Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-06-08
CIVERS OF DINNERS.
WHY PRIVATE HOSPITALITY is MADE
PUBLIC IN PRINT.
Society Ladies Who Regularly Report
Their Receptions-DinnerP Parties of the
Swell Sort-A Clear Case of Connubio-
Social Martyrdom.

Their observation-disclosures Parties of the
Swell Sort-A Clear Case of Connubio-
Social Hartyrdom.
A few years ago entertainments, whether
breakfasts, luncheons, 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. It 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 is 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. If 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
cially ambitious in the least, you will be
pretty certain to find Your same, with others,
in print, as elegantly entertained by Mr..
John Jones, at No. 5000 Blank street.
1t might be supposed that only persons Of
certain kind, who have no position, but
Gil dHAlOuS W S0CuIe Oue, NOJlu UG eager TO
advertise their entertainments But the
supposition would not be correct. The very
best people, as they are styled-those who
have had wealth for generations-who are
leaders of society-the very pinks of gentil-
ity-regularly report their parties, of what
ever nature, and are solicitous that the re-
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 a 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 it's
society news, in which are recorded the feat
ures of the season. Reporters are employed
to look after such affairs, particularly fash
ionable houses. But they have small trouble
in discharging 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
like In some instances, the ladies who are
most deliberately dressed actually write out
descriptions of their toilets, and carry them
with them to be handed 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-
scribed, SO that their givers are more inter-
ested in the way they will be presented to the
public than in the pleasure given to their
guests Accounts Of such parties are fire.
quently printed by the direct connivance of
persons endeavoring to get into society
Dinner giving is considered a very desirable
means to such an end. Two or three we'll
known citizens are secured, and they are
paraded with others who may be nobodies,i
but who are thought to be somebody from the
company in which they figure. 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 part
that they disdain.
1t is curious to observe hard headed men,
wholly occupied with money getting until SO
or MORE suddenly indicted into dress suits,
put at the head of tables laden with crystal,
silver and flowers, and compelled to play
host. They would rather have a dinner of
corned beef and potatoes, washed down with
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 lieges commit some unpar-
donable blunder. Poor fellows, they endure
this connubiosocial martyrdom with a forth
tude worthy of better cause. They swallow
what they do not like, and try to hide their
, sisE39rance with an air that would be ludicrous
If It We're ct pathetic. And they are re-
warded by reading the fasaext day in the news
papers of thsir sumptuous dinner pssf ySs9Sssi
/ the distinguished ladies and gentlemen who
attended. After a few seasons of such sue
cess they will, it is hoped, be launched on the
treacherous sea of fashionable society,"
Among the noted dinner givers are the As
tors 1.-THE late Mrs. John Jacob Astor, most
benevolent, noble hearted lady, relished this
form of entertainment within limits, the.
Ward McAllisters, the Delaney Kanes, the
William 81. Vanderbilts, the Elliot F. Shep-.
ards. the Stewart Webbs, the Adrian Iselins,
the August Belmonts, the George Henry
Warrens, the Philip Schuylers, the Ruther-.
furd Stuyvesants, Mrs Marshall o. Roberts,
the Will Jays, the Henry Clewses, the Will.
lam M. Evartses, the Cyrus W. Fields, the
William E. Dodges, Jr., the Arson Phelps
Stokes, the David W. Fields, the Whtelaw!
Reds, the William G. Whitneys, the Robert
Goelets, the Levi P. Mortons, the Pierrepont
Morgans, the Ogden Goelets the Victor New
COMBS all of whom have the prime requisite
for a fine dinner-a big fortune. -"Deuceace"
in Globe-Democrat.