their seats in the cars. ‘To add to thelr dissatisfaction, the train didn't get away for fifteen minutes or over, But they were buoyed up by the t they would soon be hoe, and they ta bite more to eat at Wilmington ina few minutes, BLASTED HOPES. But they were too sanguine. They had as yet hardly begun their experiences. It was many long hours before Wilmington was reached, Just outside of Philadelphia the effects of the storm became plainly apparent. All along the track the telegraph wires were down. Here they were matted together, iike giant’ cables by great masses of ice and'frozen snow. Again for & they were twisted and broken in a bewildert manner, and lay halt buried in the drifts. For Ing by the feartul gules Some were sapped ofa ing by Tul gale, were snapped off in the ground; ouners had given way ball way” uy , and the top portion, with its great weight of ice’ coated wires, had fallen to the ground, Many poles had been hurled across the track, and had to be removed ahead of the train by a latge force of men. Wherever there were cuts the snow had drifted in and packed solid, so that the most pow- erful engine could not plow through it. These cuts had to be shoveled out, and 1t was slow work, even for the force of 300 men, The snow Was ‘heavy and granular, and the shovelers had to work in a blizzard. ‘The wind was strong and biting cold, and whirled the loose snow back into the cuts almost as fast as the men shoveled it out. ORREPING ALONG. So from fallen pole to poie, and from cut to cut, the train crept along. The passengers resorted to all sorts of expedients to kill time meanwhile. The morning papers, procured at Philadelphia, had but little in them, and were soon exhausted. Games at whist and’ poke PAMINE AGAIN THREATENS. ‘Famine again seemed to be staring the travelers in the tace. The waiters in the other Avalanche, ‘When the tops of women’s hats lower, men ho go to ihe theater can reverse the old saying and ejaculate, “No crown, BO cross.”—., Courier. ne ee ee ae Into the snow OF seep wit iny thst ola i r. look here! of i t buffet cars told similar stories. To the impatient inquiries of the passengers as to why suppiles had not been laid in at Philadelphia, they replied that {Se butteta wore stocked only ax ‘4 i a Aut Eee & i i LE i iJ ° qe bi i | i ; : ; i f i Ei 8: Hi i ip i i i I i lls He i i i Written for Tae Evexixa Stam. RECOLLECTIONS OF MR. SUMNER, 4 BIG, FAT LOAF OF BREAD clumsily wrapped ina newspaper. With he dodged to his lair, asif fearful that he would be mobbed and his treasure taken from him. Another ‘a diminutt h he bore rt a sod inter “ “ag 4 tell how long the irain'would stop it was d: fo go far away in Search of food. Some of the lng Ones took the chances, however, and came back “im good time bearing armfuls of chicken ‘Sandwiches and fried oysters in boxes. ‘The others had tobe content with scraggy apples and bananas, at 5 cents each, tne pasmengers wore altos in‘Gtapairat” oree ie were in ever Teaching home at all, so slow and uncertain was the of the train. The trainmen could give but little information, and begged ‘Rot to be cross-questioned. They were doing the best they aving been continuously on since leaving New York. a LIKE A PAGE FROM “‘MONTR CRIETO.” ‘The passengers who seemed to take things eas- Jest were three Representatives in Congress, who played whist, smoked, and told stories alternately all the way, a little lunch breaking in occasionally on the regular order. As night came on, after the lett Havre de Grace, they settled back in thelr places and began to'chat leisurely about ‘things in general. The eldest of the three, whose Sal sige eae ecm n 4 ations, He’ was an unassumi dressed ‘Man Of middie age. His full Was streaked with gray, and ne wore a slouch hat. Hetalked in an off-hand, business-like manner, and soon was telling a story Which caused his two companions ‘to bend close Saeed might not 4 ‘a word, though he talked 0 that neighboring seats could not help neartog much that he said. His story was of a great cor- stock into which he baa be i ‘his will pro- been will to tect some of his holdings. “The gentiemnan told it in an off-hand manner, without excitement, ‘as he might have told of a r-ante poker game. Tem by item he cetailed how he nad ewuered ia block after block of Reading stock, unui finally he {ityror 100,000 abe, te lngest netag ot nigh Ly une « priced stock, he declared, that any man in Wall Streetever ad. But he had taken all his ‘With extreme caution, and knew just how stood and what todo at every turn. He left no Weak point where his enemies ht attack him. All his plans matured on a Satui night. When he vegan to buy the stock Was worth about 29. Slowly the price crawled up at first, then it to Jump, and finally reached 41 or 4. On Monday morning he was ready to close out the deal, “The night before,” the gentleman sald, “I went to bed ‘at 9 “o'clock and slept right thro to six the next morning as soundly as I ever did in my life.” At this ume, it will be remembered, this nes was big ring: Srrsin ae aenae re lollars, any step would not on! involved him probably _ in irretrievable but have carried down many others with him, The next day he began to liquidate and oo ‘through Lue deal ‘successfully, clearing, he Said, an average of 10 per cent on every share of ‘stock he handled. Those who heard the could hardly help hoiding their breath at the cru- clal points of the narrative, nor could they with: old thelr admiration for thé splendid nerve of tne man who couid engineer such an operation and tell about it afterward so carelessly and with so litle disposition to brag of his own daring and acuteness. And when at last, just before 10 o'clock, after a ride of nearly 22 hours from New York, the train reached dale <r te) big operator was not One of those who took a cab, although the night ‘Was bitter cold and the wind was blowing a, He jumped into a ¥th-street car, got a transfer at F street, and thus made his way to his hotel y town, ‘The train was the last which got t from New York between Monday ‘Thursday night, ———--ce+__ PROTECTING THE CAPITAL, How the District Voluntecrs Responded to their Country’s Call. In their report recommending the passage of the bill to pay bounties to the District volunteers the House war claims committee incorporates the report of the Congress before. It tells again the story of how the District men came to the protection of the national capital in 1961. In the very first month of that year, Gen. Scott, then in command of the Army, became convinced that there was a secret organization in the city of Washington drilling and recruiting for the purpose of taking posses- sion of Government property. Tocircumvent this movement he authorized Gen. Chas. P. Stone to organize the loyal men in the District. Under an order of the President thirty-five companies ‘were organized. ‘The; uty in guarding prop- erty until after the inauguration of President Eta- coln, and continued on duty from that time until they were mustered into the service in April All the service they rendered prior to being mustered into service was Without pay, they thelr own uniforms and subsistence. A LETTER FROM GEN, STONE, incorporated in the report, says: “The responses of the men of the Federal District was prompt and not to be mistaken or misunderstood. Old volunteer organizations assembled and filled their ranks and new companies of volunteers formed rapidly and presented themselves, ‘The people were enna tae the newly-formed com- panies purchased their uniforms themselves, hired February a respectable force of, a8 nearly aaT can OW remember, about 2000 "of these troops paraded in honor of the day, and made it evident to all present in thecapltal chat the Government had at its disposal at least a certain military force in case of necessity. The number of com- nies increased daily, or almost daily, and it was his foree which, ou tiie 4th of March, 1861,"to- ether With a handful of regular troops which Gen. Scott had been able vo assemble (as nearly a8 Tremember two batteries of arillery, one com- ny engineer troops, Some ~ cay ren- fered practicable and safe the quiet. Inaugu- Tation of the constitutionally-elected President. A battalion of District troops guarded, under Col- onel Tait, the position Where the President took the oath of office and made his inauguial address, District of Columbia volunteer cavalry guarded the carriage In which the two Presidents rode, while the e1 rcompany (Duane) marched be- fore the ct and District volunteers behind it. District volunteer riflemen occupied the winuows of Leo) Serr or the uration also occupt along Peonsyivania avenue through which the procession passed. During the month of Marc! 1861, these Volunteers were active in drilling perfecting their discipline, and, alt i § ii ki A : i i é ts il Ef Pn I i I ave HI ail B i i i ! i i il i DHFORMATION ABOUT LIVE STOCK AND LANDSCAPE GARDEXING—HOW HE READ BOOKS. I had occasion to see Mr. Sumner often during his long service im the Senate. I saw him first in Boston, in October, 1851, after his election and be- ana intellectual face forbade the idea that tt be any less distinguished person, but, at any rate, that was the idea I had formed of the man, 5 eee en may mentee wean ane Tect, as I learned after he left trom th He come to Wastingtoe 1 ‘once advanced 0 9 high place foor of tnat body’ he we nal was, Sion of aibon, “eteamed ever, exceptions to tye Tu day, iets interesting to note the tact that Senator n Buter, of South Carolina, was among thase ex ideas to assumea ‘Ucs of the times and to assert their weight portance in connectio& with the ki controversy. Mr. Butler, although eater wae such @ time; or of a Northern man who etary ttee Pagar ee 8 ‘When & remonstrance, by thor crept Sai Watlapn ance satveenats se it it to the Senate. It was mense ‘and formidabie bulk, as it lay President's desk. Mr. Butler was not tn bis seat at the moment of its tat Soa ulead elart andSoa sot ‘turned to Mr. Sumner ‘said, with a wrinkle in bis “Ab, yes,” said Mr. B., “for I was aware that he had a Weakness in the back.” ‘The distinguished Senator from North Judge ho Was President of the Senate during the of Mr. Tyler, was also an ex. ception to the rule of those contracted spirits who appreciate merit in a man whose views of public duty were widely different trom their TRAVELING THROUGH THE SOUTH. It will be remembered by his friends that Mr, Sumner early in the decade beginning with 1851 made a tour to the West, and went South as far 2s Nashville, Tenn. He gave me a very amusing ac- ‘Count of lis expedients for avoiding the discussion Of the slavery question, while passing through Kentucky in the stage coaches, Peopie who re- member those “good old days” cannot have for. gotten that no circumstances in life are 80 well calculated to bring men acquainted with each other as riding face to face for two or three days in @ stage coach. They become old acquaint ances. They know éach other thoroughly —find out each “other's weak and strong points, their uine fairness of mind or the Want of it. ‘nls was particulary true 0: the south and West, where I had my experience in that Mode ot travel. To tra the conversation away hegro question, in such circumstances, 10 a Kentucky staye-coach at that day required ex- ‘raordinary resources, Luckily tor Mr. Sumner, there were two other objects of absorbing Interest to Kentuckians, viz., fine horses and fine cattle, On the histories of the best breeds in England, America, and other countries he was pertectly at home, abd he made them his constant theme, His remarkable information upon these topics and the eloquence Which he doubtless displayed in thetr discussion awakened curtosity to know his ame and the section of country from which he came, But no one was so rude as to ask him di- Tecly. In reply to some vague references to his place of residence, he let it out tbat he was a good 1 of his time in Boston; but be was too deeply interested In Kentucky breeds of cattle and Lorses | to care for localities or to go into the slavery dis- pute. At leng:h, at one of the stopping he way, the passengers were informed that a noted run-away negro, who had been guilty of some offense, had been caught and was to be whipped. ‘This highly interesting and exciting news caused a general stampede ol the passengers, and the driver politely consented to wa.t for then ‘until the cremony was over. Of course the gentie- man trom Boston preferred remaining in the coach. I know notif he was regaled during bis Journey, as 1 was about the same time and in te eee of the Union, by compiaints of the gross injusties of paying more to those who caught ran- aways in Ohto than Uo those Who caught them on ‘(ne south side of the river. At Nashville Mr. Sumner registered his name civility and waa ealied upon by some dstiuguised civility and was upon by some Persons who he met in Weshingto. ‘This draft upon the vast store of Mr. Sumner’s information reminds me of anotner inesdene in which, aithough there was no such demand for it, he showed a degree of knowledge upon: a matter rather foreign to the studies of states- men. Early in the first oS. of the war—betore ostinuies: I helleve it wast called, in company with Frederick Law Olmstead, esq., the distinguished landscape gardener, upon Mr. Sumner at his lodgings on F street. ‘Their con- versation turned upon the subject of Mr. Glia- ‘stead’s profession, and I could but wonder at the extent Of the Senator's information regarding it. He could speak, from observation, of ali the faest Parks in Europe; and appeared to be familiar with the leading works upon tue subject. HIS LITERARY TASTES. During the nine years of Mr. Sumner’s service in Congress, trom December 1851 to December 1860, being outside of what Democrats of unat day were Wont to style “a healthy political organization,” be was not charged with any weighty duties as ‘a member of committees. He therefore had all the more leisure for nis favorite Mterary studies. He bad books broughi to him from the Library of Con- fees, by the wagonload; and they were often to seen piled around him, on the floor—especially the r books—us he sat at his table, J one day = Sterns ee je replied tl ‘genet 2 with about fifty volumes a week. But, of be could only glance over them at this rate; ai his remark Was ‘nade more particularly with re- ference to the current light literature of the day. As to the scores of newspapers Ubat were sent to iim, he said that his custom was, for the most part, 10 read them like bills are read in Congress— Ir ‘Mr. Sumner entertained no high opinion of the and paintings that have been purchased nlaces DY arts. He resembled Dr. Johnson in this, that Wiig is style of composition was always stately and elevated, his familiar conversation was often Jerse and pointed, He could not be said to bea wit, but he hada sense of humor and an honest, hearty laugh. I recall some instances of his tren- chantsayings, [called nis attention one day in the early part of the year 1861 to a brilliant thought thrown out by Henry A.AVise about that Ume in one of his ery speeches, and remarked that Wise and Wendell Phillips were alike in their styles of thought or mental characteristics, Uhat neither seemed capable of reasoning closely, while each could starte an audience by a brilliant meta- phor or illustration. “Yes,” said Mr. Sumner, “but Wise 1 told this anecdote some years after the war was over to tae late Judge Underwood, of the United States District Court of Eastern Virginia, who, in the meanume, had become acquainted with and Qn good terms with Mr. Wise. He Said he would ell Wise the story a8 s0on as they met, and he doubuess ata. ‘transient form of “Government” set up at Loa to rule over the state of Vir- ‘meager constituency, consisting of 5 ii g H ete Eel festeaett I il i i i E ! i | i i ‘who was Dot & of ft, Pacer etre esate ears > Se Be went a. be IX THE SEXATE. When Mr. Sumner first entered was in the habit of speaking without not without preparation, probably. His {hen clear and strong, and his manner ‘was duct and eloquent. In later indeed not long after he came here, be abit of readings specs frown were to appear in the merous clearacee waihe ‘ while the act Ht i He ls i 2 it E (4 z € i ‘3 f ot ail their retained of Mr. Webster, who for it when be visited Rngiand, 1839, No man could be less ¢: ducing the bad. im the faculty’ ut the year cusable for Intro Usage, for he was almost unrivaled of Hnding, impromptu, the Attest ‘Word to express himselt, Dawtet R. Goopior, ‘NCUL OF WOMEN. TRE EVENT WHICH THIS MEETING 13 CALLED TOCEI- RBRATE—A SKETCH OF THE FIRST WOMAN 8UF- FRAGR CONVENTION, FORTY YRARS AGO—WOMEN WHO TOOK PART COMING TO TMS CITY. ‘The International Councii ot Women, to begin on the 25th inst, will bring to this city the langest gathering of women ever assembied together in the World. Mra Helen M. Gougar, chairman of the railroad committee, speaking of the matter to 8 Sram reporter, said that it wasestimated that fully 2,000 women, representing many organiza tions and many movements in which women are interested, will be present. sfiss Susan B. An- thony, Miss Rachel G. Foster, and Mra. Gougar have been here for some time at the Riggs House, busily engaged im the pre. liminary work, They have a force of clerks to them besides into their serv Maky voluuterr aida. Some faea o¢ the extent ‘st thetr work may be gafved from the fact that up to yesterday they had used $40 worth of postage Stamps in ‘out programs and eircuiars of different kinds, At this coming council, though tn- tended to celebrate tue forueth aunt of the first woman suf convention, it is not intended that discussion shail be limited to questions touch- ing the political rights of women.» Literary clubs, art wi ‘temperance unions, labor mals. sionary, peace ang moral purity socieuies, charita- bie, projeasional, educational and industrial as- sociations will be represented, and the various Phases of woman's work and progress in ail parts ‘Of the world will be reported and discussed. egthe, intermational coduell 10 assembie tn this yon the anniversary of the first woman's convention. The table on which the declaration of sentiments was written at that first gathering will be on the plat foru at Aibaugh’s. One of the ladies, speaking to & Stam reporter, remarked that in years to come that table will be as sacredly ‘as the Inde- Philadelphia. “The most in- all the days of the woman's council, lady, will be rs da ‘Tnere will be present at that time to take the exercises several of the persons who called tue first body of women together for any public discus- sion in the whole history of che world. ‘The ex- citement that such a gathering created and the adverse criticisms from people, press, and pw'pit Wat it brought out were doubtless lite short of martyrdom to the prime movers, who may to day look back upon these eriticisims with intense atnusement in the presence of the advancement made in the many branches of equal rights for which they began to contend. The historian of the womans’ suffrage movement has prepared te following sketch of Unts first convention aud the cireumstances attending It: THE CALL FOR THE FIRST CONVENTION. The Seneca County Courier, « weekly journal, of July 14, 1848, contained the following startling announcement: Woman's Lights Convention. convention to dis- cuss ‘the ‘social, civil and raigions condition snd 4 be beld in the Wesleyan Ci vedwesday end Thi the ‘first day the meeting will be exclusively for woinen, who are earnestiy invited to The public g merally ase invited to be present rsecuud day.when Lurtetia Motvet Piaiadeiyhia, ou tl ‘aed other ladies and entiensen will addres tho com vention. ‘This call, without signature, was issued by Lueretia Mott, Martha C. Wright, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, aud = Mary’ Aun 'Meciintock, At this time Mra Mott was visting her sister, Mrs Wright, at Auburn, and attending te Yearly meeting of Friends in Western New York. ‘Mrs. Stanton, having recently removed from Boston to Senecs Falls, nding the mosi congenial axso- ciations In Quaker families, met Mra. Mott tac dentally for lie first time since her residence there. ‘They at once returned tothe topic they had sooften discussed, walking arm in arm in the streets of London abd Boston, “the of holding a ‘Woman’s convention.” four ladies, round the tea-table of Richard Hunt, SEI friend near Waterloo, decided to put ir jong- talked-of resolution {nto action, and before the twilight deepened into night the call was written and sent to the Seneca County Courier, On Sun- day morning they met IN MRS. MCLINTOCK’S PARLOR to write their declaration, resolutions, and to con- Sider subjects for speeches. As the convention was to assembie in three days, the time was short for such productions; but having no experience tn the modus operant of geUtlog Up Conventions, nor in that Kind of literature, they were quite inpo- cent of the herculean labors they proposed. On ‘Uhe first attempt to frame a resolulon, Lo crowd a complete thought, cleariy and concisely, into three ne. fact may as weil now fe'recorded that before. taking the initiative step ‘hose ladies resigned themselves to a faithtul peru- sal of various masculine productions. The reports of peace, temperance and anti-slavery conventions ‘Were examined, but all alike seemed too tame and pacife for the inauguration of a rebellion such as the world had never belore seen. | ‘They knew ‘women had wrongs, ow to state them was the dimculty, and thts was increased from the fact Uthat they themselves were fortunately organized apd conditioned; they were neither “sour old maids,” “childless women,” nor “divorced wives,” as newspapers declared Uiem to be. While they had felt the insults incident to sex, in many ways, as every proud, thinking Woman wust, in the laws, Teligion and literature of the world, and in the in Vidious and degrading sentiments aiid customs of ail nations, yet they had not in their own expori- ence endured the coarser forms of tyranny result ‘such as substituting “‘all men” for “King ” ‘Knowing that women must have more tame, was ‘the chair; tock appointed secretary; ‘Samvuel Tillman, Ansel Bascom, E. W. @iscussiona.“Lucreus ‘socustouea 0, afie Gon ae slated nae contiaien of woman the werns il k i jet th inst. 18 to celebrate tue fortieth | 7 teach, as she bas au opportunity, tm all religious assemblies. That tha Same amount of Virtue, delicary, and relinemen| of Dehavior that ts required of Wonlan In the social state should also be reqiuired ot as sane shouid ve visita equal severity on both man and woman. That Ue ob- Jection of indelicacy and impropriety, which 1s 8 often brought against woman when she addres & public audience, comes with a very ill-cracd from Uhose who encourage, by thelr attendan her appearance on the In the concert, or foatn St tascicas,, That Soman hes toh tong rested sausfied in Une circumscribed limits” w: corrupt customs and a perverted application — of the scriptures have marked out for ber, and tha’ ‘of the country to themselves their sacred — rig! to the elective franchise. That Jity for ‘thelr exercise, Wis demonstrably tue right and duty of woma: eq With tan, to promote every riguteous cause by every ryghieous imeans; and expecially tn regard to the great subjects of wiorals and , Ais seif-evidentiy ber right Lo Wve with ber Sana cmartrtene Baars writia ‘Speaking, by any tnatru- mentalities proper to be used. and in any usset- Dies to be held; and this being a self-ev dent Towing out of the divinely implagtet of humag nature, any custom or author Ryvadveree to it, whether mater ‘or the hoary sanction Of antiquity, ls Wo be ay 8 welt-evident falsehood, and at war with maukind At the lasi session Lucretia Mott offered and spoke to a resolution, declaring: =“Thet the speedy success of our cause depends upon t Zealous And untiring efforts of both men an’ Women, for the overturow of the monopoly of Dulpti, ‘nd for the securing to women an eyun Parucipation with then in the various trades, pro- op§, and commer: ‘The only resolution Uiat Was not unaniaousiy Adopted was the one urging the wonen of the COURLES LO secur Lo heiseives the elective franchise. Those who took partin the devat> feared a demand for the right to vote Would de feat others bey deemed more rational and make Ue whole movement ridiculous But Mrs. St find Vrederick Douglass, seeing that the power to chose rulers and make laws Was the right by which all others could be secured, persistently advocated the resolution, and it last carried It by a sunall majority. ‘The convention continued through two entire days, and late into the evenings. 4 STORM OF RIDICCLE. ‘The proceedings were extensively published, Um sparingly ridiculed by the press, and denounced by The pulpit, much to the surprise and chagrin of the leaders. Being deeply ta earnest, and velies- ing thelr demands pre-eminently wise and jnst, Luey were wholly unprepared Wo fud themseis the target for the jibes and Jeers of the ‘Satine ‘The ceciaration was signed by one hunard m and women, many of whom withdrew their nam a8 soon as The slormof ridicule began W break. ‘Conventions were held soon after iu Ohio, Massae chusetts, Indiana, PenusyJvania, and at different poluts in New York. Mra Stanton, Mrs Stebbins, Amy Post and Mr. Douglass, mentioned in the above among the speakers on Pioncers’ 1 the Bist, ‘The Appreciation in this Country of Dramatic Compositon fer the Stange, Written for Tar Evexise Star, Nothing can be more surprising than the re markable revolution in sentiment that bas oc~ | curred in Uhts country with regard to Ube must: of the great German composer, Richard Wagner. years ago the works of Wagner were compara. Uvely unknown in the United States. He Was ap- preclated and understood by but few of our lead. ing musictany and the manager of an opera com- Paby Who signified his intention of presenting « ‘Wagner opera was looked upon as taking a risk that could resuit only in disaster, EDUCATING TO A HIGHER STANDARD. Mr. Theodore Thomas, with foresizht, ju@gwenty and perseverance for Which We are LOW siacerei | Sraterul, may be Justly termed the ploneet of tv | Rew German school in America, and, although his efforts to educate us up to a'uigher standard of musical culture Were af first received with ndieuia and public distrust, yet, with a determination ana faith tn futnre tesulis wortlay of his get Unued to interpret Waguers works, has the gratification of benoldin; futhiied, and alino-t t for Wagner in this Germany. No greater is given opera prewenta the Ameniean Opera Co. of last yrar, the Opera Co., and the great German which saug in New York during closed, Ube receipts of which indicate that 1 patronage on “Wagner nigats” wos far greator ‘Wan that for any other rTorMaNces, DCT eveu excepting Beethoven's It may be sate, also, Italy the gentus of Wagner has maue tiseif the great compositions of the last fiween Xerdl has evidently caught, the Inspiratio bus in his latest works mingled-tue Sweet {al melody with the thrilling “dramatic” orcuestra~ Uon and grand chorus effects, A MUSICAL, REPORM. Richard Wagner tnaugurated an entirely system (in fact, a reform) in musical composttic for the stage. In the modern school the drawatio tn opera Was made almost enUrely subservient to Musical, It frequently happened that the com- Poser wrote bis airs long before Une dramatic author wrote the iluretto, and perlaps he often had but a faint conception a meloay would Uon which the writer of the libretto Would asic’ tq it. Furthermore, the musical Many tnsiances suffered from lmpert quate dramatization. “Atver the libretzo was com- ‘the music to fill in the dialogue was written and the Whole was sung before an audience that desired oniy whe gratification of thelr m taste and who Viewed (ie dramatic as only a veh cle for carrying the music. This plan was ently successful and seemed to be ail that could be desired, but Wagner appears and ‘ CALLS A MALT. He says: “My brother composers you are wrong in your theory. Instead of the dramatic authe writing up to the composer, I will try the reve and make my music sit the play.” We states tur ther: “The error in the #58 Species of art has consisied In Une fact that a mere means of ore: made the means; and thus’ the actual ly has been made LO rest upon the basis of mmusic, In other w. the moder: cdent. progrss sud have no tn eres: for the audiet: : ‘simply to bear certain arias, duets and « Pleces, Whereas the drama should be made the centet of Interest, and to its fiustration music, as Well as the other arts, should lend its aid, The PRACTICING THE THEORY. How far this theory has been carried into prac» i TBE sete 3