The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-07
Getting Into Society.
Baltimore American.

Baltimore American.
But the mystery OF those whose great
ness I'm social matters seems to be thrust
upon them gives rise to the question: How
did the So and Sos get in7' They are not
particularly attractive, they have no fam
fly backing. even wealth. the important
factor OF much success. is not theirs TO any
great extent. Doubtless In most cases where
such persons have attained a good and
strong position. IL is due TO the fact that
they have attracted influential people, who
have taken fancy TO them for some rea-
son and thus their greatness has been in a
measure thrust upon them.
Such a problem was under discussion
st a luncheon recently. and one of the
women, who really knew society from TO
Il. having inherited a good name. and be-
longing To a prominent family, yet who
was broad and democratic enough to see
both fun and good in many sets and cliques,
declared that she did not believe that
money alone ever took people everywhere,
for there would be always some closed
doors TO mere wealth. unless IL was the set
ting 10 other and better things. Clever
ness aud tact were the qualities far more
essential 10 rise in position than filthy
lucre. though naturally that would enable
those gifts TO shine with greater advan-
tage. Said She Were | rich and UNI
known. yet felt / was entitled 20 something
from having a good education and natural
brightness, i would go about social mat
tiers very SLOWLY, ana IN SuCn manner
that no one could charge me with hav-
Ing pushed or scuffied I'm my aim for socie-
~ honors. Now. supposing my means were
unlimited. the first thing that / would do
would be To buy one. perhaps. two
houses In the most fashionable locality,
through "A smart broker. "A woman instead
OF man, for III she took a fancy TO me
she could help me socially. i would then
pull down entirely my purchase and have
built by the best architect i'm the country
g beautiful modern house, spacious and
comfortable, but not OVerhearing I'm style.
i would keep myself completely I'm the
background. 50 there would be a mystery
at least about my appearance and person
ality. During the time that my house was
building I would interest myself quietly
and unostentatiously In all the popular char
tiles. the great schemes for the city,
adornment, and IN some educational fea-
ture OF the community so as 10 endear
myself by reputation with the really best
things. l would never be loud either in my
actions or my dress. / would never ask
a single person 20 my house who had not
called nrst or shown me some attention.
i woIld never allow myself 10 be swamped
by midile-clasS people. who naturally would
be the first 10 recognize that I might be-
come a social power. / would be polite and
courteous always. but never intimate with
them / would act as II society meant
nothing 10 me. and that home life and the
towns true interests We're what appealed
u me. Then, depend upon IL. before | had
beer settled long IA my new home the
smartest aud most desirable people would
visit me- Stil pursuing my policy OF dig
nifty, and going slowly, / would make no
end greatness would be thrust upon me
with no apparent desire for IT,"
The listeners were thrilled and decided
unanimously that such cleyerness, COM