New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-10
GOSSIP OF THE CAPITAL.
-p INFLUENTIAL PLACE HELD BY
Mrs. SHERMAN IN OFFICIAL SOCIETY.
-op pF77r-s.s BIG LAW FEE-MR. KAHNs
PLACE IN THE HoUSE-A KENTUCKY
ADuIREIa OF DONGFEIIOw-

xnA,-,+o, June 9-With the passing OF
Ms Sherman society at the capital loses one OF
~ most acted figures. For more Than forty
.rs the wife of the Ohio statesman took .
a., mart in the seni-ofIical social circle,
md although retiring and reserved in "harac-
co. axerted a wide influence, standing for the
;,,ola and transformations old fashions, as
.s,irst the extravaganza, display and affecta-
g that dominate modern society. The wife
:, che Ohio statesman was indeed, so reserved
20 N he pronounced cold by those who knew
bar only specifically. and was generally re-
corded as lacking in enthusiasm and magnet
,s-n She WAS certainly self restrained. which,
together with great personal dignity, made her
seem rnresponsive statuesque almost, in her at
atude-
Her family and intimates held. with reason
ouite a different opinion Of this gracious woman
whose influence in her own circle was supreme
but so subtly welded that those on the outside
hardly recognized her power, and she was no
where credited with having the influence she
really possessed. With her distinguished hus-
hand Mrs Shernan's wishes were absolute. and
he never did anything. either in politics or busi
ness, without first consulting his wife, whose
tive intutions. well trained mind and long ex-
perience made her a safe mentor. The relations
existing between the noted Ohioan and his wife
were truly ideal and a member of their family
< authority for the statement that in the more
than hat century Of their union their accord
Was SO perfect as to make their home life al
most monotcnous.
In all his ambitions Mrs. Sherman sympa-
thfzed with hey husband: in his undertakings
she was his constant helpmeet and inspirations:
her faith in him was absolute. and his te. de-
feats-if III 50 successful! a career. these should
be referred to-y,ere as great to he, since they
involved some moral principles, as his Victories.
Her calm was disturbed. her pose ruft!cd only
upon those rare occasions when she felt that
Mr.. Sherman had been badly used by his friends,
and his REIMBURSEMENT Of his seat in the Sen
ate with all that it entailed, and the criticism
his conduct of the Department of Stale inspired
were matters OF keen chagrin to her. aid it was
In obedience to her wishes ii is said, that her
husband finally resigned the portfolio OF State.
Seemingly cold to strangers in her family
circle Mrs. Sherman all love and tender
ness and her nieces, as we'll her adopted
daughter, who as her very own to the child
less woman. testify to her unselish devo-
ton, her unVarying kindness. No ono ever went
to her in vain for aid or sympathy Her charities
were catholic. and done after the Bible counsel
of not letting the left hand know what the right
hand doeth.
Mrs. Sherman came to Washington with her
husband, who WIS elected to the XXXITth
Congress, in the early fifties, a young and in
experienced woman. The problem that cor
tTonted her a difficult Society was
turbulent and disturbed by rumors OF war. Rules
fer its government We're not well defined as
now and the controversy regarding precedent,
which has continued Until this DAY. all eady
begun Much was expected Of the young
trpn whose brilliant husband soon took prom
inent part in the work OF the House, and if she
YES sometimes discouraged ard bewildered by
The unaccustoned duties Of her position she
never showed Tat she was disturbed or en-
ba-rassed: hut then, in later years. she was
seif-suffcient, reserved and tactful giving the
Impression tia: the wor!- in hand not
strange 20 her and that she quite equal to il
Mrs Sherman seemed to possess absolute self
control. Her truly envable composure was
rarely If ever disturbed, yet she and
gracious in manner. and, although holding her
self like an aristocrat, was extremely democra tic
in her ideas and practices and most approach
able. While noted for her conservative views
she neither narrow intolerant and her
Judgments were charitable, her criticisms kind
She was. in a word, and unusual woman
whose gentle influence viii long be felt in the
circle in which she moved.
= Senator Pettus. who had served as an officer
In the Confederate Army, returned to his home
IL Selma, Ala, at the close of the war, and with
characteristic energy Immediately established
law firm, associating with him a young man
noted for his thrift and business qualities. The
yoy-aer no ,.-f--c Lotto