The Washington times., 1904-11-27

IT. HERE may be some cities in
America that maintain social
circles with the paramount OBJ
Ject OF affording entertainment
and pleasure for their members; there Is
no city that is 10 be compared 10 Wash
ington in the matter of reducing the
rules and regulations governing hospi-
tality 10 an exact science. IL is not
going zoo far 10 say that no city In
the world presents as many complicated
problems for the consideration OF
hostess who is venturing for the first
time on a frenzied pursuit OF the phan-
toms OF social triumphs as does the
capital OF a nation founded on theories
OF equality and dreams OF simplicity.
In European capitals there are ira
ditions and presidents which have oh
tanned for centuries to govern every
variety Of entertainment. In Washing
ton standards change with the admins
tratiOns and what may be considered
good form in one season is obsolete the
next Many political fortunes have been
wrecked at a single dinner. and more
than one successful politician is in
debted 10 the tact and good judgment
Of his vile rather than TO hIs own
abilities and talents. The questions of
nat 10 10 anu WHIT NOT 10 90 tdNElE
themselves into a knot more intricate
than that tied by the Phrygian king
which yielded only 10 the keen sword OF
the conqueror OF Asia.
Recent years have added new compu-
cations 10 the already hopeless situa-
ton with a frequency that is madden
ing. When ambassadors were accred-
tied 10 the American Capital the ques-
ton OF relative rank between them and
the Vice President Of the United States
became acute. and was only settled az
ter long and prayerful consultations
among the Assistant Secretaries Of
State. and after serious possibilities had
arisen 20 threaten the entente cordiale
between this Government and friendly
powers.
Car Reeds Ukase.
Speaker Reed raised the question Of
his right 10 rank the ambassadors,
claiming that he was the head OF a
branch Of the republican form OF gov
eminent and should be recognized next
20 the Executive. The position he took
was followed by Speaker Henderson,
who insisted strenuOusIy on the point
But as Mrs. Henderson spent very little
time in Washington, the friction was
considerably Iessened. Up 10 the pres
ent time MI Cannon has not taken q
decided stand, but il IS in his power 10
renew the turmoil that was created dur
ing the reign Of Gar Reed The fact
that Mr. Cannon has not remarked also
simplifics the situation considerably.
on the theory that the monarch OF a
country D. represented in this Republic
by the trinity Of the executive. legis-
lative, and judicial branches of our
form OF government, the Chief Justice
Of the Supreme Court Of the United
States is entitled 10 rank the ambas-
sadors. The ambassadors do not yield
this point. and maintain that the Presi-
dent should be considered the sole head
of the nation. and that they should re-
ceive consideration next 10 him.
Customs of European Capitals.
Their position Is quite tenable. They
point 10 the customs and usages OF the
courts OF 81. James. of Madrid. and of
ST Petersburg There the ambassadors
are considered the personal representa-
lives Of the monarchs Of their countries
ana are seated II state dinners imme-