Omaha daily bee., 1897-03-03

court are open to callers each Monday,
of most senators each Tnursday, and OF
some representatives each Tuesday; the
diplomatic corps receive less publicly and
generally, though access TO them Is not
difficult; and there Is a growing circle
Of resident society entirely similar to that
of other cities.
1t will thus be seen that the administra-
ton, meaning the president and the heads
of executive departments. is relatively less
important socially than the public outside
of Washington, Is apt to think, Social en-.
the executive mansion and the cabinet
houses be entirely closed. on the otner
hand, however, the popularity of an admin
istration depends very largely on its social
character; and not only at the capital, but
throughout the country. every visitor to
eulogist or a critic of the administration,
according as he or she has been received,
at other official residences.
The administration now retiring will leave
behind II some delightful memories socially,
and others not so delightful. President
Cleveland has been very inaccessible to Wis
itors, even to those having the best right
of course, protect himself against intru lers,
and this for the public interest quite as
business can be done through others should
not be thrust upon his attention. This
safeguarding of his time and strength is
tary; and, if discreetly done, may be done
effectively without giving, offsnse to any
tary has lacked judgment in this matter,
and has seemed to think he must shut out
all callers ind~iscriminately, He has been
floor Of congress. and even more sharply
in private. Much of the disafection that is
should probably terminate on his $ etary;
for when reached Mr.. Cleveland Is uni
formly courteous, patient and agreeable.
He is a good listener, gives his visitor his
undivided attention, does not look or act
bored. and has the faculty of closing an in
terview without abruptness. t his public
rprpDtiOnS. also. his manner Is cordial. ana
he knows how to say the gracious word
that puts an embarrassed caller at his ease;
still he will leave behind him at the capital
the tradition of exclusiveness He has not
been a man of the people; as was Lincoln
as was Arthur: He has seldom or never
been seen. walking on the streets of WASH
ineton; He has lived apart. and md been m1u =
well be, while, mis- safety and dignity should
Mrs. Cleveland has done very much to
correct the unhappy impression of her nus
bands exclusiveness; her beauty, simple
versally known. One hears on every hand
expressions of the sincerest regret that she
Is Io 'eaVe one wr nor nU Uos one Trm dHs
critic. She will rank with Dolly Madison
as a, phenomenally successful first lady of
the land" The town is full of stories of
her gracious deeds and words. To one that
said of her: 1T seems a pity that you can
not have more privacy here" she replied:
w NOh NlloN lillo jus pNloiitsI W INV
people; they have as much right here as
l have" Only n few days ago, speaking of
her successor and the task before her, Mrs.
Cleveland said: II wish l could give her
half my strength She is a devoted
mother, u steadfast friend, a supplemented
Christian, quite unspoiled by place and
fiattery, whose position is secure in the
esteem and affection of all Americans.
Vice President and Mrs. Stevenson have
filed a large place socially in the outgoing
administration not the great place of Mr..
and Mrs. Morton, whose wealth and eN-
but a highly creditable and helpful place.
They are in all respects delightful peoples
very democratic in manners and entireE-
accessible to all. They have lived at y
hotel and so have been somewhat restricted
large and brilliant receptions.
No member of the present cabinet has
entertained as Mr.. Wanamaker did in the
preceding administration, or Mr.. Whitney
during Mr.. Cleveland's first term; but all
Fave been approachable, cordial and unaf-
fected, and. on the whole, Will leave behind
memories and traditions.