Evening Star Newspaper, May 17, 1890, Page 10

THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON D. C.. SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1890-SIXTEEN PAGES ARLINGTON ESTATE. Scenes aud Sorrows of Freedmen’s Village. THE PRESENT INHABITANTS. f History of the OM Planiation— inca. in 1S61—Hid in at Tax Sale in 164—Recovered in 18S2— Bought by the Government, i NCLE SAM, he of the striped trousers and star- spangled tile, never confis cated a fairer realm than when, on the 11th of Jan- wary, 1864. with blood im his eye and aforethought. he took unto bimself, bis heirs and assigns forever yo Arlington estate of ‘1,100 acres, which stil! unfolds its pristine beauty : hy on the sundown side of the Kiver Votomac. But his title wouldn't hold water, or, rather, it didn’t hold the land, for by a decision of the United States Supreme Court in October, 1982, our esteemed uncle war knoeked out in the third round, though four of the nine Judges claimed a toul. Of such ephemeral nature is every-day human knowledge that though this estate was long in the courts and the litigation a matter of na- tional notoriety, yet the story of its descent may be briefly told without a serious sugges- tion that the patriarchal domain is timbered with spreading chestnut trees. In the back counties there is a hazy sort of belief that George Washington once owned the estate and many suppose that his esteemed predeces- sor in the affections of Martha Dandridge Col. Daniel Parke Custis. left the estate to his four children and the future mother of her eountry. From this opinion we appeal on writ oferror. When, in 1759. George put on a blue suit of clothes with red lining and wedded Martha in a white satin trousseau and low shoes and sent her down the Pamunkey in a six-horse wagon, there was nothing said inthe mar- riage settlement about Arlington. Daniel, the husband of Martha, never owned the es- tate, for after a brief but happy life, since em- Dlazoned with an illustrious posterity, he Passed away in 1757, while this now famous plantation was in the hands of its early pos- sessora, THE RESERVATION. ‘The title tos large tract, including what is Bow the Arlington estate, passed from Charles I, King of England. who claimed it by “graci of God and the discovery of John Cabo through William Berkley, governor of V: ia, to Robert Hawsen, October 21, 1669, un- er which grant John and Gerard Alexander asserted title as late as 1735. Inthe case of Birch inst Alexander this grant was main- tained in the court of appeals. Gerard Alex- ander, by his will, dated August 9, 1760, de- vised the same to his son Gerard, and Gerard Alexander and Jane, his wifo, conveyed the same to John Parke Custis by deed dated on Christmas day, 1778. This deed was recorded im liber N, Fairfax county, but, with other rec- ords, was destroyed during the late war. By decree of Fairfax county court, June 2i, 1796, in @ suit wherein the representatives of John Parke Custis were complainants and the heirs of Gerard Alexander defendants the portion of Gerard Alexander in the lands of his father was allotted to the legal representa- tives of John Parke Custis. This record was also lost or destroyed during the war. John Parke Custis died intestate on the 5th of No- Yember, 1781, leaving four children, aud Gen. Washington, being still childless and full of Years, adopted the two younger ones, George Washington Parke Custis and Eleanor Parke Custis, the former of whom, by the law of primogeniture then in force, inherited the Arlington estate. and upon the death of his grandmother, Mra. Washington, in 1802, in whose family he had till then resided, built Ar- lington house, or, as it is now more frequently ealled, the Lee mansion. FREEDMEN'S VILLAGE. Here he spent along and interesting life, commanding the leisure and enjoying the felicities of the early days of the republic. Upon his death, in 1557, he left a will devising the estate (except 153¢ acres left his colored servant, Maria Syphax.) to his only daughter, Mary Randolph Custis, the wife of Gen. Kobert E. Lee, and at her death to her eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee. Mrs. Lee died in 1873 and soon thereafter suit was begun im the circuit court of Alexandria on SSS eounty, but removed by writ of certiorari to the United States circuit court for the eastern district of Virginia, to eject Frederick Kauf- man and Richard P. Strong, who were in pos- session on behalf of the United States, THE TITLE TO THE FSTATE. The title relied on by the defense was a cer- tificate of sale of the demanded premises to the United States by the commissioners under the actof Congress for the collection of direct taxes. The certificate was impeached on the ground of the refusal of the commissioners to permit the owner to pay the tax with interest and costs before the day of sale by an agent or in any other way than by payment in person. The court held that when t' mimnissiouers had established a uniform rule that they would receive such taxes from no one but the owner ale and a tend y d be of 0 a This seems to have been the unanimous opin- ion of the circuit judge, but when the case was brought to the Supreme Court Chief Justice Waite and Justices Bradley, Gray and Wood dissented, on the ground that the circuit court bad no jurisdiction, without expressing an pinion on the title. George Washington Custis Lee, who can ean say of Mrs. Washington that his grand- father was her g-andson, now found himself the owner in fee of a very extensive - yard. The cemetery was laid out in 1863 and thousands of soldiers had already been buried there by the government. His only redress would be a long and expensive suit against the land of the free and home of the brave, so when the United States told him he could take $150,000 or fight he acquiesced in the extor- tion and by a deed to Secretary of War Lin- coln, bearing date of March 31, 1883, surren- dered the home of bis fathers ‘to the myriad ebildren of the pale rider. THE CUSTIS TOMBS. Not many rods back to the southwest from the @ld home repose the mortal remains of Mr. and Mrs. Custis, where they have slept for s generation, the marble shafts that mark their narrow homes ae thickly dotted about with the marble slabs that tell the cost of war. At bis death, in 1857, his wife having preceded him four years to the undiscovered country, Mr. Custis freed his slaves, but as the act of manumission was not expressed in his will they remained in @ nominal servitude till the gen- eral emancipation cast their lot in harder laces. Arlington is what was once a part of Fairfax county, but when, in 1848, the Virginia of the District of Columbia was receded to it state the new county of Alexandria was formed of it, and thus is explained the seeming ambiguity of the records, THE BEGINNING OF FREEDMEN’S VILLAGE, During the progress of the war large num- bers of colored people were brought north on boats and quartered on the confiscated Arling- ton estate. The freedmen’s bureaugave them some assistance in erecting homes and Gen. O. O. Howard made contracts with them for the payment of rent of land. Since the bureau which swindled so many of them was abolished they have worked out a nominal rent by sitting on the grass to keep it from growing in the cemetery and by other calisthenics adapted to the climate and season. They had been told, or in some way given to understand, that they were eventually to acquire title to the lands op which they lived. This was more ee impressed upon them after a large number ha been taken to Hayti on acolonizing scheme and returned with more woes than wars or women have. Many planted trees and other- wise improved their httle places that had been divided off in severalty by the government in 1863 and paid cash to the agents of the govern- ment for their houses, the contraband camp being by this time broken up. The thirty or more original houses were mostly 24 by 28 feet, one and a half stories in height, and contained rooms. They were shingled and had 2 ut were neither ceiled nor plastered. The price paid was from $35 to $50 apiece, and usually two or more families pur- aacsd con tuasban ater slacer quarter of a century the houses are now quite dilapidated and, owing to the uncertainty of their tenure, there is li inducement to thrift on the part of the people. A DOUBLE HOME, Besides the above there are several homes which Mr. Custis had built for bis slaves that are still occupied by them or their children, and abouta bundred other houses, includin two churches, three small stores and one schoo! house, have been from time to time erected. Most of these are clustered together in what is called Freedmen’s village, to the south of the cemetery proper and near the southern limit of the estate, but some are scattered bere and there over the old plantation. It was oniy about ten sears ago that Lieut. R. P. Strong then commanding at Fort Myer, gave the squatters permission to erect in their village a brick church costing about €2.000, and thus further encouraged to believe that they were to remain permanently considerable other improvements of an humble nature were also made. LIMITS OF THE CEMETERY. Only about two bundred acres were origi- nally enciosed for the cemetery, though the wal e now being extended to the south to include about one hundred and fifty acres more, throug which beautiful drives are being laid out, and in 1365 all that portion outside of the walls was transferred to the Freedmen's bureau as abandoned lands and placed in charge of the assistant commissioner of refugees. In 1868 Gen. C. H. Howard, as assistant commis- sioner of the bureau. had lauds surveyed and subdivided for the purpose of renting them to the freedmen. In July, 1872, the Secretary of War declared ali that part of the estate out- side of the cemetery to be the military reserva- tion of Fort Whipple and @540 were paid to settlers for the removal of the houses and the loss of crops or the site selected for the new post, now Fort Myer. NO SUFFRAGE. Until 1884 the settlers on these lands were permitted to vote and exercise all the rights of freemen in Alexandria county, but objection to their registration being at that time made the registrars referred the matter to the com- monwealth’s attorney, James E. Clements, who,in an opinion ren eptember 20, 1888, held that as the state of Virginia had by an act of February 23, 1884, consented to the pur- chase by the United States and ceded jurisdic- tion thereon the settlers had no longer the elective franchise or political privileges be- long to citizens of the state. This opinicn was sustained by the county courts. Being jealous of the right of suffrage and all the other side dishes of American citizenship the settlers now became generally willing to sell out their claims and move out where the United States is @ republic. The people of Alexandi county were also eager that their front on ¢ national capital should not be occupied by what is best described as a crap pasture, the estate having been permitted to run down and present on its low lands a bleached and scrubby waste. This sentiment having steadily grown from the time of the purchase by the govern- ment in 1883 a commission was appointed by the Secretary of War in December, 1337, to ex- amine and report upon the occupation of the reservation of Fort Myer and Arlington by unauthorized citizeus or others, A STREET SCENE IN FREEDMEN’S VILLAGE. The report of this commission made March 27, 1888, shows that outside of Fort Myer and the cemetery there were 124 dwellings, 3 shops, 2churches, 1 school house and 170 families, numbering 763 souls. A careful and itemized estimate of the improvements was made, the largest single item being $1,040 for Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, the brick structure before entioned, and the total estimate being $11,221.25, not including the improvements made by the Syphax heirs, whose title to the tract of 15 and 53-100 acres was confirmed by Congress in June, 1866. A further relinquish- ment of this tract, which lies near the south- west corner of the estate, was made by Con- gress on March 31, 1838, The commonwealth attorney for Alexandria county, Mr. James E. Clements. has interested himself in securing to the settlers full remuneration for their it provements «nd a bill is now prepared for in- troduction in Congress, asking an appropri- ation of $20,000 to carry out the recommend- ations of the commission. The house- holders have consented to the estimates made and upon payment of the money are ready to pull up stakes. A TYPICAL DWELLING, Including the additional 150 acres now being walled in and beautified about 400 acres are in use for the fort and cemetery, while the other 700 acres are lying around sunning them- selves almost within hearing of the tariff de- bate in Congress. They are not say: but theyare thinking as loud as if clothes how much a little protection like a crop of corn or alfalfa would help th plexion these bright summer days. Their voice is lifted up to the powers that be, and as they behold the stately Agricultural Department in the distance they cry aloud to “Uncle Jerry” to come across the creek and build him s barn as isa barn. They point out that through their rural depths runs the ancient Chesa; eo and Ohio canal, connecting those busy marts, Alex- andria and Georgetown, and in it the Secretary could experiment on the cost of water naviga- tion as compared with cay een railroad transportation, which is only half water, though kept at high water-mark. Then, too, it is pointed out how easily the Secretary could go from the tow-path to the White House; in fact, he could drive over before cabinet meeting any busy day. It is said the hs apo Ran has his eye on Arlington, but thus far he hasn't _ his foot on it. re on lands, now as use- ess as the Sahara urged, be that would be the pride of the nat is said, the literary man comes here and finds the richest treasures of thought, the artist finds galleries of art and paintings innumerable in our public buildt: the lawyer is delighted with our courts and law library, the of _r about then it dawns upon his bucolic mind why Congressmen send out seed grain in envelopes and their tariff speeches by freight A MEMORIAL BRIDGE, connecting the capital with the old confed- eracy and thus becoming a symbol of uni between the north and the south, is likely soon to place Arlington within ten minutes’ drive of the White House, a resolution having already [mea the Senate directing the secretary of ‘ar to examine and report on the most suit- able kind of a bridge to cross the Potomac from a point near the foot of New York avenue. Christopher Columbus has kindly consented to the use of his name to aid the project, Grand Army posts have petitioned for the bridge, everybody seems to want it and, as alread shown, Congress is getting @ move on itself. With such a connection the proposed farm would be right in town, and by keepin, cows the Secretary, it is believed, could ad great deal to the cream of society and make observation along the milky way. By placing the commission on that side of the river the farm would grow fish, flesh and fowl, besides all sorts of vegetation. and in case of foreign nations jumping on to us for passing a tariff bill before our gunboats are ready it would take till the end of the present administration to starve us out. We could take our regular exercise, ride the 400 cavairy horses at Fort Myer and tell the world confidentially to fight and be blowed. The scenes in the little villa artis’y chaperoned by Mr. Clements. passed through it were animated and interesting. The town is built on either side of a single street that winds about on the brow of the heights,and may be seen on the horizon from this side of the river as the day falisasleep in the gentle draperies of night. he illustrations show the general character of the buildings and the placid callings of the people. They toil not, neither do they spin very hard. for the fruite of their labor are not surely theirs and might be confiscated by a grasping governmnnt, But they have their schools and churches, recog- nizing that “Not by bread alone is manhood nourished To ite supreme estate: By every word of God have lived and Gouriahed ‘be good men and the gre: TUE SCHOOL HOUSE. Since the purchase of the plantation by the United States government, the state having ceded it with all jurisdiction thereon, the schools have been sadly neglected, though be- fore they were supported by the state. Since the failure of the Blair bill the national gov- ernment is not likely tego into the school business, and these people possessed of humble homes they cannot afford to leave, and in a measure bereft of schoois they cannot afford to lose, are between the devil and the deep sea, a very un-American position. They are above the average a moral, law-abiding and indus- trious people, there being few criminals and, when the commission made its recent report, but one pauper of their number. They are free, happy and contented except for the loss of suffrage and the uncertain tenure of their Jands, “Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife ‘Their sober Wishes never learned to stray Alonw the cool, sequesteved vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way But they are not all fond of having their pic- tures taken anda good many got away, while those that appear are not standing so still as they are wont todo on ordinay occasions, Al- beit, they make pleasing groups about their happy homes and inglesides, “And in their veins ‘tis said doth flow The gentie blood of long ago.” : 8 Here and there about the place white atone bear the names of departed ones. while shrubs and fruit trees mark where homes have been, But, though bound by the mystery of affection and the attachment for endearing scenes to the old estate, the golden thread will yield to the silver surplus aud with charity to all and malice toward none they will move along when paid for their humble homes, singing the while in accents sweet and mouruful to the soul: “Oh, the o'd ark's a-movering, A-tove wloug a-clulderi ‘The old ark’s a-novering, sos ” eee. SAFE-OPENING HUMORS, Some Incidents Showing How Great Troubles Arise From Little Causes. From the Boston Conrier, “There are many amusing incidents con- nected with our business,” said a safe manu- facturer one day. “‘It is to be expected that in the ordinary course of events circumstances will arise when fe will have to be opened by anexpert, Locks, like any other piece of mechanism, are not infaliable. The best of them are liable to fail at times through some slight defect in manufacturing, same as the mainspring of the most valuable watch may give out unexpectedly. “Not long agoa firm wantedaman to fix their safe, It was open, but they could not shut the door far enough to throw the bolts, ‘The man went to the place and after a brief examination saw a penny resting on one of the bottom flanges. Taking this off the door shut and locked all right. It is forgotten how much itcost the firm to have the man go to their place and pick up that little coin, but it was enongh to prevent its being repeated, no doubt. Asimilar case happened recent! sent for at about the close of busin see what was the trouble with one o The bolts would not throw far enough to turn the lock. The result was the finding of a cloth button froma lady's dress in the lower bolt hole. cupy his office alone, he begged that it should be kept quiet. “Some years ago we had delivered a new set of vault doors fora bank about two hundred miles away. Just before they were ready to occupy their new quarters we had a telegram to send a man atonce. The bolts of the outer door would not throw far enough to lock it, Our man went and this is what he found: The bank officers had fitted in a board for the tread of the vestibule, but had omitted to bore holes in it to allow for the throw of the bi ger and ten minutes’ labor made everything right, but made that piece of board a rather extravagant luxury. “Epicurean-like, we have reserved the best for the last. For fear this may réach the eyes of the hero of the incident, I will substitute for his correct address that of Calais, Me. It was not a thousand miles from there. The letter read to come at once and open a safe, as there were important documents wanted for immedi With his kit of tools our man took the next train and arrived on the follow- ing evening. It proved to be an old-fashioned safe witha large key lock. ‘There,’ said the man, ‘is the safe. The lock has been working hardor and harder for weeks, until now I am locked out. I am ina hurry to have it opened. Never mind the damag: you will only break into it in short order.’ Our expert took the key and tried it, but it refused to work. He then took asmall wire and picked out half a thimbleful of dirt and lint from the key, tried it again, and a better working lock was never seen. ‘How much is your bill?” As this in- volved a trip to and from Calais, of about 600 miles, and time and expense in [ Sige he replied $40, Taking a roll of bills from his pocket be said: “Ihat is satisfactory on condi- tions, Does any one in the place know your business here?’ The Gt aifiatar| ‘Noone.’ ‘All right, then; get out by the next train and keep mum, for I would gla py @100 rather than have any of my friends know that I was fool enough to go to Boston for # man to pick the dirtout of my key.’” Are Women Smarter Than Men? From the Chicago Tribune, From this place the writer went into the office of a man who hasaschool of type writers, ‘That is, he instructs men and women to operate typewriters and assists them in getting work. asked him for the results of his observation. He replied: “Women learn more in demand satisfaction, as a rule, there is another said. taped than men. They are men, They give better Imean, than men. And I want to tell you,” he ago, when women first ATTRACTIVE HOMES. How Summer Cottages May be Beau- tified With Small Outlay. ROOMS THAT ARE MADE ATTRACTIVE WITH CHEAP MATERIALS—EFFECTS PRODUCED WITH CHINTZ AND GOOD TASTE IN COMBINING COLORS—SOME SAMPLE APARTMENTS, HE brilliant emerald beauty of Wash- ington at this season can be but par- tially enjoyed. Predominant is the feeling that it is a sign and token of summer drawing near, and prepara- tions for that time must be hastened. Summer wardrobes for people and summer garb for country homes and seaside cottages must be provided and arranged for in the next few weeks, This means much thought and care from the feminine head of the family. The adornments of summer homes are quite as varied as the costumes of their vccupants. To the people of wealth, with all good things spread out for their choice, I have no mission; but there are many simple cottages where com- fort and attractivenoss at small expense are the desideratum. In ono such little nest there is a bed room which has been fitted up at nomi- nal cost and with such charming effect that I will describe it. The room, like all the cottage, is fuished with wood work of pine, treated in a way to keep it. Very light in tone. The furniture is of birch, made at a manuts tory near, what is called a cottage set. ‘There are two windows in the room, one a French window opening onto the porch which sur- rounds the house, The walls are pepered with & light paper of a buff color in two shades, BUFF AND YELLOW. A strip of matting plaided in yellow makes a dado around the room, while s plain fringe of 4 brownish buff paper finishes it at the top. A fine picture rail is just bslow this fringe. On the fluor are several Sant made of ingrain onrpeting in a brown or old gold shade simply fringed ateach end. The material for cur- tains, «tc., is the stamped cotton that uphol- sterers use for the first covering of their furni- ture. Itcomes in exceedingly pretty designs and is so cheap at 1214 and 15 cents a yard that one néed not consider it will not » It will, with ordinary care, last two seasons or even more, and then some other pretty fabric will be ready to take place. The chintz selected for this room is white with a pretty design in orange yellow—rather an arabesque pattern— and very graceful. The window has long cur- tains of’ it, trimmed with yellow and white cotton tassel fringe. These are looped back with bands of the same anda plaiting of the goods is used instead of a rod and rings at the top. The French window has sash curtains drawn off to leave a diamond-shaped opening. ‘These are also edged with the fringe. ALL FINISHED ALIKE, The bed has a spread of the chintz tucked in at thesides andso needing no trimming. A scarf of it is on the bureau, and a smail square spread on the table. These are ail finished with fringe like the curtains, A closet is taken off one corner of the room and this is hung with curtains of the chintz also, Loose cushions are on the rocking chair, tied on with yellow ribbons. A set of bamboo book shelves ung on the wall with a scarf of chintz draped over it, whileasimilar scarf is on the pine mantel shelf. It is all very pretty and suitable and a better effect could scarcely be gotten with the few doilars which were expended on the chintz and ingrain carpeting. Of course when a room is ouly used during the summer months a fabric will be durable that would not do for harder or more constant wear, IN BLUE AND BROWN. Blue and brown denim are deservedly popu- lar for furnishings for summer homes, ‘There | can be no complaint as to durability entered against them. Here is the way blue denim is used asa table accessory at the northern cot- tuge of one Washington family. The con- densed parlor, boudoir and dining room is called the “living room” in the little estab- lishment. It has a corner fireplace, and the evenings are generally cool enough to enjoy the warmth and biaze of the crackling logs. A tall dresser is filled with dishes of the dark blue “onion” pattern of Dresden china, The table cloth, to set these off, is of blue denim, with acenter mat of white linen edged with cut work, The large glass bowi on this mat is filled most of the time with gorgeous nasturti- ums. -The flowers match the flame, and the rich @ark blue of dishes and cloth makes a most pleasing contrast. In another cottage in tie Catukilla bins dentin plays a larger part in the furnishings, Curtains and portieres are of this material, and diva) re covered with it, both sides being used the two tones of color, Here the dresser is filled with dishes in the ‘willow pattern” of dark blue and white, JAPANESE CREPE, The Japanese cotton crepe, which comes this geason especially in several different and at- tractive designs, of dark blue on white, can be used most effectively for summer decorations, Either by itselfor as bands and borders on Bolton sheeting it is excellent for any place where the strong dark coloring will suit. A set of curtains in this latter style is now displayed, and very pretty they are, too. A narrow bor- der band of the crepe is on the sides, whilea wide frieze of the same is across the top of each curtain. Below this frieze is a deep netting, crocheted of dark blue linen thread, into which are tied long tassels of the thread. A feather stitching of blue is on the white just inside the bands as a finish to them. ON UNBLEACHED COTTON. Unbleached cotton makes an excellent ground for the application of these dark blue decorations, its deep cream color contrasting well with them, To go with such hanging, scarfs of unbleached, with outline patterns in dark blue, in fruit forms, edged with the heavy cotton lace called Russian, are especially suit- able. Bands of blue linen, with featherstitch- ing finishing the edges, may inclose these pat- terns at the ends, or they may be powdered over the whole surface. Such scarfs or table covers wiil last for years, and be washed times innumerable without spoiling their good looks. A DISGUISED RADIATOR. Aclever device was shown me the other day in one of the handsome new houses at the West End. Ina bed room there is an angle of wall space between a window on one side anda wide arch into the adjoining sitting room. The space is wide one way and shallow the other and is about filled with the steam radiator, The light is strong there, and except in severe weather the heat would not be needed, asthe two rooms are practically one. The bright idea occurred to the mistress of the man- +iou to have a table made by a carpenter which just slips over the radiator as to height, and is as much wider and longer as the space will admit of. This, prettily draped, makes an ad- mirable dressing table, with a glass broad and low banging on the wall above. The heat, if turned on, will penetrate the rather thin hangings, or when the stress of weather de- mands, as is so rare in this climate, the whole thing may be removed until the “cold snap” is over. HANDKERCHIEFS FOR DECORATION. Small fancy handkerchiefs of white with col- ored edge or all colored may be put to many uses in the way of decoration. I have just seen a pretty basket of willow painted white. The shape is oval, with stiff handles at each end, while the sides are quite open work and rather high. A small handkerchief of pale pink crepe with an open work scalloped edge and @ rim inside in gay colors is used for linin; and trimming. A bit of cotton batting is fit to the bottom of the basket for softness, The handkerchief is laid diagonally across the bas- ket and a corner knotted into each handle. The extra fullness in width is puckered into mgthwise folds and the other corners to fail over each side in a point A few stitches serve to keep this appear- ence of careless grace and a very pretty basket for photographs or knicknacks quickly achieved. Similar handkerchiefs are used as pincushion covers, put on ina novel way. Instead of being laid over the top of the eushion the cushion is set on the open hand- kerchief and the four corners brought up to meet on top, .envelopewise. Small squares come for the purpose of covering little cush- ions, while hemstitched and lace-edged linen squares are also used in this way. 4 PRETTY PILLOW, One of the prettiest summer pillows I have seen is a small bolster-shaped one, for hanging on the back of s sleepy hollow or steamer chair. It is covered with plain white, fine linen with a deep linen lace at each end. ribbon of white or col r pri Daag sd @ full From Puck. , ‘The Twelve Apostles would have a hard time getting into a 5th avenue church unless they could make some arrangements with a tailor, As Often One as the Other. ‘From Texas Siftings. "2 Sometimes a man is absorbed in his business, at other times it is only his money that is ab- WOMEN WHO CAN TALK. The Pro Re Nato Society and What the Members Do. PRACTICE IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS— TALKING IN & FORMAL WAT—wai IDLE GOSSIP I8 FROWNED DOWN AND SERIOUS TALE 18 ENCOURAGED, ,2 DOUBT there is vome- thing strangely magnetic and inspiring in the aggre- gation and organization of individuals into a body for joint action in a common cause, In the history of ll growth and progress in > -the physical world the ete principle of union, har- mony of action, of alliance has been that adopted by the victors since time began. While men have worked out great problems of government, statecraft, commerce and the in- dustries in convention, it is of comparatively recent date that women have availed them- selves of the joyous intrepidity of spirit there may be in co-operation among themselves for many objects. The capital city is rich in Protusion of societies among women for t! study of abstruse and scientific subjects, the advancement of womankind and for ali mis- sionary and charitable purposes, HOW THE SOCIETY ORIGINATED. The remnant of @ casual class of learners who had satat the feet of Mrs. E. A. Conner of New York for a time, on her departure re- solved themselves into the Pro Re Nato So- ciety. It was in the autumn of 1888 that Mra. Conner bad founded a class here of women for the study of parliamentary law and the rules and practice of extemporaneous speaking. Mrs. Conner promulgates the theory that woman is the eloquent sex by natural endowment. and that all she needs for proficiency in the art of public speaking is that coufidence gained by the experience of talking upon her feet toa subject without dalliance or hesitation. Mrs. Conner was called away to New York city before the course was completed, After- ward some of the members held together in the study of their text books until the present club was formed. The constitution was ac- cepted and signed by eleven members and the name Pro Re Nato (for a purpose) was given the society by Mrs. Belle Bacon Bond, on the 13th day of March, 1889. ‘The Jadies meet fort- nightly on Wednesdays, from the hour of 10 until 12, at each other's houses, and they do bring all discussion to aclose promptly at the appointed moment, no matter how engross- ingly interesting the topic may be. The club grew in strength, aud beauty and grace added unto graciousness with each additional meeting. The members discuss the broadest questions of the day and are making surprising progress and advance- ment in speaking to the point with perspicuity and unity and deporting themselves in every particular after the most approved parliament- ary method. If there ever arises any question as to what that is no less an authority than ‘Roberts’ rules of order” is consulted, Meet- ings are opened with a due observance of core- iy; the chair is always addressed as *“Mad- resident!” by an it nding speaker, who waits until recognized by name before taking the floor, and the meetings aro alta: journed by motion. The ladies are au fait in the opening of meetings and couducting the same, THEY KNOW IT ALL. When the members of this society attend 4 session of Congress, and, sitting in the gallery, look down upon the deliberations of the great law makers of the land and listen to the myriad of motions, querulous questionings of privilege and the endless begging of questions, the diplomatic “wordy triangular duel” on the floor of the House, that so few women and many men are unable to make out head or tail of, is all tully comprehended by the ladies of the Pro Re Nato Society. They know exactly what itis all about and appreciate the fine points made by the parliamentary expert as keenly as does the average American citizen the score of his favorite game. In the style of delivery that obtains, the easy, familiar and conversational mauner is being superceded by a finished calmness of address that seems better to harmonize with the dignity of the subjects discussed. No topic of live interest is barred by the constitution, A brilliant member of the society said Inst week: “I ex- pect to hear my dearest views at- tacked with ruthless fervor, and I expect to invade without due obeisance the revered temples of the creeds of others. My fondest belief may be regarded as the rankest heresy by my neighbor. The battle may wage and the contest be hot, butit shallall be con- ducted according to Roberts!" QUESTIONS DISCUSSED, Among the topics under discussion has been “What should be the position of woman on the temperance question?” a broad field of po- lemics that the society occupied fully. The action of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in its different branches was sustained and criticised, the claims of high license were set forth and prohibition was a favorite theory. “Where shall free education stop?” “The need of industrial education in our free schools,” “The need of eyes culture for American women” and “The servant girl question” have all brought out interesting testimony from the membership of the Pro Re Nato. High grounds are taken throughout the discussion: shown by the records, ‘Ine leader appointed for each meeting calls upon the speakers, and eyes sparkle with the rising thought as each one awaits her turn to speak. The very idea of gossip is precluded by the forms observed, for no woman could arise in her place after formal recognition and trivially announce before the august society that “Mrs. J. Jones was wearin, the identical bounet this spring that she had lust fail!” ‘The very idea of flippancy in eon- nection with this organization is totally mcon- gruous. The subject for the next week's con- sideration has been posted: “Does the work of the outside world unfit women for home duties?” While it is safe to aftirm that there & great diversity of opinion among the ladies, itis pretty certain that that question will be carried over the heads of the conservatives to an almost unanimous negative. Another point of common interest to which they are all rap- idly converging in sweet accord is the adoption of the Jenness-Miller system of dress reform, THE MEMBERS, Asto the personnel of the Pro Re Nato: At the annual meeting of the society, held April 9, 1890, the following officers were elected for the year: Mrs. Lucie E. Blount, president; Miss Clara Barton and Mrs. Harriet Taylor Upton, vice | pepe Mrs, Mary Orr Ear! sponding secretary; Mrs. Ella M.S. M: cording secretary; Mrs. Jennie McKnight Moses, treasurer. Besides these officers there are appointed three councillors: Mra. Elliot Coues, Dr. Caroline B. Winslow and Miss Esther de Puy. ‘The other members are Miss Kittie Wetmore Gault, Mrs. Effie McQuat Hol- combe, Miss Josephine Smith, Mrs. Miranda Tulloch, Mrs. Dr. Stowell, Mrs. Mary S. Lock- wood, Mrs. D. W. Prentiss, Mrs, Mary K. Bent- ley, Mrs. Jane H. Spofford, Mra, A. Ht. Thomas, Mrs. Josephine T. McDonald and Mrs. R C. Fisher. If faithful pictures of all the members of this society accompanied this sketch the in- terest in it would greatly enhanced, for lovely women in pursuit of knowledge issurely an engrossing spectacle. ————— Public Opinion of Civil Service Reform, From the recent speech of &. W. Curtis, If any man doubted the hold of reform upon public opinion the doubt was removed by the late debate im the House of Representatives upon the appropriation for the civil service commission, The pricking of the bubble of re- form, the overthrow of lu1. - politics and senti- mental quackery were duly. nouncedas about to occur. The field was ch.sen, the charge was sounded, but more ludicrous skirmishing was never seen. “I have led my ragamuffins where they were peppered,” ruefully exclaimed the perspiring Falstaff, and surely nev. recruite more sorely peppered than the ‘he; whelmed by the weight of nace eee r one, The good doubtfally an ically ani without reservation. argument was placed where it belongs, upon the public and advant of reform. Its advocates g) profs their faith in it as truly American and reasonable. They as patriots = honest men, conscious of a host of honest men behind them. “No one,” says the New York’ “who is familiar with popu- lar opinion and who suffers himself to see with ore — can doubt that partisan service,” and the Philadelphia Press declares, “the reform of the civil service so far plished is worth many times what it has and the wise Representative, no matter his individual views may be, is the one understands that the popular support service reform was never stronger ic cIrr, ave. TON, AT ‘Ocean End Michiran Conveniently located. Enlarced. _m16-3m JAMES STOKES, Proprietor. ANLEY COTTAGE, OPPOSITE rouy MONROE H . tend and fronting ou Hampton Koads. Well-furuished rooms: bathing apd sem: rates moderate, Address Mra. Phoebus, Va. L T—BERKELFY SPRINGS. W.VA Furnished Cottage, with stable and grou goon, Apply Mrs. BREESE, 131. is 84.00 Nat, city, mis [8 E FLORIDA, Pacific ave. near Tenn. ave. Now open. Bieam heat tirgugnout. my15-2m meet + Late of Wetbemll. Poe as Pennsylvania sve. and Pacific, Now open Syacious aud modern conveniences. ASBURY Park, x TRE VicTorra. Famtly Hotel. fronting on Ocean, unobstructed view, lighted by Ga and Electricity; Artesian water: all mod improvements ; superior table; terms moderate c snr the send foephaaphio ee BG, ouner, sevuimony Atlantic City, ¥.J. Pleasant verandss All M.LUNGER, — wy15-3m APON SPRINGS AND BAT) NiY, W.VA. w Chmate. Ine Beautiful Mountain Region. Just HAMPSHIRE COU shot to lay life's weary burdens down and havea lovely PIWEENT BRI Jared) ; a commodates JO gueste gPecial tercns to miistera. ‘Address Miss E. BS Mt, Lake Park, Garrett county, Md. il. c EE MAR cy SUMMER RESORT Nd Fropen June 16. Has well-shiadexl lawn, fine moun. r er, hot and col the, ports ne acener aud large rooms Address eosoeg 9:7 oad orn Hagerstown, Ma. GS. BEDFORD, PA. Periect Drainage, Unex- Location Unsurpansed. celled Ci ‘Opens Early in June. m13-1in ALSIP & SMITH, Props. ATSKILL MOUNTAIN GLENWOOD HOTEL. Reduced’ prices for May and Juve, Healthy and best table in mountains, All kinds of amusements, Send for circular. V. BRAMSON, Catekill. NTEREY SPRINGS HOTEL, Summit of the Blue Ridge Mountaing, Dusylvania. ove sea level. ars’ ride from Washington, hor vushly furnished with the modern conveniences, and for its natural advantages is unsur- Entirely free from malaria, WILL OPEN JUNK . OR, Manager, 40 Chat Md _ Circulars at Star office “my10-1m* OTEL CLARENDON, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, ‘Enlarged and iniproved. Virginia ave. near the ocean, my10-3m COL. JOUN M. CLARK. HE RUSKIN, SPRING | AKE, NJ. ‘Opens June 1, Until then, address: my y10-1m_ 1622 Sprace st., Phila ARRAGANSETT PIER, BL. MASSASOIT HOUSE. Finely located. Near beach and Casino, 150 gucets, Open June 15. _my10-1m _____ J. BABCOCK, Supt, EGER ELLY FURNISHED COTTAGES TO REN Nantucket, Mass.” Photographs, &e. ‘Address Miss OKE, 9 Voice Atlantic City, N.J. ikefur: 3; hew and first-class: steam heat; call belis. Two minutes’ walk from per day. OpensJune 1. Mrs, AN. IPBE NICTORIA, ATEANTIC CITY, 3 Carolina ave., bear the beach, . SOUTH Open all the year, Enlanced, rewodeled, thoroughly reovates. ws-su) WILLIAMS, i hi WENTWORTH, NEWCASTLE, N. Railroad Station, Portsmonth, N.H., thirty minutes distant, where couches irow the house meet every train, THE FASHIONABLE RESORT OF THE NORTE SHORE, OPEN FOR SEASON JUNE 28 FRANK JONES, Prop. B72 RIGHTON BE CONEY ISLAND, N.Y, Rooms, on the European or American plan, can be engaged now on application to K. G. BURKE st the Kigis House, Washington, who bas been engaged for the season, ‘The Chef for the season will be Mr, JOHN PFAFP, Who bas made such an enviable reputation for “Ibe Shoreham,” of Washington. Mr. Auton Seidl. of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, wiil furnish the wusia House opens June 28 THOMAS E. CABLE, Manager, my7-tye1 130 Broadway, New York, N.Y. RE EXON SPRINGS AND MINERAL 2 GREAL NORTH MOUNTAIN, NEAR WINCHESTER, VA, About six hours from Washington, will be THURSDAY, June 19, For terins aud a inforiuntion apply to a8 gig oprietor, _my6-3m Sun butiding. OFA. BEACH, NOW BELMAR, NJ. NEPTUNE HOUSE. Directly ov the beach. Op for cuests M 5 rates for Muy aud June. ddrese yi-im ‘R. SANK, Woovrer INN (Formerly Washi Inn), wil bout Mart 1SUU, for Baty and ‘open abou 0. boarders: also jor the Convenience of yard t-y~ 4 ving. Lunches and suppers served at a moment's notice. Driving parties must positively have curds of ad- mission. JAS. R. REF NA’ bs Apply to ee MON! NOE HOTEL FRONT ROYAL, Va. THI AML favorite Summe ort, in the beautiful valley of Vinsinia, will be open May 15, quiet location. large ar, mn 5 ». Wi ct STE Srineth Byauitoes, | Write for partici EDFOKD SPRINGS, anete, t EDFORD, PENNA. Unsurpassed for health or pleasure. Opons June 12. _myl-2m 1. DOTY, Mauager. OUNTAIN HOUS! M ae CRESSON RPRINGS, On the Summit of the Allegheny Mountaina, WILL OPEN JUNE 25. For circulars and information. address WM. K. DUNHAM, Supt., Cresson, Cambria county, Pa KITT. DELAWARE WATER Gab, Fa—Open from May 1 to Noveuber «= OA, ‘Seud for circular. _2ps0-2m WW. A. BRODHEAD & SONS, TLANTIO CiT¥, —HOTEL BRUNSWici New, moderu, first-class, complete. Pacific between New York and Leupessee aves Will open 5 Vis. Ww May 31. [ap30-3m) SUSEPL' 8. Da’ Hors SORRENTO, SORRENTO, ME., NEAR BAR HARBOR. ‘One of the finest equipped and dei gated Summer Hotla on the cout oft teusive improvements have recently been Borreuto. . T. Stockham, manager of Hotel Sorrento, wil the Litchfield, gu 13th st until Sune In where be will show jouse aud give any desired in- formation. ap HERWOOD, OLD POINT COMFORT, Va— R2ikreatly, Miproved: electric beila; bot ima cold ; week and’ upwara ; o} Gu BOOKER, 0} ‘and proprietor. a E Wonk awn. OCKVILLE. MD WILL BE OPEN jou of yuests on May 1. ‘For terms, &c., inquire at the Clareudon Hotel, 141 yt. sud York ave. Mrs. M. J. COLLEY, P oprietress: pisos EW HOTEL ALDINE, PACIFIC NEAR OBIO ave., Atlantic Clty, BL BO to ee per day, $8 to $14 ber weell ; no finer house at these rates. Sen for phlet, with cut of hotel, ‘of each sleeps Foor, Pricelist, &._H.D. EASTMAN of Balt, Prop. ap19-3ub TLANTIC CITY, N. J—RENT OR SALE— Hovels, Cottages'and Bath Hou-ea Lots for sale in all parts of city: also, So. Atlantic City, Chelsea Atlantic Land Co." ISRAEL G. ADA3iS & OO, 2 ‘Real Estate and Law Building. trully lo- ive. Ex. uade at apl5-40t \EASIDE HOUSE, ATLANTIC CIT¥, B.3. > ‘OPEN ALL THE YEAR. jach pew sun parlors; hot sea water baths inthe house; ele’ apl4-2m Vator, CHAMLES EVANS, SHIBLEX, ocean End Kentucky Avenue, Atante City, NJ. Address Mrs, M. T. SOUTHALL. ap?-3i lipe SWEET AND RICH TONED KRAKAUER __SUMMER_ RESORTS. _ DIRONDACKS A TAYLOK HOUSE AND 15 COTTAGES ‘Gn Sebroon Loke, N.Y. : Tite ropular revert wilt open June 1 Periljustrated ctreular, rose C.F. TAYLOR & SON, : ep-Scbroon P.0., Warren Co., N.X. miyS-tkbi YHATTOLA’ PRINGS ROTEL, a Green Spriug Valley, Md. The Great Spri to Washington only ome bourend S0minuee nica ROUND-TRIP TICKET @2.70. ‘The greatest Water in the World for the Ridneya One ai Ting Bows 500.000 gallons pare water per day. A New aud Elegant Hovel.” Se “ATLANTIC HOUSE, BELA N, Ovwan avenue. Wovan tropt ren. ame, | aAvVSTIN. ~ SANITARIUM IS Thr ® grand mouutam park brooks, ecenery evergteen groves, orc untaay wn: athe. masaaure See Mist Now _my10-cofm TERY ted North Caroliua ave. near the beach, Avantic Cit, 25 ROM OAR. “Under new wwatinavment, A. CANS IPE BEWKE and oruamented with neces of bric-a-brac, &c., Piazzas ob two sides of the Lew Dtable capacity, three Lorees and three carriage, For three or four month , iL _™y10,13, 15817 i HOTEL KaAaTeRskini, CATSKILL MOUNTAINS, The most complete Mountsin Resort in the United States. Opens June 28. Kates Keduced yer mont, & JOHNSTON, 0S Deut, ae, Address of call, W. F. PAIGE, Marlborough Hotel, Broadway and 6th «t, m1 4-was1 Ot Dew York, Qe wore, ISLES OF SHOALS, ¥. & ©. L. FRISBEE, Prop. The finest located hotel on the Atlantic const. This famous resort will open JUNE 26. Good bathing; Doating and fishiug unsurpassed. Send for terms and illustrated circular to the proprietor, mj 3-s&w-lm L*™ BRANC ry = : Cottages EST END HOTEL. | tages nicl Kescaurant ope OTEL CrENS JU x sire ~ ‘ransient rates. ¢4 8 day and upward veekly rates, $25 and upward DM. &W.E NILDRETE _My3-m,w,0-30t ND. ¥. Office, Metropolitan Hotel. QUMMER HOMES—A BEAUTIFULLY | ILLU SS trated Bo 3,000 Suuiner Hote manager PHCR SPRINGS, N M. Jeliy, 9 ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, enson and stop at the well-known HOTEL N. Pacific ave. near Uhio Now op Large piazza overlooking the sea 5 to #14 per week: 1.50 to day. No finer bouse onthe islaud af these rates for cut of Louse and particulars, JAMS 8 MOON. m15-5in HH’ BALL, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, NOW OPEN, _m8-4m LEEDS & LIPPINCOTT. OTEL TETAS TRE BEACH, ssa lasac li user Atlantic City. NJ ‘CHAS. WAG “AMLEL WAGNER, _ Manager. fapl-3m) Proprietor, WPXHE RENOVO. ATLANTIC CITY. NO. f a tpaneeeee Avenue wear the Bench, Thoroughly vented. mb1-3m W. F. CHRESEMAN \HE DENNIS, ATLANTIC CIT), NJ ‘Ocean end of Michiwau ave. .opet all the year, All modern couvemiences 110-6m_ JOSEPH H. ORTON, Proprietor HE CHALFONTE, ATLANIic CITY, NJ On the becch, North Caroline ave, Unobstructed Geean view alt water Lathe iu the Louse, Elevator. Now open. _ fem NBE A Accor Services the beat, Accomm 1, 1sv0. WM. P DOLBEY, Prop PRINTERS. ees ESS = Prix ina, COMMERCIAL PKINTING. Lee Printing, Church and School Printing. amuse ment Printing, PusterPrinting and Book Binding. NEW TYPE, Rew Presses, Improved Machinery, Skilled Workmen, NEW YORE Pkices ‘Mail orders carefully Gilead. ROBERT CLARKE, Printing, Paper Supplies and Stationery, BUSINESS OFFICES, 920 F ST. N.W. Washington, D.C. Jf you weed anything ip the above line send postal and agent will call. mih26-1y Mss WaALLac PRACTICAL Bow AND JOB PRINTERS, Fruntiug of every deserii ticts ueauly execu 07 E st. uw Estimates furnished J vesework for the Trade, LL McQUEE: © Buccens: een & Wallaceh, McQ: BOK & 406 PRINTER 220-2110 EB st. uw. L KINTI LEGAL, COMMERCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL "i NG. ¥ WOkA © mi? AND ORGANS. Vianos, spoke vd vy arcists tt terms of bigh praise, at reasonable hyuresat KUHN'S Jempie of Tuuiue wud repairug. DECKER LBS. WEBER FISCHER ESTEY IVERS & POND ESTEY OkGANS, MODEKATE Pxices. PIANOS, FSTEY ORGANS. EASY TERMS. Old tustruments taken tu part payment Tuning and Kepa ring. ‘Deleplone v2e, SANDERS & STATMAN, Y54 F stroct northwest 13.N. Charles *, Baitunore, Md Blain st, Hichmoud, Va. rt aad 4 i. i i nd Bys5 a Brae Medal Larie Pxponition, 200 Bret rreintume, tudorecd Uy uver 100 Miuaic echuols aud co Side huge. Theouly Special attention eT picouatiy . —" EECOND-HAND 8. A ange ry, it wil be cloned put at goes, i ‘ote athe tires. = int CEMENTS citer bead eee, hich w ranved BONTHLY INSTALULA Te when Sense Wil KAABE & CO, “8 817 Market ‘AKG! EAN END OF CONNECTICUT eee Auntie City, NJ. ~ ae 8. W. FERGUSON. KENDERTON, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ. ‘Tennesse avenue near beach, now opeu. Greatly mh24-2m_ MRS. J. F. NEALL. OTEL wg F CAPE MAY, N. 3. all be HA Acoma, 200 eters Sern ihe ree, ‘and win! on the coms, House 'FNER, Proprietors. QOBEXEY STEEN ANDOAT 00, VA, Summer Resort for Health apd i fenaure, ‘The Ouest ed the mountams of the Virginie. Climate Dersiare veny low during tne fort of all SL Sy Roma eae usted excelled cpisine; biulerd rooms foredles ead cestie- "Good livery: ef men; bowl ; tennis: in the ining, &e. Orchestre in sttendancé during the H ATLANTIO CITY, 5.2. WILL OPEN JUNE 7, 1800, aweektas & KROER, H. D. IMPORTER AND TATLOR, SPRIXG AND SUMMER 1890. Full Stock of FOREIGN SUITINGS, BUSINESS, &c., ke, RECEIVED AND OFEXN FOR YOUR INSPECTION. mys west pen ave. PROFESSIONAL. ‘ME. RAPHAL, THE CELEBRATED CLALLvox. ves pales : om babe DI , THE ONLY lord nT “pyle: trom 10am WS.50pm O10i5 a this city, born overs pei tarsal, 3 Hours, 9 e.m. 8:30pm SundeyattoSpm _ Fabien bod 12m ot. aw,