The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-18
FAST SOCIAL PACE.
President Gives Big Dinners and
LuncheOns Weekly.

Washington, Feb. 18-Col. Bingham's
remark in his letter to congress, ex-
planning why it viii cost $50. 600 instead
Of the usual $4,000 to maintain the
White House next year, that the presi-
dent does more entertaining than any
OF his predecessors. is fully borne out
by the facts, although the attempts
made BY some members Of congress to
show that the president is using gov
eminent money for his hospitality is
unjust and untrue.
The $4,000 will pay for the up-keep
of the White House-the service, the
linen the china the flowers. the new
furniture. the fuel and all that. The
president pays for the food and drink
out of his own pocket.
Even with none but the food and
drink items to pay for, the president
viii have little of his salary left when
he goes out Of office, if he continues TO
entertain as lavishly as he has done
since he returned from Oyster Bay last
fall.
Since the president and Mrs. Roose-
welt opened the remodeled White House,
there has never been a day that friends
have not enjoyed their hospitality
Mrs. RoOsevelt's illness is due TO the
terrific strain of her extraordinary So
Cial duties.
Since Thanksgiving there has not been
a day when President Roosevelt has not
entertained a large house party
In this connection there is a good
story. At the Cockrell breakfast in hon
or Of the newly wed Mr.. and Mrs Edison
Gallaudet- President Roosevelt fell into
conversation with the hostess and aunt
of the bride.
The lady regretted that there were no
good hotels in Washington, and waxed
eloquent in defense of her theme. ThB
( president listened and then exclaimed.
NO good hotels in Washington. You
must be mistaken. madame. Surely you
have never stopped at the White
House"
In the last few weeks the president
entertained as house guests upwards of
200 persons.
The lavish entertainment at the White
house does not halt at parties Of two,
four six or even eight persons at a
/ time. but has included the greatest
number Of musicales. at homes, dinners,
/ luncheons and converse ziones ever at
/ tempted BY any host or hostess in this
city.
/ Besides the three state dinners and the
/ five state receptions, there have been SIN
elaborate musicales and cards are now
out for three more.
These musicales are always preceded
/ by dinner TO from Is to 20 guests and
are always followed by a supper at
which all Of the 800 to 500 guests are
served with light refreshments.
At the White House this does not
mean that the guest is handed the ira
dltional cup of weak bouillon and a
wafer
The president and Mrs Roosevelt
offer their guests dainty reDast not
to be exceeded for elegance or plenty in
( the home Of the richest nabob Of the
city
AT least three times week the presi-
dent and Mrs. Roosevelt invite from a
/ dozen to Is persons to luncheon. In ad-
ditiou, the president gives at least five
elaborate dinners each week
Mrs Roosevelt has given five large
4 afternoon receptions. to which about l.
200 guests were specially invited by card
on each occasion. and with these went
a dainty collation.. never stingily served
and repiete with delicate and costly
food.
The president and Mrs Roosevelt sell
/ dom accept invitations to dinner. but
they have found time amid this whirl
of hospitality to dine with each of the
cabinet families and with Senators
4 Lodge and Hanna and to be present IL
4 the public banquet to Judge Harlan and
4 on the occasion OF the T. NJ. c. A.
I jubilee.