The Olivia Letters: Being Some History of Washington City for Forty Years as Told by the Letters of a Newspaper CorrespondentBriggs, Emily Edson
History
The Olivia Letters: Being Some History of Washington City for Forty Years as Told by the Letters of a Newspaper Correspondent
Briggs, Emily Edson
United States -- Politics and government -- 1865-1933; Washington (D.C.) -- History
Whilst all these things were in preparation Secretary Fish came
rushing in and seized an unfortunate servant, who had accidentally
put the right flower-pot in the wrong place. This was quickly
adjusted and the Secretary left the place. Then Mrs. Secretary
Fish, swathed in pearl-colored silk, trimmed with the costliest
lace, sailed through the rooms. A lackey followed her with fear and
trembling. As near as could be ascertained in the distance, the hair
on his head stood upon end. All at once dulcet sounds were heard,
“Take it away.” The servant stood terror-bound until the lady said:
“Too much mignonette. We cannot be too careful. Perfume is a good
thing in the right place. The danger is, everything is becoming too
common.” The flower-basket was removed, and the rooms were pronounced
all ready for the ceremony.
First of all Secretary Robeson sailed in, and following in his
wake were the heads of the Navy Department, in their brilliant
regimentals. As these were not the men who distinguished themselves
in the late war, the people have no care to hear about them. But
their shining shoulder-straps and other finery helped to make the
occasion brilliant, the same as a shoal of dolphins at sea on a hot
summer’s day. Secretary Robeson looked as handsome and happy as could
be expected.
Then came Minister Boutwell, in white choker and pale pearl-colored
kids, closely followed by that interesting old greenback known as
General Spinner. Then Spinner was brought up by the heads of the
Treasury Department, and they stretched out until it seemed as if it
was intended they should represent the “crack of doom.”
Then came the handsome Saxon Secretary of War, with his officers,
followed by Cresswell and the Post Office, and Attorney-General
Williams and his “heads.” The heads of the Attorney-General’s office
are men who have blossomed, fruited and now ought to be gathered and
put in the cellar for future use. Delano, of the Interior, was there
with his force, the most dignified magnate present.
Spilled around promiscuously were Judge Holt, Cameron, Casserly, with
nose at an angle of forty-five degrees; Banks, with a new shade to
his hair, called “Paris in Ashes;” Professor Henry, with any amount
of electricity in his pockets; Speaker Blaine and Colfax--dear
Colfax! who came out and said he felt sorry for the press; he knew
how it was himself before greatness was thrust upon him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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