The Washington herald., 1908-03-08
SOCIAL FEUD DINCABINET
Jeaoues Aroused by the Successes of Mrs George Won L.
Meyer Wife of Postmaster General-An End to
Good Old Days of Intimacy.


returning national hospltalities. was in
attendance upon the Meyers. Their ac-
qaaintapce, IL is true. had it's origin in
the dukes native land and had progressed
TO very friendly footing. Hence the
preference for the Meyer entertainments.
which were topics OF conversation not
only in Washington. but also created a
stir In Boston, where the entire party
went for several weeks.
The most recent visitor Of note who has
accepted the hospitality of the Meyers is
the Hon Violet Vivian. who enjoys the
distinction of being quoted in the news
papers as the English authority on ciga-
rette smoking among women. The Hon.
Violet has been entertained in style be-
fitting an earl's daughter by her hosts
and their friends. and enlisted the usual
amount OF attention at the Congressional
reception at the White House by her Sc
verely plain and essentially English man
ners and gown. Her presence at the resi-
dence OF the Postmaster General was pro-
nOunced by those who profess TO know
10 be another victory for Mrs. Meyer In
the social war.
The daughters of the family are among
the prettiest and daintiest of the smart
set. Wide-eyed innocence and unaffected
manners are as distinctly refreshing as
their simply fashioned and very correct
costumes. An erroneous impression that
they were twins was created by the fact
that they follow the English fashion Of
dressing alike. Whatever the origin Of
the custom. it Is very effective and a
credit TO the discernment OF their mother
The girls are most fetching In riding cos
tune. and are considered among the best
cross-country riders Of the Berkshire hunt
clubs. They attract admiring glances as
well when bowling along in a smar-l -ly
appointed electric TunabOut and in n ball
room are the personihcatiOn OF youthful
happiness. To Mrs. Meyer. then should
be accorded the credit for having fostered
and reared two very lovely daughters.
and whatever her social attitude and off,
cial bearing. there necessarily lies beneath
the mask the proper maternal feelings
and womanly instincts.
Some Cabinet Women Friendly.
Despite The strife in the Cabinet circle.
some of the women who have been nsso-
ciated for several years find each other
congenial and cOmpaniOnable Mrs Root.
Mrs Taft. and Mrs. Metcalf have main
tanned the most friendly relations. which
have been only strengthened by this
years feud. Mrs. Roosevelts relations
with Mrs. Metcalf are more intimate. per-
haps. than with any of the other Cabinet
women, the fact that both Mrs. Roosevelt
AID Mrs. Metcalf are genuine and sincere
women, and naturally domestic, being the
strongest tie between then.
The heartburnings concerning prestige
and social prominence in washington So
ciety increases with the influx Of rich
| New Workers. and strivings for social
power has. during the Roosevelt admins
| tration, reached proportions never dream
ed OF ia years gone by. All semblance OF
hospitality has been abolished in the pub
lie functions. which formerly were re-
garded with pleasurabla excitement by
the cosmopolitan population OF the Capt.
tai City. The custom Of calling 10 par
take OF the hospitalities Of great digni-
taries lost its popularity 10 a degree with
the abandonment Of refreshments, and
the genial intercourse and rubbing OF ell
bows with the first ladies of the land has
been shorn OF some of its charm since
then.
Cabinet women have steeled their hearts
toward those idly curious or socially am
bilious. and in lieu Of the smile OF vel
come, supplemented by a hearty shake OF
the hand. those brave enough 20 make the
round OF Cabinet calls to-day must be
content. in most instances. to receive a
frozen smirk and limp hand, when. in
/ deed. and obviously bored manner is not
assumed and worn throughout the whole
Of public reception.
Some few. il Is true. adhere TO the old
custom of returning calls by means OF
leaving cards. though in most Instances
! the public is silently ignored. and chagrin
falls 10 the lot Of those who were wont
10 decorate their card trays with bits OF
pasteboard inscribed "The Secretary OF
So-and-so,' while Mrs. Secretary's" con-
versation is no longer quoted for the edi-
fication OF an admiring circle of friends
less bold in the social arena.
There are. Of course. many reasonable
excuses to be set forth in explanation of
the changed condition OF affairs. Health
and fortunes have been wrecked by the
| lavish hospitality which marked former
administrations, privileges were abused.
and many other disagreeable phases had
to be overcome. But what OF the Cabinet
women who take their places in the Off
cial world disclaiming their intention OF
ignoring each other as well as the public
/ To be correct in any walk of life women
should be dignified and well within con-
| troll. To gush Is a mistake for men and
woeful error in womankind. Gracious
/ ness. however. is the redeeming charac-
/ teristic OF more than one otherwise un-
attractive woman. and combined with a
/ pleasing personality and sympathetic de-
I meanor goes far toward making a most
/ lovable woman. AS the situation is to-
/ day, however. all the time-honored attri-
butes to feminine charms must give way