The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-20
MRS. CLEVELAND LIKES OLD MEN.

She Shuns the Young and Giddy and Seeks
the Society of the Sages.
Washington Special.
There is one class of society people whose
hearts Mrs Cleveland has failed to win, and
that class is the gildei youth. Her personal
charms are all that could be desired, but she has
shown such slight recognition Of their attrac
tions that they are Disguised with her bad taste.
Ever since she became mistress of the White
House she has shown preference for the com
pany and conversation of the old men. While
talking to them she is bright and viyacious, and
perfectly charming With the elegant genera
tion of young society men she is quite the oppo-
site. Her manner is chilly to a certain degree.
She says little, and although she smiles occa-
sionaly yet is one of those cold, discouraging
kind that stops the flow of conversation. The
young men cannot understand it. They cannot
comprehend why Mrs. Cleveland prefers the
dry old legislators to their elegant selves.
Their self-esteem has been wounded, time
Ind again. and when they hear the praises of
the Presidents wife they are not very apt to join
In the chorus 1t is said that Mrs. Cleveland has
more than once expressed a feeling of contempt
for the youths who move in official circles here.
This is not surprising. for the young men out
aide Of the army and naval circles are such that
capital society cannot be proud of. There are in
society here more idle and utterly worthless
young men than can be found in the same area
IA the United States All their thoughts seem
to be given TO dress, personal adornment and
pleasure of more or less commendable kind.
Most of them are the sons of our law makers,
and they depend for subsistence upon their
fathers. They are degenerate sons of worthy
sires. physically as WELL While all the Senator'S,
with one or two exceptions. and -fourths of
the House, are large, able bodied men, their hope
Eful sons are cigarette smoking daDdies narrow
chested and delicate. That Mrs. Cleveland
should prefer brave old veterans, who ara manly
In person as well as in their mode of living, is
Dot remarkable, except to the striplings them
selves.
OF the Senators Mrs. Cleveland seems to like
most the conversation of jolly old Sawyer, of
Wisconsin. He Is such q fatherly old gentle
man, so full of jokes and laughter, and SO
kentlemanly withal, that no man or woman
can help liking him. Mr.. Sawyer goes to the
White House quite often, and his converse
.tioa is so much enjoyed by Mrs Cleveland
that he has become one of her most enthu-
siastic admirers. sSfrs. Cleveland is one Of the
best conversers | have ever met" said the SEN
.ator a few days ago. 1t is expected that he
meant one of the Finest listeners for the old
lawyer always does the major part of the con-
versation when in company. The Presidents
wife also likes to talk with the venerable old
Wilson. of Maryland, who looks so much like
revolutionary worthy When she visited the
Capitol, a few weeks ago. Senatcr Wilson met
her at one of the entrances of the Senate. and
quite long talk ensued which both seemed to
enjoy very much. Mr.. Wilson was at the White
House but few times before the marriage but
since theFmhe has become, perhaps the most
frequent Visitor among the Senators. Mrs
Cleveland has said that he Is the handsomest old
man in Washington, and in that view a good
many people will agree with her. 1t is whis-
psred in the Senate that German. also of Mary
Hand. does not like this turn of affairs. So far
he has had the undsputed control of the federal
patronage in Maryland. and he fears that these
frequent visits to the White House may have
some political meaning.
Another visitor to the White House is ex-
Governor Curtin, OF Pennsylvania, perhaps the
most venerable old man in the House. The
Governor is fond Of relating war "reminiscences,
and Mrs Cleveland likes to listen to them
CAPTAIN Eads, who accompanied Mrs. Cleveland
TO the Capitol is the latest to be added to the
sRYorltes of the White House