The Indianapolis journal., 1886-04-11
New York Society.

Fashionable society has been completely
aroused the past week over the production of
little comedy, played by amateurs. Now,
there is nothing particularly astonishing in the
fact, but only in subsequent developments. The
title of the play was 1.-THE Boutonnlere; or, War
of the Roses 1t has been greatly discussed
who were the authoresses. Two summers ago a
party of young people together at Far
Rockaway, and to while away time dramatized
a short story. written by the Duchess" The
authors were Mrs. Kate Ward Moore, a great
belle, whose father. Matthew Ward, was well
known throughout the South, and whose aunt is
Sallie Ward, tho famous beauty, who has been
the wife of several husbands The other young
lady was Miss Cornelia Van Anken, grand
daughter of the late Commodore Garrison, and
unusually clever girl. Together they wrote
their little play, but when, at the end of the
visit. it was still unfinished, Miss Van Auken
took it to her city home where it was eventually
completed by her.
AS lenten diversion it was decided to pro-
duce the comedy, and Mrs. Bessie Ward Dore-
mus. at whose house it was written. and who is a
sister of Mrs. Moore, put her own name as collab-
orateur for two reasons. She had written the
play Of "Larks. which Lolita has produced this
season, and Mrs. Moore her sister. did not wish
her own name used. as just now she is passing
through domestic trial As one sister did not
desire the authorship. It seemed natural the other
should take the "honor thrust upon her." or
leave Miss Van Auken sole representative of au-
thorship.
Miss Van Auken carefully prepared her cast,
which contained among other names that of
young Fairfax Harrison, the son of Mr.. and Mrs.
Burton F Harrison Mr. Harrison is well known
as secretary to Jefferson Davis, and Mrs. Harrl-
son is prominent in the social and literary world
Others in the play were Mr.. Edward FaleS
Coward, who is considered the best amateur in
New York. Miss Caroline Duer and Miss Ruth
Lawrence, daughter of Judge Lawrence
~r1A had hnns, S<.x& ~ fa<rSkk
Whitney, wife of Secretary Whitney. arrived in
New York just before the production of the
play, and being at variance with Mrs. Doremus,
insisted on withdrawing her son Fairfax from
the cast Then followed explanations. Mrs
Doremus was not part author, but her sister
was; young Harrison played his role, and SO it
came about that there were two productions of
the piece instead of one, for Miss Van Auken
produced it in Mrs. Eliot Johnston's parlors
with those already mentioned. and Mrs. Dore-
mus produced it with herself, Miss Coffey, a
rising beauty Mr. Sykes and Mr.. Coward at
the University Club Theater.
The play, which is clever resembles Goldsmiths s
s'She Stoops to Conquer" for in both young
lady of position becomes a waitress and thereby
wins her lover.
The authors may congratulate themselves on
the brightness of the dialogue, and we shall look
for more from Miss Van Aukens pen She has
already been approached by well-known firm
to publish the play. Now you know the true
history Of ssThe War of the Roses
Mrs James Brown Potter gave tea party to
Nine. Nevada on Monday. which was the leading
event of the week. The fair hostess wore dark
green satin dinner dress with brocaded velvet
basque. the raised velvet figure being three
leaf clover. A green satin vest front was fast
ened by three diamond studs
Miss George Urquhart her sister, who has
just returned from New Orleans, wore brown
raw silk Dress with white Grape loose vest 1t
was very striking The celebrated guest of the
OCCASION who was accompanied by her husband,
Dr. Palmer, wore black velvet costume, with
pink satin vest and the beautiful pearl aud dia-
mond ornaments given her by Mrs. John Mackay
at the time of her debut
Other guests were Mrs George Henry War
rem Mr. Ward McAllister, Mrs Henry Egleston.
Mrs. Musgrave and Senator Ingalls, and wife.
MRS. G. i. HARvIER.