The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-27
MRS. SENATOR BRUCE.

From the Baltimore American, Jan. ISL
Ever since the colored Senator from Mississippi.
Mr. Bruce. brought his bride to the capital Washing
ton society has directed a curious gaze upon Mrs.
Senator Bruce and wondered what part she would
take in the social life here. There inconsid-
cradle fear in quarters that grave social ques
ton had arisen. which would not only create much
unpeasantness but might bring out the color line
in an awkward relief. The social rank Of United
States Senator is not to be dsregarded; hence the
position occupied by Mrs. Bruce felt to be del
icate one that called for consummate tact in recog.
nizing it. Two months have passed. however, and
there is not q ripple upon the social current. The
apprehensons of well meaning persons have disap-
peared, and yet Mrs. Bruce has been
ceivcd as member of Washington
ciety, and her bearing emphatically APP
proved thereby. This result has been largely
brought about by the level -headcdness of the
colorcd Senator himself. Speaking incidentally of
this matter to your correspondent yesterday he
showed how easily was his life made clear of social
entangements. Said he:--"The social question has
never been matter Of concern to me since was
elected to the Senate. When came here made up
my mind TO let the society question adjust itself
without any of my Intervention. have never at
tempted to force my way INTO society ana IN letting
particle of trouble believe that IT is only the
who seeks trouble from the color line that finds IT.
and, Diminishing all ideas the question from
my mind. l find my social life passes smoothly
and pleasantly" The Senator's good sense in
the matter having long been known by his col
leagues when he was a bachelor, his card bas
kct filled with many cards of invitation pos
siby any distinguished person here. When Mrs.
Bruce took up her residence here the first person to
pay her social respects to the bride was the wife of
the President. She much pleased with Mrs.
Bruccs lalylike bearing that she repeated her VISIT
and then followed nearly all of the Senators and
q large number OF members wives OF course. the
Cabinet ladies were not bchindhand in their
respects, and, is the custom here after the wife
of the Secretary of State had by calling formally
indicted Mrs. Bruce into Washington society visits
became gcneral-so much in fact that time has
not allowed of their being repaid. Every one
who has called at Senator Bruces residence NJ
No. 900 street, where he has recently removed
from college Hill. speaks in glowing terms of his
wife. Her beauty anu accomplishments are both
praised and those who went to see her more 70
crafty love OF curiosity than anything else accord
her % full need OF praise Mrs Bruce Dcfore her
marriage Miss Josephine wilson, daughter OF
DIR. Wilson, wealthy resident of Cleveland, Ohio:
She graduated with high honors ut the Cleveland
Huh school and speaks French and German huenty.
She is Of fine presence; her complexion Is rich
olive; her hair let black slken in quantity and lus
trous in hue: eyes are full and dark. and teeth per-
feet. There IN a grace In her movements that any
lady might be proud of. and, better than ALL there Is
n uuct dignity in her manners that bespeaks the per-
feet lady She resembles closely what all imagine
n beautiful Spanish lady to be, and one cognizant
of her birth could trace any signs of African blood
have often heard in the South that these signs
unmi stak able and matter how fair In complexion
African blood were always visible Mrs. Bruce puts
such theories to flight senator Bruce Is OF the color
des,pnated In the south saddle colored." and Is
u,