Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-03

has taken a fine residence on street. few
doors west of 18th. She has closed her resi-
deuce in Baltimore and comes to Wishing
ton FOR ths winter al an experimental
way. Last winter she was the guest fer soua
weeks Of her lifelong friend, Mrs. Horrsby of
Connections avenue. a daughter of her uncle's
Acknowledgement and Secretary of State. She
was so much delighted with the life of the
capital that she then determined to return for
another season in order to test her feelings
more thoroughly. and il her opinions were not
changedby the experiences of the greater cares
housekeeping she would erect a suitable resi-
dence at Washington, abandon her home IN
Baltimore and reside here for the remainder
OF her days. Every member of Mrs. Johnston's
family who il near of kin have passed away
since the death of her husband and two child
rem. some years ago. She has practically hved In
retirement enjoying only the associations OF
some time in Europe and now returns to
Washington TO enjoy the evening OF
her days amid the scenes of her social triumphs.
HER YOUTH.
In her girl and maidenhood she was re-
nowned for her beauty, and to-day, more than
thirty years after she entered the Executive
Mansion with her uncle. she is still q handsome
woman. Her beauty belonged to that healthful
enduring type. which ripens with years. She
was the daughter of President Buchanan's
eldest and favorite sister. Jane. James was the
eldest of the family and Jane Buchanan. being
but two years younger, their lives children
were passed together.
When Jane Buchanan married Elliott T. Lane
in the carly part of the second decade of the
century. her husband was an influential mer-
chant, engaged in trade. carried on across the
Alieghanies. in Pennsylvania. Harriet Lane
was the youngest child of this union. Her girl
hood was passed at Mercersburg in the famed
James frequently visited his sister. and
il Was upon these occasions that
Harriet discovered that depth of affection
which lasted through life. Her parents died
when she was still young. and. though well OF
by inheritance she accepted a home with her
uncle. and sought his guardianship. g..
She girl OF vivacious Manners q great
mimic, robust and strong
AT COURT.
Her school days just ended. Harriet Lane
went with her uncle. in 1852. TO the court of
St. James as minister under tho Pierce Admin
is:ration, and was publicly regarded the presid-
ing lady of the American legation. There
was point OF etiquette raised among the dow
ayers and royal satellites as to her place at
dinners or at state ceremoDiais, whether she
should take her place niece or daughter.
The queen herself decided the question of pre-
cedence by commanding that she take her
place as though she were the wife Of the
American minister.
Her first appearance at a queens drawing
pleased. She soon won her way 10 the heart
of the queen and every member of the royal
family. and welcome in every circle.
Upon one occasion. when she appeared with
her uncle at Oxford. she was wi,lly cheered
by the students. The election Of Mr.. Buch-
anan TO thc pre6ilency simply transferred
her to the apex OF social distinction i'll her Own
country. The name of Harriet Lane is
as insep2rable from the administration of
James Buchanan is the name of it, dis
linguistic chief. During the exciting times in
which he- public career was spent she cxcrted
an influence through her social tact which
greatly iessenai the asperities of partisan ram
cor. The visist of the Prince Of Wales during
her regime was an historical event. After the
close of her uncies public career she retired
with him TO the se,lusicn of Whea.lani and 2
lew years after married Henry Elliott Johnston.
Then came her sOrrows. The death Of her SIS
ter and mother. the dea n of her uncle, TIE
death OF her husband and the death of her
children.
HER PALIY DAYS.
Elisa Lane presented the symmetrical pro-
portions of 4 perfect feminine beauty. She
wds tail and commanding. Her form was sym
m"try itself. She had golden hair. hazel eyes.
beautful mou.h, an easy but quick step. and
= voice of great melody. The matrOn Harriet
Line Johnston today Is but the refined beauty
OF Tie belle of 1860.
Mrs.. Katherine Chase. who has been in New
York with her daughter Ethel settling her
prop riy for her studies ill the hiStrionic art.
has returned 10 Washington and taken possess
sion of the residence of Gen. Palmer. which she
has rented for the season. Her two daughters
are with her. IL is an interesting coincidsnce
to observe the return of Miss Har-
cratic. anl Miss Kate Chase, the belle
of the first rcputh.an adm: nistration aTtar