Omaha daily bee., 1886-10-31

and it is hardly less of a sacrilege
to interfere with the judgments
and DEGREES of the ono than with those of
the other. 1t has nevertheless sometimes
happened that such interference was at
tcmpted, and even for period proved
successful. The social commotlon which
signalized the administration of Presi.
dent Jackson was a most memorable fea.
ture of that oventful and busting period,
and was really tho toughest and least
successful struggle in Which that indom.
table old hero ever cngaged. AT later
time most of the traditional regulations
were restored, and even during the lie.
bellion era, when the processes of up.
hcaval and overthrow were felt in almost
every direction, the time honored social
regulations ut Washington remained
nearly intact.
The last innovation was made by Miss
Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, when she as
sumed the role of the "lirst lady" but
not with very serious consequences.
There was for II short time danger that
the entire social fabric of the national
capital would be thrown into chaos by
the reforms which the new administra.
ton of the presidents accomplished but
somewhat erratic sister projected, but So
cicty speedily and judiciously decided
that it might properly make some conccs-
sion to the abounding freshness of
the new regime and settled down to an
accomplishing acceptance of the latest
decree, quite sure that the sacrifice could
be only temporary. 1t was moreover the
better satisfied to do tins since there was
serious question respecting the right of
the presidents sister, in charge of the do
mestc duties of the white house as a
matter of convenience, to determine what
should be the proper thing socially, and
those who entertained this doubt could
very easily regard any concession they
might make as wholly informal and
acqut themselves of having really sur.
rendered any principle. There was,
however, ample precedent for Miss
Cleveland's right in the matter, and she
is perhaps entitled to some commenda-
tlon for the spirit and pluck with which
she insisted upon its recognition.
Now this interesting, and far more than
most people away from Washington can
understand, really important matter, is
to be handled and managed by Mrs.
Frances Cleveland, who brings to the
task an unqucstionable title as the ''first
lady of the land, and therefore an un-
doubted right rs social arbiter. There
has really been no indication yet as to
what "polcy" Mrs. Cleveland may
adopt, though it appears she has mani
tested personal preferences that are noted
as probably designating those who
will be the chief recipients of
her favor. In q general way it
may be presumed that she will
not make any very,,radical departures.
Her tendencies appear to be conserva
tive, and not at all in the direction of re-
forms that could be accomplished, if at
all, only by Il good deal of conflict, 1t
appears to be JUST of Mrs
Cleveland that her chief aim will be to
render herself popular, for which she
possesses ample grace and accomplish
ments, and an urgent motive to which
will be her undoubted desire to promote
the popularity also of the president
Very few people, we suppose, apprchend
how much is possible to the wife of the
president in this latter direction. That
Mrs. Cleveland intultively understands
what she may accomplish in leading
people to think well of her husband there
is excellent reason to believe, notwith
standing the fact that she declined to
assist the Virginians in making a society
heroine of Miss Winnie Davis. In the
few examples she has given of her social
graces and art, Mrs. Cleveland has ap-
peared TO great advantage and won
merited commentator. She conforms
easily and unatfectcdly to every situa-
ton, and evidently has her full
share of womanly discrimina-
ton and tact. 1t is not doubted
that she has as well some ambi
ton, and would not be at all avcrse to
another presidential term for Mr.. Glove
land. To this end therefore, whatever
she can contribute in the way of social
influence will not be withheld.
Respecting those who are likely to
have the personal preference of Mrs.
Cleveland, it Is said she is especially par
tial to Mrs. Manning, whom she met for
the first time on her wedding day, on
which occasion tho wife of the secretary
of the treasury showed the bride of the
president much greater attention and af-
fection than did any of the other ladies
of the cabinet The attachment between
the president and the secretary gives
touch of nature" to this afliiation be-
tween their wives. There is moreover
similarity in the tastes of the two ladies
which draws them together as kindred
spirits. 1t is not surprising to read that
the other cabinet ladies are little ical-
GUS of Mrs. Manning. Mrs. Whitney,
wife of the secretary of the navy, and a
social leaGer, appears to be second in
favor. She is daughter of Senator
Payne, of Ohio, and is in all respects
charming lady. Last winter her opulent
brother, Colonel Oliver II. Payne, pre-
sented her with half million
dollars to be used entirely
for society purposes. Mrs. Villas
and Mrs. Endicott are necessarily eX-
cluded by reason of their age, from the
ardent friendship bestowed upon the
younger ladies of the On abinet by the
young mistress of thew hite House. 1t
is only short month untlC society in the
national capital will begin to take on
now lIfa and tbara ia .nrnmiSo that thn