New-York tribune., 1920-04-11

publicly discussed but are written
in the pages Of history.
This time next year a new mis-
tress will be spring-cleaning the
White House, and, with her new
broom, overturning the dust and
traditions Of her predecessors. Who
will she be? And what changes will
she make? Will she relegate Mrs.
President So-and-So's favorite piece
Of furniture to the official attic and
bring down relics Of bygone days
which better please her antique
fancy?
Consults Her Own Taste
1t Is more than probable she will,
for, being woman, the new mis-
tress of the White House won't be
satisfied with some other woman's
taste, but will stamp her own indi-
viduality on the Executive Mansion.
This she will have the right to do,
for, while the more important ques-
tons of form, ceremony and. cti-
quette have largely been settled,
each newcomer in the White House
has unquestioned authority to rear
range or redecorate the mansion to
suit her special tastes, just as she
has to establish or break prcce-
dent.
Dolly Madison, the most COM
manding personality in Washington
for half a century-wlo ruled in
regal state during the administra-
tions of BOTH Mr.. jefferson and
Mr.. Madison--probably made more
changes in the White House and its
observances than any other mistress,
even employing a master of ceremo-
nies, the famous Frenchman, Jean
Pierre Siousset, to assist her in the
regulation of her household and
social affairs.
She dwarfed Jenny" Madison,
socially. mentally and physically, so
completely that most of the history
Of the Madison Administration is
devoted to the inimitable Dolly,
whose keen wit, natural charm and
remarkable tact enabled her to hold
her own with Cabinet officers, diplo-
mats and ambassadors from foreign
courts, all Of whom freely sought
her advice on matters of etiquette
and state.
Dolly Madison's Sway
However, in those days when
democracy was just in the making
and women were supposed to be the
power behind the throne, Dolly Mad
lson, by reason Of her aggressive
leadership, stood out as a creature
apart. She was wide departure
from the old traditions and no
doubt was bitterly criticised by her
sisters behind their fans.
To-day the Dolly Madisons are
legion. Not only have women come
out from behind the proverbial
throne but are sitting in the seats
OF the mighty themselves. With the
vote and the right to hold office they
are bigger factor than ever with
which to deal, and the Presidential
enthusiastically all Of whom are
old hands at the political game-are
up against brand-new problem.
SO the next President will look to
MS wife for help as never before,
and the next mistress of the White
House will have a bigger job than
any Of her predecessors. Moving the
furniture about will be her least
trouble.
What sort Of women are they who
are aspiring to this responsible
position? Are they equal to its
duties and demands? How do they
measure up as running mates" and
as future mistresses Of the White
House, and what influence will their
respective personalities WELD on ma
tional affairs?
VIII the next First Lady Of the
Land inaugurate a brilliant social
regime. throw the doors open in
true democratic style to all loyal
Americans entitled to enter there, or
Will she close the big iron gates
tighter than ever?
These questions are being asked
on all sides, and the prospective
nrst ladies are as much in the lime
light as their distinguished hus-
bands. Since they may play so
large part in the history Of the
country, people want to know about
them-what they are like as women.
All Have Had Training
N THE first place, all of this
group of women have had Off
cial training Of one sort or