The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-11-25
United in Marriage to Francis
BOwes Sayre.
18TH WHITE HOUSE BRIDE.
Ceremony Is Characterized by
Simplicity and Dignity.
Wedding Solemnized In the
Historic East Room.

mer woatneT uSncTcu III tAC WoUNAAAo
day of Miss Jessie Wilson and Francis
Bowes Sayre.
Carriages early began rolling up to
the White House portico and there
was a distinct touch Of holiday atmos-
phere everywhere. In the interior OF
the White House-a floral bower in
itself-everything was quiet and in
readiness for the ceremony. At the
executive Offices some of the wedding
guests came early to pay thir respects
to President Wilson. Col. E. M
House of New York, an intimate
friend; Cleveland H. Dodge. Prince
ton classman of the president, and
John A. Wilson, a cousin, were among
the first to arrive. The president had
but one business engagement, cab1-
net meeting.
Some of the bridal party stopping
at the White House were entertained
at luncheon by Associate Justice La
mar of the supreme court and Mrs.
Lamar. 1t was the last of the series
Of prenuptial functions. The presi-
dent and Mrs. Wilson had some OF
their relatives and friends at lunch
con.
Mrs. Wilson visited the executive
offices with guests, showed them the
presidents Office and the cabinet
room, and walked through the south
grounds. Charles w. McAlpin, Sec
retary of Princeton university; An
drew c. Imbrie, Eduard Howe. Pro-
eessors Osgood and Parrott. and
score of long time residents of Prince
ton. were early callers.
Mr.. Sayre and his best man. DR..
Grenfel. took a long walk in the
morning and were at the White
House for luncheon. Miss Mary Tu-
multy, the year old daughter Of Sec
retary and Mrs. Tumulty. was the
youngest guest invited to the wedding.
None Of the Cabinet children had been
invited.
The wedding couple will spend the
greater part of their honeymoon
abroad. 1t is thought they will sail
their departure and their destination Is
being kept secret.
A Long Auto Ride.
After a long automobile ride mem
bers of the bridal party congregated at
the White House again shortly after
noon. The last floral piece to be placed
In the east room was huge mountain
of white chrysanthemums sent by the
minister from Ecuador. 1t represented
the highest mountain in Ecuador and
was encircled by flags and the coat of
arms of the South American republic.
The white vicuna rug presented by the
minister from Peru was placed on the
bench where the ceremony was to take
place. That and the floral pieces from
several diplomats were the only Sits
visible in the East room.
Omission of the word "obey'' from
the service attracted some attention,
but reference to the book of common
worship of the Presbyterian church
disclosed that obey is not included in
the Presbyterian form, which reads:
I'm all love and honor, in all duty
and service, in all faith and tender
ness
Captain Bill Mcdonald. U. s. mar
shall for northern Texas. former body
guard Of President Wilson and veter-
an Texas ranger. came to town today
to attend the White House wedding.
Captain Bill arrived early wearing a
broad Texas sombrero and with his
coat skirts bulging as usual, about the
hip pockets. The captain said he was
somewhat embarrassed over how he
was to be dressed.
II reckon I'll have to get some one
to help me get harnessed." said Cap
tain Bill to some of his friends in the
executive office. It'll be like putting
a new harness on broncho mule
that's never been bridled.''
The captain asked if there was not
some way by which he could be ex-
cused from wearing formal after
noon dress, but finally decided to
yield to convention.
Washington, Nov. 25.-Simplicity
with dignity-the same ideal which
President Wilson has cherished for
his administration since its Inaugural
tion-was the predominant note in
the arrangements for the marriage
today of Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sec
ond daughter of President and Mrs.
Wilson, and Francis Bowes Sayre.
During the 113 years that have
elapsed since the White House was
built, twelve weddings have taken
place there and it falls to the lot of
coincidence all the more remarkable
because the president often has told
his friends that the number thirteen
has run through his life as a har-
binger of good luck. Curiously
enough the bridal party and minister
number just thirteen.
The ceremony was to be solemnized
in the historic East Room, majes-
tically decorated in masses of flowers
for the occasion, at 4:30 o'clock this
afternoon. but long before that hour
the White House grounds assumed q
holiday appearance. The passing OF
automobiles and carriages to and
from the north portico told the gath
ering crowds outdoors that the bridal
party-the ushers and attendant
maids-had arrived and that all was
in readiness for the unusual event.
the giving in marriage of a daughter
of the president of the United States
Notwithstanding it's official bril-.
liancy, there was distinct touch OF
homeliness in the days affairs. The
Rev. Sylvester W. Beach, pastor OF
the First Presbyterian church al
Princeton, N. J.. where Miss Wilson
long taught q Sunday Bible class and