The Washington herald., 1916-01-02

between European countries has
widened the social chasm between the
embassies at Washington and caused
to be omitted some of the brilliant
functions which formerly distinguish
ed the Washington season. The dip
lomatic breakfast, which was rendered
by the Secretary of State in the old
days, was omitted yesterday, and two
diplomatic receptions at the White
House indicate the necessity of OBJ
serving wartime diplomatic relations.
The Cabinet has changed slightly,
too, with Mr.. Robert Lansing taking
over the portfolio of state and Mrs.
Lansing directing an elaborate social
program with splendid charm and
ability difficult to equal. The Con-
gressional set has undergone the usual
revolution attendant upon the con-
vening of new Congress. There are
interesting new members and their
families fro"- whose social proclivi-
ties Washington expects much, and
there arc many returned fsyorites
whose accomplishments are widely
renowned.
The army and navy circle repre-
sents the usual quota of military and
naval changes. Their ranks are de-
plctcd and reinforced with unceasing
regularity. Cupid has been active too,
and many pretty new brides are
spending their first season as army
and navy HatTons at the Capital, The
residential contingent is perhaps more
constant than any other. There are
few vacancies left by travellers, for if
they cannot winter in Europe, Wash
ingtonians are frank to admit the su-
Periority Of their native city as resi-
dence for the chilly months.
In the younger set, changes of a
year are even more apparent School
girls with braided hair ard youthful
giggles are suddenly become de-
butantes, feted and wonderfully lovely
to look upon. The prep school boy
of last year is 4 society beau with
worldly poise and an engagement
book of gigantic proportions. The tea
dance which flourished superbly a
year ago, is dying, and bandagsmak-
ing and knitting for the Belgians have
gone down into the history of lost
causes. Society has been sweetened
and purified with new influences and
there are no longer entertainments for
the sake of rivalry and social pres
tige, but for the sake of hospitality
and quiet enjoyment. A new spirit
has invested the social life of the en-
tire country and the Capital, as the
standardiZing influence, has taken its
position for sanity repression, and
simple, wholesome pleasure. There
is no longer need to "ring out the
false and ring in the true" for social
jealousies and pettiness, extravaganza
and display, received curative i'm
pulse long before the new sun rose
bringing the new year."
Secretary Tumulty announced yester-
day that the number already listed for
the reception to be held at the White
House on January ., had attained such
proportions that Il had become necessary
to close the lists. Any additions would
seriously endanger the comfort Of the
guests and no additions will be made.
President Wilson's first appearance at
a ball in the National Capital will be
seen by those attending the annual
charity dance under the auspices OF
the Southern Relief Society on the even
ing Of January 81. The President and
his bride have accepted an Invitation to
use q box on that OCCASION and the
notable assemblage at the charity event.
which society patronizes, win accord the
PRESIDENT and Mrs. Wilson cordial ap-
preciation OF their interest in the reIier
work ID promotes
When President Wilson was inaugurated
he dispensed with the customary in
augural ball and thereby disa ppointed
Washingtonians and visitors Affairs of
State and the health Of the arst Mr.
Wilson precluded the Presidents at
tendance upon social affairs OF this Kind
during the first two years OF his admin
istratton.
The President and the new Mrs. WI
son, however, are acquainted with the
charitable object of the annual bali OF
the Southern Relief Society and will be
box holders at the dance four weeks
hence. Others who have taken boxes in
ciude the Vice President and Mrs. Mar
shall Senator and Mrs. Shields, Repre-
sentative and Mrs Thomas B. Dunn.
Mrs Francis Moran, Mr.. and Mrs.
Graham Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Bates