Evening Star Newspaper, December 26, 1891, Page 7

LOCAL LEGISLATORS. Something About the Senate Com- mittee on the District of Columbia. SKETCHES AND PORTRAITS. Chatty Comments on Members of Washing- ton’s Commen Council—Who They Are and ‘What They Have Done—An Earnest Aggre- gation Kent on Good Kesults. ‘When the Senate committee on the District of Columbia holds ite first meeting for this ses- sion of Congress it will hardiy recognize iteelf. ‘Time and political opportunity have wrought many changes during the past year. Theatately and sarcastic Ingalls bas followed the course of empire snd ix his distant Lome indulges in agricultural delights; the active and faithful Spooner has been temporarily eclipsed, while the attentive but physically afflicted Farwell, too, has a successor who is not » republican. ‘The vacancies caused by these enforced retire- ments have been filled and the committee has been increased in numerical strength from nine to eleven. ‘The sudden death of Sen- ator Plumb takes away one of the most vigor- ous of those of whom much is expected. Mem- bers of the committee, congratulated themselves on the accession which came to it when Senator Plumb was appointed. ‘The committee bas al- ways had trouble with the committee on appropriations, because the latter body had to be convinced that the District committee knew what it was doing. To avoid all friction and misnnderstanding Senator Plumb. who was chairman of the District subcommittee on ap- propriations, was assigned toa place, but the assigninent has been nullified. Asa working organization it is now believed to be stronger than any of its predecemors, and there is good solid reason for hoping that legislative results will follow its recommendations. The District committees of the Senate and House are to the city of Washington what the common council and board of aldermen are to most Cities, so there is nothing either ext: or suspicious in the interest which ri the national capital feel in those Congressmen who as proxies perform the duties which would be required of the Senators and Representatives of the District of Columbia if the District only possessed such titled beings. MAIRMAN MOMILLAN. First, by reason of his designation aschair- man, and second tonone in his interest im local affairs, is James McMil- lan of Detroit. Few Senators have said less on the floor of the Sen- ate and few have done more in committee than he. Hisefforts are al- ways in the direction of results, and as his ractical business nowledge is supported by tenacity of a polite but enduring descrip- has the “get there” faculty. Sef, manner Charman MecSlilian is most plew- ant, quiet and reserved; always ready to give time to those who bave legitimate excases for entering into conversation with bim, yet sensi- bie of the fact that his minutes are too precious to be frivolousiy disposed of. Senator McMillan realizes the weighty character of the burden which is now bis and he is intent on making such a record as will earn the approval of his own conscience. If he does that the District of Columbia will have but little to complain of. three years of age, a successful busi- president of the great Michigan Car ‘and interested in many large enter- prises. He will endeavor to apply business principles to District legislation. SENATOR HIGGINS. A lawyer and a man ne blisher commenced at San Jose in ‘Take, bat soon became conrected with the San Francisco Chronicle and remained so until 1879 Then he went Baraboo, Wis., and from there to Dakota ter- ritory. That was = and = once men into the newspaper business. rospere was twice mayor of bis town and after & little climbing on the political ladder was sent to the House of Representatives as tho first member ever elected by the state of North Dakota. His majority ‘was something like 14,000. He did not get the renomination to the Fifty-second Congress, so he captured the scnatorship vacated by that other North Dakota journalist—Gil Pierce. Senator Hans- brough promises to do everything reasonable in behalf of Washington. He shrewd business man, with a kindly, warm-hearted personality—a fair type Of high-grade Ameri- canism. SEXATOR MARRIS. Senator Isham G.Har- ris of Tennessce is the scnior democratic mem- ber of the committee. He is one of tho best known of United States Senators and besalways been @ conservative friend to Washington. ‘Senator Harris was born in Franklin county, his bio- ‘Congressional Direc- tory does notstate.. Ho commenced the practice of law im 1841 and en- tered political life very soon thereafter. e- diy has be becn honored by hia etato in ious ways, and he is now serving Ten- the third consecutive senatorial term. Seustor authority on senatorial rules and methods of prac- tice; im these matters he is remarkably rectse and invariably correct. Outside of de- ate Senator Harris is but rarel; toward much conversation, uni the newspaper men have far failed to classify him with those who are ultra-communicetive. When he does speak, however, he tells the truth, and enerally without comment. In comuittee Scnator Harrie is the balance wheel which has been of much service. His information on local conditions is very broad SENATOR VAXCE. Second as to seniority of much nervous force, an energetic talker, too, when occasion requires, is Senator Anthony Hig- of Delaware. He, like the chairman, has had a great deal of ex- perience District Xperience which may be turned count before the Fitty- a second Congress makes way for the Fifty-third. possesses a large store of legal bh is at the service of the com- uated from Harvard law school itted to practice in 1864; before was nearly gone he was appointed deputy attorney general of Delaware. From May, 1369, to 1876 he was United States attor- ney for Delaware, and, although he has been almost continually interested in politics, his Jaw practice bas increased and he has, meta- horically. waxed fat; not too fat, however. tor Higgins is one of the popular Sena- tors; a young man, as time is reckoned in the Senate. He is on the silvery side of fifty bya year. SENATOR WoLcorT. Washington™has not known much of Senator Edward Oliver Wolcott of Colorado. His as- signment to the District committee was truly an infusion of young blood, for he was born as re- cently as 1848. Long M Mass. He Je. College for ile and in 1871 grad- uated from Harvard Law School. Then he went ont to Colorado and practiced law with a great deal of success. He also i ties, aad could be found wher most sctive. There isa pugnacious strain in the Wolcott blood. When the war was at its height boy—just six teen years ol —served as & private in the one nd fiftieth Ohio and iost any force as the conrage of his n more than gue occasion ea which were several by convictions and ha: Upset senatorial pr: rears older than himee! lacks veneration f be takes an interest probably will, a willbe removed most good. ATOR @ALLE Anxious toserve Wash- ington and mindfcl of ite best interests 1s Ser- linger of New Hamp- = He was born & Hampehire the greater, portion of kis life Like Senator Plumb he was @ a printer in early lite His tuclinations were toward 3 professions! career, however. and im 1958 be graduated in medicine. Senator Gailinger ie what may fairly be termed a successful pohtician. Since 1872 he has been a busy republican: was for a long time chairman of the state committee. was one of the state's Representa- im the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Congresses and coull have bad the Romination to the Fifty-first, but he did not want it: he preferred to succeed Senator Blair. When Dr. Gallinger w: @ member of the House be caused the democracy a good deal of trouble. He was x member of the House committee on printing andas such participated in vestigation of the government printing office, which worried Publ edict more than « little. At is perhaps a little singular that Senator Gibson of Maryland, who has been assigned to the District committee, should have been one of Dr. Gallinger’s opponcats in that same inting office investigation. Senator Gal- Ringer bara large stock of manly suarity ant personally = most pleasant individual. He bas 8 host of friends in Washington. SENATOR MAXsEROvGH. ae Printer in the democratic sec- tion of the committee nator Z. B. Vance of North Caroline. His knowledge of Washing- ton is probably as ex- tensive rs that posssed by any of his associates, and his desire to do the * right thing at the proper time has never failed. Previous to the coming of that great affliction which impaired his sight Senator Vance was ono of the jolliest of Sena- tors, and even now the humor which is such a strong feature of his com- position occasionally reaches the surface. He thinks that the national capi ould be the finest of all the world’s capitals—in an esthetic sense at least—and he has always been more than willing to help in the pleasing task of beautifying Washington. Senator Vance is al- Saye _courteous—alwaye the sme old-sty southern gentleman. He was born in North Carolina sixty-one and has pe y elected governor of North Carolina years later was re-clocted. Since then he has again been elected to that high office. He has been four times elected Senator. SENATOR FAULENER. During the past four years no member of either house of Congress mn so much time ch unremitting m to matters in which the District of concerned Virginia. The commit- tee member whoexpects to be more active in be- half of the city than he will needs be at work early and Inte. Senator Faulkner's interest is practical. He has sought and found structural weaknesses and in every possible way has endeavored to improve local governmentalaffairs. Especially hus he looked after the law which is current in the District courts and he capnot be held responsible if some of its crudities and abnormalities are not speedilyremoved. Senator Faulkner. although & young man, is one of the democratic leaders in the Senate, and there is promise of the time when he will be “the” leader. He was born in 1847, and for as couple of years in the educational section of his life lived in France and Switzerland, his father then being United States minister at Paris. At the age of fifteen he entered the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington and served with the cadets in the battle of \ He entered the confed- iY, was aid on the staffs of Gens. J. C. Bheckinridge and Henry A. Wise, and surrendered with the latter at Appomattox. He is a lawyer of distinction, has presided on the bench and was sent to the Senate in 1887. Congress would be most agreeable body if every member was built on the Faulkner pian. SENATOR BARBOUR. Painstaking andantious to assist in the develop- ment of the nation’s eapital is Senator John§. Barbour Virginia. This has in many ways ha closely " identified with Washington knows what is wanted, and when he believes “the thing desirable can be procured will do his utmost to get it_ His knowledge of local A CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE DISTRICT. Being s True Story of How Mistress Alice Hoadleigh Beuted the Revelers and Ended the Orgies at Headleigh Hall. WRITTEN EXOLUSIVELY FOR THE EVENING STAB BY MRS. E. D. £- H. SOUTHWORTE. Jolly place, "twas said in times of old, | But something allsit now. The placp iim > = 667 °LL NOT STAND THESE OUTRAGEOUS carryings-on any longer! I'll not stand ier The excited speaker was Mietress Alico Head- leigh of Headleigh Hall. And wi Mistress Alico said that she would not “stand” anything you might be sure she meant to “sit down on es She was but a little tiny miteof a woman, too; not yet twenty years old, with » baby face, with a fair skin, red bair, blue eyes @md small features—very sweet and lovely to look upon. But she was given to express her will frecly, ‘and to have it obeyed promptly. It is a mis- take to think that your tall, muscular femalo is the strong-minded woman and tho family anto- crat. She is notat all that. It is your fair, soft, babyish little angel, who is really the hus- band tamer and the household terror. Mistress Alice Headleigh was the owner of Maj. Hercules Huntington Headleigh and of house and lands, his slaves and cattle and ything that was his, including a bra honest, generous heart. And this is their story: In the early days of the District, at a short distance across the Eastern Branch bridge, upon thickly wooded hill, overlooking the river and the young city of Washington, there stood an old gray stone house, the center of an extensive tobacco-growing plantation. — TI was Headleigh Hall, which hed Rowession of the Headleig! rst settlement of this part of the country. It Was soon after the pence of 1815 when Her- cules Huntington Headleigh came into his es- tate. He was a man of whom the worst that could be said was that he was too fond of con- viviality, and even that was an inheritance from his joyous race. His father was killed at the battle of Bladensburg. He himself had served through that war and at its close had been mus- tered out with the brevet rank of major. Then he retired to hi 1 improve Notatall! ‘That he left to his overseer and his negroes, while he himself lived a free an and convivial life: kept ‘bachelor’s hall instituted a series of revols that caused the pro- fane to play upon the time-honored name aud pervert Headleigh fall into “Headlong Hall.” Such revels as would in our days of sobricty and temperanco be considered ‘very bad form,” but, in the days of our grandfatiers of fast living ‘and hard drinking, were dignifi by the name of “princely hospitality.” Very opular were the “stag suppers” of young Siajy Headieigh, not only monghis young com- panions of the’ neighboring plantations, but among the members of Consress, who, during the session, were accustomed to vary the dissipations of fashionable life in the city by crossing “the branch” and making “a night of it” at Headleigh Hall. They were always sure of a welcome, however unexpected their arrival. Sometimes they would come as & merry troop of horsemen, sometimes as sleighing party, always suro of an uproar: greeting and a convivial night ina house where there was not a lady or even a white woman to act as a restraint upon their late hours or noisy nd carousils, This was bad enongh, there was nothing worse. Young housekeeper was an old colored woman, who used to rate her master in good round terms for his misdemeanors and tell him lainly that she was ashamed to let people Enow whom she belonged to. People began to wonder why young Head- leigh did not marry. He was thirty years old and a very handsome fellow—tali, broad- shouldered, dark-eyed. And more than ono “awect girl” lowered her eyes and voice when casually speaking with him at church, fair or races. But he was proof against such soft wgo- ing. He was not “a lady’s ma He did not intend to put his neek under the matrimonial yoke. But his time came at last. When a down- right siege was laid to his heart, hand, fortune and freedom by a dowager with a house full of marriageable daughters, every one of whom was as redoubtable asthe mother. He felt himself in deadly danger of falling into the hands of his most dreaded bugbears—a wife anda mother-in-law. He cast about in his mind wildly for some means of escape from imminent slavery. He thought of running away; of going to sea; of going west; of going * anywhere, anywhere out of the world,” where possible mothers-in-law “went about like roa ing lions seeking whom they might devour.” But he hated traveling almost as much as matri- mony. One day he clapped his hands upon his knees and cried out: “Lhave it! If I mustmarry, sooner or later, I'm blessed if I don’t go and marry little Alice off hand! Then they will let me alone. She's as good as no wife at all. She's a nonentity, won't bore me, won't interfere with me in any way, and, above all, won't bring me a mother-in-law, or any other nuisance-in-luw to interfere with my freedom. Little Alice Somerville was his cousin and his orphan ward. She was the heiress of Sunny Slope, « small plantation on the Eastern branch. Now, at the ageof eighteen, she was a parlor boarder in the Young Ladies’ Academy in Georgetown, where she had been educated. He lost no time in going to the boarding school and proposing to Alice. He was her honored guardian. She accepted him. He gave a grand bachelor’s supper leigh ft i affairs has ever been at the disposal of the com- mittee, and there bas nover been » period in his public career when he would not do all that could be required of him in the interest of the District. Senator Barbour, in point of F is the oldest member of the com- mittee, he having been born in Culpeper county, Virginia, seventy-one years ago. Hi studied and graduated at law from the U versity of Virginia, and has devoted himself to jaw, railroad matters and po He ‘was, in 1852, elected president of the rail- road company thea called the Orangeand Alex- andria Railroad Compa: nd served in that position until that corporation was merged into the Virginia Midland Company. He was presi- dent of the consolidation until he resigned in “83. The Senator's service in the House of tepresentatives extended over the Forty weventh, Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Coi grosses.” He took his seat in the Senate in 1889. SENATOR GIBBON. Almost a Washing- tonian, s0 far as local ae- quaintance and residenco can bring it about, is Senator Charles Hi cr Gibson of Maryland. Senator Gibson is loyal to Maryland, but he ie an er in this city and its future and will freely confess at cy time that Washington is the most beautiful of all centers of population. He is an advocate of lib- erality in appropriative lejgislat for the to the extent of the ameliorations and improvements which werybody who the, subject admita are ecessary. Senator Gi a Marylander by birth. his connection with the state and the name of Gibson dating back to January 19, and politics have occupied of his days since 182. Law the major tion tg ‘testimony to positions District and will hie power aid in 1864. He to his worth by f: of trust and which he announced his approac ing marriage. Itwasa shock! But his guest did the proper thing in the wey of congratu- lating bim. ‘Two days later he married “sweet Alice” and brought her directly home to Headleigh Hall. ‘On both sides it was as cool blooded a marriage as if it bad been “arranged” by aristocratic parents. But he was by no means prepared for the position she promptly assunied as both mistress and master of the house, and still less for the ascendancy sho speedily gained not only over his free agency, but over his free will, The trath is that during the honeymoon he fell deeply in love with the wife lie had married in cold blood as a protection from calculating old women wit geable daughters, and he bei of her whom he had taken to secure his freedom. As it was late in February when the bride was brought home, and as Congress adjourned on the 4th of March, there were no more sudden inroads from Washington by riding or sleig mily from the | bat Ag heme dite raree in ehildhood, set the toom in Alice's own nurse in nded the and laid down on her . mei to The presented © quiet, peaceful, holy scene in contrast to that which was going on in the dining room. ‘There host and guest gave themselves up to enjoyment. At first, while eating, they quiet cnough, but when the table was cleared and a great bow! of punch, with tobacco and cigars placed upon it, they began to be hilarious—sang songs ‘with noisy choruses, told stories it set the table in a roar and growing more and more convivial kept up until the late dawn of the December day, when the Inmps went outand the light crept in. ‘Then the party broke up with many mutual congratulations of their host and themselves on the glorious timo they had bad. Shortly after, leaving the tired men servants to clear away tho debris of the supper, “the master of the house” crept softly upstairs, en- tered his wife's room and went up to her bed- side, “Awake, my little pet! I hope we did not disturb you. I only camo in for a little talk, a lit—lit—little talk—with lit—little pot!” he stuttered. Bhe looked at him in sorrowful silence. “Won't stay long! Only a little telk,” he re- peated. ‘Maj. Headleigh, you are not ina condition to talk to mo!” she replied with sad severity. “Eh? Eh? What? Well, [ll be—,” but be checked the oath that almost escaped’ him in bisamazement at the tone taken by his “little blue-eyed angel,” and then in an awkward em- barrassment suddenly demands “How is the little shaver? Let m@glook him!” and he put out his hand to uneovor baby, but she prevented him. “No, Maj. Hendieigh, not now! I should be grieved and mortified ti: our sou sould see you in your present condition.” os. faon' 1 ii ug —young gentle- man would no! wrong,” he ex- claimed, bursting out in a fit of loud laughter When be had flaiened she said very quietl: “Maj. Headleigb, Lam very weak aud weary. Inced test and slee ‘ask you to leave the room: “Well, now! I'll be——” but again he checked the oxth upon his lips. He could not sweur at it fra creature and young mother, too. i, then, kiss me good night n= T'll go,” he stammered as he bent over her. She turned away with an involuntary expres- sion of disgust, which, however, he noticed, nd which pained him “Wo-won't you kiss me goo-good night, you pardon me if I “I beg you to excuse me. I cannot,” she said. “Please go now. ‘Tomorrow I’ shall have something to say to you when you will be in a condition to hear it," she addcd in a firm yet quiet tone. Aud it was irresietible. He left tho room. Major Headleigh got up as usual to his brenk- fast. Lut he had scarcely finished it before he was summoned to appear before his wife. And the stalwart sinner crept unwillingly up- stairs to meet his frazale judg He felt in a rebellious and defiant mood. But when he met his wifo—well! if she had been d daughters of tho had sv successfully excaped, it would have been another matter, but who could defy and rebel against such a frail little being? Where would be the glory of victory over a baby mother with a her knec? Before she had anid a wor to apologize. “ my dear, when gentl € ot and if they stay late I cannot possibly « them away.” “So what is to be don T cannot tell just now. It is a new point of view and requites mature deliberation,” she auswered in atone that made him uneasy. He kissed her and the baby and went out to meet his overseer, he said. Left alone Mistress Alice fell into deep thought. She must break up these revels or they would ruin her husband and break up her home. To begin with she must rouse herself and leave her invalid room, where she had been luxuriating in idleness, petting her baby and petted by mammy too long. She must be less absorbed in her boy and give more of her company to her husband. It was fuil time also that she should be stir- ring about her house. Christmas was near at Land and Christmas company was expected at the hall. These were some relations of Maj. Headleigh. Mistress Alice had no near relations of her own. . ‘Mistress Alice put on her most becoming gown and most bewitching cap (all married women, however young, wore caps in those days) and went down staire and presided at the dinner table : Maj. Headleigh in his su \d delight at her unexpected appearance gave her an uj roarious welcome and declared that she wi most beautiful woman on the face of tke earth when he married her and that she was more beautiful now than ever before, even if he did ” he inquired. mn duties at the sacred season. There was Mr. Noah Bradshaw, « schoolmaster from the city come to spend the Christmas vacation, and there was Miss Molly Green, who lived poor little farm house of her own, but relieved its poverty by long visits to her richer rela- tions: and there were two Misses Eaton, young cousins from the Georgetown Academy of the Visitation, whose parents lived in Mississippi. Of these two girls no more need be said than that both were pretty blondes and that Eliza was a prude and Malvi ‘This little company efore Christmas in time for tea. ‘They had tea in the cozy little wainscotted sitting room, where the two gentlemen and four ladies sai down to- gether. But, tempting as that table way, Headicigh and Schoolmaster Noah Bri begged to be excused atter their second eup and went out on some business of their own. The four ladies remained, leisurely sipping their tea and chatting. Mistress Alice sent for her baby and held him on her lap to be ad- mired. While she wasstill expatiating on the wonder- ful precocity of the infant she heard Maj. Headleigh in the hall giving orders that a great fire should be kindled in the open fireplace there and the large round table brought in from the dining room. Her heart sank: she knew that these preparations meant @ revel of no ordimary character. ‘A word of explanation of the ground plan of the house is here necessary to the understand. ing of the events of the night. The entrance hall, which rar: from front to back through the middle of the ground floor, was much the larg- est apartment in this old-fashioned house. Doors on each side led into parlor, brary, sit- ting room and dining room. ‘There was a wide fireplace on the right-hand side from the front, and a broad staircase rose from the back to the floors above. ‘This was the only stairway that Jed to the bed chambers, and there was no other means of reaching them. Mistress Alice listencd in dismay, but she could not then interfere, and she could only hope that, as there were young Indies in the house, the entertainment for which the major was evidently preparing, though it might be rties to “make a night of it” at Hoadleig) that season. And the young planters in the neighborhood came only in the daytime and in company with their mothers and siste to pay their respects to the newly married pair. ‘The only festivities were dinner and daucing rties given and returned until the arrival of nt put an end to them. But the bridegroom was so contented with the company of his young wife that he wanted no other until eurly winter brought him a rival in her affections in the form of a boy baby, of whom he was naturally very proud, and with whom in company with tho mother Le liked to pass much of his leisure time. But as he grew accustomed to his honors the elarm of novelty wi Congress was in session: and ono night in December, when the moon shone bright) ‘and the snow covered the ground, Ma - leigh sat in his den down stairs with his dogs and his guns and his pipes and tobacco and Mistross Alice sat in her chamber reclining in ‘an easy chair with her baby in her lap and her “mammy” at hand to wait on her, the holy silence of the night was broken by the merry sound of sleigh bells. it Aiea i major Jumped up joyo meet the uneapocted part ake See ns bc barca welcomed for coming uninvited. m. At first they all de- clared thas they had only stopped to seo how the his wife were getting on, and that ing down the road as far as er e that their arrival had he had been d: of dull- of the sleigh revived Where, then, was Mis- some one inquired. “Oh, Lag y bapa pa entirely taken up i “Mammy,” said Mistress Alice from her in- valid chair, “go down stairs and see who itis ‘that has arrived.” on a large scale, would be orderly aud would end at a seemly hour. ‘The tea table was cleared. Fresh wax can- los were lighted upon the mautelpicce and on stands conveniently placed; logs were laid on the tire and the servauts retired. ‘Then the ladies gathered around the fire with their work. ‘Tho two young girls were ombroidering white cambric slips for thei hostess’ baby. Miss Molly was knitting a of worsted socks for the major. Mistress Alice was rocking her baby. It was still early in the long winter evening when the clatter of an equestrian party was heard outside. Mistress Alice hastily put her a|or rather roaring out, . eh THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON. D.C. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1891-SIXTEEN PAGES. her and to bed. ewer: ““Yes: but the gentlemen are at the table in the hall and you must not pass through with the child. I¢ would not be she came in through the back door if it was not time to marse Mistress Alice reading to with an. “We what she had seen and heard. it with anger, but around him! Oh, my poor giant, Sro an infant in their hands, aud I mast try Fescue you or you will be lost!” Whila she so meditated she noticed that the Toom was going out. so she closet ard brought in some ag}fuel to mend it. She did the same for the their company. Mistress Alice resumed her reading and was soon deep in the mysterios, murders, old style romance and miseries of the old-time romance. The conversation among the gentlemen in the which at first reached them only as inar- te murmurs, grow more distinct and was accompanied by an laughter. istress Alice would pause in ber reading while theso explosions lasted, and when they had ceased she would go on again, but only for ® short time, when she would again be inter- rupted in tho same manner. “Scems to mo that the gentlemen are very noisy out there,” said Miss Molly, when wev- ral men secmed to be talking aloud at the same time Mistress Alice took out her watch. “It is after 10 o'clock,” she said, “they will soon go now. The major promised that they should not stay Inte.” And she took up her book and again bogan to read, but in vain. The talk in the hall grow louder. Not only the sound but the sense of the words reached them. e will not try to read any more,” she said, closing her book. The two young girls had rolled up-their em- broidery and were yawning, for they were ac- customed to carly hours at the academy. Miss Moliy was knitting and nodding in her chair. Mammy had fallen fast asleep on her stool, and her half-inished stocking had slipped to the floor. She slept with the soundness of her raco =< when @ louder noise thar usual aroused er. Presently some member of the company called out loud enough to be heard all over the house: ‘A song, a song, a sung from the captain!” And the company joined the speaker by rat- Ming & eit glasses ou the board and ropeating: “Yes, a song; a song from the captain! ‘Shen there followed excuses from “the cap- tain” and insistance from bik companions until he cleared his throat and began to sing rude vea song, in which the company joined, rattling and clinking their glasses by way of accompaniment at the chor {Obj Rata row! what a runpus and a rloting We {tbey) ail enduce, you tay be sure, wuo'—gol— This song at its closo was applauded with ‘three times three * ‘The captain's health was drunk with bumpers. “*A song from Mr. Bradshaw!” eried one. “Yes, a song from the schoolmaster !" another, and “‘a song from the schoolmaster echoed all the company. The schoolmaster objected, pleaded his pro- fession and remonstrated, but_in vain; and so, at length, he began a song no better in any re- spect than its predecessor, and the company joined noisily in the chorus. ‘This song received the samo honor ao the captain's. “The school master’s health was drunk with equal applause. As the revels went on, the drinking grew deeper, and the noise louder, and the songs andeven the stories more objectionable—so objectionable, indeed, that the tace of Mistress Alice became crimson with indignation. She arose hastily und exclaimed: “Como, young ladies! Come, Miss Molly! I must ask you to go with me to the kitchen. It is the only place to which we can escape from their words, if not from their noise.” And leaving the sleeping nurse beside t! cradle of the sleeping buby, Mistress’ Ali passed out of the sitting room and through a linen room anda pantry into the spacious kitchen, where a large fire was smoldering in the yawning fireplace. The servants had gone to bed. Her guests tottered after her, half asleep; the girls sunk down into chairs with their heads Testing onthe kitchen table and went fast asleep; but Miss Molly sat bolt upright, and glaring through her round spectacles, ex- pressed her opinion emphatically: ‘A pretty kettle of fish, indeed, when lady visitors in a gentleman's house are kept out'n their beds by a set of rowdies.” The gentlemen do not know that they are keeping us up, Miss Molly, and of course the major cannot give them even a hint to go,” said Mistress Alice, deprecatingl: Miss Molly replied by a yawn suggestive of swallowing her little hostess, who did not sit down at ull, but wandered uneasily about. The revelry rose higher in the hall. ‘The in- mates of the kitchen heard the noise, but not ‘the words of the compauy. ‘he wild night was wearing away. When the great clock in the rear of the hall struck 2 Mis- tress Alice crept into the sitting room and found the buby and the old nurse sleeping soundly through all the uproar, and then she went to the door and _peeped throuzh the k hole. Her husband sat opposite and in line of her vision, with the light of the hanging lamp shining full upon his flushed face. She saw that he had already drank much more than was good for him. ‘The old sea captain was singing, “The Bay of Biscay, Oh!” and the company was singing not oniy the chorus, but the whole song with him, with more regard to loudness than to harmony, and pounding the board with their glasses, forks or fists or whatever would make the most noi When the song was finished, the singer's health drank with uproar and the noise had somewhat subsided one of the men who was a ittle less inebriated than the rest suggested that it was time to break up. Mistress Alice heaved a sigh of relicf at the proposal. But her anticipations were vain, ‘No, no!” the host exclaimed. “‘Not at all!” He hoped, he said, that they were having too good a time to cut it short. _ He hoped so. Assurances were noisily showered upon him by the company that they had never had so good a time. ‘Then they must make a night of it. The man who made the suggestion to depart pointed to the clock. It was 2: . “Well, what of speakin of it? 4 We demanded the host, ther thickly by this time. “What at only brings us to Christmas eve. must celebrate that also.” ut the ladies,” mildly suggested the school- master, the only one present besides the host who really knew the inconvenience to which the women of the family were reduced. “Ihe dies, my dear Headleigh.”” he ladi loftily replied the major, “the Indies Tadice—Giod bless “ena But we, gentiemen, we are the lords of crea- tion, Yes, the lords of creation by Divine “*Mistross Headleigh ! sho is rather delicate,” timidly suggested the schoolmaster, speaking ina low voice. But Major Headleigh answered m an audible tone, ignoring the last clause of old Noah's speech, and even old Noah himeelt. “Mistress Headleigh, gentlemen,” he said with smouldering fire in the kit fearing that the girls might catch cold. then sat down beside the cradle, but was so worn out with watching and worrying that from time to time she fell into short naps, from which she would be roused by some outburst of noise among the revelers. When the clock struck Sher baby awoke. She took him up and cried over him. She suddenly roused up and took ii t none but fools so weakly wept when they should resist. She laid her baby in the cradle again and renewed the candles. She went through the kitchen and ooked out of the back door. it was as dark as bus. Not star shining. But she beard the servants stirring in their room overhead. She again went to the sitting room and pooped through the keyhole into the hall. The scone had changed somewhat. Some of the lights had gone out, others burned dimly. The room was now only partially illumined by the hanging lamp. ‘The company were no longer singing. They seemed to have worn the selves out. Yet there was no movement foward separating. They appeared to be ‘telling stories—weird, supernatural, blood-curdling, hair-raising, marrow-freezing stories. And in their half maniacal, half idiotic condition, at once exhausted and excited, the more awful the story the more they scemed inclined to believe it. The old s aptain was telling the story of Don Giovanni with much exaggeration, asaiz authentic ghost story and an incident that had occurred to his own grandfather who had been converted from the errors of his ways by the apparition of the——at one of his wild bachelor banquets. The curious thing about this story telling and story hearing was that though the inter- ested company seemed to believe in their truth they never thought of bringing the moralhome to themselves, This last story gave Mistress Alice an idea. ith waiting and worry, flushed asa rose agein and her eyes brightened. She herself would raise the ——and try the effect upon these sinne m early cup of coffee for Miss Molly and the two girls, who were now wide awake and waiting for it. “Cassy,” whispered her little mistress, “don’t make the least sound; don’ k above yone is up, There! Gir coffve and be as still as a mouse. all have some fun presently. Where “Hore he am now, young mist'ess, said the cook, as the boy entered from the yard. The lady went to the door and looked out. The wky was black as ink, with clouds that bad not the faintest tinge of dawn. A strong south wind was blowing up still heavier clouds. By ths time mammy had waked up and Joined the party in the kitchen. Mistress Alice cautioned her also to be silent as death. Then she put out every light but one candle, lest by chance they should attract attention, ‘Then speaking in a very low tone she un- folded her plan of raising the ‘and rout ing the revelers. It was received with glee by all, but with per- fect deligut by the negro boy, who was to play the priucipal role in the performance Ail promised faithful co-operation and invio- lable secrecy. “Now, then, mammy, go into the linen room and bring the two large dark-blue bed curtains. And you, Len, take the dark lantern and go the barn and bring me that horse's skull that lying out there by the door. Also—now stop grinning and listen—bring me three or four ine cones from the woodshe ring me your daddy's thick cane.” ‘The messengers went quietly on their er- rands, and in a few minutes all the articles ehe required were brought in and laid on the kitchen table. ‘ow go to the stable,” she said to the boy, puta bridle on Satan, the black horse, bring him here.” The boy started on his errand. Then M: tress Alice threw a shawl over her head and went out into the yard and around to tl door of the hail. She cautiously She silently turned the latch “and opened it a fow inches. ‘The revelers did not hear her, but she heard them! ‘ome, boys, let's hay ther song to the gloom out of us!” oried her hesbest, you say toa song of our boyhood, Sole?” Then they started. “That will do,” murmured Mistress Alice to hersclf, as she silently withdrew from the door, leaving it slightly but imperceptibly ajar. ‘Then she returned to the kitchen. There, amid the interested attention of her companions, she began to create the —. With shoe blacking she painted the horse skull jet black. Then fixed two pine cones in the sockets of the eyes and one between the jaws and fastened them securely. Then she fixed the skull on the top of the cane with strong cords. Then she set fire to the pine- cones and held up the stick with the hideous figurehead—and more hideous figure tha that black skull with its flaming eyes and mouth couid scarcely be imugined in any nightmare dream. Mistress Alice blew out the flaming pine cones and left them glowing balls of fire. Phen she ;made the boy stand up, and fixed the stick against his back and bound it there with strong cords so that the horrible figure- head stood two feet above his head. This was flono to leave his arms free to manago the ore. gather up the dark curtains »,” said Mistress Alice. And she led the way out to where the norse Satan stood. quietly waiting. He was called Satan on ac- count of his extraordinary size and jet black coat, but it was a great injustice, for therenever wasa gentler, quieter or more obedient horse; a child could manage him. Now, therefore, he only turned his head with a look of curiosity at the strange creature that was about to mount First of all-one of the dark curtains was drawn all over the animal, leaving only the head and feet free. Then Len scrambled up on back and took the bridie. When he was firmly seated, Mistress Alice mounted a chair, aided by her companions, and fastened the other dark curtain securely around the stick just below the skull and drew it down around the form of the boy and over the back of the horse, where it was fastened to the first cover. Thus arranged the boy, the horse and theskull appeared as one horrible monster. ‘Yes*um,” replied the grinning boy. ‘will lead the horse up to the back door; all the dignity of drink, “is a model wife. She knows her place. She is a sample of the per- fect woman spoken of by our venerable pastor in his sermon on the relative condition of the christian husband and wife. And this is the beautiful picture he dre: Here, in quoting tho preacher, he rose to his feet, strotched out his arm, assumed an ora- torical manner, and delivered the words with 8 rolling of consonants whore they refotred to the husband and an attenuating of vowels then you must dig your heels into his sides and urge him against the door. It is o} to that ho enn go right through.” inna “Wait « minute, though,” said Mistress Alice. And she crept around to the door to reconnoi- It was nearly dark in the hall. All were singing—each on bis own account. Tne old sea captain was roaring Burns’ song: “The Deil Came Fiddlin’ Thro’ the Town’ ‘And School Master Noah roared back: where they referred to the wife, in a style that cannot be represented by any correct spelling. “<‘He,' said our venerable pastor’ ‘hos wee-e-kness. He is wiss. sim-plee-cee-ty. He is orr-thorr- She is soob-mees-sion.” A beautiful picture, gentlemen; mos beautiful picture!” coneluded the orator, resuming his seat. ‘Let us drink to the health of the ladies !"e baby in Miss Molly's lap and went into the hall to spenk to the major before the entrance of the guests. She found him there. ‘fou expect ; much company,” she said, look- around at the largo ta! great fire. Eee my dear. ‘They invited themselves. I couldn't forbid them,” he replied ap. ally. “Well, then, Maj. Hoadleigh, will you remember that there are ladies in the tea young ladies, and restrain tha gentlemen if you can from making a noise or telling un- seemly stories or singing wicked and senseless songs, because every loud word uttered in the hall can be heard in the sitting room by the “Ob, I'll keep ‘em in order, my dear; as far as. man can dictate to his visitors, youknow,’ he added deprecatingly. “And do not keep them verylate. You know rooms except 0 ug! and we would not: 10 do that while the gentlemen were at sup- per. “Good gracious! I never thought of that. But I won't keep them late—that is, if I can help it Now run away, little ono; they are claimed the old sea captain. And the toast was “honored” with much’ enthusiam and no But Major Headleigh seemed to havo hit upon a favorite topic, for he continued: “When our reverend minister uttered the | am: words that I have So deep was the Just quoted, gentlemen, you a pin drop in the church. interest. We would have loudly applauded bad such a manner of e: pressive approval been allowed in churcb. For myself, geutlomen, I felt when he drow that cture of a perfect wite that he was portray- my own lovely companion. has no wilt but mine. Twill Prove it to you; i will “Who's afraid of the deil?” aud sang: “Thou grim king of torrors, thou life's gloomy 100! Go frighten the coward and slave; Go, seach them to tremble, fell tyrant! but now, No terrors hast thou for the brave!” door! @ thunderbolt. Then « sud ws Tan silence f ong the singers. ‘Then followed the violent taniult of quickly overturned clntes or Monet glass, scurrying foot, and stress Alice returned to istress “No, indeod, honey, on'y loosen his kervat an’ unbutton his weskit wo fm him up wid blankit an’ lebe him #0.” The wife followed this advice and left the room attended by the servants. “Carry the schoolmaster up to his room and then come back to the hall und clear up the ‘the mis- — there,” was the final order of It was now about 7:30 o'clock, and, although the sun had risen, the morning was still so dark that lighted candles were needed. Soon after the ladies of the house had break! visitors saw that Mistress Alice was so =a ae they tried to comfort ing her that it was reall nothing unt for gentlemen to be carried, up to what was called a “stag party. But Mistress Alice was even more indignant than sorrowful and her eyes flashed as she answered: “Drop the subject, my dears; it shall never occur again! I will not stand such — on another night! No! notanother night, as you will see. _Mistress Alice lay down on the sofa in the sitting room and gots little sleep; but it was very fitful and interrupted by fi tothe major’s bedside. He nover knew of her visite. The tadies dined alone, After dinner Mis- tress Headleigh went up once more to see her husband. | While she stood by the bed looking at him he‘opened his eyes and stared at her in silence until she spoke and inquired how be felt? !" he cried, “Ihave had a warn e had a warning? ‘I have been in h— ! Ihave heard of delirium tremens, but Inever had them and never saw a case of them until last night. I saw—Isaw— the—" 1” said the wife. ” be cried. How is your head?” Don't excite yourself. ‘Big as a balloon and about as light!” “I'll getup. Then maybe I will feel better, Alice, my love: Well, majo “I wish to the Lord I could get rid of those fellows without giving offense. I don't care a cent about drink myself. But I have to drink with them when they come,” be added with a sigh of despair. “Major, will you listen to my advice? When these men invite themselves will you let me help to eutertain them 01 " he exclaimed, staring with ‘Yes, I. Listen! When they volunteer a visit to make ‘a night of it” cordial welcome. we will invite them tosit down party, with every luxury except liquor. “We will overwhelm them wi attentions and compliments. We will beg them to stay all night and to come often. We will treat these bon viants so well that they cannot — egy r hospitality. But they will not ‘ouble us very often with ‘company. What do you think of my plan’ a ‘The major seized her hand and kissed it. “I will follow it!” he said. “They will be sure to come some night in Christmas week. That is unless they have seen the foul fiend that I saw. And they shall be entertained with a tea party. I feel better no’ rhe major and the schoolmaster joined the ladies at the tea table. ‘The major was in good spirits. The schoolmaster was very grave. Later Mr. Noah Bradshaw confided to the major that he had actually seen the enemy of mankind. _ What the other guests thought of the ap; rition that had broken up their orgie, whether any one of them civabeny believed himself to be the victim of delirium tremens and kept that conviction to hii if, or whether any one believed with the schoolmaster that he had seen the foul fiend in person, ot any suspected the trick, was never known. ‘stag supper’ ton Indies’ teu that gentlemen enjo; None of them returned during Christmas week. It was, indeed, along time before any of them came with the intention of “making « night of it” at Headleigh Hall. And when they did they were made cordially welcome and entertained with a tes party. —___ PASSES ON THE RAILWAY, Some Peoplo Who Ask for Them and How ‘They Are Given the Shake. 66(SONGRESSMEN SELDOM ASK US FOR free passes,” said railway man toa Stax reporter. “On the other hand the clerks attached to committee rooms and the private secretaries of prominent men are most fre- quent among our petitioners. Do they get them? Not usually. You see, in dispensing such favors we consider chiefly the question whether the applicant is able to do the road any service. “It is very fanny to observe how general the impression seems to be among applicants for passes that they are able to be of service to us. You would imagine from the way they talk that most of them are the very pillars of the road. They declare very often that they individually throw into our hands thousands of dollars’ worth of passenger traffictand on the strength of that plea they demand free transportation for themselves. Such persons as these are to be found lurking by dozens around the hotel corridors. “We find very many applicants of this sort among the people in the departments. Once having got pass they have acquired » taste for traveling free of charge, and they do not like the notion of paying their way any more. It is astonishing how habit of t journeying by rail gratis, grows upon the in knewa Philadelphia man once a time who had an annual between and Harrisburg. travel he did not use his privi ed F A i if 2 t E i He i i i FUR-TRIMMED GARMENTS, Some of Redfern's Latest Styles in Wraps and Dresses. One is almost afraid to repeat the assertion that every costume will be far-trimmed. A walk down any of the fashionable promenades makes the fact so very evident that it is im- possible to be an observer of gowns and not observe this—that it ise fashion. It certainly is not pretty, although it may be fashionable to wear the head, feet and tail of some defunct little beast under one’s chin as though exulting with savage barberity at the Tesult of the pleasures of the chase. And how axy civilized woman can hang such « pathetio evidence of extinguished life on her bosom is ® riddle which may be placed in company with other riddles about that —_— oy be strange ephin: woman, Even! gowns in particular are prettier The coat is ewallow-tailed green cloth trim- med with sable tails and collar lined with the same expensive fur. Sable heads and tails decorate the double-breasted front. The Rus- sian mt of straight all-round skirt beneath is of deep cardinal velvet, the under sleeves and vest being carried out on the same materials. A bordering of cardinal velvet with sable edging surrounds the skirt. The muff is # little arrangement of « contorted little beast resting on its own fur, which forms the ma- terial of this necessary adjunct. cardinal velvet is decorated with tails to match the costum is considered simply faultless in color and style. He Wes Fond of Diamonds, But Fonder of His Old Bing. From the New York Recorder. There was no reason why he should look at diamonds and the hundred other baubles of li F : fei | { £F iff f ie H li i Ds g r ! i 1 if E s 8 e H i { i : i | 1 i i fF i F I i al Fee