The times., 1897-03-14
LIFE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Large Number of Guests Enter
tanned by Mrs. Mckinley.
The Young People Have a Merry
Time at the Mansion-Recep-
tion to Secretary Long.

SOlue Oi tue duNdlice DTiSnlilesS Ol spliHS-
time seems to have gotten into the White
House during these latter days, and though
most of the young people who helped to
bring git have gone back to college or school,
a goodly share remains to those now within
the portals, who are doing so much for the
pleasure and comfort of others.
In all the years since Mrs. Adams, the
flrst mistress, graced it with her presence
ana dispensed the genial hospitality of her
DAY, there has not been so many guests be-
meath Its roof at one time, and never SO
large company OF young people TO explore
It's every Granny and corner, from cellar TO
attic, ds these young people have done.
III The stately danes who look down
from the walls Of the state departments
have been somewhat shocked by the un-
ceremonious fashion III which these young
people have made merry in these historic
apartments they must also have been glad
at the JOY and gaiety they have brought
with them.
There is an atmosphere of home about
the old place which is very delightful to
those who have been the recipient of the
generous hospitality of the President and
Mrs. Mckinley.
during the past week guests have been
entertained at luncheon and at dinner
every day since the Inauguration.
Both luncheOns and dinners have been
charningly informal and have included
merely relatives and the most intimate
friends OF the President and Mrs. Nc
Kinley.
At luncheon each day the table has been
simply but artistically decorated with
ferns OF different varieties. At dinner the
centerpiece has invariably been a basket
of beautiful lilies, hyacinths and spring
flowers, a different variety being used
on each occasion.
The bouquets which have invariably been
provided for each guest have been of
violets, lilies, roses, Jonquils, and similar
tokens of springtime Mrs Mckinley has,
after each dinner, sent the basket center
piece to some relative or friend who was
not present at that particular dinner Mrs
Nj. A. Stafford, Of New York, who had
the honor TO be the recipient of the flowers
from the first dinner at the White House.
received a beautiful basket OF lilies of the
valley fringed with circle of maidenhair
ferns.
Mrs. Mckinley has worn some beautiful
gowns at these dinners. One OF the most
becoming was a magnificent gown OF
royal blue velvet, embroidered in jewels
and trimmed with rose point; a second was
a beautiful creation of rose-colored velvet
and black moire velour.
The guest OF honor during the first part
OF the week was, OF course, Mrs Mckinley,
mother OF the President. This charming
old lady, who delighted all who met her,
seemed equally delighted with her visit
to Washington, and the attentions which
were shUwered upon her.
Among the happy recollections Of this
most eventful week, which has been fun
OF pride and Joy to her, there viii linger
a little incident which occurred on the
day of the Inauguration 1t was when
the party returned from the in
augural ceremonies at the Capitol; all
We're, Of course, somewhat exhausted by
the hustle and excitement OF the inaugu-
raj ceremonies, and Mother Mckinley
seemed especially so. Mrs Cleveland,
ever watchful for the comfort of Others,
was at once by the side of the Presidents
mother, whose bonnet and wraps she re-
moved with her own hands and otherwise
=
did this with such ready tact and grace
fulness that the attention was scarcely
noted by others present Mother McKin-
ley, however, viii probably remember
with pleasure the kind words and atten-
tiOn of Mrs. Cleveland for many a day.
Mrs. Mckinley rises very early and break
fasts with the President down stairs every
morning at 8 o'clock. Immediately after
breakfast her mail is brought to her and
she reads the letters and answers many Of
them personally; others she leaves for her
aunt, Mrs. Maria SaXton, to reply TO, but
for these she makes suggestions also. This
duty completed, Mrs. Mckinley goes for a
drive, accompanied by one OF the guests
in the house. On several occasions her
drive has been to Garfield Hospital TO
visit Gen. Hastings, to whom she always
carries quantities of flowers.
On other occasions she visits personal
friends. After returning to the White
House, Mrs. Mckinley spends the rest OF
the morning crocheting or reading. As
every one knows, crocheting slippers is
a favorite occupation of Mrs. Mckinley
She has made and sent to the hospitals
hundreds of pairs Of these most comfortable
and pretty slippers. AT present Mrs
Mckinley is at work on a pair OF pale
blue ones, and there are many conjectures
as to who is to be the fortunate recipient
of these, the first she has made in the
White House.
Mrs. Mckinley is very fond of flowers
and spends a great deal OF time III the
conservatories..
Luncheon is at 100, after which Mrs
hnE nj ctS baif
usually goes for a second drive, returning
in time to receive callers for an hour or
| more during the afternoon. About O'Clock
Mrs. Mckinley retires TO her room for half
an hours siesta, after which she dresses
| for dinner, which is served at O'Clock
One OF Mrs McKinley's little fads is alwass
to be dressed in ciose-fitting garment, as
size particularly dislikes wrappers and tea
GOWNS, never wearing them, even at break
| fast time, when almost oil the feminine
world enjoys negligee.
In tile evening informal visits from per
sonal friends take up the time, which is
also enlivened by the singing and piano
| playing of Miss Mabel Mckinley her favor
ite niece. The beautiful Baby Grand, which
| is a new feature of the Blue Parlor, re-
spends almost every evening to the cult
waited touch OF Miss Mabel, who sings
| Scotch ballads in manner that delights
all who hear them.
Among those who have been the guests
at the White House during the week are
| Mrs. Mckinley, mother of the President
Miss Helen Mckinley, sister of the Presi-
dent; Mr.. and Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Mac.
| Dougall, Mr.. c. A. Grasselli, of Cleveland,
! Ohio; Mr and Mrs. NJ. A. Stafford, of New