AESTHETICISM AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1101, 16 June 1882, Page 2

AESTHETICISM AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

President Arthur is, it srems, a

disciple of the advanced sethetic school, and has decorated the White House in the most approved "greenery yallery " style. Many improvements and conveniences have likewise been introduced, and the Executive mansion is now declared to be one of the most comfortable houses in the States. For instance a lift has taken the place of a private staircase which formerly led to the attics. The library, in particular, is said to faithfully reflect Presidence Arthur's taste. The wall is covered with flock maroon, which is like velvet to the touch. The frieze, eighteen inches in depth, has a border of stiff sage-green grasses, with formal looking oasters, maroon-coloured on ramrod stalks. The drapery is tapestry cross-striped raw silk, of the same colour, with a glint of gold threads, in the web. Sage-greens and maroon blend in the centre of the carpet and a deep bordering of the darker colour is on the edge, "Portieres" of the tapestry cover the book-cases tocorrespond with the window draperies, which have lace under curtains. A valence of maroon velvet edged with fringe, covers the mantelpiece. An overvalence of the finest needlework, in linen cambric, is laid on the maroon. The writing table, made from the timbers of the old Resolute, and presented to the American people by Queen Victoria, stands near the windows. Luxurious chairs in tapestry and velvet, shaded drop-lights, alit an open fire place, with burnished furniture of brass, for wood fires, complete, the details of this attractive room. The coal grates have been taken out of nine fireplaces, and the interiors arched with polished soapstone, the outer edge of the arch framed with fluted brass, and fire-dogs and other conveniences for burning wood furnished. This was done at the request of the President himself. President Arthur's, bedroom is described as being " quite too awfully too-too." The woodwork is a light bine. The wails are of a delicate blue, with silver designs outlined with faint gold tracings. The window draperies are pate blue satin damask, with white flowers. A sofa, easy chair, an armchair, and four bedroom chairs, covered with the blue and white damask, complete the suite. There are also two very pretty coloured wicker work chairs, cushioned and backed with maroon velvet Bows of thick maroon satin with ends are on the corners of the back, and where the legs join the seat The design in gold on the frieze of this room stands out like metal work. The bed is superb enough for a throne. A graceful canopy rises above the head, and is draped with valences of damask with heavy garnitures of silken fringe. From it sweeps a cloud of filmy lace drapery* caught by bands of damask below the pillows. The mirror on the mantel is. framed in maroon velvet, and the fireplace glitters with its burnished furniture. Surely, even Mr. Oscar Wilde could wish for nothing more "ultra-poetical, super-aethetical " than this.