The National tribune., 1897-06-17

ance and illiteracy of the President and hi
wife. Had they lived in the Fiji Islands they
could not have known less of the truth
Mrs. Lincoln's education was above the
average standard, and she was a wel-born
cultured woman. Her levees were brilliant
and the multitude that assembled there were
received in an elegant and dignified manner
The impression she made upon strangers
can he understood by an extract from letter
written by distinguished foreigner:
She performed her part of the honors in
response to the ovation paid to her. as well
as to her husband, with that propriety which
consistently blends all the graces with a re-
served dignity, and is much more becoming
the wife of Republican President than any
attempt to ape the naughty manner of Euro
pean courts"
The death Of her beautiful boy, Willie, and
the GROWING grief of all, the untimely and
horrible taking off of her husband, was the
last stroke; the shattered brain thencesorth
gave but echoes of lost harmonies.
ANDREW JOHNSON TAKES OFFICE
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated April
! IA, and Andrew johnson assumed the author
ity which, by the Constitution, devolved
| upon him. Had the conspiracy been carried
out, which it had taken months to so carefully
plan, there would have been no head of the
Government left, and yet the Republic would
have lived. A Nation that could so success
fully carry on such a war, would have gone
| peacefully to work to re-establish order with
the plant adaptability to circumstances and
the respect for law which so eminently
characterize the native-born American. The
machinery of the state worked as well and as
CIR IN &c .,<al
and the foundations of the Republic were not
shaken.
The gloom which overspread Washington
after President Lincoln's assassination. and
the mourning of its people. was followed
by sudden reaction. But few months had
passed before gayety resumed its former SWAY
at the National Capital. The Winter of 1866
was never surpassed in brilliant entertain
ments. The long years of war had hung like
pail over society. When the cloud lifted,
and peace again reigned over the land, all
hearts were filled with new hopes and aspira-
tons, and JOY and merry-making became the
order of the day
Mrs. Johnson was an invalid. and the
honors and duties of the White House were
performed by her daughters, Mrs Patterson.
vile OF Senator Patterson of Tennessee. and
Mrs. Slower, widow.
The White House presented forlorn ap-
pearance when they entered it, The four
years Of war had left their mark everywhere
Soldiers had had unlimited sway through all
the lower rooms; guards had made the rooms
INTO lodging apartments, until carpets and
sofas We're ruined Add to this the immense
throng OF people who continually crowded
the Presidents House, and it is no wonder
that the furniture was literally worn out
The first levee was held Jan i, 1866. There
had been no appropriation from Congress to
put the house in becoming order but here
and there were touches of improvement that
plainly told Of woman's handiwork order
had been brought out of chaos. Clean linen
covered the floor of the East Room flowers
were in abundance children added an addi-
uonai tint to the kaleidoscope cleanliness
and good cheer made the change as apparent
as 1t was marvellous.
Mrs Patterson was dressed in black velvet
dress, shawl of white thread lace falling
over her shoulders and point-lace collar.
Her hair was adorned with q single white
Japonlca. She was simple and unaffected in
her manner. The younger sister, Mrs. Slower,
who was in mourning for her husband. who
had died IN the Union army, wore heavy
black silk with no ornaments
Du'hS TIC spring al appropriation OF
$4,000 was made by Congress to refurnish
the Executive Mansion. Faithfully and con-
scientiously did Mrs. Patterson spend the
Summer experimenting the renovation of
the house.
The pure taste Of Martha Patterson was fully
exemplifed in the delicate and graceful blend
ing OF colors in all the rooms, of furniture,
carpets, hangings and wall decorations.
The old hnpAa IF tha
again like the rose, and the plain people
from Tennessee were its presiding geniuses.
The state dinners given by President John
son were never surpassed in elegance or STYLE.
The honor and dignity due the Nation lost
nothing in the hands of these people of Dem
ocratic simplicity. They fully understood
what was required Of the President of the
United States, and were equal to any emer-
gency.
SOCIETY VERY GAY.
Society at large was launched into an
atmosphere of gayety. Besides the recep-
tons, Wednesdays and Fridays, by the ladies
OF the White House, exclusive of the Presi-
dents levees, the members of the Cabinet. and
officials generally, held weekly receptions