The Washington herald., 1921-04-17

FIRST Lady IN the cheerful, homellke
red room.
MRS. HARDING IS BUSY
EXTENDING ACQUAINTANCEs.
n RS. HARDING is bending all
MI her efforts toward knowing
AVx the women with whom she
must come in contact for the
next four years, particularly those
whom she will have to know off,
cislly. She has already added very
perceptibly to the circle she knew
when her husband was in the Sem
ate. and in one short month she has
received about one-fourth of ofi-
cialdom, a task generally spread
over the entire season. She has al
ready received many members Of
residential society also. At parties
nowadays / invariably hear some
one ask someone else, Have you
been received by Mrs. Harding yet?
No! Well do write and ask for an
audience with her, she Is just
charming. l found her delightful!
You really miss something il you
don't know her" and similar state
ments. Usually the other says she
has left cards at the White House
most of Washington society has al
oOhC hau iOG
ten for an audience. Then the first
speaker usually tells how she wrote
little note to Miss Laura Harlan.
Mrs. Harding's social secretary, and
was received about two days later.
And then she invariably goes on to
explain how Mrs. Harding only asks
4 very few for the same hour as
she wishes to have a real visit and
really get acquainted with each
guest. She is accomplishing that
and seems to be winning hearts
right and left. She is such a good
sport, too. She says no woman
should go into public life who isn't.
Mrs. Harding had an opportunity
to meet the wives Of all the member s
of both Houses-old members and
new-at the delightful reception at
the Congressional Club Friday after
noon when the club entertained In
her honor. Like all parties given
by the club. it was a brilliant affair.
attended by a distinguished COM
Eany. I'll wager not an invitation
was refused, for all were anxious
to grasp the opportunity to greet
the First Lady who shook hands
with each one as though she was
really and truly glad to see that
person. 1t was the first
party given for Mrs. Harding since
she has been living at the White
House. Mrs. Coolidge and Mrs. Gill
lett, also Mrs. Lenroot, president of
the club. received with her. never
saw Mrs. Harding look better-she
was handsome and exquisitely
gowned. The ladies' all were lust
raving about her clothes.
So far she has not had any time
apparently for recreation or exer-
else. except for an occasional motor
ride. She does not accompany her
husband when he plays golf as Mrs,
Wilson used to do when .he former
President played, which was almost
every day before he was i'll. Hard
ing usually goes OF with some Sena-
torial cronies or any man who ham
pens to be around when he Is ready
TO play-the last caller he has seen
very often. The President slips 1ut
FOR an early morning walk occas-
ionally and about once q week the
pair OF them manage to see a show.
IN GALLERIES
FOR PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Tuesday Mrs. Harding and the
wives of all the officials, in addition
TO many diplomats and resident So
ciety wonderland men too-nocked
10 the Capitol to hear the Preside ent
make his first address before Con-
sress-more history making. Those
Special occasions at the Capitol are
signals for the gathering of
society in the galleries.
MRS. Harding was greeted by
cheers almost as enthusiastic as
nose given for her husband, when
she appeared in the Executive gal
lery' She was accompanied by her
close friend. Mrs. Edward Beale Nc
Lean, MRS. George B. Christian, wife
Oh the Presidents secretary, who
has always been a more or less inti-
mate friend Of Mrs. Harding-they
are much closer than the wife Of the
Chief Executive and the wife Of his
secretary usually are and Julson
Welliver. a prominent Washing
ton newspaper man of wide experi-
ence, who became very close TO ths
out in Marion during the
campaign (He was In London dur
ng the war for the New York sun,
He Travelled with the Hardings and
Jaw great deal of them and they
became very fond Of him.
heard Mrs. Harding say at tea
It the White House the other day,
while chatting with one Of the |
guests near me, how much they'll
both thought of Mr.. welliyer and |
low shA enioYad discussinr anai-.