The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-20

Washington, Februarys 19,7 Special The present cabinet of President Taft's administration is well called the
 Dancing Cabinet" and since MT. Taft has made waltzing popular in Washing ton every public man who could not trip the light fantastic at the opening of Congress is now getting Into form in frantic haste. Some time ago I heard that a we'll known Washington com poser was engaged in writing the Taft Waltz for the executive Is an ardent waltzer although he cares but little for any other form of dancing. Secretary
 Knox is another accomplished dancer, although both the Secretary and Mrs. Knox withdrew from all activities in society early in the season, owing to a death in the family. Speaker Joseph G. Cannon does not dance often but he can
 waltz just as artistically as he can wield the gavel. Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock, who is a bachelor, IS another member of the portfolio who delights in the airy diversion. MT. Hitchcock is never at a loss for part ners and he is giving President Taft close run for the dacing honors of the season. Secretary MacVeagh is one or the few minuet and cotillon leaders Tn the cabinet and both waltzing and two stepring are easy for him. Secretary or Wa, Dickinson shows a preference for " val;zlpg. Secretary Balltnger also gets much pleasure from the dance. Is It any wonder that this season Is shining forth with a bright luster! lnoeeas IL is laughingly remarked that "The Merry Widow Waltz" may be made our rational anthem.
 Mrs Thomas K. Laughlin Of Pitts burr. a sister of Mrs. Taft, is again visiting at the White House. Mrs. Taft and Mrs. Laughlin often make shopping trips together and at times they spend the entire afternoon mingling with the crow ds in stores without being recog- nixed.
 The oldest active member of this sea- son's society is former Senator Henry Gassaway Davis of West Virginia. near relative of Senator Elkins and once candidate for the vice presidency on the democratic ticket. have seen the tall, ruddy faced, straight shoul- derco. West Virginia in K street and marveled to think that he is S5 years of age. MT. Davis entertains lavishly, usually at the Shoreham, and at times | N~@>~ at his recent dinner to Secretary Knox, when he made an unexpected speech to the Latin American ministers, urging
 new interest in Pan-American rail- roads.
 President Taft, as befits the head of the greatest nation. is regal host. Unfortunately, the last of the White House receptions has been given. Mir. Taft likes glitter and display-that is the kind which adds material luster to society affairs. He likes to mingle with his guests attired in sober black while the myriads of festooned chandeliers throw a subdued glow over the gilt tcring uniforms of foreign representa- tiyes and the spurs of Archie Butt clink upon the ball room floor. Mr.. Taft s liking for display Is shown in the consciousness with which his military aide dresses When the President goes to Alaska late in the spring Captai In Butt will be taken along to grace such functions as the President attends. | I may be wrong but I venture the pr opl,esy that 1t will require four steamer trunks to carry all of Captain Butt s uniforms.
 Former Ambassador to France Henry White will make Washington his perm anent future home. His new residence on Belmont street. which is in the pro- cess of construction now, will be very beautiful but the greatest care will be civen to the lawn. MT. White has pur- chased an unusually large piece of ground and the lawn will be laid out by landscape gardeners imported from France. There will be terraces, leafy | overs and arbors of rare architecture. When completed Mir. White will possess