The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-12
THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY.
A Bevy of Women. All of Them At
tractiVe.
Washington Post.

washington fOSt.
Curiosity is not confined to the gentler
sex. If any reader doubts that state
ment he would only need TO watch that
surginS crowd at the Ebbitt House when
ever President-elect Mckinley makes his
appearance. Everybody makes a mad rush
toward the corridor, and the experience of
one little woman, who said plaintively
that she never could catch a glimpse of
him, for some tall man was sure TO get
right straight in front of her. seems TO
be a frequent occurrence. and there is no
doubt that the gentlemen do predominant in
the rush. OF course the sterner sex will
say that ii is more than an idle curiosity
which prompts the men spectators. but
when one looks at the handsome women
who are of the presidential party any
curiosity to see them can easily be ex-
cused.
Mrs. Mckinley was so fatigued from the
trip that she kept her rooms almost con-
stantly, but her only sister Mrs. Barber:
who is a sweet-faced, matronly woman of
medium height. with gray eyes and dark
hair. has been in evidence on the halls,
doing a little shopping and out for drive
or two. and has won. all hearts by the
charming cordially Of her manner. Mr.:
and Mrs. BARRIERS home is in Canton and
they are the proud parents of four sons
and three daughters. all of whom came
with them to the inaugural
Miss Helen. the sister of the major, is
n tall and dignified woman and looks quite
like her distinguished brother. She keeps
the home with her mother in Canton, but
they may remain in Washington for some
time before returning. Mrs. SaXton, who is
to be Mrs. McKinley's companion in the
White House. is an attractive inquire OF
hair high in graceful waves off her fore
head, and she has dark eyes and clear,
olive skin. She is Mrs. McKinley's aunt.
as her husband and Mrs. McKinley's faith
er were brothers. She is a widow and her
loneliness of character and sterling worth
have made her friendship most highly
valued by those who know her.
Mrs. Abner Mckinley was one of the most
eIegantly-gowned ladies of the party. and
was in great demand by the young people.
with whom she is evidently regarded as a
delightful chaperon She has quite an ex-
tended acquaintance in the city, and her
invitations yesterday were many and varie d.
Mrs. Morse. of San Francisco. one OF Mrs.
McKinley's namesake nieces. is very bril-
liant. cultured woman. one of the hnely-
educated daughters of the Western coast:
She is rather above the average height and
is decided blonde Mrs. McWiliams, Mrs.
McKinley's Chicago cousin. is handsome
woman of middle age, with black hair and
fined to her room with her son. Donald. who
was suffering from a cold yesterday after
noon.
But 1t is the young people of the party
who are having the best time imaginable.
There fully twenty of them, and
merrier company would be hard 10 flnd
There is a fair sprinkling of army lads
with their blue coats and gold braid-which
is always so attractive to pretty girls-and
every waking hour of their stay in Wash
ington has been filled with pleasure. There
are three of the nieces who might pose as
the graces; they are all petite. stylish little
figures with pretty faces and the sunniest
of smiles They are Miss Mabel Mckinley.
the only child of Mr.. Abner Mckinley. a
bright and vivacious girl who has LETT
school. but who is devoted to music, and
is still continuing her study of that branch
Miss Sarah Duncan, the second of the trio,
has beautiful dark eyes and clear skin.
with rosy cheeks: she is still in school. In
the Junior year of the Chicago Kinder
garten College but she is very fond of out
of-door sports and is an expert wheeler.
Miss Mary Barber the third OF the trio.
is the eldest daughter of Mrs. Mckinley S
sister ard a more charming. sweet-man-
ne~ed girl IS not often met. She has a
dainty figure and dark hair and eyes, very
say. and fair and ruddy complexion. and
a little pink ear. behind which the dark
hair curs IN q most becoming way. To
this trio might be added the fourth. and a
Grace she is: sure enough, for her name Is
Miss Grace Mckinley In contrast 10 the
others she is tall and decided blonde.
with a lovely pink and white complexion
and a captivating smile. She makes her
home with the Presidents mother and is a
student at Mount Holyoke.
There is no doubt but that all the fore
going are popular ladies, but the undoubt-
ed belle of the hotel is Mother Mckin-
lev" She is the dearest little old lady.
with the keenest black eyes and the most
cordial smile. She made her way right
into the onlookers' hearts yesterday when
she stepped from the carriage and waved
her hand i'm a CHEEKY manner to them. as
though giving each one personal greet
ing She takes lively interest in all
that is going on and is ready 10 stop at
any time and speak to strangers. There
is a strong resemblance between the moth
and the son, and the way i'm which she
prOnounceS the words my son. shows the
pride she feels in him.