The National tribune., 1897-05-06
CHAPTER IV-(Continued).
THE WHITE HOUSE DURING president
JACKsoN's ADMINISTRATION.

THE WHITE HOUSE DURING PRESIDENT
JACKsoN's ADMINISTRATIONS.
1T is acknowledged that the social brill
r iancy of Gen. Jackson's Administration
eoualled. if it did not surpass, any that
- had preceded him. There was as pol
ished and refined society to be found in
Washington then as to-day. and 1t was
accessible to all who wished to enter 1t.
Undoubtedly there is not a city in the United
States where true worth is recognized as
quickly as in Washington, or where more
consideration is given to innate refinement
and talent. Many families depend upon the
Government for support, giving an equivalent
in services rendered The only difference is
one of income. which governs the manner OF
style of living. Society is made up OF those
in official life. foreigners of rank, citizens OF
wealth. men of letters, and women OF culture
and refinement. who give tone and polish to
the body social
Gen. Jackson, following the example OF his
predecessors, except Jefferson, held his leyees
periodically, and all who wished to pay their
respects to the President, could do SO On these
occasions.
The members of the Cabinet, heads of De-
partments, foreign Minister'S and other Dig
nitaries gave dinners and evening parties,
during the session. to strangers OF note, ana
as these were multiplied or lessened the
mercury marked the brilliancy of the season
on the social barometer. Hotel registers were
carefully watched No strangers of note
missed an invitation. All lions of the day
were in demand. Members Of Congress were
eagerly sought All these were concomitant
parts of a fashionable party. Some of them,
we must admit, were diamonds IN the rough,
coming from the rural districts, in all their
simplicity and rusticity, with undisguised
establishment that an entry into house must
be preceded by ticket with your name
onto it " but Aladdin and his magiclan's
lamp works no greater transformations than
this entry into fashionable society, where the
elite of the land preside; and the new
corner gradually throws aside the order of the
novice, and in time becomes full-fedged
aristocrat.
The Secretaries gave the usual round of
soirees, which commenced at or 10 O'Clock,
the host and hostess standing in the draw
ing-room to receive the company. Dancing,
cards, and conversation were the amusements
of the evening. Light refreshments were
served through the apartments, and at II
O'Clock a supper was partaken of by the
guests at 3 they began to disperse, and
at the banquet hall was deserted.
DEATH OF MRS. DONALDSON.
In the Spring of 1886 Mrs. Donaldson's
health was SO impaired that she left Wash
ington and returned to Tennessee, little think
ing as she passed out of the White House
that she was parting with all its honors and
pleasures for the last time. She rapidly
failed in strength, and in December, 1856,
the spirit of 1.-The lovely Emily'' passed
from earth. During the following session the
Presidents House was closed in respect to her
memory.
Her four children were born in the White
House, President Jackson acting as godfather
to two of them, Mr.. Van Buren, to another,
and Gen. Polk to the youngest. One of
these children is now Mrs. Eliza Wilcox,
clerk III the Treasury Department, having
been widow for many years, dependent
upon her own exertions for the support of
herself and family. From her baby head
jackson cut a lock of hair, which he sent to
the Committee to be placed in the corner
stone Of the Treasury Building, as the most
valued treasure he had to deposit; little
thinking that in the changes that time brings,
this precious baby would ever join the
throng that goes in and out of the great
building in the weary round of the treadmill-
life of Government clerk.