The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-07-09

Feminine interest in America is al
the present moment centered in the
wives OF the two candidates for presi-
dent of the United States. one of whom
in the course of events subsequent to
f-the 4th of March next will be the
FIRST lady of the land.
As Mrs. William Mckinley has occu-
pied that exalted position for the past
four years. the public has general
knowledge OF the way she would pre-
SIDE oyer the official household. Dur
ing the past four years her admins
tration of White House society has
been marked by no brilliant events.
she IL not society woman in the fash
1onable scceptation of the word for
Spvalidism makes 1t impossible for her
70 undertake the round of entertaining
which Is the only road to social emil
nence. Mrs. Mex nley, Is. however,
q social woman. never happier than
when surrounded by circle of con-
genial friends. intimate enough to ex-
cuse the lack OF formality which her
uncertain health makes unavoidable
when she acts as hostess 10 house
parties. She is fond of young people
and has proved veritable fairy god
mother to her young nisces who are
just entering society, and through her
51ffiuence and offic al pos ION have been
introduced 10 the most brilliant social
circle in the country.
Washington society contains repre-
sentative people from e,, city IN the
world. and IN after years travel these
young ladies are certain TO find ac-
quaintsnces among the social elite OF
any lles which they may visit in
America or Europe. The elder Nc
Kinleys are themselves unprefentious
people but the round. of youn /. .people's
dinners and dances given at the White
House during their occupancy ndi-
Gates that their young relatives are not
without social ambitions. Some OF the
social innovations at the White House
have trifie d sccccerted fashionable
society: for inlsance. the appearance
OF one of, the presidents nieces at an
afternoon function in decollete attire,
and the fact that the lists for the un-
Official entertainments at the White
House were made out with regard not
20 Official precedence. but to personal
preference. departure that other -oc-
cupants OF the Waite House have never
undertaken TO introduce Mrs. Nc
Kinley occasionally receives at the
weekly receptions piesdes at the
off1cial dinners and formally extends
the hospitality OF the White House TO
such OF the woDnen's conventions as
meet In Washington ard have no po-
litical significance Her famous re-
mark In regard 10 the serving OF wine
at the White House table about ex-
presses her conception OF her position:
II have always thought II y good plan
for housewife 20 run her home on
her own plans and to suit her own
family"
Mrs. Mckinley was the daughter Of
Mr.. James A. Saxton. n banker of
Canton. o. Her education was lib
eral one and her surroundings were
always those OF ease and refinement.
Personally she is n woman of more
than average jptelligence and sweet
ness OF disposition Her charm Of
manner and anabilIty WIN her the
friendship OF those with whom she
comes to contact
Mrs. William J. Bryan. wife OF the
nominee for the presidency on the
Democratic and Popr stic tickets is
q woman OF remarkable energy and
intellectual capacity. There In probably
no other woman IN the country 50
well posted on politics "a Is Mrs. Bryan.
Ever since she studied law and was
admitted 10 the bar in order 10 help
her husband with his work she has
made n her business TO study con1i-
o<one ana observe public events. she