Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1875 — A Sad History. [ARTICLE]

A Sad History.

A few days ago an advertisement published in one of the newspapers of the capital announced the sale of a large assortment of furniture and articles of vertu. Such sales are frequent in Washington and are the natural sequences to the transitory conditions which enter into the lives of the majority of its residents. For a few years, of frequently for but a few brief months, some officeholder, anxious to imitate some one above him, or some upstart individual possessed of sudden means, will rise into notoriety on account of the show of his establishment and win the applause of the rabble for the promiscuousness of his entertainments. The disappearance of such objects of prominence elicits no thought, for this sort of mushroom growth thrives in Washington social atmosphere. But connected with the particular case referred to there is a sad history. All the parties were prominent and could trace their parentage back a generation or two without coming in contact with one of the Darwinian progenitors of the human family. About”six years ago Maryland sent a Senator here —a man of quiet demeanor and one who in his own State was foremost in family connections and affluence. He brought with him to the nation's capital among others of his family a beautiful daughter. At the same time there figured in Washington society a young man of fine presence, of cultivated manners, every manly accomplishment and inherited opulence. He was One of a family conspicuous in Washington politics. His father was the contemporary and friend of the great spirits who figured in the Government more than a quarter of a century ago, and the magnificence of his entertainments still forms the most attractive and romantic page in the history of society at the capital. The father died, ana about four years ago the sen became enamored of the daughter of the Maryland Senator. The acquaintance soon ripened into affection. Every sentiment of devotion and duty was awakened in the bosom of this chivalric youth. The richest products of art in costly jewels were bestowed upon the object of his hearty desire. Such ,a fever heat of love soon ripened into a union. The nuptials were to be celebrated at the family mansion of the betrothed, ' on the beautiful shores of the Chesapeake. The day arrived. In front of the capital lay a steamer profusely decorated with the flags of all nations, A band of mnsic sat upon the deck discoursing sweet strains. -At an early

hour the groom, attended by a laxge retinue of friends, young bloods of the city, embarked upon the steamer, and was soon passing down the broad waters of the Potomac. Upon approaching the home of the betrothed, which looked out upon the placid waters of the bay, salutes were fired, flags waved, and swelling sounds of music carried upon the gentle air announced the coming of the groom. The inhabitants of the surrounding country had gathered on the shore. The groom, with his princely retinue, music and flying colors, marched to the mansion, followed by hundreds of the inhabitants. A Southern welcome greeted all. After the necessary offices of respect and hospitality had passed, preparations were made for the nuptial ceremony. The relatives ancj friends from far and near, Clergymen, beautiful women with rich toilets, and courtly gentlemen, assembled in the main hall of the mansion. The formulas of religion and good morals were consummated, and two loving hearts were made one. The crowning event of the occasion was followed by music and dancing, salutes, fireworks and general revelry. The scene at this time is represented by an eye-witness to have been suggestive of the court of an Oriental potentate. The bride and groom now left these scenes of mirth to enjoy the fruits of love and a protracted honeymoon amid the new and classic surroundings of the old world. There they traveled in state. They were surrounded by courtiers, and 100 lackeys and servants did their kidding. Frequently the groom and his courtiers were mistaken for a royal party, and were tendered unusual honors. The appetite of love sharpened by such an air of romance prompted a corresponding liberality. There was no wish which the groom was not ready to obey. Eighteen-hundred-' dollar music-boxes, S4OO clocks, elegant carriages, blooded horses and liveried attendants, silks and velvets from the looms of France, gems of art from Italy, and the specialties of every principality and power in Europe were thrown at the feet of the Maryland bride. The attractions of the capitals of the old world exhausted, back to the capital of their own land sped the young couple. Here they continued this same sumptuous style of living. Their residence was one of the finest in the city, and the entertainments given there were unrivaled. But three years had elapsed since the nuptial festivities on the shores of the Chesapeake. The wealth of Egypt’s Khedive would hardly have perpetuated such a round of extravagance. The cry of the creditor was soon heard at the door. The young groom -was soon brought to a realizing sense of his folly. He accused his bride of various excesses and indiscretions. The green-eyed monster jealously added its scorpion sting to the young man’s anguish.. The fall was as rapid and no less marked than the ascent. A few months of domestic infelicity, a few weeks of despair and but a single instant of action ended the career of the groom and blasted forever the hopes of the bride. A corpse and an empty phial told the tale of the hero of this sad reality. The heroine, now sheltered beneath the paternal roof, doubtless often looks out upon the rippling xvaves of the Chesapeake to see in their bright surface a reflection of the happy scenes of her nuptial day. The hammer of the auctioneer was the last requiem of this blighted home and demolished household.—Washington Cor. Pittsburgh Commercial.