The age-herald., 1902-01-17
Washington Day by Day

Washington. January 16.-(Specisl)- The South has been paid a gracious com pliment by Mrs. Roosevelt, and one which all Southerners acquainted with the cir- cumstances will appreciate.
 The First Lady of the Land has gladly consented to become patron of the South ern Relief Society's charity ball which will take place in the Arlington Hotel, Washington, or the evening of January 2S.
 Mrs. Howrie. the wife of Judge Howrie of the Court of Cleims and distinguished Misslssippian, is the president of the Re- lief Society this. year. and she asked Mrs. Roosevelt to generously lend the power of her patronage to the ball. Mrs. Cowlos, the presidents sister, who is a near neighbor and friend of Mrs Howrie, spoke of the subject of the Southern ball to the family circle in the White House. Mrs. Roosevelt was instantly rleased to know of Mrs. Howrie's wishes, hut as she had established rule not to allow her name used as, being concerned in any en tertainment of any nature. she appealed to the President, who had not heard his sisters remarks.
 What's that?' he demanded.
 "The ladies Of the Southern Relief So- cicty desire permission to use my name as patron of their call. replied Mrs. Roosevelt.
 "Why. of course you wlll-of course you will-by all means It is a real compli- ment and we certainly can show proper appreciation" said the President.
 Certainly brother, knew you would say that, for you and 1 are half South ern-and the Southern ball Is for chari- ty.' declared Ms. Cowles.
 Thus Mrs. Roosevelt became the patron of the hall-the only instance yet in which she has consented to steEd in that relation to any soci ety entertainment; and as if to give added emphasis to the compliment she and the President readi- ly consented for their daughter, Miss Alice Roosevelt, to become member of the unmarried young womehs committee which is promoting tho interests of the bali. So the Southern charity ball in the Arlington will have the distinction of be- ing attended by the President, Mrs. Roosevelt, and Miss Rroosevelt: an event that will be unique in Washington so ciety.
 Mrs. Howrie. the wife of Judge Howrie. who was appointed to the court of claims by President Cleveland, is herself Flori- da woman and Is one of the most charm ing women in the capital. It was while she was the guest of Mrs. John Hollis Bankhead of Alabama in Washington several years ago that she met Judge IIowrie. Mrs. Bankhead having brought them together. Mrs Howrie has a pri vate fortune in her own right.
 Mrs. Bankhead is the Alabama regent of the Southern Relief Society, and with characteristic spirit of charity and sleep less energy she is doing great work for the coming ball. Her brightness and charming qualities make her most sue cessful.
 The object of the Southern Relief So- ciety which is composed of women of the South, is to relieve the destitute and dis tressed amongst Southern residents in Washington. Unhappily there is more work for the society to do than is imag ined in the South. The very power and wealth of the government operate to create poverty in the nations capital by attracting hither many people who seek official employment without any pos sble reason for hoping to even secure it. Yet they do hope and hang on, plead and plan, and at last face the utter most misery that comes of the twin ter TOTS of desttution and despair.
 Such of us as have been familiar with the real life of this Washington in tI7e past do not need now to learn of the bitter realities of disappointed, broken hearted and wretched seekers after place who haunt the miles-long corridors of the capitol ard feel the pressure of the devil of despair in the shadows flung by the walls of the god-stored treasury; but %%<-e<4%>A-4>>~-