The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-12-24
SOCIETY WOMEN
Show Talent
Washington Bellies and Matrons
Have Cultivated Attachments Rang
ing From Music To Millinery.

WASHINGTON, Dec 2f--IIad that
kindly fairy godmother who presides
nj the christening OF the baby girls
been a wee bit less generous al the
naming OF some OF the most prominent
women IN washington. and, amer en-
dowing them with rare degree nt
beauty. charm and brains. with reck'
lcssiy added wealth and position, the
work -a-day world might have been en-
riohed by many a talent, which. EN-
ployed seriously instead OF being used
for the pleasure OF friends, would
have given the fair possessor a fame
extending far beyond the confines n
the capital city.
IL was not until band OF Washing
ton amateurs recruited from the draw
ing-rooms of the homes OF the socially
elect appeared less than three years
ago In a play, given for charity that
the public realized that there are anna
feur actresses in this city who could
vie with some OF the famous foot-
light favorites. Gifted singers and
pianists are not uncommon, not even
in sterner tasks. which SAVIOR less or
the drawing-room accomplishments
the Washington woman is quite cap
able of holding her own Her know!-
edge ranges from salads TO sociology
and from designing hats and gowns
10 research work on tariff schedules.
Most Notable instance.
The most notable instance OF
Washington woman OF leisure who has
made name for herself is, OF course.
Miss Mabel Boardman. When Miss
Boardman first began. some years ago
TO interest herself in the work OF the
Red Cross. society looked on biz
indolently regarding II as some
what original fad. But Miss Board-
man soon proved that she is OF far
better stun than that OF which fail
dists are made. Not only was the
young Washington gentlewoman tho--
oughly in earnest about the work, bul
she showed the most amazing execu-
tive ability. together with a grasp OF
detail which fairly startled and then
delighted the masculine members OF
the organization.
Miss Boardman was presented last
spring with a crown by King Victor
Emmanuel Of Italy in recognition *
the heroic and successful work she I
performed in behalf OF the victims OF
the Messina disaster.
Many persons are aware that the I
first lady of the land, Mrs. Taft, has 4
n diploma from a conservatory ~ !
music which entities her 20 teach. Mrs .
Taft is perhaps the finest pianist .
among the smart set, and has paid :
much attention 10 the development Of 4
her talent Musicians also conceded ,
her ability and as concert pianist /
Mrs. Taft might, had she chosen 10 do |
so, have become almost as well known I
10 the people of the United States as I
she now Is.
Miss Helen Taft, who is still SO
young that her talents and. tastes are
as yet = little. known 10 the public.
nevertheless has developed a quite
pronounced fondness and an equal
ability for the collection or old china.
Miss Taft. who inherits the taste for
study OF the Taft family and never I
does things by halves. has become an
authority on ceramics. and would be ,
quite capable or writing a treatise /
which would be a valuable guide 10 ,
collectors ,
Among the famous specialize. Il .
Washington women is that of Mrs. 1
John B. Henderson, long regarded as 4
one OF the cleverest women in society, /
whose work In behalf OF dietetic re- /
form has given a wonderful impetus 10
the vegetarian propaganda.
Mrs. Henderson's interesting work.
THE Aristocracy of Health" attract
ed the attention OF medical men and 1
students OF hygiene throughout the
country. The work was so well writ
ten as to be interesting not only ID
students, but TO the general public as
well.
Mrs. James Bryce, the wife OF the
British ambassador, holds first place
IN Washington as maker OF salads. I
In this much-appreciated art she has
shown an inventiveness that amounts
TO genius. and her skill has given her
q place pre-eminent even In the diplo-
matte corps many masculine mem
bsrs OF which proudly boast OF their
skill as compounders.
Mrs. Henry Cabot Lodge, wife OF the
senior senator from Massachusetts, Is
another matron whose culinary talents
are much appreciated by her friends.
Should either OF these hostesses ever
decide to impart her secrets 10 print.
the publishers OF the six best sellers"
in the cook book line would be forced .
10 admit that their output could not
compare to those OF the two amateurs.
Countess Cassini, niece of the form
er Russian ambassador. long since set
a pace for Washington society girls as
an amateur milliner. and Mrs. Metcalf.
wife or former Secretary OF the
Navy. was one of the cleverest or
dressmakers.
One OF the rarest abilities possessel \
by a Washington woman is that of
Mrs. James Cecil Hooe, who is an OK
pert accountant. From her father. the
late Representative Nelson Dingley OF
Maine, author OF the Dingley Tariff
bill. Miss Edith Dingley. now Mrs
Hooe. inherits her grasp OF facts and
figures. two things for which the ma.
jority Of her sex have little fondness.