Evening star., 1901-01-26

some cases callers should have failed to
keep faith with all on their lists.
In the winter of 1850 there were dinners,
receptions and parties In profusion. II Is
related that at dinner party Little Van"
was as cool during fire scare had been
MT Munroe when the English and French
ministers arose from the table to fight.
While regular cabinet dinner was in pro-
gress waiter whispered to President Van
Buren: THE house Is fire" The latter
apologized for leaving the room a few min
utes, saw that the flames In tho Kitchen
were extfnguished and, returning, Informed
the company that the danger was over
some OF the most noted social events
about this time was the party at the homo
OF the Russian minister, Mr. de Bodisco, IN
Georgetown; that of Mrs. General Ma
comb and the grand fancy ball, February
Il, given by General weightman OF this
Bank of Washington.
Melancholy Epoch.
But one levee fell to the lot OF President
William Henry HarrIson--the reception Oh
Inauguration day-for he served but one
month ere death overlook him. Mr.. Tyler
succeeded him. and being a widower 1t was
upon Mrs. Robert Tyler. his daughter-in-
law. and his daughter that the task Of en-
tertaining devolved. Tho public receptions
and levees were features At the White
House and at the homes OF the secretaries
and others.
OF the first lcvcc given by Mr.. Tyler Mrs
-,
1st of January, lS42 H. past. never to
turn, and am nearly on the point Of going
on with It, never felt SO tired in all my
life as l am this evening standing up for
three hours and shaking hands with DON'T
know how many Thousand people. Such
big hsts as some OF the people had. and
such hearty shakes as they gave my poor
little hand, too! One great. hearty coun-
tryman gave me a clutch and shake l al
most expired under. but l could not help
laughing when Fletcher Webster whispered
Enn In In. va RhnE an
AT half-past IL we ladies took our station
at the upper end OF the blue room. while
father stood in the center 1--WE being the
lesser Lights to receive the foreign minis
ters and members Of the cabinet who made
their appearance half an hour before tho
crowd. This first half hour was a very
plea ant one and passed RAPIDLY away. The
diplomatic corps were all present. except
Mr. Fox, who sent an apology pleading in
disposition Mr. Bodsco and his
beautiful wife came later than the rest.
She Is rather on the milkmad order OF
beauty. / can imagine her dropping .
curtsey like the maid In the song with my
face is my fortune, sir. she sad and ner
face really has been her fortune as regar1S
a fine house. fine carriages and fine clothes.
and husband, too. for the matter OF that,
for nothing could be finer than Mr. Bodis-
cos Uniform. 1t is perfectly dazzling In lis
magnifcence, his whole breast glistenin2
with diamonds.
AT II o'clock the crowd rushed in-men.
women and childrcr-a very orderly crowd
the first rush of the sovereign people, came
the ladies with their respective escorts"
Despite the exciting debates In Congress,
social matters were not Gyershadowcd, and
the New Year reception was brilliant one,
and numerous entertainments were given
by the members of The Cabinet. MIR. Adams.
members of Congress and others. Pre5i-
dent Tyler introduced dancing at levees, to
the delight OF his guests. and others foi-
lowed the example. In the last year OF his
term President Ty.er slipped over to New
York and married Miss julia Gardner. who
then became the mistress or the White
House. and presided at numerous functions
there. Among these was parting IN
vtaton ball." given the Pres!dent-elect,
Mr. Polk. but the Illness OF Mrs. Polk pre-
vented his attendance. Nevertheless 1t was
social success The afternoon OF March
3, farewell reception WAS given Mr.. TyIer'
lasting several hours
U.hers I'm President Polk.
Mr.. Polk held an inaugural reception di-
rectly on reaching the mansion. and de-
spite the rain which fc.l. thousands were
present. Mrs. Polk was assisted by Mrs.
Walker. wife OF the private secretary. In
entertaining.
On New Year day. AT. there was pro-
cession of callers which filed past the re-
ceiving party for several hours. and at tho
homes of the Vice President (Mr. Dallas).
the members OF the cabinet and numerous
officials receptions were held. numbers with
tempting refreshments. Though the war
with Mexico was In progress. ana many
officers whose homes were here were In the
field and the debates in Congress were OK
such character as to excite bitter ieei-
ing. there was but little difference manI-
fest in the social circle. Even the Presf-
dent and Mr. Clay 6tned together, and un-
til the death of Mr.. Adams. February 21s
1913, the season was Il gay one.