New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-30
WASHINGTON's GAY SEASON
UNDER MRS. RooSEvELTS TACTFUL
LEADERSHIP MANY SOCIAL REFORMS
HAVE BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT.

Washington, May % (SpeciaD.-The gayest season
since the memorable last winter of President Ar
thurs administration has been prolonged until the
summer heat has driven most Of the fashionables
from the capital but its close approaches and
with the departure OF the President and his family
for Oyster Bay all gayeties will cease not TO be
resumed until autumn.
For the first time since Dolly Madisons day the
mistress Of the White House has assumed the lead
in social affairs. and by her knowledge, tact and
persistence is bringing order OF the heterogene
known society. She has introduced
different standards from those that govern the
plutocrats who have hocked to Washington in
recent years and is determined that law OF prece-
dence shall be established which will be univer-
sally recognized and do away with the disputes
that constantly arising between the legislative
and executive branches of the government-disputes
that have been a for public scandal and a
source Of chagrin to the members OF the diplomatic
corps who never know what places will be accorded
them at public functions since the rule ranking
the ambassadors and ministers seems to vary with
the character Of the occasion.
Mrs Roosevelt afiliates with set. but has
brought all the different cliques together at the
White House. and has endeavored to establish an
esprit du corps. So gradually and cleverly. how
ever are these social reforms being brought about
that those concerned viii realize what is taking
place until they have been accomplished. In all of
her social undertakings Mrs. Roosevelt has the CO.
operation of the women of tie Cabinet and their
daughters. and among he main reasons for the
brillancy Of the last season the debut of the
Presidents daughter and the number of the young
women in the Cabinet circle. who inspired gayety
and added piquancy to the most formal official
functions.
Mrs Hay has been long in the public eye.
wife of the Ambassador to London and the Secre-
tary State. that her personality is well known.
She is a handsome, calm, dignified woman whose
experience in official life, wealth and culture emf
nently At her for the important post she occupies
The Secretary of State has only one unmarried
daughter, Alice. and her engagement has already
been announced, but until the marriage OF her
elder daughter to Mr.. Whitney few months ago
Mrs HAY had the assistance Of both her daughters,
who lghtened her labOrs and contributed to the
popularity of her household. Mrs Whitney is one
of the most brilliant among the younger authors
Of the day, but Alice Hay was never overshadowed
by her more talented sister, for she has strong
individuality, sunny temperament, and if she has
not inherited her fathers gift for writing, she has
his quick wit and readiness at repartee. The
younger daughter of the Secretary of State bears
striking resemblance TO her mother She has the
same dark. glossy hair which surrounds in pretty
lines low forehead; the hhe eyes, clear COM
plexion and resolute mouth. denotng character and
will. AS girl Alice Hay something of
rornp. but since her debut three years
she has become much more mature, more reserved
in her manner. and the expression of her face is
serious rather than gay
The wife of the Secretary of the Treasury
one of the most popular women in Iowa when her
husband occupied the Governors chair. Her big
heart and motherly ways put her at once in accord
with whoever came the Governors home.
whether on social official matters, and she
never too busy TO lend a to any in want
or trouble Mrs Shaw is a large, fine looking
woman She dresses richly and is quite much
At home in the cosmopolitan life at the capital
she was in the more limited circle Of Des Moines.
Since coming 10 Washington the Shaws have lived
al one OF the uptown hotels but next winter they
will OCCUPY the house of former Commissioner of
Pensions Evans, which they have recently leased.
Secretary Shaw has attractive daughters,
the younger of whom is still in school Miss Shaw,
who accompanied her parents to Washington when
her father took up the important portfolio resigned
by Mr. Gage, is young woman Of sterling worth
Of the Hawkeye State, she had some social ex
perience before coming TO the capital and was in a
measure prepared for the duties that devolve upon
the women of Cabinet Minister'S family-dutes
that are most exacting and onerous 10 any one
lacking social talent and training. Miss Shaw is
a beautiful woman. but her face shows intel
lectuality and character. and she has gentle dis
position and rare gifts Of mind.
When Eer husband was called to Mr.. Mckinley
position rather reluctantly. but one has been
conscientious in their performance. more
successful The wife of the Secretary of War is
little woman, with refined features a pleasant
voice and much social tact, and is generally popu-
lar with the army officers who frequent her home.
Nrs. Roots only daughter Edith is Miss Roose-