The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-28
CLEVELAND AND HIS SISTER.
Something About the Lady Who Will Preside
at the White House for -Four Years.
snccinl to the Indiananolia journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
ALBANY, N. Y, Feb. 2T-PresidentelectC leve-
land has completed the few preparations which
he deems necessary for the social side of his
forthcoming residence in Washington. His sis
ter, Miss R. E. Cleveland, will be the mistress
of the White House She did not ejoin the
household in the Governors mansion here, but
has been with him great deal since he retired
to the ToWner residence, on his resignation OF
the governorship. 1t was with reluctance that
she consented to so to Washington to take
charge of the presidential domiciie. She has
been an earnest and industrious woman, and
never contemplated life of luxury, much less
one of conspicuous position before the country
She Is as unique in her way as her
brother is in his. though they are apparent
ly not at all alike in general character
Nor does she physically resemble him.
She is of medium stature and bnild, with shape
ly and highly intellectual face. She is good
looking but not pretty. She dresses neatly, but
plainly, and wears few ornaments She has for
a long time been lecturer by profession, her
speciality being educational subjects, and her
audiences usually the pupils of girls schools
She has, for example, just lectured at the Ell
mira Seminary on Joan Of Arc" She speaks
several languages, is exceptionally we'll informed
in history and the arts, and has that degree OF
confidence in herself and the knowledge she pos
sesses to be able to firmly take the lead in con-
versation, and to hold it against the bright men
and women who have come in contact with her.
Yet in some respects she is notably shy, and al
ways so modest and amiable as to win friends
aoc.Iv aoA hH' a narf1cL
Gionary," said ex- Governor Cornell, when he re-
turned from a visit to Miss Cleveland yesterday.
'Snes one of the brightest women ever met"
Sand do you know" remarked the ex- Govern
or's vivacious wife, "she seemed inclined to
avoid promiscuous society in Washingtons l
told her on no account to do so. l informed her
what nice people she would meet, how charming
the social atmosphere is there if one only choos-
es ones own circle among the refined families;
and / also assured her that she need not be
doubtful about her ability to entertain, though
omitted the truth--that there few women
there so we'll fitted to reign in the White House
as She"
There seems to be no doubt that Miss Cleve-
lands administration will not lack distinctive
qualities, for she is a strong minded woman. ac-
customed to instruct members of her sex, and
with firmly grounded notions generally.
AS to the Presideht-elect, there is an equal GER
tainty that he has made up his mind to rival or
excel Arthur in the politeness of his social ad
ministration. If you call on him here, and have
lived in Washington, he unreservedly shows
great interest in all that you can tell him about
the capital. He has never seen the White House;
and he says very positively that, if you or your
friends have any curiosity to inspect it, you had
better do so Immediately for he does not intend
to have it managed as museum, to be entered
by anybody who will fee servant with dollar.
He has no objection to the public exhibition Of
the state parlors whenever they are not in use,
but to have his bedroom and the living apart
ments of his family thrown wide open to who
ever cares to see them, he thinks must be I'M
pleasant for the occupants He has already
dered that the practice be discontinued as soon
rs he shall be installed.
In his life here in Albany, Cleveland is plain
enough. He eats sparingly. His cook is an
ordinary servant, with no French or other &C
complishments. The small and delicate Senator
Evarts, whom your correspondent happened to
see in close contrast with Cleveland during his
call, swallows as much in one day as the bulkier
man does in three. Whatever his habits may
have been in Buffalo, he certainly has not been
known here as a convivial bachelor. He keeps
box of cigars in his desk, and they constitute the
only refreshments commonly offered to visitors.
His predecessors, Dix, Tilden and Cornell, al
ways had wine galore, but he abolished the
closet for beverages.
An intimate friend Of Mr.. Cleveland was talk
ing with him few days since in regard to the
sharp attacks upon him during the campaign,
and asked him il he did not cherish very bitter
feelings toward those who were prominent in
the matter Mr.. Cleveland said that, so far as
Republicans were concerned, he claimed no right
to complain. As politics go, he thought they
had a right to attack MIN; but there were two
men whom he could never forgive, and whose
treachcrous course he would not forget These
were Charles A. Dana and John Mclean. They,
in his opinion had forfeited every claim to recog
milton, and it would be absolutely useless for
either of them to como about the White House
for any purpose during his administration.
President elect Cleveland. accompanied by his
Brother two sisters and Col. Lamont and family,
will leave for Washington early on Tuesday
morning and reach that city on Tu esday even
ing.
The United States National Bank.
New YORK, Feb. 27-S. Hastings Grant vice.