The critic. (Washington, D.C.) 1890-1891, 1891-01-21
IN THE SWIM.

The President entertained the members
OF the Diplomatic Corps and their wives
at n state dinner last night Mrs. Har-
rison, Mrs. Russell Harrison, Mrs. Senator
Sherman, Mrs. Blaine, Mrs. Morrill,, Mrs.
Kenna and Mrs. Hill were among the
guests. The Secretary of state was also
present The floral decorations and the
arrangements for the dinner were in per-
feet taste, and the White House presented
an unusually animated appearance. The
boutonnieres usually at each guests
cover failed to materialize. The edict has
gone forth, il would thus appear, that in
official circles at least the boutonneres
have been "bounced." Whether society
with bated breath and shiyering alacrity
will hasten to do likewise romaineth
verify TO be seen.
AwS
The wives of Senators occupy a social
position which ought to enable them to
leave more of an impression on society
than they really do. If anybody wanted
to start salon surely Senator's wife
ought to be able to grapple with the work,
but as yet none of them have even at
tempted it. Whether II Is lack of broad
culture, knowledge born of travel and
contact with the most intellectual and ia
nous women of the Old World, or that
they find the fullest satisfaction in their
receptions and visiting lists is the ques-
ton. A woman may occupy position
resulting from her husbands official
status and go through the programme pre-
scribed winter after winter, vet fail TO give
her house the force and influence of u salon.
Therea is simple enough. Hertempo-
rary performance of the role of Senator's S
wife, If unaccompamed by the social and
intellectual qualities necessary and the
breeding and culture required of the
mistress of a salon, will not sustain her in
any effort to set the social pace. Her
word will not be law to society. She can
not make or unmake anybody nor set up
mint for coming lions and lionesscs. One
of the women among the Senator's wives
who could guide the whirlwind and di-
rect the storm of n salon" if she had the
inclination to do so is Mrs. Senator Haw-
ley. Her sound English sense, her liberal
and enlightened mind, her broad sympa-
thies and experiences with life In its
crucial tests, her gracious and kindly
ways, her wise and wholesome example
rs illustrated by the beauty, philanthropy
and earnestncss of her life-al would
enable her to be u great social factor in
life here.
wv
Mrs. Philip Chaplin will not receive to-
day, but will on the coming Wednesdays
during the season.
x##
Mrs. and Miss Window will be assisted
in receiving tomorrow by Miss Colgate of
| New York.
.#*
Miss Anna Brewster of New York, who
| is visiting Mrs. Pollock; Miss Ayre OF
| Buenos Ayres, the friend and guest of that
| extremely pretty debutante, Miss Riggs
| the Misses Orr, "the twin roses of In
| DIANA" visiting Mrs. J. w. Foster, and
Miss Ashhurst of Philadelphia, who is
with Mrs. j. G. Poor, are among the belle:
| of the season.
x*#
Mrs. Proctor, the wife of the Secretary
| of War; will receive this afternoon.
W.
Senator and Mrs. Dolph gave hand
some dinner last night to Vice-Presdent
| nent people to meet them.
Nv
On Monday, January 90, Mrs. and Mis-.
Bispham give party.
| %"*
| On Tuesday, January q, the Dancing
| Glass will meet.
| Nv
| On Wednesday, January %, Miss May
Cox gives theatre party and supper.
| w.
| On Wednesday. January 20, the wed
| ding of Miss Sallie Wood and Mr.. Lewis
Nixon takes place at the Church of tn,
| fast at Mrs Blakes at 1890 o'clock.
i