Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-02-27

whom you have probably not invited. If
You are not aware beforehand that the
guests co me simply for the purpose of
getting free feed, you will soon be made
to realize it. The men will make rush
for the dining-room the moment the
doors are opened, and stand around the
tables gorging themselves until they can
hold no more Three rows of them
can supply themselves directly with
provender and drinkables, while those
ON the outside grab the bottles of wine
and chicken salad, etc., from the
walters borne by the servants as the
latter try to make their way through
the crowd. You will refrain, however,
from trying to clear the supper room by
initiating the expedient once adopted by
the Chinese Minister here in such a case
burning pepper-because your object is
to get into Washington society at any
cost, and this is your first step in that
direction. 1t will not occasion you too
much discomposure when you observe
that your guests dispose of the soiled
plates by throwing them unde er the tables.
and your wife and daughter will merely
smile gracously as hiccoughing good
nights are addressed to them by young
men who have difficulty in concealing
quart bottle of extra-dry champagne un-
der each arm, beneath their dress coats;
nor will yon be otherwise than philosoph-
ical about it when you discover, after the
final departure of the company, including
the removal of few gentlemen who have
accidentally fallen asleep on the stairs,
that many articles of silver, as we'll as the
more readily portable Of the parlor orna.
ments, have also disappeared. For this,
you see, must all be gone through if
you are to get into society at the national
capital.
Far from being discouraged, you give
other entertainments, each one littlo
more select than the last-your wife
wedding her invitation list continually of
the most undesirable people-until at
length q pretty fair sort of crowd comes
to your balls and parties.
The most exclusive circle of fashiona-
BILE society in Washington is defined by
the membership of the Dancing Class
the Bachelors German Club, and the
Bowling Club. The Dancing Glass con-
sists of 100 young men and women; it is
run by the women, and the men are hon.
orary members. The Bachelors German
Club includes the most popular of the
Washington young men and few of the
more Youthful members of the diplomatic
corps. Its balls are altogether the swell
est entertainments given at the capital;
the girls all wear their very best gowns
at them, and to be invited to receive for
the CluD IL tue uCluo VI u NOmuh ulhpi-
tion.
The third distinct branch Of Washing
ton society is the official. The Presi-
dent leads this, of course, with his formal
entertainments to Congress, the diplo-
matte corps, the marine corps, the army,
navy, judiciary, and the public at large.
Cabinet officers entertain usually on the
same principles; likewise, to a certain
sxtont, Senators and Representatives, if
they wish. No exclusive principle is ex-
ercised. Any one may leave cards on the
wives of the highest public officials and
receive cards and invitations to receptions
in return. 1t is this fact, presumably,
that has given rise to the notion that any
body may get into Washington society
but the fact is that this official society is
as distinct from fashionable society as il
is from the old Washingtonian crowd.
Official rank in fashionable society here
is only valuable to a modified extent. Ii
o high official is also fashionable man
his place lends him PRESTIGE; but, If he
ISN'T fashionable man, he won't be in
That sort of society at all. Cabinet officers
are necessarily exceptions to this rule.
It is rare thing to meet o
member of Congress. even Senator, in