The Washington herald., 1909-07-18

- p ASHINGTON IS not by any
EA means the most uncomfort-
able place in the summer
Many official people who
have always thought so are finding out
their mistake, and are leading really
pleasant life during these exciting days
OF tariff discussion. It is a season Of
absolute independence. so far as social
affairs are concerned. A few friends are
asked Ia By enterprising hostesses, and
have dinner and perhaps an automobile
ride late in The evening. but no matter
how elaborate the dinner or how cere-
monious. il goes down on the records as
informal" Even the dinner at the
French Embassy on Wednesday evening,
when the President was present, was
spoken Of as gathering "of a few
friends to dine" by the host.
The President is enjoying life as
much as is possible in Washington at
this season. He has occasional little
dinner parties on his roof garden with
distinguished men as his guests. This
is an ideal roof garden. TOO. with a
view in the early evening such as
would make the most phlegmatic grow
enthusiastic. There are four embassies
open, with their ambassadors still
here. These are the French. German.
japanese, and Mexican. Only two OF
the hostesses. however, are here-Mme
Jusserand, wife of the French Ambas-
sador, and Baroness Takahira, wife Of
the japanese Ambassador. The two
last named viii sail for their homes on
the 24th, and the French Ambassador
and Nine. Jusserand will so as soon as
Congress adjourns, when there will be
no ambassadOrial hostess left IN town.
The suburbs and the water about
Washington are so attractive that il is
almost worth worrying through a day
of heat 10 enjoy the jaunt over historic
roads 20 the quaint Country Club OF
Chevy Chase Club. or the sail down the
river IN one OF the government launches
or yachts. or perchance on ones private
yacht, for there are many now on the
Potomac. As yet the fascinating house
boat. so popular and numerous in Eng
land. has not become well known in
America. It is beginning to be used a
little in Northern waters among the
very wealthy, but its possibilities are
stiu unknown TO the majority Of water
loving people. A houseboat is a luxury
and a delight in the summer time. and
just as expensive as one wants 20 make
II. Mr.. and Mrs. Larz Anderson were
among the first 10 adopt II here. To
see the hOuseboat in its perfection Is to
inspect those on the Thames, where
they were probably first known.
There ara no efrrfrfrf~as shat a., -,FaD-
ned so perfectly for comfort as these
same housebOats. They are Of all sizes.
from the one that Is just big enough for
the newly married couple TO the floating
palaces that viii entertain an army of
guests They are very graceful in de-
sign and color. In fact, the painters
color box seems 20 have been ransacked
TO secure the tints that riot along the
banks Of the Thames. The boats an
chor close to the bank. and a plank is
run out TO get ashore. At night the
plank is hauled in. Some boats have
their own power, others hire a tow when
q change of location is desired.
The regular programme Of the house
boat is 10 rise at a. m. and take a long
swim. After this comes breakfast, spread
under the awning on the roof. Then.
after loaf. a walk in the woods or along
some quiet country road. After lunch
there Is a long. easy pull TO some quiet
and retired nook under the trees that
line the bank. and an afternoon spent
in doing away the time or else reading
the latest novel, while a companion
tinkles on a mandolin or twangs a guitar.
The evening is spent in visiting each
others boats until about 10 p. m, when
every one turns in for the night.