The Washington herald., 1907-01-13
THE SOCIAL LAW
BY THE ARBITER
BY THE ARBITER.

The social standard and demands at
the Capital have converted visiting, in
the official circles. at least from what i
should be, a pleasure. to what IT should
never become, a duty. Fortunately, how
ever. the rules governing the making
and paying Of visits are SO definite, so
practical, and so sensible. that formal
calling is reduced to its simplest equa-
ton, and requires, on the part Of those
who constitute society, knowledge OF the
system only and strength 10 meet its re-
quirements. The general observance Of
reception days simpiifies the whole ques-
ton and makes it possible for society
women to meet their obligations.
The reception days. as established by
custom. are Monday for the court circle,
which includes the local, well as the
Supreme Court; Tuesday for wives OF
members of Congress, Wednesday for the
Cabinet, Thursday for the Senatorial cir
Gle, and Friday for the residents. Sat
urday was formerly reserved for the wife
Of the president, but since the abolish
ment OF the weekly receptions at the
White House, the last day OF the week
has not been allotted to any one and is
a free afternoon.
The rules governing visiting at the Capt.
tai differ essentially from those of other
American cities, and resemble more the
customs of foreign capitals Here, as
there. newcomers are expected to make
the first call on those already established
This may seem inhospitable, judged by
provincial standards. but It is really an
advantage, since it gives new arrivals the
privilege Of choosing their friends.
There is no invitation necessary for Wis
iting official houses, but a stranger would
not be expected to enter the home of a
resident family without being introduced
by some friend or an acquaintance Of the
family. Take, for instance. the wife Of a
new member Of Congress, who desires to
establish herself at the Capital She
would Immediately leave her cards at the
White House, her cards meaning those
OF herself and her husband, and son or
daughter If they are accepted IS being ia
society. Following the performance of
this obligation, she would call on the
ladies Of the Cabinet and on the Sena-
tors and Members from her State This
would certainly give her an acquaintance
with the women residents Of the Capital
who are more OF less known in official
circles.
Il Is much to be regretted that It was
found necessary TO abolish the public
receptions az the White House, for these
functions were among the p!easantest
and most unique associated with the Cap
itaL But in later years the privilege OF
calling at the White House was so abused
that Il was necessary to do away with
the privilege. At the last reception Al
which Mrs. Cleveland presided. for in
stance, the crowd was so great that il
was impossible TO accommodate IL, anc
visitors were let out through the windows
and by way Of the basement Mrs
I Cleveland, who was the most amiable 81
t hostesses. graciOusly shook hands witt
/ all her callers, and in consequence wal
+ laid up for number Of days with
wounded hand. due entirely 10 her kind
ness in that regard. This reception. nota
I ble In many ways did away with III
/ public receptions al the White House
which were instituted during Washing
/ tons administration. and would doubles
. have been indefinitely continued but 70
/ the increase Of population and establish
+ ment Of different standards. Il must no
/ be supposed. however. that the wife o
. the President IS any less accessible 70 tn
/ public than formerly. for Mrs. Roose
( welt most Hospitality and amiabIy receive
all who are properly introduced.
I II Is frHrrrrr-I,-~4T
men who belong to the official circle. {
call upon the wife of the President an
their card should be left at the Whit
/ House as soon as convenient after thei
arrival in Washington. This formal visi
Is Immediately taken note Of by Mr..
Roosevelt. or her secretary, and an invi
tation is sent appointing q definite tim
for calling, or an invitation TO some fun.
ton. As heretofore stated. Mrs. Roose
Welt returns no visits. Il would. obvious
ly- be impossible for her 20 acknowIedg
in person all calls made upon her. bu
she recognizes these courtesies in som
definite way.
The demands Of life at the Capital max
il necessary for social obligations 10 b
promptly met A first call, for instanc,
should be returned within three days:
week at the utmost limit, and an eS
change OF calls should be followed by fl
vitations to some formal function. whic
answers the purpose Of a call. and put
the person receiving il under obligation
TO make a return visit There is no NOR
acceptable way of acknowledging visit
than 20 give the annual tea. inviting all q
ones friends, which cancels all social Oh
legations. Ii is not necessary to retur
this courtesy by a visit, although puncti
ious people invariably do so. After a Ger
tury Of dickering over their place in III
social world, il is generally conceded tha
the Senate shall receive first visits froI
all departments of the government, exceE
the President and his family. For ir
stance. the Cabinet. the judiciary. an
members Of Congress all make the initi5
visit upon the Senate, which claims #
prerogative because 1t confirms all thes
Offices. and although the change in tn
succession TO the Presidency has give
the Cabinet d different rating the Senat
has refused in this regard 10 recogniz
their superior position, so following II
recognized standard, the President shoul
be called upon first, the Senate secont
and the Cabinet, judiciary, and member
of Congress in their relative positions.
Cd Question: Does Miss Cannon enjoy the san
privileges as she would if she we're the wife. i
stead Of the daughter, Of the Speaker?
Answer: Yes. IN this regard America
customs differ radically from those thu
obtain in Europe. 1t is rare in Englan
or on the Continent 10 accord the san