Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-08-01
Stories of Well known Folk.

According to the editor of one of
| the oldest and most honorable musical
journals in this country. Musical
! a tenor voice of unusual power and
sweetness, and in his college days was
| always in demand at the chorals and
| frequently filled the stellar role. This
accomplishment has not hitherto been
accorded him, which, together with
other unique qualities. places him in
the list of musical Presidents. These
have been exceedingly rare, and this
fact adds interest to the knowledge
that Senator Harding is devotee of
divine song and during his youthful
days was always star performer in
the Marion. Ohio, Silver Cornet Band.
Even now when he feels in frolic-
some mood among his old colleagues
he performs on the alto horn and
doubles on the tuba. In days before
historic investigation an old flute
shown to visitors to Mount vernon
was said to be one on which the
| first President breathed out melody
on the long winter nights.
In several letters from Washington
| to various musical friends he laments
| that he has no ear" could never play
| any instrument and had in fact great
difficulty in knowing any tune when
he heard it. Jefferson played the vio-
| lin, but contemporary writer's unkind-
| ly say that though it was never
ending source of delight to him, the
effect on the auditors was depressing"
Rutherford B. Hayes had good voice
and sang folk songs most acceptably,
but this slight number ends the list
of Presidents and presidential posi-
bilities who had even ordinary must
cal knowledge or appreciation of good
music.
Lincoln and Grant could not carry
a tune, and in the case of the latter
could rarely recognize one. 1t is
said that during his tour of the
world the hero of Appomattos had
to employ special prompter to
nudge him when the national air of
his country was being rendered in his
honor. He tells merrily in his
memoirs that remaining seated dur
ling the whole of Yankee Doodle" he
played Dixie" and thereby greatly
mystified his hosts, who were ac
quainted with the origin Of Dixie"
and its vogue among the people
whom the army under Gen. Grant
had conquered. Col. Roosevelt was
decidedly nonmusical. but Mr.. Taft
had a pleasing voice and loved to
join in college ditties.
Mrs. Taft is an accomplished
pianist. and the eldest daughter of
Wilson will remain in White House
history not only because of her de-
ivotion to song. but for the splendid
opportunities her many musicals
offered young and unknown singers
and instrumentalists. While it had
been the fashion to have well known
and famous musicians at the fetes
given in the east room, Miss Wilson
| introduced the mode of having those
whose laurels were still to be gath
cred given a chance before a dis
tinguished audience.
A notable incident in the republican
choice for President and Vice Presi
dent is that both distinguished men
have the happiness of possessing an
| aged and highly respected father who
figures in the limelight almost as con-
spicuously as the nominee himself.
Nearly all the group pictures of the
Coolidges show the radiant face of
grandpa" directly behind his son,
and making harmonious part of the
family which includes Mrs. Coolidge.
a rarely graceful and attractive wOm-
an with the obvious knack of wear
| ing her clothes well and of choosing
| them wisely, and the two stalwart
sons.
Some Washington friends rejoice in
| snapshot of DR.. Harding and his son
Warren on the porch which will soon
figure as an episode of the national
annals. Some exceedingly interesting
Characteristics of Mrs. Harding and
of Mrs. Coolidge, who is stranger
to Washington, have been related by
| their friends. No one knew how de-
voted Mrs. Harding is to horses and
that fragile health has in recent years
| prevented her daily canter. But she
pleasure. and that will mean the first
! equestrienne in the White House
since Mrs. Roosevelt, should fate
decide favorably for her husband.
less car. and so, too. arc Mrs. Wilson
| and Mrs. Coolidge. Tho latter Is fond
| or walking and of tennis and an oc-
casionai game Of golf. She Is also