Wichita eagle., 1888-07-31

Their Receptions-Dinner Parties Of the
Swell sort-A Clear Case Of Connubio-
Social Martyrdona.
few years ago entertainments. whether
breakfasts, iuncheons. dinners, receptions or
balls, were given for the sake of sociability
and pleasure, plus such distinction as may be
gained by the giving in the circle in which
one happens to move But now these consid-
erations are subordinated to the passion for
SELF advertising that rules society in all its
grades 1t seems to be the reverse Of deli
cate, this blazon Of names, OF dress, and all
the details in the press. And then to call it
private hospitality, when it il made as pub
lie as type printers ink and widely circu-
lated newspapers can make it Privacy has
well nigh ceased, so far as aught relating to
society is concerned II your friend lives in
plain way, Is socially obscure, and prefers
to be. you may take dinner at his house with
out any fear of seeing the fact chronicled the
next morning. But if he has means, or is So
cia1ly ambitious In the least, you viii BE-
pretty certain to find your name, with others,
In print, as elegantly entertained BY Mr..
John Jones, at No. 1889 Blank street.
1t might be supposed that only persons Of
certain kind, who have no position, but
are anxious to secure one, would be eager to
advertise their entertainments But tho
superstition would not be correct. The very
best people, as they are styled-those who
have had wealth for generations-who arc
leaders OF society-the very pinks Of geutil-
ity-reguiarly report their parties, Of what
ever nature, and are solicitous that the ~
ports be accurate Generally they try to
disguise their vanity in this regard, intimat-
ing that the newspapers somehow get hold
of such things. and they cannot be pre-
vented AS rule, however, nothing is said
on the subject-social advertising is taken
for granted. the hosts and guests relishing it
exceedingly. Nearly every daily has its
society news, IN which are recorded the feat
ures of the season Reporters are employed
to look after such affairs, particularly FASH
lonable houses. But they have small trouble
In discharsing their duties, since they re-
ceive great assistance from the hosts Of the
seasides- They are received with marked
kindness, though secretly; the names fur
nished, with particulars of dress, and the
hike. In some instances, the ladies who are
most elaborately dressed actually write out
descriptions Of their toilets, and carry them
with them to be handes to the representa-
tives Of the press in order to save trouble.
This sounds improbable. but it is strictly
true
Dinner parties Of swell sort are almost
always mentioned, and often infinitely de-
scfioed. SO that their givers are more inter-
ested In the way they viii be presented to the
public than in the pleasure given to their
guests Accounts Of such parties are fire.
quently printed by the direct connivarce of
persons endeavoring TO get into society.
Dinner giving is considered very desirable
means to such an end. Two or three we'll
known citizens arc secured, and they are
paraded with others who may be nobodies,
but who are thought to be somebody from tie
company in which they figure l know
several rich men, Indifferent to society," who
have married late in life, or married second
time, and whose wives have been fired with
an ambition that they had not. Women
generally feel anxious to shine socially, what
ever may be the views of their husbands,
who are fairly driven by them to act q part
that they disdain.
1t is curious to observe hard headed men.
wholly occupied with money getting until so
or more suddenly inducted into dress suits,
put at the head Of tables laden with crystal.
silver and flowers and compelled to play
host. They would rather have q dinner of
corned beef and potatoes, washed down wi -,
beer or cider. than all the French dishes and
fragrant wines which they present to their
guests and assume to enjoy. Their wives at
tempt to look used to the display, and are ON
nettles lest their Heges commit some unpar-
donable blunder- Poor fellows, they endure
this connubio-social martyrdom with a forti-
tude worthy Of better cause They swallow
what they do not like, and try to hide their
ignorance with an air that would be ludicrous
If it were not pathetic And they are re-
wardsd by reading the next day in the news
papers OF their sunptuous dinner party, and
the distinguished ladies and gentlemen who
After few seasons Of such sue
cess they will. it is hoped, be launched on tho
treacherpus sea Of fashionable society.
Among the noted dinner givers are the AZ
tors tths late Mrs John Jacob Aston, a most
benevolent, noble hearted lady, rel;shed this
form Of entertainment within limits, the
Ward McAlisters, tho Delaney kanes, tho
William q Vanderbilts. the Elliot +. Shep-
ards, the Stewart Webbs the Adrian Iselins,
the August Belmonts, the George Henry
Warrens the Philip Schuylers, tho Ruther-
turd Stuyvesants, Mrs Marshall o. Roberts,
the VIII Jays, tho Henry Clewses, the WILL
lam NJ Evartses, the Cyrus w. Fields, the
William z. Dodges, Jr., the Arson Phelps
Stokes, the David W. Fields, the Whitelaw
Reds, tn. William C. Whitneys, the Robert
Goelets, the Levi P. Mortons, the Pierrepons
Morgans, the Ogden Goelets, the Victor New
combs, all OF whom have the primo requisite
FOR a fine dinner-a big fortune