The Washington herald., 1909-04-15

Washington society lost its head. or did
it on purpose. last night. when 1t landed
in an unexpected spot
The Park Hotel. which has never laid
claim 10 the distinction Of being a fash
ionable hostelry. sits modestly in the
foreground Of unpretentlous houses and
small shops at Eleventh street and New
York avenue. Il is a we'll known estab-
Iishment and an element Of Washington's
population, but its patrons are seldom.
if ever, members OF the exclusive set here
OF anywhere else.
No reason 20 wonder. therefore. that
the residents OF the neighborhood let
their eyes fairly bulge and their ears
became as big as water pitchers when
washington's "4OV' swooped down upon
the Park Hotel and literally took It
by storm.
Merry Dinner and Dance.
It was one Of the merriest dinners and
impromptu dances given in Washington
for. a long time, and never before had
this hotel been the scene Of such a dis
tinguished gathering. AS the automO-
biles began 10 arrive at the entrance 10
the hotel. residents Of the neighborhood
gathered in crowds on the sidewalk 10
watch the gorgeously gowned women and
their escorts enter.
This IS the first time ever pulled Up
IN front OF this place" was the remark
made by one of the chauffeurs to a com
panion as the last couple passed through
the small entrance and up a narrow
fight of stairs to the private dining room.
Frank Endres. proprietor OF the house,
and his score Of walters were put or
their mettie. and did everything in their
power % make their distinguished patrons
forget that they were not in the New
Willard or the Raleigh. or the Arlington
or the Shoreham-
News OF the arrival OF the party spread
through the house. and the refreshment
tables in the public dining-room were
deserted, as the women crowded TO the
hallway 10 feast their eyes on the bril-
liant jewelry and latest styles Of Partisan
gowns worn by the women visitors.
who are they?" was heard on all sides,
but none Of the members Of the party
seemed especially desirous of making
known their identity.
The News Spread Rapidly.
In a short time. however the news
began to leak out through the doors OF
the private rooms which had been re-
served.
It's a Dutch dinner given by Mr.
Jack Seibert 10 number Of friends. was
the first authentic information.
They are having fine time. was the
remark of one or Jne regular habitues Of
the place, as the sounds OF laughter. min
gled with songs. rang through the house.
This statement was eorroborated BY the
walters. who passed in and out OF the
room with unusual alacrity, in anticipa-
ton OF the biggest tips Of their lives.
who is the little Jap2" was an oft
repeated question, until finally the iden-
tity of Masanao Hanihara, counselor Of
the Japanese Embassy, was established.
who are the ladies?" was one Of the
most frequent queries. which was diff
cult 70 answer, as the other guests Of
the hotel were not personally. acquainted
with the society folk Of Washington.
Tip the papers off, and well find out
what's doing" was the happy suggestion
Of one Of those who was striving TO settle
the general curiosity among the other
guests OF the house. In a moment there
was a scramble for the telephone. and
word went out broadcast that there were
big dOings going on AT the Park Hotel. 4"
Like iremen responding 20 a hurry call.
the reporters began 10 arrive, and in
short time several Of them were lined
up outside Of the closed doors Of the din
ing rooms, merely waiting for a chance
to peep in to see what was In progress.
II.
the dinner party was established. One
after another the guests were recognized
and their names given out 10 the crowd
OF curious who gathered about the news
paper men.
Among the guests who had accepted
Mr.. Siebert's invitation TO "a little in
formal dinner and dance" were Mr.. and
Mrs. Randall Hagner, Mr.. and Mrs. Muir
ray Cobb. Mr.. Hanihara, Miss Grace
Bell. Miss Goldsborough. Miss Mary
GoldsborOugh. Miss Juliette Janin. Miss
Sophie Siebert. Mr.. Newton Gulick. Mr..
and Mrs. Eldridge Jordan. Miss Morgan.
Mrs. Harlow. Mr.. William T. Bingham.
Mr.. Marshall Langhorn. and Capt. Hop
kins.
The banquet was characterized as a
Dutch dinner" and as the different
courses were served the Hungarian Band.
make the guests imagine they were in
Little Hungary"
Arranged Entertainment.
An impromptu programme of entertain
ment was arranged by the guests. and
many Of those present volunteered songs
and other stunts" to add to the gayety
OF the occasion.
After the dinner was over tables and
chairs were removed, and an informal
dance was begun with the Merry Widow
Waltz" led BY Mr. and Mrs. Murray
Cobb Waltzes- two-steps, and other
dances followed In quick succession. until
the guests suddenly discovered that their
little affair was attracting considerable
attention The ball was then brought TO
an abrupt close. There was a scramble
for wraps, hurry calls for taxicabs. and
in a short time the entire party was hur-
rying away in touring cars and taxicabs
into the northwest section of the city
The Dutch dinner" was the sole topic
Of conversation at the Park Hotel until
the lights were turned ont for the night
Dressed Fence PnIinEE, &c Apiece.