The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-12-09

plain blue coat, with gilt buttons, blue
brooches and heavy shoes tied with
leather strings. His wife having died be
fore his election. the social duties Of
mistress Of the White House fell, during
assisted by Dolly Madison wife of the
secretary of state.
When James Madison succeeded Jener-
son in 1909, Dolly Madison's reign was
supreme. She and her husband restored
the social style which Jefferson had dis
regarded Madison always wore his hair
powdered, and donned rich clothes at his
state functions. AT his inaugural ball
Mrs. Madison is described as having
looked and moved a queen. She wore a
buf-colered velvet dress with pearl orna-
ments, and a Paris turban with a bird
Of Paradise plume. During Mad!son's ad-
minisration she was styled the queen
and the White House the palace"
The first marriage in the mansion oc-
CURED in 1871, when Miss Todd a rela-
tive Of Dolly Madison. married Represen-
tative Jackson Of Virginia
When the British sacked the city in
1914, Madison. with his. cabinet, took ref
uge across the Potomac. Mrs. Dolly, fol-
lowing shortly after, waited to cut from
its frame the famous painting of Wash
ington, hanging in the east room. The
British set fire to the White House twice,
and well nigh destroyed it. The Madi-
sons, returning from their fight, took up
their temporary abode in the famous
"Octagon House." still standing at Eigh-
teenth street and New York avenue This
house had been occupied by John Taylor
and was leased as an annex executive
mansion" The restoration Of the White
House was authorized by congress in
1915. and James Hoban undertook the re-
pairs.
A handsomer White House greeted the
eye OF the party in whose presence it was
reopened, at President Monroes New
Year reception, 1913. The whole exterior
was painted white and has since
remained so. The receptions of the Mon
roes were very brilliant. Their state din
ners were given in the east room, which
they called the "banquetting hall"
When John Quincy Adams was elected,
congress Appropriated $4,000 for refurnish-
ing the White House. Most Of this was
expended upon the east room. This ad-
ministraton was noted for splendid en-
tertainments.
Andrew Jackson was followed from his
Inauguration by a grea crowd all of
whom were invited to participate in a
feast spread in the east room. A raid
was made on the viands. costly china
was smashed. and food was spilled over
the costly carpet and upholstery. Indeed,
a body Of public officers present had to
link their arms and thus form a barrier
to save "Old Hickory" from being
crushed to death The custom of serving
at White House receptions.
begun in Monroe's administration, was
soon afterwards discontinued. Jackson
opened his doors to the Common people"
He renewed the democratic manners Of
Jefferson. At one Of his dinners he sang
AUD Lang Syne." He was the first
president who regarded the White House
as inadequate for social functions.
President William Henry Harrison en-
joyed the White House less than a month.
His was the first funeral ceremony held
within its walls. John Tyler, whose wife
died early in his term, was the first pres
ident to bring a bride to the executive
mansion.
Mrs. Polk. wife Of the next president,
dressed magnifcently and assisted her
at many brilliant functions.
President Taylor enjoyed his official home
but sixteen months During Fillmore
administration. congress, at his request
furnished the "oval sitting, room" on the
second floor as a library Mrs Fillmore
selected the books to I'LL the cases. Pres
ident Pierce's wife was an invalid during
her T eign as White House mistress.
The Prince Of Wales made his memora-
bic visit to the White House during
Buchanan's administration. Its made
quacy then became apparent more than
ever before. The president had to vacate
his bed room and sleep in the public
ante-room to his Office Even then five
Of the princes suite had to he
turned away.
The days OF Lincoln and future pres
idents are too fell known to be recounted.
The families of all these latter-dav ex-
ecutives have utilized every bit Of space
in the building and have had to deny its
hospitality 10 relatives and friends
Necessary repairs and refurnisbings OF
the White House have drought the total
cost Of the building. since 1900. 70 about
s. 0o0000