The lady or gentleman who is accustomed to the usages of society will find an entirely new experience on visiting the nation's capital. Society here takes its tone from official life. It is composed of official personages from other lands as well as our own, who represent government, and who necessarily have a dignity to maintain. Consequently the rules governing here, do not apply to any other section of our country. The men there have precedence through the offices which they hold.
Women rule by virtue of their husbands' official position.
It is true that in a republic all men are equal before the law. But that does not excuse them from honoring the office to which they have been called by the people, and they should demand the privileges and respect which their position confers upon them. We have no 'court circles,' nor do we expect to remain a republic and at the same time ape 'court' manners. We have a social as well as a political autonomy. Let us preserve these with an equally jealous care and dignity.