The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-09

modelled after the modern ones. The old washingtonian has a curiously critical way offviewing the newcomers. is charm | ingly civil, always polite, calls after due consideration, for calling is the breath Of | life to a Washington woman, but she does rot descend from her pedestal until she is very sure whether 1t Is well worth her while. She does not yield up her in- dependence, nor does the visiting woman, either, and now the question is who will really gain the upper hand.
 Washington the Mecca.
 People from other cities who possess great wealth want chance to spend it.. and to them Washington is the Mecca to which they have been striving for many years Often political prominence brings them here, but within the last year 1t has been noticed that there have been many people who have taken a prominent part in society and who were not brought here by any political interest. These join forces with the New Workers in instituting all manner- of new and luxurious fads. more formality Of life and at the same time much more informali- ty, and while boasting of their independ- ence, in the minds of "caxe dwellers, are identified with them.
 To the outsider it is almost a race war that Is in progress. but friendly one, and if there be bitterness 1t Is most suc- cessfully hidden under good breeding and social tact In years gone by Washington was like a large village; every one knew every one that was any one; the intercourse was frequent and the general entertain ment much simpler. There were pig balls and gorgeous receptions. to which every one went But one could also spend many evenings over the tea table. with cakes sandwiches and punch. en- joy 1t heartily and even have the same struggle for an invitation.
 It was quite the thing to take an even ing a week. and especially in Lent. The wife of the present Secretary Of State Mrs. John Hay. took four Mondays, when, after dining at various houses, the guests assembled and spent an hour or two most delightfully."-.
 Mrs. Loring's Salon"
 Mrs. George B. Loring was also cele- brated for her Saturday nights. when every one went from 10 to F. and where one found the most distinguished politi- clans. highest diplomats and most promi- nent citizens gathered for an hour or two of relaxation.
 The town has been turned into verit- able winter Newport. with hugh houses that are occupied for three or four months in the winter when the mad rush for gayety dinners and balls occupies their time Then a hurried exodus to the winter resorts or Europe Houses are closed and servants turned loose-for the servant question is a great problem, es- pecially in Washington. Originally the wages were low. Consequently one found servants leaving at a moments notice for more money.
 It was d distressing state of affairs. so the .cave dweller' in many cases deter mined to turn the stranger to account.
 This method was to rent their houses china, silver, linen and servants, all in cluded-at a high rate of interest, then take a smaller houses fin another part of the town or go South for the winter.
 Of course. one must pay for the luxury of a perfectly appointed house and the family servants. but that is a minor con- sideration.
 One faithful old colored butler remark ed. who went with the house," when it was rented to a rich nonresident I'm mighty glad you're back. Miss Sallie. for I had a powerful hard time teaching them new folks how the quality live" and the old family coachman grown gray in service: "I don't know what kind of people live in that fine new house, but the coachmen are real ristocrats.
 Dinners are now the principal form of entertainment, and if one is at all popu- lar scarcely q meal is taken in his own house during the season. unless to return hospitaIity As a young man remarked: :: .'If he had had an idea he would be in such demand, he would have engaged a room without meals. and so have saved money"