The Washington herald., 1909-03-21

IN IN guinness MUulQ EECln ~
have settled over Washington.
The early part of the sack-cloth
and ashes time OF the year was
so unusually gay with social affairs that
these later days must suffer in conse-
quence. There has been a considerable
scattering Of the smart people 20 Lake
wood. Palm Beach. Atlantic City, Cuba,
and Bermuda. and all the resorts which
attract the fashionables at this season
and those who have remained at home.
are taking a much-needed rest from so
eial gayeties.
The past week. mi-Careme week, had
its usual diversions. the annual dinner at
the Home of the Little Sisters of the
Poor coming in for its usual number OF
distinguished assistants and Mattresses.
According to a long established custom,
the French Ambassador and his wife
whoever he may be, have honored this
dinner with their presence. which natur-
ally attracts many others in that same
set TO take an active interest. The wives
and daughters of diplomats and officials
don aprons and roll Up their sleeves and
do everything possible TO make this feast
an occasion of a year full of pleasure
The aged inmates of the home had
songs and souvenirs to delight the heart.
and the members Of smart society who
volunteered 20 help had taste Of real
work. such as waiting on the table and
the actual washing Of dishes But they
were all well repaid by the pleasure ex-
pressed By the diners.
There are a few dinner companies dur
Ing these dull days. given for the most
part for the new members Of the diplo-
matte corps arriving. or old members de-
parting And there is a wedding here
and there to stir up interest. That of
Miss Cameron and Mr.. Lindsay en- Thurs
day was one Of particular interest, the
bride being very young and attractive,
and the bridegroom coming from a distin-
guished English family.
Although it is a bit early for summer
plans IL is a safe prediction that So
ciety viii remain very late in the Capt.
tai. owing 10 the extra session Of Con-
gress and the very new Cabinet. the
women OF the families remaining close to
the men who are staying at their posts
OF duty.
The President and his family will more
than likely spend their summer. on the
New England coast. where the President
can play his favorite game OF golf as
often as he likes. Mrs. Taft made her
-,
Massachusetts for the purpose OF inspect
ing the place which the President par
ticularly likes.
The first "at home" Of Nine. W.. wife
of the Chinese Minister. was a pictur-
esque occasion, as Il always is. Nine.
Wu is immensely popular in Washington.
where she has spent a great many years
Of her life. She was assisted in receiv-
ing in the legation by her tiny daugh-
ter-in-Iaw. Nine. WI Chao Chu, who
looks little more than a child They wore
the gayest Of robes, and chatted lightly
with all the callers. An elaborate buffet
luncheon was served in the dining room.
and Nine Nu set i'm state IN a tall
throne-like carved ebony chair. with her
tiny feet not reaching the floor. and
greeted several hundred visitors, always
smilingly and graciously. remembering
many Of her old friends whom she had
not seen since her return here in the
winter. She has seen little Of her old
acquaintances this year owing to the
Minister and his staff going into Off
Cial mourning almost Immediately after
her arrival with her son and his family.
The time just now is not so completely
taken up with the new people in the Off
cial circles but what one may take a
glance toward the old friends. the family
at Oyster Bay, who for seven years dom
mated affairs In Washington, both social
and otherwise. The Roosevelt family
IS having a farewell reunion this week
end, for il viii be considerably scattered
by next Sunday. The former President,
with his wife and youngec daughter. viii
be on the ocean speeding toward Italy,
where the last two mentioned Will spend
Easter. and toward Africa, where the first
named will spend year It will be if
teen months before there will be another
such reunion
Mrs. Longworth. the elder daughter. went
over to Sycamore HiH yesterday. and
Theodore Roosevelt, jr.. Archibald, and
Quentin all arrived there few days ago,
70 remain until Tuesday, when the big
ship sails.