The Washington herald., 1909-07-11

%HE center Of social interest Is
probably more divided just now
than at any time of the year.
AS a matter Of fact. society is
everywhere but in the cities. always ex-
cepting Paris and London. In this coun-
try it is in the mountains and at the
seashore at this season. And what OF it
is not in those places is "a-touring." The
present mode Of summer outings in mo-
tor cars takes one back somewhat TO the
primitive days when all travelling was done
by private conveyance and relays Of
horses. The wayside inn or tavern. which
has been obsolete for so many years, is
rapidly returning in its improved modern
ized form. not for the coach or horse
back riders, but for the motorists who
are securing the country. even penetrat-
ing the mountain roads hitherto deemed
impossible except for horsemen or Pc
destrians.
The Breton Woods district. which is so
enticing TO the lovers Of the mountains,
IS replete with good roads and autOro-
biles. The Berkshire Hills is equally at
tractive and satisfying, so far as the
roads are concerned. II looks as though
even Bar Harbor would have to sue
cumb to the mode of travel Of the age.
and allow automobiles 10 penetrate its
beautiful streets.
Legislation will settle this long disputed
question very shortly. although so far no
auto or horseless carriage has ever
crossed the border line Of the beautiful
city of Bar Harbor. unless. indeed. it be
the 'push-cart," and there has been but
little use for that antiquated vehicle. Al
most every resident Of the gayest Of sea-
side cities owns one or more cars. and
it has come to be a hardship 70 be
obliged 10 do without them all summer
or keep them in a neighboring village.
Newport promises a gayer season than
IT had last year. Those OF its prominent
residents who were in mourning abroad
have returned TO their cottages. and some
even have new and handsome ones TO
open this summer. This is so in the case
Of the Pembroke Joneses, who have taken
possession Of Sherwood. their new man
sion in Bellevue avenue. and they VIII
give the butterflies Of Newport ample op-
portunity 10 become familiar with their
gorgeous white and gold ballroom, for
this IS TO be a dancing season in New
port. 1; is believed that Mrs. o. II. p.
Belmont. who was formerly Mrs. Willie
K. Vanderbilt, who has opened Marble
House for the first time in many years.
will have her daughter. the Duchess Of
Marlborough, with her for at least a few
weeks. This win make some extra gave
ties. in spite OF the fact that Mrs. Bel
mont is still in mourning for Mr.. Bel
mont. Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt. ST.,
mother Of the Countess Szechenyi, viii
have the distinguished young woman with
her for a considerable time at The Break
ers, which was not open last year, as
Mrs. Vanderbilt was IN Austria with her
son-in-law and daughter.
a Newport debutante Of interest in the
smart circles Of Washington society Is
Miss Jane Wallach. daughter Of Mrs.
Barger Wallach. who is also a grand
daughter Of Mrs. Richard Wallach. OF
this city She makes her home with her
mother IN the home Of the latter's father
Mr.. S. f. Barger, Of New York and New
port Miss Wallach will be the first debu-
tante u be presented in Newport this
year. This will be in August, during the
height Of the season. for the acme OF
NeWpOrts gayety IS not reached until the
second and third weeks in that month.
And then ii goes fast and furious until
Il ends with the exodus 20 Lakewood.
Tuxedo, and the other country estates.
Mss WallaCh is said 20 greatly resemble
1a4- "a v.sFf-
Merriam, who was formerly Miss Rose
Wallach, one OF the prominent members
Of WashingtOn's smart set
Oyster Bay. as the center Of social and
official interest Of the United States
dies hard. After seven years of lime-Iight
throughout the summer season as the
home OF the President and his family. #
IS now afflicted with the quiet OF a coun-
try Sunday. They have forgotten the word
strenuous and know only the word
deliberate" I'm all that it implies. Saga
more Hill IS deserted, although II remains
well cared for. Its master is still IN the
wilds Of Africa, while its mistress and
the youngest children have Just arrived
in the city OF ancient and immortal art
Rome. They arrived yesterday at the
cottage Of Mrs. Roosevelt's sister. Miss
CarOw. which is in the suburbs. Miss
Roosevelt. Archibald, End Quentin are
with her.
AS a matter Of fact. Oyster Bay does
not really ike being dropped suddenly
out Of the Hme-light The residents have
organized a new country club at Piping
Rock. with 100 acres OF ground. with
tennis courts 10 attract the former Presi-
dent; also polo field, a mile turf track.
and facilities for all outdoor sports. A
series Of entertainments for the summer
have been inaugurated by the Seawana-
kha-COrinthian Yacht Club. And in spite
Of all that has befallen Oyster Bay, II will
sun have It's attractions and many sum
mer residents.
PERSONALS.