Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-07

abled to become acquainted with the first
lady of the land before the rush of the
season prope 1t was a pleasing courtesy,
which has made life run smoothly for the
stranger within the gates.
A m~usic-loving woman, Mrs. Roosevelt
has given in impetus to high class music
by her constant presence at the sym
phony concerts. the best operas and
orchestral events and by her generous en-
tertainments of artists and musicians In
the White House. For seven years her
npusicales nave set the fashion for such
entertainments in Washington, and she
has given pleasure to hundreds of guests.
This winter she has dispensed with the
musicales for dancing parties in compli-
ment to her young daughter, Miss Ethel
Roosevelt, VIII has just made her debut.
Five OF these cotillons will be given be-
Five Of these cotlllions will be given be-
record in White House dancing parties
which other hostesses will find difficult
to surpass.
Mrs. Roosevelt Is an exquisite needle
woman ShA has the old-fashionad English
ideas, that BART OtTeyery gentle woman's
education hon include fine needlework
and the intricacies Of lace work. When
she meets the woman of the cabinet
coterie on Tuesday morning and discusses
the program for the week or the problems
which these ladies must face occasionally,
her fingers are always busy with some
lace or fancy work. Three winters ago
she knit sweaters for each of her four
sons. and this year she H. making panels
for a renaissance lace coat for Miss Ethel.
She smbroiders doilies, centerpieces and
scarfs without end. and few of the close
friends Of the first lady are without some
little personal gift made by her own fling
ers. 81 was taught by my mother" said
Mrs. Roosevelt one day in explaining how
she could get so much work done when her
time seemed so completely filled. never
to sit down with idle hands. I can talk
Just as well when I am crocheting or sew
ing as when / I'm doing nothing but have
become 30 accustomed to using my needle
that It requires scarcely any mental at
tention-"
Miss Ethel is her mothers rival in sew
ing. During the summer she hemstitched
a dozen fine linen handkerchiefs each for
her father and two elder brothers, and
embroidered their initials In exquisite let
tering In the corner. This was her Christ
mas gift. and it must be admitted that few
young girls who are in high official So
ciety could show such an admirable use Of
stray moments.
No mistress OF the White House goes
from Washington moro thoroughly re-
spected. From the first moment Of her
reign she has maintained a calm. dignitied
aspect before the people. Not an obliga-
ton pertaining to her high station has not
been faithfully fulfil ed. She is not a ro-
bust woman. yet in all these seven years
she has never been absent from her post
at the presidents right TO give a smiling
welcome to the thousands who crowd the
official levees. She has not invited an
undue familiarity from the public. nor has
she shrouded White House affairs behini
Q curtain OF mystery. When the history
Of the White House under Theodore Roose-
Welt is written. his amiable wife win stand
forth LUMINOSITY as one OF the best poised
woman ever called to I'LL the exalted stas
ton Of first lady OF the land.