The National tribune., 1902-09-04
THE HARRISON ADMINISTRATION.

When President Harrison's Admins
tration began the office-seekers crowded in
as usual. There We're numerous plums.
and the longest pole knocked the plums.
A great many went away disappointed
and with long faces. Others went away
happy, for they had gained the prizes.
The routine Of drawing room receptions
and soirees went right along during the
Administration, and everything passed off
very pleasantly indeed.
Mrs. Harrison took lessons in painting.
She would go out into the conservatory
and spend great deal Of time in painting
orchids on china. She became quite pro-
fcient. and did some beautiful work.
During the Harrison Administration
Mrs. Mckee gave ball in the East Room
for the young ladies and gentlemen of her
acquaintance. The room was decorated
very nicely, and it was a swell affair.
Everything passed off charmingly. and
everybody, when the ball was over, seemed
to be happy. That was the second and
last ball that was ever given in the White
House.
"Baby Mckee" seemed to be one of the
principal personages in the White House.
On one occasion there was a grand mu-
sicale given in the East Room by the ''Bell
Ringers" The family all assembled and
listened very attentively. ''Baby McKee,
was with the President, and he made up
his mind he was too far away from the
music. so he broke away from the Presi-
dent and started over nearer the music
although the President tried hard to keep
him back. Evidently young Baby Me
Kee" was boss. for it was Illustrated on
that particular occasion.
There were dinner parties and recep.
tions, such as are customary at the White
House. and going out dining. and so on
In the latter part of the Administration
Mrs. Harrison was taken quite sick. She
was taken ont of the city, and up into
the mountains Of New York State. but
in the month of September they brought
her home aga;n: she had wasted away
very much. It was during this period
that the Grand Army of the Republic as
sembled in this city for its Annual En-
campment. The President had given or
ders TO let them pass all through the Par
lors. They kept coming all day until mid
night. and this continued unit! everybod,
had sosn all through the House.
1t was during this Administration tina
Secretary Tracy's wife and daughter ant
the daughters maid were burned TO death
Mrs. Tracy jumped cut of the third-stor,
window to escape the fire, and was killed
Two minutes later they rescued Secretar,
Tracy. II they hadn't come upon tn
scene Just when they did. he would hav
been dead. as he was unconscious whe
rescued. Their home was entirely de
L
have Mrs. Tracy and Miss Tracy brough
over TO the White House. and their re
mains laid in state in the East Room, un
der the center chandelier. The arrange
ments were made for the funeral to tax
place from the East Room, and in tn
meantime. the President had had th
Secretary brought over to the Mansion
He had returned to consciousness, and
was given the best of medical attentio
by the skilled physicians of the Nav!
Poor Mr.. Tracy came down to the funers
service. 1t was an exceedingly sad sigh
When everything was ready to remove tn
remains from the White House. he was S
completely crushed and overcome that tn
President had TO take his arm and hay
him taken up to bed.
During the Harrison Administration
DIR. Scott. the father of Mrs. Harrison
died in the White House, in the 93d yea
of his age. Mrs. Harrison continued sicl
some days she would rally and feel littl
better. but finally she grew worse agar
About B O'Clock in the morning, on one o,
casion, while she was i'll, she was suffel
ing great deal of pain in her side. Mos
fsthe servants had gone home, and all til
rest of the help about the house wa
asleep, with the exception of her dressing