New-York tribune., 1908-05-31
NEXT MISTRESS or THE WHITE HOUSE

though not extravagantly dressed Blue is her
favorite color though some of her friends like
her best in pink She is fond of society. the
theatre and the opera, and music is a passion with
her. During the years of her life in Cincinnati
she was an active patroness of music. Her home
contains two beautiful souvenirs of that time
She was once one of the directors in the Cincin-
natl symphony Orchestra Association The mu-
sicians presented her with large silver tankard
which adorns the manteI of her library Then
the directors gave her a handsome silver centre
piece for her dining table Mrs. Taft is inter
ested IN charity and has done much to help the
unfortunate masses that are not able TO help
themselves.
But her paramount pleasure lies always in her
home, which is filled with almost priceless me-
mentoes of her life abroad. The Goben tapestry
that hangs the walls of the music room was
gift from the Empress Of Japan and the gold
lacquer treasure box with rearl lilies carved
upon II represents a parting souvenir OF the
Emperor himself. Chinese carvings and teak
wood and ivory and silver bowls of unique work
manship are all Sifts from Chinese and Japanese
friends. Her drawing room is panelled in rose bro
cade and painted in ivory. The furniture is rose
and gold. Her own room is hung in blue her
favorte color. She knows what is coming on her
table and always breakfasts with her husband.
She never leaves him at home alone in the
ing unless he has work to do which would de-
prive her of his comparionshp.
She is a Judge Of human nature and is pretty
quick to know the real from the imitation. be it
diamond politician. Her judgment is based
upon both reason and intuition. She IS fond of
the mountains and is a plucky woman tender
foot Unlike those who have chronic love of
luxury, she endures hardships of camp life like
soldier She is willing TO pay toll to enjoy
Gods out of doors In summer Mrs. Taft spends
three months at their home in Murray Bay.
quaint country neighbor TO Evangene's land.
Here. with her three children she and the Secre-
hanDV IA he
world Of ostentation and heartache. They have
feH friends in nearby cottages, and a broad lake.
yachting horseback riding, picntckinS and golf.
and cool. big porch that breahes Of home and
mild climates.
As Mrs. Taft fills the requirements of comrads
and wife. does she these Of motherhood. It Is
beautiful her interest in the slightest hope
or pleasure of her children. She knows the diff
ferent hopes of eacn well that she is always
prepared sympathize and understand. Each has
been allowed work out individuality OF his
1t is never irksome TO her TO follow their
enthusiasms or join in the pleasures that appeal
TO them I recall pretty sight. Charlie
gliding home roller skates. his cheeks red
a mountain apple from the chill of wintry
day. He skated into the hail. hung up his cap
and came into the library just S his mother
ready for drive. "Oh. mamma he said. half
out Of breath. I've had such a lovely time. Quen-
tin and I have been organizing club. Quentin
named IT the Big Attic Centipedes' There were
! twelve of US. and our initiation rooms are in the
White House attic"
Charles mother listened all attention. and
showed sign OF hurrying him through his story.
When he had finished he drew from under his
arm large box. saying. This is my new game
the paror baseball You know, mamma, you
promised to play the first game with me on
her gloves. and Mrs. Taft smilngiy asked
what she should do, for she always kept her
smallest promise to her children. Yes. you must
sit on the foor' said Charlie. decidedly; that's
where the fun comes in. Now imagine this rug
is the field AS you only beginner. mamma
you'd better be the pitcher, and I'll bat So the
game WAS played, with each innings scores in
favor OF Charlie. The knowledge OF baseball was
one that his mother had not expected 10 need.
She promised to give him a livelier game next time
when she had had time train for it, Charlie
smiled radiantly through the window as his moth
er's carriage rolled away
| AS Mrs Taft fulfls the littlest promise of home
/ life to her littest child, she will. | sure.
prove capable of keeping faith In the fahlment
of the largest duty that a country could require
Of woman, that OF the 'nrst lady OF the land"