The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-22
SOCIAL PEACE PACT
FEUD BETWEEN THE DAVIS AND
MERRIAM FAMILIES ENDED
BY A CALL
EX-GOVERNOR VICE ALeER

tAoh O1 the senator Is Removed,
May Succeed to the Portfolio of
the War Department-The Story
of the Formal Social Visit,
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.-(Special)-
Washington gossip is again busy with
the names of people prominent in st.
Paul and Minnesota. Two items of
interest are being discussed, and to
those who understand their significance
their appearance at the same time
mean much. OF these two morsels Of
news, the first is that Secretary Alger
tired of the troubles that persist in ac-
cumulating for him, has made up his
mind to retire from the cabinet, to be
succeeded by William R. Merriam, ex-
governor Of Minnesota. The second,
which is closely related, is the final
patching up Of a peace between the
Merriam and Davis families.
AS to Alger's retirement and the
Merriam succession, the rumor as yet
seems to rest upon a somewhat flimsy
foundation. AS to the social peace pact
which makes it possible for Mr. Mer-
rlam to hold an important office where
the confirmation of the senate is re-
quired the story is much more cir
| cUmstantial. Mr.. Alger may or may
not retire, and he may or may not be
succeeded by Mr. Merriam, but there
seems little question that Mrs. Mer-
riam and Mrs. Davis have made peace.
The two eX-governOrs Of Minnesota
have had political difficulties in the
| past, but the general idea is that the
social differences of their respective
better halves constituted the real point
at issue between them. Now that the
social hatchet is buried it is not unlike.
| ly that Mr.. Mckinley will reward Mr..
Merriam's services by some substantial
| gift. That he has always been anxious
to do so has been quite as open a secret
as the fact that Mr.. Davis determined
| opposition stood in the way. Whather
| the reward will take the form of the
war department portfolio is a matter
| that can be determined only by time
SOCIETY. sPECUIATING.
Meanwhile society, and official Wash
! ington, as well, while speculating as
| to what will be done for Mr. Merriam.
is discussing with infinite gusto the
meeting between Mrs. Davis and Mrs.
| Merriam, which marked the ending Of
a feud which has attained a national
Importance.
| The meeting between the two women
| took place at the home Of Mrs. Davis.
| when Mrs Merriam called upon the
| wife of the senator. In accordance with
an arrangement previously made, Mrs.
Merriam appeared, accompanied by the
Turkish minister, who, 1T is said, has
acted as peacemaker, and was greeted
by her hostess in the presence Of a
large company Of callers with the Same
cordlal1ty as was extended to others
To those unfamiliar with the full
significance Of the little drama taking
place before their eyes, the attitude of
the two women as they clasped hands
at the entrance to the drawing room
made no impression, but to the greater
number Of Washingtonians In the room.
who had long known of the strained re-
letions, the incident was full Of signi-
f1cance. 1t was a social recognition of
Mrs Davis by Mrs. Merriam, long de-
MED, but at last accorded in such form
that the former social autocrat Of ST.
Paul sued and the woman once slight
ed granted audience as favor
On Wednesday Mrs. Merriam, 1t is
stated, sent a note to Mrs. Davis stat
Ing that she would like to call upon
her, and requesting that time be ap-
pointed for that purpose. To this Mrs.
Davis reply was that she was always
formally at home on Thursday after
moons. Accordingly, Mrs. Merriam
came. The meeting occurred at 5
o'clock, when Mrs. Davis formal re-
ception was in progress. Her rooms
were crowded with diplomats and rep
resentatives of all branches of official
life.
RIVALS MEET.
The picturesque "old nanny" in
snowy cap and apron opened the door
to admit the Turkish minister and
handsomely dressed, distinguished
looking woman. The sultan's repre-
sentative presented his companion to
his hostess, using his lowest tones
The women smiled, bowed, shook
hands and conversed for two minutes
Then Mrs. Davis eye searched the
apartment for her husband, and, on
finding him at the other side of the
room, she called distinctly:
Senator Davis, Mrs. Merriam is
here. VIII you come and greet her"
Senator Davis made his way to his
wife's side, and cordially greeted Mrs
| Merriam.
Every one had stopped talking, all
| eyes were turned in one direction. Then
| society recovered it's breath, the we'll
oiled wheels of polite conversation"
went on, and the group near the door
way stood apparently a group of old
friends
| Mrs. Merriam remained half an hour
| thrice the time mere outward cour-
| tesy would have demanded in call
of ceremony-and then took her leave.
| the Turkish minister ACCOMPANYING
her to her carriage.
The story is being published by the
eastern papers in a variety Of ways
and with all sorts of sensational en-
broidery. The essential fact, however.
Is true. Mrs. Merriam did call upon
Mrs. Davis and was received. That
the meeting marked the end of the old
and bitter feud is generally believed.
AMERICAN TROOPS ASHORE.
| Cen MiIIarss