Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-07-22
-EMININE interest In America Is at

'E'M1NlNE interest In America Is at
r. the present moment ccrtercd in the
wives of the two candidates for
president of the United States. ono of
whom in the course of events subsc-
qucnt to the 4th of March next will be
the first lady of the land
AS Mrs. William Nick inlcy has occu-
pied that exalted position Tor the past
four years. the public has general
knowledge OF the way she would pre-
side over the official household During
the past four years her administration
of White House society has been mark
ed by no brilliant events. She is not IL
society woman in the fashionable ac-
ccptation of the word. for nvalidism
makes it impossible for her to undcr
take tho round of entertaining WHEN is
the only road TO social clninence. Mrs
Mckinley Is. however. 4 social woman.
never happier than when surrounded
by circle of congcuial friends, init
mate enough to excuse the lack of for
mality which her uncertain health
makes unavoidable when she acts as
hostess to house parties. She is fond
of young people ANA has proved = YER
liable fairy godmothcr to her young
nicccs. who are just entering society
and through lie: influence and official
position have been introduced to tine
try.
Washington society contains repre-
sentative people from every city i'm the
world. ana in after years travel these
young ladies arc certain 10 find ac-
quaintanccs amonc: the social elite OF
any cities which they may visit in
America or Europe The elder NlcKin-
leys are themselves unprctcntio us peo-
pie but Che round of young peoples
dinners and dances given ut the White
House during their occupancy inii-
Gates That their young relatives arc not
without social ambitions Some OF the
social innovations at tho White House
have 4 tri', disconnected fashionable
society: FOR instance. the appearance OF
one of the Presidents nicccs at an art
errcon function in dccollctc attire. and
the fact that the lists for the unofficial
entertainments at the White House were
made out with regard rot to Official pre-.
ccdencc. but To personal preference, a
departure that other occupants of the
White House have never undertaken TO
Introduce. Mrs. NcEinlcy occasionally
receives at the weekly receptions. pre-
sides at The Official dinners and formal
ly extends tho hospitality of the White
House To such Of The Nvomcn's convcn-
lions rs meet in Washington and have
no political Significance. Her famous
remark IN regard to the serving of wine
ut the White House table about cx-
presses Her conception of her position:
u have always thought it a good plan
for housewife to RIM her home on
her own plans and TO sui, her own ram
NY"
Mrs. McKmlcv was the daughter of
MIR. james \. SaNton. Il banker OF Can
ton. @. licr education was liberal
one and her surrounaings were always
those of ease ana refinement Person
ally she is woman OF more than aver
ago intelligence and sweetness of dispo-
sition. Her charm of manner ana arfn-
h!lity Win her the friendship OF those
With whom size comes in contact.
Airs William J. Bryan. wife OF tho
nominee for the presidency on the Dem
ocrntic and Popuiistic tickets is won-
All OF remarkable energy and inte.lec-