Evening star., 1901-01-26

ner at the White House that the ladies OF
all the dignitaries of Washington should
see what lady he would honor. AT this
function the English minister led Mrs. Ea-
ton to the seat at the right of the Presi-
dent. and the President showed her all the
Difference he would have shown his wife.
Dinner over the company repaired to the
coffee room, and there was no lack of en-
joyment. save that the ladies seemed blind
to the presence of Mrs. Eaton. The result
was victory for womans will, and the
cabinet was dissatisfaction. Ia .on includ-
ed.
Question of Precedence.
The state dinners during Jackson's
time lost some Of the formal stifr
ceremonial of the English affairs previous
ly in vogue. and for the time they were not
graced by the presence OF the French
minister Count Surrurrier). The Presi-
dent was called to decide whether the min
listers or cabinet officers should have the
precedence at these dinners at the nstance
of the count. The President decided that
the cabinet should be the first, and this
caused the count and countess to decline
invitations.
At the White House drawing rooms II
had been customary TO have supper tables
set but the vast crowds which hocked to
them and the rush made for the edibles
caused the President, to discontinue the
serving of refreshments.
A big cheese, said to have been the
product of the milk from 30 cows, had
been presented to General Jackson, and on
belt surrounding it were the words OF
Branch. THE greatest and the best" and
Jackson's sentiment, "The Union must be
preserved" In February preceding the
close of the second term the announcement
was made that the cheese would be cut
and distributed after the counting of the
electoral votes on the Sth instant In the
evening. Congress adjourned, the volun-
teer companies paraded and marched to
the Presidents. and the house was pack
ed with visitors. Here the President stood,
shaking hands with the callers, who would
afterward make their way to the cheese.
The aSsemblage is said to have been the
most thoroughly mixed one ever within the
walls, every grade of person being pres
ent, from the lowest to the highest, rep
resenting in the language of a local orator,
"a conglomeration OF the heterogeneous
masses of the people" And the odors Of
altar of roses, cologne and other fashion
able perfumes, with those Of garlic, brim-
stone, tobacco and cheese, made up scent
Of which people were glad TO steer clear.
MIR. Van Buren's Reign.
The advent of Mr.. Van Buren, was herald
ed thus: THE court of Mr.. Van Buren, will
be the most elegant that ever was got to-
gether In Washington. Mr.. Van Buren,
himself will not marry, but his son will
soon lead to the altar the accomplished
and beautiful daughter OF the PATRON of
Albany. Arrangements are making among
several distinguished ladies to create an era
in the fashionable soirecs of Washington.
The star of New York is in the ascendant:
the wit, the beauty, the grace, the genius Of
New York ladies are about to change the
social face of the capital"
The season here opened the night OF the
Inauguration by a ball, which was designed
to eclipse all previous ones, and it was
somewhat aristocratic, the tickets being
80 each 1t was attended by the President
Vice President, and in fact all the promt-
nent people of the day. General and Mrs.
erals Scott and Gaines. and the latter two
appearing not to assimilate, lady was
heard to remark: "One dislikes what men
purSue-iaineS; and the other of Caledon-
ian descent hates the Scott"
Mrs. Dolly Madison returned early In
this administration. and soon resumed her
position in the fashionable world she had
vacated tWenty-three years before.
The first New Year reception held by Mr..
Van Buren, was said to have been the finest
affair of the kind ever held, despite the
prevailing financial depression The Presi-
dent received the long line of visitors, the
foreign ministers. military and naval off,
GERS being in uniform. and there being but
few absentees. The scene was brilliant
one. Clay, Bell and other prominent men
promenaded the east room but were fire.
uuently stopped by friends who paid their
respects. The Vice President. Richard NJ.
johnson, one Of the most popular of men,
had reached point near the main en-
trance when he was forced to hold re-
ception. Scott. Jesup and other military
men were present. There was some amuSe-
ment created by the bestowment Of sobri-
quets, one pompous gentleman receiving
that of Sir Thos. Humbug; another-a mem
Der of the House-was dubbed "Old L. y.
for his many efforts to secure vote by
calling the previous question 1T was SAID
of a senator, with stentorian voice that
he could speak in no other tone because
Of the habit previously acquired in baw.ing
to his team in the backwoods
Refreshments were conspicuous by their
absence, and expectant lunchers were dis
satisfied.
The fact that Mrs. ]. Quincy Adams and
Mrs Madison received gave opportunity TO
pay respects to an eX-Presldent ana the
widow of President and after tne Exseu.
tive Mansion their houses were the next
attractions and then came the homes OF the
cabinet officers.
Minglfng of Political Opponents.
On the anniversary Of Washington's birth
night Carusi's saloon now kernan's Thea
teri was the scene Of the usual ball! and
Clay, Webster and others of their political
creed mingled with their opponents with
the utmost good feeling. The President
entered with Mr.. Clay. 1t was said that
everybody who was anybody was there, for
the time all politics giving way to the
honoring of the day.
Van Burens would make the court the mo t
elegant. there was little opportunity to see
it, year elapsing ere the first drawing
room was held. About this time NJ. Pom
tots the French minister. gave party,
but few ladies attended. Mr.. Po.k, then
Speaker of the House, gave a soiree. Mrs.
Forsyth, wife of the Secretary of State,
and Mrs. Ponsett, wife of the War Secre-
tary. had given parties during the season.
NJ Ponto,s gave a dinner to the singer,
Madame Carador. and invited number
to hear her sing. but 1t not her forte
to amuse the company and she declined.
BY April the capital was voted as dull
as had been the Court Of Martin the
First his house having been opened
but twice during the winter. The sec
retaries had done but little better.
Mrs Woodbury., by reason Of the death OF
relative, had been prevented from DIS
pensing hospitality but the following July
She gave soiree. There were two May
balls that season, one given by the French
minister and the other by the eccentric Mr..
Fox the representative Of Great Britain.
New Year day, 1889, the White House was
open for the customary reception, and an
immense crowd entered and paid respects. !
Mr.. Van Buren, stood with a gentleman on
either side, while near him was the Presi-
dents son with his bride, the latter receiv-
ing the ladies.