Omaha daily bee., 1910-04-03
Ry CONSTANCE CARRUTHERs.

d = w
WASHINGTON, April 2.-(Special to the
Publishers Press)-Perhaps there was a
time in Washington when society and poll
tics were not intermingled. Perhaps there
was an era when social activities were set
entirely apart in another sphere from the
Vaccinations of politics. II that state pre-
vailed it is rapidly passing away. The
principal cause for the keen interest Of
the present day society women in politics
arises from several causes: First, because
1t seems to be fashionable; second, because
of the widespread wave Of suffrage and
suffrage sentiment, and, third, from the
great numbers of women's clubs which
discuss political affairs.
Quite often l so into the galleries Of
the house or senate, and 1t very frequently
happens that l see a party of society
women, intensely interested in the proceed
ings on the floor below and a~pplauding
the telling points OF a speech.
Mrs. Nicholas Longworth is said to know
more Of the secret history Of the Taft adj
ministration than any other woman in
washington. Miss Cannon, daughter OF
the speaker. discusses politics at her din
ners and displays amazing knowledge. Mrs.
Charles Warren Fairbanks surprised Walsh
ington by her thorough knowledge of par
liamentary procedure. Mrs. Champ Clark,
one of the cleverest women in the congress
sional circle, follows every move of the
parties; Mrs. La Toilette, Mrs, Cummlns,
Mrs. Gore, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Depew and
Mrs. owen, all wives OF senator's, are
thoroughly posted, and really know more
of the broad conditions than many men,
Politics as a dinner and dance topic will
be quite the thing, ] fancy, very shortly.
Miss Willard Of Omaha has been visiting
Mrs. Elmer j, Burkett, wife OF Senator
Burkett OF Nebraska.
Admiral Dewey, who is almost unknown
in society, helped receive the guests at
the ball Of the Navy Relief society, which
was given on Wednesday at the navy yard.
ADMIRAL Dewey is president Of the Navy
Relief association.
Those who think that the state Of Texas
can produce nothing but cowboys and up
start milionaires will be surprised to learn
that Mr.. Seymour Thomas, the artist who
is painting a picture Of British Ambassa-
dor Bryce, for the National Liberal Union
club Of London, is a native Of San Antonio,
Mr.. Thomas has lived and worked for a
long time I'm both London and Paris and l
am told that continental dilletantes are
proud to claim friendship with him,
Mr.. Thomas was quite amused when I
asked him II II were really true that he is
a native OF Texas.
why, OF course" he replied, "unless
Texas wishes to ~repudiate me-
Mrs. L. c. Gilman Of st. Paul and Sc
attic, Is the guest Of Mrs. Piles, wife OF
Senator Piles, at the Cochran.
Preston Gibson, the young millionaire
playwright and friend Of the Goulds, Van
derbilts and Payne Whitneys, is 20 Join
the Washington social set. lie Is negoti-
ating now for a home in Chevy Chase. but
1 learn from another source that Mr.. Glib
son win build a mansion OF his own, and
one which viii rival the luxurious palaces
Of Washington and New York, Although
Mr.. Gibson merely writes for pastlme, a
number Of his plays are popular successes.
] Society and scientific societies WED with