The Washington herald., 1907-04-07
MRS. SWANSON TO PRESIDE
Governors Wife Will Be EXPOSE
tons Official Hostess.
Nature Has Fitted Her EminentIy
for the ROle-Is Very Popular
in Richmond.

As LilG eyes Oh Ali6 MDfAu are EUAEEn~
trating more and more upon the James
town Exposition. interest must naturally
center about the hostess of that vast re-
ception-around her who as first daughter
of the Old Dominion will extend to the
world the gracious hospitality of Virginia.
Never was fate more propitious than in
the placing of Mrs. Claude A. Swanson
in the executive mansion at this hour.
says a Richmond dispatch 10 the Phila-
nor Of the State. Mrs. Swanson is ex-of-
ficio hostess OF the exposition. and will
preside at the opening of the exposition
and upon other gala occasions.
Mrs. Swanson was .diss Lizzie d. Lyons,
one Of a trio OF sisters who are widely
known as the Three Graces of Virginia. q"
Her 81 hood was spent in the historic
little village of Ashland, the birthplace
of Henry Clay. Mr.. Claude A. Swanson
College. reading law at night and during
leisure hours.
1t may well be imagined that when
there became a question OF the law or the
lady, the leisure hours became less fire.
quent. for Miss Lyons charms proved
supremacy potent. Leaving his heart at
her feet. Mr.. Swanson set forth TO hew
out his way and make for himself fame
and fortune. What his success has been
the world already knows Born in Chat
ham, Va, his boyhood was that OF the
farmers lad. Hard study IN the face Of
much self-denial gained his education and
his admission 10 the bar.
A brilliant speaker, man Of indomita-
bic energy. superb pluck and untiring
industry. gifted withal with subtlest
tact. he has achieved his position by
hard work. but "an the world loves a
lover" and, like the knights of old, his
lady's name has been closely interviewer
with his country in his motto, and his
lady's colors have inspired him to his
best work.
Mr.. Swanson was inaugurated COVER
nor Of Virginia in 1885, As Mrs. Swan
son was then in mourning, the executive
mansion remained closed to large func-
lions until January, 1907. when a large
reception was given, and the people Of
Richmond for the first time had an op-
portunity to measure her capacity IN
the role Of hostess.
She IS eminently fitted for her role
Young. beautiful, with superb and grace
full figure. she is physically an orna-
ment to any drawing-room. Success and
adulation have had no power to mar her
unaffected sweetness and gracious simpiic-
ity, and the people Of Richmond mingle
with their admiration some OF the affec-
ton and the pride one feels in a personal
possession. so that whether she rides be-
hind her Kentucky thoroughbreds or
strolls with Mr.. Swanson after his days
work, she Is everywhere greeted with
qualification and enthusiasm. She may
be httingly termed the Mrs. Cleveland Of
Richmond.
The executive mansion reflects the
character of its mistress. The main house
has never been changed since its erection;
the recent legislature, however, appTO-
priateds a sum of money. for the improve
ment of the mansion and the addition of
"a new dining-room, and the result is a
monument to Mrs. SwansOn's taste and
discretion.
At a recent meeting of the legislature
Mrs. Swanson was officially named hostess /
of the exposition. AS Mrs. Swanson is |
noted for her exquisite taste in dress. as
well as her charm as a hostess, consid- /
cradle anxiety has been aroused in the
minds of the feminine constituency as
to the costumes provided for the ocea-
sion. Many of her exquisite gowns are
modelled after her own design, as she is
an artist of no mean ability. One of her
favorite pastimes is china painting, and
q beautifully decorated dinner set and
fish service, together with a dessert set. !
among the china at the executive man
sion bear witness to her talent.
Visitors 10 the capitol are always Inn |
pressed with the gracious charm of Mrs /
SWansOn's personality and are fam 10 /
vote with the people Of Virginia Never /
has the mansion known 50 fair ehate- 1
lalne"