Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-31
Copyright by Margaret r. Downing)


4: E: g.: =:
her. AS result of the SEN
ator's we'll known social gifts and wide
popularity his wife received an ovation
rarely accorded a stranger in the sena-
torial set. but this reflected glory from
the prestige of her husband steadily de-
veloped into sincere regard for her own
personal worth
For the past two years however. the
senator's health was uncertain. and the
serious illness of Mrs. Palmer made Mrs.
Depews presence at her bedside in Paris
Imperative. On her return last autumn
she received even a more cordial vel
come than that extended her as bride.
Few women in high society possess such
an attractive personality. 1t is safe to
say that had Mrs Depew come to Wash
ington without the powerful lever OF
ofhcial position and a handsome income
she would by the force of her beauty
social destinations and her intellectual
charm have attained the proud position
which she now occupies in Washington
society.
What do I enjoy mosto" said Mrs
Depew to the writer-"meeting interest
ing people. studying unusual types, learn
Ing American politics I am surprised
that so few American women study po-
htical questions. the higher field of poll
cies and the great aims of the country
] recommend this study to all Washing
ton women who find the routine Of social
To ,y,,l
life should be a pleasure not a bore nor
a duty which has become irksome The
way to make the routine enjova BILE is 70
study all the conditions of politics Not
the local affairs. which are generally COM
pretended under the term notifies hut tho
RraNer issues, the points where each ses-
non of the country touches foreign in
terests or involves the entity and we'll
o oeIns or me nation To my mind the re-
cent meeting of governors was the most
interesting incident of the present wear
because the conference focused nolitics
n the broadest and most exalted sense
however can realize how these
things may appeal to me with a sense
OF novelty. whereas women who have
been reared in political environment. NAV
md the topics pallng. l lived abroad
many years Now am learning my coun-
try and / find the study most absorbing.
In Washington. l think much of the
pleasure which attends meeting interest
Ing people and broadening the field of
knowledge is nullified by the custom of
having such large gatherings and of call
Ing through the entire official list This
last custom belongs essentially to Wash
1ngton. In no other capital of the world
is IL obligatory for women to make such
tremendous number of calls every sea-
son. think much good would be accom-
plfshed II the wives of the members of
the lower house called only among those
OF their state delegation. at the homes
OF the senators from their state and on |
such officials as come from their imme- |
diate environment. This would simplify |
matters and make intercourse more init |
mate and agreea BILE. AS 1t is. ones entire |
time is taken in making calls The con-
sequence is You get bowling acquaint
ance with great number of people. and
you know none well enough to derive
either pleasure or benefit.
II am hopeful of the esta blishment OF
the American salon. and the crown OF
queenship must be placed on the brow Of
that hostess who clearly demonstrates
that crowd of men and women no mat
ter how exalted their official or personal
position, does not constitute society !
Nothing is so foreign 20 the genius Of |
highly cultivated existence than the I
crowded drawing room. Conversation on |
important topics is impossible. and the |
loftiest sentiments must be repressed. |
Imagine bonmots at fete given accord
ing to the present mode or person get |
ting an opportunity to hear more than |
fragments of talk about the weather or