The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-05-31

Indiana's beautiful women from the pen
of Mrs. Ida A. Harper. The article is
freely illustrated. On the frontispiece is
half tone engraving OF Mrs. Joseph L.
Mcdonald, who is accredited with being
the handsomest woman in the state. Here
is the article:
Under the influences OF civilizing prog
ress, Indiana has come to be q name to
conjure with. The state may well be
proud of its tlourishing towns and cities.
its universities, technical colleges, normal
schools, and handsome public build
ings, that mark the advancement
OF modern times. Its early settlers, the
sturdy pioneers. though deficient In the
learning OF books and the graces of social
life. were rich in mental force, in discrimi-
mating judgment. in integrity OF character,
and have bequeathed ito their posteritY
these noble qualities strong foundation
useful and honorable life.
The list of distinguished people who
have given name snd fame TO Indiana Is
along and brilliant one, and includes her
daughters as we'll as her sons and of beau
tiful and gifted women who rule
as queens OF society. she possesses her
full quota. There is not more gra-
cIous and lovely group of women in the
world than lndiana's beautiful social
leaders. They represent her in the aristo-
cratic centers of London, in the salons of
Paris, in the diplomatic circles at Rome,
in the highest official life at Washington.
everywhere, at home or abroad. with
dignity, intelligence and charming
personality. Every city in the state
has its circle of beautiful women,
III fnraHna NacN
TO select those possessing prominently
the choicest gifts of nature, enhanced by
the added refnements of education and
culture.
The Indiana woman noted perhaps
above all others, whose reputation for
beauty is not limited by state boundaries,
Is Mrs. Josephine Mcdonald of Indian
RDolis, widow of the late Senator Joseph
T. Mcdonald. Mrs. Mcdonald has
the carriage which We are won't to
attribute to the highest breeding, state
ly, vet gracious; and her manner is
q combination OF extreme dignity and
exceeding sweetness, without a trace OF
selfcQnsciousness or egotism. She pos
sesses the rare faculty OF adapting herself
TO all classes of people, and hence makes
many friends, and retains their affection.
This characteristic, added to her brilliant
conversational powers, made her a vRlu-
able ally to her distinguished husband in
the social and political world. Her
personnel is strikingly handsome. Piled
high above her forehead is a waving mass
of soft. silken, snow-white hair, which
brings out the beauty of her dark brows
and eyes. Her complexion has the
natural freshness OF g girls. and her
perfect teeth and smiling lips complete
m ideal picture. She is said to possess
the finest collection of diamonds of
any lady in the state. and her superb
toilets were greatly admired a. the many
elegant entertainments which she pre-
sided over at her handsome home in In
1isnapolis and in Washington.
Mrs. John III. Bass.
Another of Indiana's beautiful women
is Mrs John H. Bass of Fort Wayne.
"Brookside," the country home of Mr.
and Mrs. Basa, is as splendid as some of
the famed ancestral halls Of England. The
wooded park which surrounds il displays
the highest skill OF the landscape gar
dener, and is stocked with deer. budaloss
and other animals. The immense con-
servatories contain the choicest flowers
and plants. which the owners dispense
with lavish generosity. 4 handsome
town residence and q retinue of we'll
trained servants enable them to entertain
with an elegance not surpassed in any city
in the country. The toilets of Mrs. Bass
are superb her costumes presenting the
perfection of the highest art Of the
modesto and expressing also the exquisite
taste OF the wearer; while her jewels
would adorn the collection Of an empress
But it is not for these things alone that
Mrs. Bass is distinguished. All this ma
terial prosperity, which would have a
tendency 10 make most women arrogant
and selfish, has but served to develop the
wealth Of q character rich in beautiful
virtues. Although of strong personality
and positive convictions, no uncharitable
criticism ever passes her lips.
She IS practical Christian,
and exercises a benefcent influence
upon al with whom she comes in con-
tact. She is an accomplished musician,
an entertaining cOnversationalist, and al
together one whose acquaintance it is an
honor and pleasure 70 possess.
Mrs. w. ID. owen.
Logansport was honored by being rep
resented at the national capital during
the last administration by Mrs. w. d.
Owen, wife of the congressman from that
district for number OF years. and widely
known as the author Of the Owen immi-
grafton law. His valuable services were
recognized by President Harrison in his
appointment as commissioner OF immi-
grafton, and Washington was thus en-
abled to retain one of her most delight
full hostesses. Seldom are 30 many graces
combined in one person as in Mrs. Owen.
One does not think of the color of hair
or ewes, the contour OF form or feature
when in her presence, but is conscious
only of a most pleasing personality. Her
social success in Washington, where in q
few years she came TO be a central
figure, is due not entirely to heI
handsome receptions, for others are
given of greater splendor, but il has been
achieved through a universal recognition
of her beautiful character and magnetic
personality. She carries on a number Of
systematic charities. and is adored by q
vast number Of people Of whom the world
of fashion knows nothing. Mrs. Owen
is q direct defendant OF Roger Williams
and a grand neics Of Col. Ethan Allen
She inherited great wealth, and has been
accustomed always 10 luxurious surround
inRs; but she preserved through all &
rare simplicity of taste and manner and 4
remarkable power of adapting herself Il
persons and circumstances.
Mrs. }. n. Huston.
One who takes deservedly high ranl
among the beautiful women Of Indiana il
Mrs J. N. Huston, wife OF the U. S