The Washington herald., 1908-03-08


religious matters as well as in
everything else. The Lenten sea
son will not be without social
amusements for those who remain here
at the Capital Much Of the entertaining
may be more or less informal. and most
of the affairs probably not as large as
those Of the gay season.
In the meantime. many take advantage
OF the lull In the social programme 10 HE
them to green fields and pastures new.
seeking rest and recreation in the balny
South. where summer clothes and sum-
mer sports are the order.
Palm Beach. St Augustine Miami. and
Tampa. with temperatures ranging from
10 to 50 degrees. offer unlimited induce
ments TO those who have passed the sea-
son mere in a round Of social gayetieS
that have taxed strength and nerves.
A number of representative people of
the Capital left unusually early this year:
in fact, before Lent began. or these
were the German Ambassador and the
Baroness Won Sternburg, who are now
the guests OF Sir William Van Horn. on
his yacht in Cuban waters.
The Italian Ambassador and the Bar
oness Mayor des Planches. who were
thrown into official court mourning by
the death OF the late King OF Portugal,
look advantage Of their enforced retire
ment from social arairs TO go South.
They have but lately returned from Hs-
vana, and are now making UP for lost
time. and are giving a series of several
dinner parties.
The Spanish Minister. Senor Don Pima.
IS another member of the diplomatic
corps who left the Capital early for
Cuba He wifi sail from Havana Tues
day. and will arrive in New York on
March 10 or 16
Baron Haymerle. of the Austro- Hunga-
rian Embassy. is on a hunting trip in the
neighbOrhOod of Tampa Herr Won Brun-
ing. Of the German Embassy. who accom-
panied him. found the hardships of hunt
ing and life in the open too severe to be
pleasant. and has returned TO Washing
ton.
Mrs. stephen 3. EIklns and her daugh-
ter, Miss Katherine Elkins, have just re-
Gently left the Capital for a visit OF ten
days in Florida.
Other people well known in Washing
ton who are at Palm Beach are AR. and
Mrs, Wayne MacVeagh. Prince Henry de
Croy, who has often been visitor here,
and Mr.. and Mrs. William G. Rocker. OF
the New York colony here last season.
Mr.. Howard Townsend Martin. brother
in-law Of Gen. Rochester, Is also there.
az usual this time Of year. He annually
makes visit TO the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Henry NJ. Flagler. Mr. Flagler.
with Mr.. Martin. has just joined an auto
mobile trip. complimentary 10 Gov. Ma
goon, over the east coast extension.
Not only is the South claiming many
devotees. but the EuroDean-bound steam
er lists are filling UP already for the an
nuaI exodus.
Lady Allan Johnstone, wife Of the
British Minister 10 Denmark. who an
nually makes a visit 10 her home in this
country, and who arrived this year in
Washington Just previous to the death
OF her father, Mr.. James Plnchot. sailed
yesterday for Copenhagen.
Another passenger on the Mauretania
yesterday was Miss Mary Astor Paul Of
Philadelphia. recently much feted guest
in Washington.
Mrs. Mark Hanna, who, with Miss
Phelps. has just returned from a visit IN
Chicago with her daughter, Mrs. Meteor
mick. came by way OF New York.
and is now preparing for a trip to Europe
in April Mrs. Hanna usually goes across
=
remain abroad two months, and on her
return. go, as usual, TO summer in Maine
Meantime, those who remain here for
the Lenten season will not be dull The
entertaining that marks the in-between
seasons is often the pIeasantest of the
year. and the informal luncheons and
dinners are favorites with nearly every
one
OF informal dinners. none are more
popular than those given at the Albi
Club This club. known as the most fash
ionable. II the smallest, has long been a
feature OF social life here. and has well
coined within its walls many distinguish
ed men as visitors.
few choice spirits founded the club
as a supper club some twenty-five years
ago. when they used TO masquerade as
chefs and serve their friends to panned
oysters, grilled bones and griddle cakes.
prepared by themselves. and served from
bare pine tables with the simplest OF
china and paper napkins.
All who enter here, leave rank and
precedence behind" was the motto over
the kitchen door. The motto serves TO
show the spirit OF the club. where infor-
mality marks all the entertaining One
may sit by whom he chooses at table. re-
gardless OF that bette noir Of CAPITAL on
cial life. the question Of precedence.
Apropos OF the rigor of official preced-
ence perhaps a remark made by a we'll
known and well-liked diplomat may not
be out Of place here.
Most Of the diplomats take their posi-
tions and rank seriously. and rightly too.
In the diplomatic service every order Of
rank means something, as does every
rank in the army and navy. Titles Of
foreigners accredited here may mean
nothing to the average American, but 10
them they stand for accomplishment, de-
voton 70 duty, and years of service.
The especial diplomat already referred
to. a minister from a small country in
Europe, said the matter OF precedence
did not bother him much. and he did not
mind where he was seated at table. pro-
vided his hostess was a good prOvider
and the menu did not run short before
the dishes were passed to his end OF the
table
WEDDINGS.