Omaha daily bee., 1909-03-14

49, ciety that accompanied the de-
parture of Roosevelt and the advent OF
Taft. These are the things that Wash
ington itself sees most clearly, but to a
greater or less degree the whole coun-
try sees them, too, and more and
more as time goes on the social rela-
lions of the rulers of the country are COM
ing to have an effect upon the administra-
ton itself.
This has long been recognized in English
politics to have a far reaching effect upon
the conduct OF the government. 1t would
not be fair to call 1t petticoat politics.
That is too small. too narrow, a phrase.
but 1t is something of hat general
nature.
Since the Roosevelts took possession Of
the White House there have really been
three bodies OF Washington society. The
first has been the semi-private social life
of the White House. The second has been
Official society. and the third has been
Washington society proper
For many years before the Roosevelts
took control the semi-private White House
social life had been practically non-exist-
ent. The chronic invalidism of Mrs. Nc
Kinley had made any such thing an i'm
possibility. even had the wife Of the mar
tyred president had the taste for 1t. But
when Mrs. Roosevelt came in all that was
changed.
From that time she led a busy social life
that was entirely separate and distinct
from the round of official functions which
as the first lady in the land it was her
business to direct. Mrs. Roosevelt brought
10 the White House a high and unassail-
able position In the fashionable society OF
New York, and in the train OF this posi-
ttnp fhara fnlIourod the xfofto 90 p,any
social leaders from all the largest cities
that made the semi-private social life OF
the White House more brilliant and busy
than II has been before for many, many
years.
Two Circles of society.
Official Washington society is the same
In its details year after year. II Is COM
posed merely OF the entertainments that
long years OF custom has imposed upon the
female relatives OF the chief MEMBERS OF
the administration. Washington society
proper is a thing OF itself. 1t has nothing
necessarily 20 do with the White House
semi-private functions and still less with
official social life.
1t is composed of old residents OF Wash
lngton and their families-people whose
ancestors for generations have lived In
the national capital. who are accustomed
70 iooh WIN n superior eve on the govern
mental people who COM and go from ad.
ministration to administration. Admins
trations come and administrations go, but
the old Washington families remain through
them all. Thus official society is COM
posed OF a series of temporal Incidents
Washington society proper is an institu,
ton and reveres itself as such.
Now the Roosevelts are out and the Tafti
are in and with them come many new
important personalities. II will make 4
bigger difference TO Washington. even :
bigger difference than to the rest of tbs
country. For Washington loves its small
talk. II loves TO know what the presidenrl
wife wears, where she goes and how sh'
spends her time from day to day, VIII
visits her and for how long and who q
summoned 10 luncheon or 20 dinner. Wash
ington Is, In fact, pleasantly gossipy. Small
things about great persons interest Wash
ington a whole lot
The official program has been but 4
small part OF the social life Of the Whit
House during the tenancy OF the Roose