The age-herald., 1898-03-03
What Secretary Porter Has
 Done for Washington Society
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Perhaps the most roundly abused man conspicuous in time present administra- tlon-with the exception of M. A. Hanna has been John Addison Porter, the mae fatigable private secretary of President Mckinley. For several months he has reversed the order of social things. and instead of "the king can do no wrong being the opinion of the public, there seemed to be no possibility of the secre- tary doing anything right and satisfactory to the public at large.
 But there is evidently a change in the sentiment of the people generally, and the social innovations introduced by Secretary Porter appear to be bearing fruit agree able to the society folk at the national capital.
 MT Porter has evidently passed that period in a reformer's life when he Is abused and traduced; he has attained to that successful period when he is com mended for accomplishing more than has been done by anyone else-in that especial line-in the past.
 The Washington Post pays this tr1Dute to his social energy and pluck:
 We think fair-minded Washingtonians generally will agree that the social side of things at the White House has been presented throughout the season with very unusual taste and skill. We do not recall
  were so ably conducted as they have been this winter Nearly every objectionable feature of the past has been successfully eliminated. There has been none, or next to none, of that vulgar overcowding which hitherto has made the presidents receptions so uncomfortable. The impu- dent intrusion of unexpected guests has been practically arrested, and we have perceived in these important state anairs guidance and an arrangement or sucn E~. r.-t tlsa r.ff aI 0 d- miration. Those who were invited to the executive mansion found themselves pro tected against offensive and unpleasant experiences They found, what hitherto had not been much in evidence, a masterly conduct a consderate forethought, and a genuine opportunity to enjoy the privi- leges conferred upon them. In every re- spect and from every point of view, the White House season has been distinguish ed by good taste and able management.
 It is risking little to say that very large share of the credit for this brilliant consummation belongs by right to Hon. John Addison Porter, the presidents ac- complshed and energetic secretary. He has had valuable and educated assistance in the realization of his plans, and too much cannot be said in commendation of that service, but the inspiration has been largely If not wholly his. Overwhelmed as he has been by the graver and even more delicate duties attaching to his posi-
 
 proved much too arduous for many of his understandable. Porter has yet found time to take hold of what may well have seemed a hopeless tangle Of confusion ana futility and straighten it out into most graceful order. It was a task requiring unusual diplomatic skill, patience, apph- cation and sympathetic insight, and MT. Porter has performed it with consummate skill.
 official society owes much to MT. Porter. He has transformed the white house func- tions, once so cumbrous and uncomforta- ble, into experiences of delight. What used to be rude and panting and red-faced mobs are now assemblages of weil-bred people, at their ease and enabled to enjoy them- selves The spacious east room is no longer the theater of plebian scrambles. It has been readjusted to the purpose for which 1t was originally intended, and 1t IS now the drawing room of the first lady In the land. We feel assured that the whole country will echo our compliments ana felicitations to the author of this much needed social reform-the Hon. John Ad- dison Porter.