Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-06-12

Ihcfe now appears 10 LS more IMAM
a possibility that Mrs. Helen Heron
Taft will soon be "the first lady OF the
land" which is by some thought to
be the greatest gift that country or
husband can bestow. The wife Of the
secretary Of war is already spoken of
in certain circles as the next mis-
tress of the White House" and the
social world Is eager TO know about
her foibles and her fancics. her tenn
permanent and her appearance.
My first Impression of Mrs. Taft
was formed on an Indian summer day
at the Yokohama Hatoba. The Taft
party arrived on the Minnesota. which
had just dropped anchor out in the
bay. They were to be the Japanese
Emperor's guests. The seaside city
was a futtcr of sun flags and gay
kimonocd children swarming at the
waters rim like little butterflies with
human faces. The long columned
arChway. wound in white and scarlet
the national colorS-had been erect
ed an hour before. A Japanese wei
come Is one that causes Il catch in
my throat. NOR In my heart. IL
thrills MY every sense with its palpi-
tant color and charm. The music be-
gan: the general commotion announc-
ed that the party was coming. l for
get mysclf-my irritatingly unbsCOm-
ing hat. my last years gown-in the
monetary excitement. We who had
been several seasons in Japan didn't
look like daily hints from Paris
Mrs. Taft stepped ON land ahead O:
the secretary. Her smart, green. tail
or-madc suit was girlishly short. and
her small. snug hat had Frcnchy
air She was gracious In her greet
ing. but was hurried away to the spe-
cial reception to be held at one o. nc
hotels. That night our emb;is.sy din
ed with the SScretry and Mrs. Taft
at Shila Palace. where they received
the committee of recc pt,On and mem
berS Of the imperial household. AS
Mrs. Taft stood in the center of the
drawing room, beside the secretary, |
was impressed with her dignity and
self possession. Her long white satin
Princess gown. with its Greek bands
of silver. made her look even taller
than her five feet seven. Her dark,
slightly waving hair was cooled high
on her head. Her grayishblue eyes
looked straight at one when she spoke.
and her contraltO laugh was attrac-
tive. Having been twice in Japan,
she received many old friends. and
asked of the absent ones with sur
prising recollection, for Japanese
names must puzzle even the natives,
some are so long and difficult.
During dinner Mrs. Taft was the
center of all feminine eyes. and 1t was
easy to see that she was well fitted
for official life. She seemed never at
a loss for conversation. On her right
she chatted in French, and on her LETT
she sometimes recalled phrase she
had learned in Japanese, to the great
delight of the native listener.
Afterward, on the veranda. whcn
nearly all the guests were gone. the
remaining ones watched the full moon
come up out of the SEA over the palace
garden. The secretary joined us anu
agreed that il was a most romantic
night. and asked Nellie" his diminu-
tive for Mrs. Taft. to sing his favorite
song, and it was charming to see ms
appreciation when she and General
Edwards. the secretary's Official aid.
began singing THE Road to Manda-
lay"
At every social affair all through
Russia Mrs Taft, next to her nus
band. was the dominant spirit. Her
individuality interested the Russians
her manner charmed them and her
alert pleasure in everything fatfsrcd
them. She noted contrasts One hour
she enjoyed the roya! ballet with the
governor general OF Moscow. another
she went shopping in the Thieves
Market where the underworld laughs
and NAV he preparing deadly bonn
for the governor before the dawn. Al
ter passing through the country shI
nrobably knows more about II than
mos, women would IL they should
spend a year there. In ST. PeterspnIs
tho ministers found her with wen
formed opinions regarding Russia anu
upon any topic of acute interest.
Mrs Taf, has originality and ini'ia
tive hut she has never dablfed IN the
shoals of ";sms." She, is a great reau
or and one of her favorite authors i
George Eliot. Her sense OF humor u
az keen as a mans. 7 believe men
generally claim a monopoly OF humor
Mrs Taft has never made the mis-
take of letting her husband outSros
her in his interests. She Is iHiormen
ON ali subjects that interest him o'
,n,,ch his career. u will" a. she
caJIs the big war secretary. becomes
interested in some dry-as-dust classic
or some scholarly treatise on heaven
lnoxs what. she immediately studies
nm q. the same thing and just whcr
he might wish some broadminded mar
woyId drop in to discuss those SUB
;.c,x his wife begins to give her view
Of them. This is one Of the secret;
~ comradeShip between man am
wife. and Mrs. Taft has solved II. Sh'
h,s no, only his love and care, bh'
his admiration and respect.
Nevertheless. Mrs. Taft Is thor
ourhiy wcII.drc<scd woman. Her "n'
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