Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-09-05
THE WORLD OF SOCIETY
Pleasant characteristics Of the Wife of Secre.
tary Francis.
Busy Selecting Il Home for the Com
ing Winter-WushingtO Here
and observation-disclosures Notes.

Mrs. Francis, wife of the Secretary of
the Interior, has found her first days Of
Washington life very busy ones. Yester-
day she devoted almost entirely to house
hunting, but more pleasant interludes oc-
Cured, such receiving a few friends
which relieved part of the hum drur> Mrs
Francis has come to Washington with a
perfect appreciation of the pleasant phases
of it's social life ard with large experience
in matters of this kind, which will be OF
great service to her during the most of the
winter season, and especially at time
when most of those who form the cabinet
circle of hostesses will have but little de-
sire to help in making the last days of the
administration lively ones. The coming OF
a lady, therefore, who wishes to take an
active part and is amply competent to do
it, with little loss of time as possible, is
really a matter of great thankfulness all
around.
Mrs. Francis is young woman, although
the mother of six sons, two of whom are
Yale students-John ID. Perry Francis and
David K. Francis, jr, eighteen and seven
teen years of age. Mrs. Francis was born
in St Louis. Her father was John ID. Per-
ry. lately deceased, who accumulated a
large fortune ard was the original owner
of the Anchor line of steamships. Mrs.
Francis has two sisters the Misses Perry,
who, like her, were educated in their ma
tive city and are well known in its social
life.
rIer marriage with Mr.. Francis took place
N JS11. and the latters advancement in
fortune and public favor has been con-
mayor Of ST Louis heir home was the
center of brilliant hospitality. President
and Mrs. Cleveland We're the guests of
Mayor and Mrs. Francis the fall of 81, and
We're handsomely entertained by them.
r q
governor of Missouri Mrs Francis was a
most charming hostess of the subernatorial
mansion, and made friends from every
part of the state. Mrs. Francis is still
wearing mourning for her father. whose
death occurred two years ago. She has
given much attention to the erection Of
their palatial new home in 81 Louis. in
winch they had expected TO move this fail.
The house cost upward of $2'D.WD, and its
general outlines greatly resemble the White
House.
Mrs. Francis has a slight. girlish figure
and fluffy, fair hair. She is well read and
well informed on current matters, and
is "A bright, pleasing talker. After the Sc
lection OF a house Mrs. Francis will re-
turn to st. Louis for a while but hopes
10 be back here again early in October.
only the Two. youngest boys, Charles and
sydney. Will spend the entire winter here
with their parents. One is eleven and the
other eight. The other two boys, Carleton
and Thomas Rowland, will attend college
in New Hampshire
Secretary and Mrs. Carlisle left this
aftern for Bar Harbor, where they will
be guests for week of Mrs. Bowler, and
on the way back again will visit President
and Mrs. Cleveland for a week Yester-
day the Secretary and Mrs. Carlisle had a
visit from Earl Ii, who so greatly enioyed
me- ung the Secretary and each member
Oh the family that his call was quite a
prolonged one. The Secretary's grand
children had the privilege Of talking direct
10 the Viceroy instead Of carrying OH the
Triangular conversation of their elders with
MN me chat was IN French and the
group or handsome youngsters were gath
ertd about the knees of the distinguished
VISITOR during its progress. This morning
Ear Lar II sent MS photograph. an excellent
one. made in Berlin, to Secretary Carlisle
me white border is embelshed with
Chinese characters.
Mr.. and Mrs. W. K. Carlisle and family
left this morning for Chicago, after spend
sns the summer here and travelling with
Secretary and Mrs. Carlisle
Chief Justice Fuller's family are in ms
session of their new home on F street
MRS RULER has been here for several DAYS
getting 1t to rights. but left this after
io Uon ror S9rrent1, to remain several weeks
longer Mrs. Mary Fuller Manning who
mas been far from we'll lately, is at the
mouse mere and Is confined to her room.
as the curtain goes down at Newport #
begins to roll up at Lenox and the neigh
borlhS autumnal resorts in the Rerkshir,.
Hills While no nigh water record has
been attained at Newport the half doze,
great events were certainly CT a magniti-
cent description. few of the most ambi
tlous movers In the gay circle have not
trled their hand at all yet. so there are vet
possibillties In that direction. But the
fashionable thing is to move on from New.-
port, and those who have been prominent
there viii! soon be heard of in another sec
ton.
The usual hop at Takoma Springs Hotel
will be given Saturday, September II.
Mrs. Philip Sardo and little Gertrude
Sardo have gone to Derby, Conn, with Mrs.
Sardo's mother to spend a couple of mon, his
in her former horne.
The Daisy Club held a meeting at the
home of Miss Maggie McNerney last even
irg. After b, slness. games and music were
enjoyed and refreshments served. The
members are Misses NJ. Field, f. Clark NJ
Garner. r. HUTCHINSON, NJ. keh!. j. OCon-
nor, w. Cooney, NJ. McNerney and NJ
Gheen.
A happy company of children gathered at
the residence of VIM. G.. Belts, 4O2 10th
street southeast, Wednesday evening to
help his son Charles Edward celebrate his
eighth birthday. The little folks enioyed
themselves playing games. singing ami
dancing. Master Charlie was the recipient
Of many handsome and useful presents
Among those present were May and Helen
Manning, Elve and Nora Richardson Rosie
and Lottie Sherzer. May Creig and May
Perrott. Arthur and Willie Richardson Viii
lie Mcclure, Earl Hutchinson. Charlie Sher-
Ter, w. J. kilgore. Archie Murray, Charley
Bright, Milton Thompson and Tommie Car
roll.
Miss Barbarin and her niece Miss Louise
Laub will return today from a two weeks
sojourn in the mountains of western Mary
land.
Miss Mary A. Mckee Is in Dalton. the
guest Of Miss Flansburgh.
Miss Clara Fox and Miss Alice Irving
have returned after a delightful trip spent
in the Blue Ridge mountains.
DR.. and Mrs. Chas. T. Lindsey have re-
turned after few weeks visit to the doc
tors father in Rockingham county, Va
Mrs. Julia F. Webster has issued invita-
lions for the marriage Of her daughter
Nellie to Mr.. James y. Finch, Wednesday.
September 0. at II o'clock. at New York
Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. H. E. Whitehurst and daughter of
Portsmouth, Va, are visiting Capt. and
Mrs. w. Z. Luckert of 719 Sth street SOUTH
west.
Miss Bessie T. De Saules has returned
from two months visit to Rome, NY.
where she has been staying with her uncle
and aunt. Mr. and Mrs. John c. Corning.
Mrs. Mary S. Gail and family of Cincin-
natl are spending this month with her
40 AyrS ID Co., gs.