Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-01-26

out the British realm you will find the most
select drawing rooms copiously peopled with
men and women who were born nobodies,
but have become somebodies by force OF In
tellect and skill. In this city the man OF
letters, of science, of art, is debarred from
some of the fashionable inner circles as COM
pletely as the toughest of parvenus, unless
he advances some other claim for recogni-
ton beside his genius. Boosting as we do
of grand scheme of democracy, we outdo
any monarchy of Europe in our social con-
servatism, and it is an unquestioned fact
that the greatest men in the country are not
welcome in portions of New York society.
There is not hostess iu the McAllister
set that has ever numbered among her
guests the few famous men of letters that
the country has produced, or that have
visited US from abroad. If Swinburne
were to come over, doors would be closed to
him that were flung wide for the Duke OF
Marlborough. Arthur Sullivan, the
musician. Millais, the painter, nor Daudet,
the novelist, could never think of entering
some of the 4O0's drawing rooms; but Lord
Garmoyle, Prince Murat, and any Of the
other useless noblemen would be received
with elusive enthusiasm. All this is not
the rule in England, and it is surprising
that fashionable people on this side should
be so uncommonly stiff At all the English
drawing rooms, from the Queens down. you
might see the mental geniuses circulating
freely among those of mere birth or wealth.
l believe that Victoria numbers Mrs.
Kendall, the actress, among her friends, and
yet Mrs. Kendall has not received solitary
invitation from any "society matron" in
New York.
A CASE IN POINT.
I can mention an instance where a rather
liberal gentleman, who had the entrance to
the best society, requested from lady an
invitation for a young English friend, rec
ommending him as of the best culture and
of noted talents.
"But what other qualifications has he to
make him a fit person for me to entertain?"
inquired the lady.
None of birth or wealth." was the reply.
II can only assure you that he is my friend,
and is a gentleman, and also an artist of
high standing"
"Oh, 1 cannot take that into account" re-
sponded the hostess. 81 am not in posi-
tion to run risks. Ny house is known to re-
ceive no one but the people whose social
position is clearly defined. am sorry to
refuse request of yours, but see no other
way to act.
At the very next reception of this
naughty matron a guest was escorted from
her house by two servants because he was
intoxicated and was insulting in his conduct
toward the ladies present. But this most ac-
ceptable gentleman had title before his
name, and though he will not receive anoth-
g. -sask
a remark has been made about the hostess
indiscretion in first asking him. But if he
had been genius that had sprung from the
people you would have heard often enough
the proverb relative to the impossibility of
making a silk purse out of sov's ear.
WRITING UP THE WEDDINGS.
Do our society people" really enjoy
printed publicity? A majority undoubt-
edly do, and minority do not. They are
glad to have their weddings reported, at all
events, and that is sensible The repre-
sentative of daily journal is apt to be a
business-like, polite and agreeable inquirer;
vet there are exceptional cases of unneces-
sary cheek. Here is an actual occurrence.
A bridegroom and his bride have just said
goodnight to their guests. and are finally
left to themselves.
A knock is heard at the door, and maid
e0LeTss ScHb up CdEuJ
would like to see yOu-and madam"
HE would like to see madam, would he?
Tell him to go to the deuce"
Then the bride takes the card; "Oh, no,
my dear. it's reporter, the same one who
wrote up my sisters wedding so beautifully
and my uncle's funeral. We must be very
polite to him."
Inaudible remarks from the husband are
followed by the entrance of q society re-
porter.
"Sorry to be late" he blithely says, "but
1 had so much trouble finding my way
here"
'aThat is too bad" and the bride is not
sarcastic. "If we had only known we
should have been delighted to send the car
riage for you."
"You will permit me to take few notes
for special articles IN the Society Saltwater?
You have been satisfied with your presents?"
Delighted"
The reporter looks around the room.
Family portraits? Old chap with the
Roman nose ?'
"Yes, SIR" says the bridegroom, testify;
'my father, would have you remember"
"All right. I'll put him in. Rare paint
ings, costly tapestry, antique furniture,
priceless china-there, that will do. Now.
NAV I trouble you to be shown to some room
where can write these notes out 90
And the bride efusively said "Cer-
tainly," although the bridegroom frowned.
ONE OF MARY ANDERSON s AFFAIRS.
The report of Mary Anderson's engage
ment to young Tony Navarro calls up a lot
of stories about the affairs of the heart that
the lovely long actress has taken part in.
1t is noticeable that the heart portion of all
such affairs has been contributed by the
masculine party, and that Mary has re-
mained so coIdly passive that serious doubt
OF the presence of a spark of passion within
her has been entertained. One of her
friends recounted to-day the story of one out
of Mary's dozen of romances. When the
Kentucky maiden was even lovelier than
she is to-day she met an excitable
Young man named jesse Heacock while
playing an engagement in Buffalo. Mary
treated him with the same queenly de!er-
ence that she conferred upon all who came
within the circle of her lustrous charms.
1t is doubtful if the actress ever experienced
an emotion of any consequence while in the
young mans society, but it is certain that
he was plunged into hot bath Of excite
ment whenever the beauty turned her eyes
upon him. Throughout Mary's stay in
Buffalo Mr.. Heacock exerted himself to the
utmost to secure the toleration, if not the
favor, Of his divinity, but to no purpose.
He was gentleman of means, and SO was
enabled to devote himself entirely to culti-
waiting the favor of the actress, but do what
he would she discouraged his suit and
begged him to desist in his attentions.
so HE PINED AWAY AND DIED.
Mr. Heacock was exceptionally persistent
and high strung, and so refused to obey his
lady's commands. Not only did he press
hImself upon her while she was at Buffalo,
but when she left the city he went on the