Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1908-12-06
By MRS. JOHN X. LOGAN.

Washington, Dec. 5.--upOn the ms tress of the White House depends the social popularity of the administra- aion. be she the wife or relative chos- on by the president to preside in the executive mansion.
 Presidents personally unpopular Nave been redeemed from the odium of the people by the usefulness and sagreeableness of the woman who dis ,pensed the Inequalities of the presi- aential home.
 After careful personal observation and having no desire to criticise. am constrained to say that the glor- ious women in the past have not been equalled by her successors in these latter days. The genuine cordiality and unhesitating manifestations of happiness in their position made them anxious to put people at their ease and to show that they appreciated the fact that their soiourn in the pres dents honse,as the nations hostess, was in the order of thing necessarily brief. Absence of stiffness and undue ceremony in their reception of people was much more in keeping with the republican principles that are sup posed to perIpeate all social as well as political affairs.
 The population has increased great Gy and probably so many demands are now made upon the first lady of the land that she cannot give time to cessors. AS far back as the days of Harriet Lane, when one desired to present friends ai the White House to pay their respects, it was customary 10 write note asking the lady of the White House to name an hour when it would be convenient for her 'sf an instance ill the past when a re- ply was not sent immediately. desig mating the time it would be conyen- fent. When the party arrived they Round the hostess awaiting them eith- 1T i'll the blue or red room, according 10 the number and importance of the cordial welcome, if the party was not too numerous, they were urged to be seated. Few were impolite enough to Drolong their stays beyond Uw mo- nents, after which they took their leave without being made to feel shat they were bores or that the host ass had condescended to confer upon shem an inestilnable favor by receiv- ing them
 The Saturday afternoon receptions from three to tive, held at the White House until & few years ago. were among the most delightful social func- tions in that stately old mansion The house was always beautifully decor ated. The marine band occupied the east end of the corridor. while the callers. ladies and gentlemen, took their places in line. according to the hour of their arrival. and marched across the west end of the corridor through the red room to be presented to the hostess. who stood near the entrance of the blue room usually thanked by bevy of bright women, who assisted in welcoming cordially all the callers, including the most diff fdent who desired to pay their re- spects The people wandered through the series of drawingrooms, out through the Conseryatories, all enjoy ing the genuine hospitality extended to them. Little pleasantries were ex- changed. delightful acquaintances were made which often ripened into permanent friendships, and not ia're- auently assisted on these char ming occasions, know that the hostess en- ioyed them as much as the guests
 Mrs. Hays was probably the most diplomatic and altogether char nS mistress the White House has ,ver lad. Her incomparable simp' 'ty and graciousness of manner. if H. lelligence and warm heart ode her approachable by the humble. KS well IS the most pretentious.
 The dinners. including the conven- tional state dinners, which are sub- ject to many additions to the eligible official list, were without exception superb affairs and were always cook. ed in the White House kitchen, cater CTS occasionally furnishing some spe. sial course.
 The evening receptions from Grant to Harrison surpassed in floral decor. ations and other appointments any fhing of recent years.
 Experience has proven that tht president and his family, who are thu simplest in their way of living ant most unpreteutious in all respects ar,