Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-06-08
Irftten for TEE EVENING STAR:
WHITE HOUSE GOSSIP.
Interesting "reminiscences Of Mrs. Har-
riet Lane johnson.


riet Lane johnson.
Hkh CALL UPON MRS HARRISON AT THE WHITE
Observation-Disclosures OF THE VISIT OF TIE
PRINCE OF wALEs-THE PRESIDENT TO ATTEND
TIE "Loa CABIN" COLLEGE CENTENNIAL
Among the many interesting and historic
percentages who made their residence at WASH
ington during the past season was Mrs. Harriet
Lane johnson. Although she led very quiet
life, she expressed herself as delighted with
her experiences at the capital and went to her
Baltimore home expecting to pass another sea-
son here among her old friends who are still
prominent and active in social affairs. Before
departing Mrs. johnson paid visit at the ex-
ecutlve mansion to Mrs. Harrison, who re-
eeived her with great consideration and cordi-
atty. The career of Harriet Lane a young
lady, presiding over the social surroundings OF
one OF the most brilliant administrations of the
century, had made deep impression upon the
youthful mind of Mrs. Harrison, who was then
in the twenties. Now since she had reached
the same pinnacle Of social supremacy, she felt
doubly interested in talking over the expert
ences of one of her predecessors in the line of
social succession in the executive household.
Mrs. johnson recounted some Of the social
events at the White House during her times.
visit of the Prince of Wales during the admin
istration of her uncle. The prince and suite
were the guests of President Buchanan in re-
turn for the frequent marks of royal consider
alton bestowed upon himself and his niece
during their residence near the court of st.
James. 1t was the only time in the history of
the government that the scion of royal house
and heir to the throne had been entertained at
the home of the Presidents. In the course of
this interesting conversation Mrs. johnson cor
rpcrDd several which hava hpau
trsted by writer's in regard to the entertain
ment of the prince and party.
VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES.
The tour of his royal highness, Prince of
Wales, through Canada and the United States
during the summer of 1860 was the first great
progress ever made by member of the English
royal family to the western hemisphere.
The President upon learning that her ma
testys son and heir contemplated visiting the
Canadian possessions of the crown extended an
invitation to the British queen. asking the ex
tension of his visit to the United States. The
queen accepted the invitation, and after the
prince had completed his Canadian tour and
had made a long journey in the west he came
to Washington.
THE ROYAL PARTY.
In giving an account of this historic visit
Mrs. johnson, in answer to questions from Mrs.
Harrison, said that the party consisted of the
Prince of Wales, the duke of Newcastle, secre-
tary of the colonies and state adviser on his
tour; the earl Of st. German. lord steward of
her majesty's household; major-general the
Hon. r. Bruce, governor to the prince; DIR.
Ackland, the princes physicians; Lieutenant
Grey and Major Teesdale. equerries, and the
dukes private secretary. The prince and party
were met at the station by General Cass, Secre-
tary of State. with Mr. James Buchanan and
James Buchanan Henry, nephews of the Presi-
dent As the prince alighted General Cass
celved him on the part of the President, and
after few introductions entered the Presi-
dents carriage and drove to the executive
mansion. As the prince alighted the Pres-
dent stepped forward and greeted him, and
led his distinguished guest at once to the
blue-room, where Miss Harriet Lane and Mrs
Ellis. niece Of the late Vice-President William
X. King, awaited him. After an interchange
of greetings the prince reverted to their meet
ing at the British court. After the prelimi-
naries Of hospitality the principal members Of
the princes party we're shown to the apart
ments which they were to occupy.
THE PRINCES BED ROOM.
Tradition has made the state bed room now
occupied by the President as the apartment in
which the great grandson of George Ill slept
while a guest at the White House. Mrs. John
son, however, informed Mrs. Harrison that
the Prince Of Wales, instead of occupying one
Of the state bed chambers on the south
side Of the mansion was given the room in
the northwest corner. which, during the late
administration. was the boudoir of Mrs Cleve-
land, and Is now assigned to the Presidents
daughter and her children. The third apart
ment in the south side from the west, now oc-
cupied by the President and always supposed
TO have been the room assigned to the Prince
of Wales, was occupied by the duke Of Newcas-
the apartment of Mrs. Harrison's father. was
occupied by Major-General Bruce, governor to
the Prince
The President having surrendered his own
room occupied the apartment on the north
side next to the northeastern corner of the
building. now the ante-room The earl St
Germans. DIR. Ackland, the equerries to the
prince and the private secretary were enter
tanned at the British legation as guests Of Lord
Lyons.
RECEPTION IN HONOR OF ROYALTY.
At O'Clock on the day following the arrival
the President and Miss Lane gave a reception
in honor of the prince. Although Immediately
upon the arrival of the prince at the mansion
q corps Of police were stationed around the
mansion with instructions to permit no one TO
pass into the building except on a written in
vltation, the reception was for the general
public. The prince and his party were much
struck with the decorum shown by the throng
but exhibited considerable amusement over
the variety of toilets of the ladies and costumes
of the gentlemen. As the visit was made at
season when many of the official and fashion
able people were out of the city, the crowd
was natuEhL4I sOHeNndt prOnlscuOuS. But II
was remarked, notwithstanding the disregard
of dress, that the general appearance of the
miscellaneous throng was more presentable
than if the queen had received the President
at Buckingham palace without the usual cere-
monial directions as TO court dress and persons
permitted to be present.
THE PRESIDENT AS GUIDE.
The President personally visited the capitol
with the prince, explaining the various objects
OF interest. The next day there were fireworks
and a small party to high officials was given at
the White House. The day following the prince
was the guest Of the President and dis
tlngulshed party on visit to Mount Vernon.
The prince, with his head barred stood for
some time before the tomb Ii surprised tha
royal party upon their return from a spot hal
lowed by the memories of Washington to find
the band playing gay airs and the ladies in
dulging In a cotillion.
Mrs. johnson enjoys a pretty vivid recoIlec-
ton Of this visit during her career at the White
House. She has in her Possession the letter of
the queen to the President dated at Windsor
castle, November 10. 1860, in international
phrasing. addressed, 'My good friend" in
which she thanks the President for his commit
menta-y expressions in regard to the impress
sion made by her son during his journey To- the
United States, in which the prince consort
Joined, signing herself, believe me ALWAYS
your good friend, Victoria R."
49,