Washington Letter

' "-'vvr, a. J, , rOU. -1, IÖOO. Apart f rom thvj engrossinfcguities of the season, Washington has never been more crowded with ainusements of other kinds, following in rapid succession, interlapping and offering such attractiveness and variety as r,o render choice often difflcult. The rich and the poor, the high and the low, cultured aestlictesand common-place people, can be accommodated with entertainment exactly adapted to their degree of appreciation and to the calibre of their purses, from the ten cent museum to the Italian opera for ten dollars a seat. Tais week, coniic opera, classic opera, and the dog-show are contesting for the patronage of the public, but there seem to be people of sufflciently diversifled taste to do full justice to each. For. while m.iny affect a preference for Patti's or Schalclii's golden vocal chords, others of a totally different musical school prefer the canine chorus that may be hcard íor lifty cents at the dog sho.w, and which is composed of a soprano of sharp yelping pugs and spaniels, a contralto of baying houiids and beagles and basso of hoarse voiced mastiffs and St. Bernarda. The international touch show is being held at the skating rink, and is a novelty here, so that everybody asks everybody else if he has been to the dog. show. Therc are tliree huudred and fifty-two dogs enteied, many of them being the flnest specimens of theirkind that can be found iu this country. The kennels are arranged In doublé rows, extending the entire length of the rink, with aisles between that are so narrow, visitors feel in great danger, whüe trying to keep at a safe distance trom the bull-dogs and blood-hounds on one side, or being nabbed by some other kind of dog on the opposlte side. Every breed of dogs is represented, and they are well classified. Considering their unnatural surroundings they are pretty well behaved, for most of tlicm are far frorn home and among straHgers. This feature seems cruel, and many of thein send up indignaut protest against their forced situation in a variety of barka, howls, yelps and whiues that are both distracting aird deafening. Tliere are many famous dogs here, and a large numtier are for sale at prices rangiug from thirty to üfteen thousand dollars. Tliis is absurd to the disinterested and unprofessional, but good "dog men" say these are not fancy prices. The dog is judged by the shape of nis body and legs, size and shape of his head, droop of nis tail, and the texture of his coat, not at all by his rcquirements as some havo supposed. Pugs are most fashionable now, and ladies are exhibiting tueir pets in cages decorated in most artistic styles. Some are sa tin lined, with lace trimmed draperies festooned and looped with rosettes and rilibons. Others are furnished with pictures, mirrors and velvet cushions for the darlings to repose upon, and tl fles such as india rubber dolls and halls for them to play with. The poor things do look unha]py, but loving hearts liave tried liard to sunound them with home luxuriesand comforts diiring this trying oideal. üue tiny exquisite wore a blue embroidered mantle, a silver necktie made of half dime pieces, inscribed with the name of each donor, (Col. Jiigerüoll's being conspicious anioiig them,) and to tliis necklace was attached a diamond cross. This wee dog reci'ived a diploma for being the smallest and most thoroughbred black and tan known. Slie has traveled extensively, is seven yenrs old, her name is Fanny Cabell. She is owned by a lady of this city who told me that a fortune would not buy lier. The dojjs receive many attentions from visltors, but tlie latter are a little wary as to wliere they bestow their caresses. A pretty girl was observed pettinga repulsivo looking dog, and calling hiin by endearing namos, while a society beau looked on wisttïilly and niurmured lie "would give üve lui rul red dollars to be the buil purp for just five minutes." Washington dogs have been very successful in winning prizes at thisshow, aml doubtless this will cause a dosr íever to spring tip heie aniong all classes. Yesteiday was given almost entiiely to the celebration of the natal anniversary of the fiisf, Prcsidant. All Government Departments were closed and the stars anrl Qt.;pi.a were unfurled over all public buildings and over many private houses. At the Capítol alone no rest wa tnkcti. Congress labored thioughout the day. The Senate tariff bilí has been passed, and the qucstion is: "What will the House do with it?" The Rcpublicau caucus yesterday furnished no answcr to the question. On one point there was agreement - that the majority ouglit to revise the tariff if it is revised at all, Republicans of all classes are for Eepublican rather than Democratie revisión.