Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-20
the fashionable throng to circulate through
the parlors without the usual jams"

the pariors without the usual jana"
RECEPTION NOWADAYS.
Gust think of reception now. Before the
hour great throng is packed In the narrow
corridor and people outside have difficulty in
getting in. The diplomatic corps and MEM
bers Of the cabinet and other privileged per-
sons are forced to 60 around to the south front
and enter through window into the red par
Tor, which is usually full. The departing
throng is compelled 10 find an exit through
another window and across . temporary bridge.
There are no proper accommodations for ladies'
enlargement Of the accommodates are in fact
as much for the accommodation Of the people
who are entitled to attend these receptions as
for the Presidents family"
THE CONSERVATORY AND GALLERY.
In speaking Of the conservatory and gallery
OF paintings Mrs. Harrison showed her love for
art.
"A combination Of grand gallery for his
torical paintings" she said ''and o conserva-
tory would be u source of instruction and pleas
ure TO those attending the receptions or
strangers visiting the building. Everything OF
interest might be concentrated here. The con-
servatory should have broad avenues among
the ranges Of plants, that they may not only
appear to best advantage but so that the guests
may enjoy themselves in promenade, surrounded
oy the iuxuriance of rare varities of plant life
from every portion of the globe. The gallery
OF historical paintings would also afford in
structlve entertainment for promenading
guests. What convenience and comfort this
would be to the thousand or more ladies, par
tlcularly IN elegant toilets who are often
crowded into the east room. A very excellent
plan could be made for a conservatory. gallery
OF paintings, and hall of statuary. and what a
source OF attraction IL would be to the admirers
OF the beautiful in nature and art"
AN AIT GALLERY.
The idea OF an art gallery is especially pleas
ing to Mrs. Harrison. On this subject she
spoke with much earnestness. II think" said
she, that this government has reached that
point where it should give more sttention to
the line arts-thati is a judicious expenditure for
works OF merit. The corridor Of the mansion
here has portraits Of the Presidents. but II is 80
dark that they cannot be seen, and there seems
to be no way to remedy the defect. A brighter
color to the walls might help, but that would
be no substitute for light.
Eyes, l think that the President would favor
recommendation to Congress to give proper
provisions for the accommodation of the execu-
tive Office and the Presidents family their at
tention. We must then hope that the majority
will appreciate the situation and come to the
relief OF the overtaxed quarters of the execu-
tive mansion and their occupants"
REHANGNG THE PICTURES.
Mrs. Harrison has been giving her attention
to the rehanging of some of the portraits
The picture Of Washington by Luis Cadena Of
Quito, presented to this government, has been
taken from the cabinet room and given place
in the main corridor with the other paintings of
the Presidents. The portrait Of John Hamp-
den, the champion of civil liberty in England,
who began his opposition to the arbitrary court
OF Charles l, supported the liberties of his
country in parliament and died for them in the
field, after somewhat perilous experience in
the White House lumber attic finally found
nail for support in the cabinet room, and has
now been given place of prominence in the
red parlor. 1t is supposed to be vandyck,
or, il not then a production Of Sir Peter
Lely his successor. Mr.. Macgregor, NJ. p,
who presented the painting to the United
States in 1855, says that he purchased it for a
Vandyck. Mrs. Harrison greatly admires the
painting, claiming that, as the subject was one
OF the leaders OF civil and religious liberty at
the very time that the earliest colonists were
coming to America to escape the intolerance Of
the dominant church and state it should have
conspicuous place. This is the beginning of
White House gallery. as Ii is very audable
deviation from the old rule of covering dark
and inaccessible corners Of the mansion with
the effgies of Presidents of the re-
public from the brushes of artists
with and without merit. The bronzed
features of President Taylor, the hero of Mon
tterey and Buena Vista, barely distinguishable
over the door Of the red parlor by Mrs. Harri-
sons orders, she having given particular at
tention to the light.
There are many other improvements in view
which will be carried out within the next three
months. Those who will enjoy the Inequalities of
the executive mansion during the coming social
season of the present administration will OBJ
serve the unusual elegance Of the interior of
the Ionic mansion in which the Presidents re-
side. DEB r. X.