The Washington times., 1903-07-04
WHITE HOUSE BELLE
OFSLONG AGO IS DEAD
Mrs. Harriet Lane John
stOn'S Eyentful Career.
JAMES 6 BUCHANAN'S NIECE

Mrs. Harriet Lane Johnston. niece Of
President Buchanan and mistress Of the
White House. during his administration,
died at Narragansett Pier late Thursday
night. The body will be taken to Balti-
more on Monday and buried beside that
OF her hus band and children.
Charming and beautiful Harriet
Lane. as Mrs. Johnston was known
while pres t1ing over the Executive Man
sion and prior to her marriage. was
more widely known throughout the
United Stakes and in foreign countries
than any ether young woman who occu-
pied g similar position.
The last notable event in which she
figured was the coronation Of King Ed
ward VII, and while in London was the
guest of the sovereign OF the British
Empire. Strangely enough, she was also
conspicuous figure at the ceremonies
when QUEEN Victoria was invested with
the crown. At that time she was OF the
household iof her uncle, who was then
minister 10. the court OF st. James.
Ente rtained Prince of Wales.
Another notable event in the career of
Harriet Lane was her entertaining Of
Lord ReIEfrew," the Prince of Wales
and now King on his visit TO this couR-
try. more ithan forty years ago. AS mis-
tress Of tlAe White House she acted as
hostess to- the distinguished visitor.
Mrs. Johnston was born in 1881, and
was the youngest daughter OF James
Buchanan'B sister From early child
hood she had been a favorite OF her
uncle. ami was invited TO preside over
the Executive Mansion while still in her
twenties
When Buchanan was sent TO London
as minister to the Court OF St James
his niece accompanied him, and was ac-
cepted as the mistress Of the legation.
Her social success was instantaneous.
She quickly became a reigning belle. and
was looked upon as one Of the most
beautiful women in court circles
Queen Vkzoria was captivated with her
charming personally.
'EOrd Renfrew's" Visit.
AS mistress Of the White House dur
ing Buc hanan's administration his
niece wasi the center OF a series OF
elaborate social functions. Chief among
these wasH the reception to Lord Rem
rev" nsevent OF great importance in
the sociaE history Of the country.
Lord foenfrew's' visit to the United
States took place IN 1850. and although
the CLOUDS Of war were hanging over
the country. not the slightest intima
ton OF the threatened outbreak was
given hiHI Three days ne remained as
the question the President.
Miss Lane was then twenty-nine years
old. beautiful. winsome, and charming.
She received the visiting Prince in the
famous Ehst Room. The same evening
he led hiiafair hostess 10 a state dinner
and sat asSher right hand. The remain
ing days of the royal guests visit wero
also mar Ted by elaborate affairs.
Married at Wheatland.
At the expiration OF Buchanan's term
Miss Lame returned to WheatIand tho
beautiful country seat OF the President
Two years before her uncle's death in
1S6S. she became the bride Of Henr,
Elliot 10 Enston. a lawyer OF Baltimora
The wed'hn took place at wheatIand
one cold morning In January. and ,yss
attended by guests from far and near
After i3uchanan's death. Mrs. Johns
ton madei Wheatland her summer homo
though baltimore became her principal
place OF residence. The Johnston resi-
dence in Washington. at Eighteenth and
! streets.3 was at the time OF its cree
ton one iof the most beautiful dwell.
ings In ti,e National Capital. The style
of furniture Is characteristic of IN,
period cfi1s50. while the house is deco.
rated vi IN rare mementos gathered
during B'pchanan's tenure of Office.
The death Of Mrs. Johnston I,
mourned by large circle Of friends IN
Washington.