New-York tribune., 1898-11-20

at the White House. The President is still at
work on and thoroughly absorbed In his mes
s2ge, which will be the most important one that
has been written for many years-indeed since
President Lincons famous messages during the
Cvil War. President Mckinley has even larger
questions TO deal with than those President
Lincoln discussed, ard what he has to say con-
ccrning our new acquisitions and our foreign
policy is eagerly awaited Fortunately, the
President is in excellent health. None Of his
predecessors have stood the strain of the work
better than he has done and Mrs. Mckinley is
in part responsible for this She sees to it that
hot too many hours are passed at his desk with
out interruption and that he takes regular exer-
cse driving with him when the weather per
mltS
The wife Of the President has recently re-
coived gift which she prizes highly and which
dccOratcs her boudOir Ii is a portrait Of one OF
her predecessors az mistress of the White House,
Mrs. Lctita Tyler Semple, daughter of Pres-
dent Tyler by his first wife. who presided over
the White House during her mothers illness
and after her death The picture sent to
Mrs. Mckinley by Mrs. Semple, who is still liv
ing, guest at the Louise Home
Mrs Semple, though she has reached an ad-
vanced age and in the last few years has lost
denied her, keeps up interest in current af-
fairs and discusses with broad intelligence the
present state of the country and what has led
up to it, She is dyed-in-the wool Democrat.
an nheritOr Of her fathers radical IDEAS, and
cannot be converted to any other faith but she
is a gentle philosopher withal, and her opinion
Of those she regards as her political enemies is
charitable one.
Mrs. Semple. although near fourscorc, is still
a handsome woman with white hair keen brown
eyes, and face that recalls her illustrous
father, whose portrait hangs over her chimney
piece, and her manners are the manners OF a
lrand dame. She has taken peculiar interest
in the christening Of the new batto-ships. re-
Inembering with pleasure the occasion when as
hrst lady in the land, she broke tho bottle Of
champagne over the bows of the Allegheny
aging, In the name OF the Republic christen
Aec Allegheny. and invoke success To thee
There is an element Of sadness ~ the fact that
woman, the daughter Of d proud race, leader
of fashion, the toast of her day, should pass her
declining years in-no matter how politely II Is
named-a charitable institution. but bereft OF
fortune, and the loss Of her eyesieht not permit
ting her 10 be self-supportine, no other refuge
was left except TO be an inmate Of some institu-
tion Of this character and Of all such the Louise
Home is probably the least Objectionable.
Last spring Mrs Semplc addressed a letter to
Senator Vest asking his influence to Increase
pension Of s. per month, drawn for services
rendered by her husband during the Mexican
War She closes her letter by saying:
My necessity must plead with you for me
inasmuch as the s. pension from the Mexican
War is the only income whatever that have
and this amount is inadequate for my ne
cossities. therefore most respectfully ask your
iutoicession in my behalf. ! Will close my lotter
with this fact that after the death Of my
mother September, 1872. upon the invitation OF
the President assumed the duties Of the lady
Of the White House and performed them 10 the
satisfaction Of an
Congress will undoubtedly be moved L. take
some action in this matter the coming winter
and it il to be hoped that Ms. S,mIle Viii live
to enjoy whatever benefits IL may provide for
her
Mr. Elkins wife of the Senator from West
Virginia. is the Lady Bountiful OF her hust bands
district and does much for the .casurc Of his
constituents taking especial interest in the chill
drcn whom she stimulates t. their highest en-
dcaVors IN schocl and domestic work. No; long
ago she gave an entertainment to the children
for various domestic accomplishments. Twenty
Irlzos in all were given al the contests incud-
ing draWDWOrk. needle work, garment making
ruge pastry preserving. baking mat making
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