Norwich bulletin., 1921-02-19

showed his respect for Mrs. Eaton by
frequently inviting her to the White
House as his guest.
Enchanting, ambitious and unscru-
pulous, Mrs Eaton soon held the popu-
lar hero completely under her influence
and naturally she went to him constant
ly to confine her troubles. Mr.. Van Blu
rem a6roitly seconded her, and the gallant
old soldier swore to have his revenge
and that the scandal nongers VINO had
embittered the last years of his beloved
wife Rachel, should not experience the
same triumph with his little friend,
Peg"
At this juncture Van Buren, saw his
| opportunity He himself was a widowsr.
and keeping house in Washington. As
secretary Of state he was able to form an
alliance with the bachelor ministers Of
Great Britain and Russia. eaclr> of whom
had spacious residences at the capital A
series of dinners, balls and suppers were
planned at these three houses. and at
each successive entertainment Mrs. Ea-
| ton was the honored guest She was al
ways assigned to lead the dancing, and
was always chosen to sit at the table on
the right Of the host
Some Of the ladies' present would show
their indignation at her behavior by
leaving the room, but this seemed to have
no effect either upon her or upon the
president. She was openly denounced by
clergymen, and she found herself IN such
a position which very few women would
envy.
Mrs. Eaton, who apparently did no;
possess a scruple as to the propriety OF
her course, evidently enjoyed the situa-
ton, and used to visit President jackson
daily with a new story Of the insults
that had been heaped upon her. The wo-
man gave no evidence of diplomacy nor
Of political sagacity, but was mere
beautiful, passionate, impulsive puppet
held UP by Gen. Jackson, while Score
tary Van Buren, adroitly pulled the
strings that directed her movements
Mr., Calhoun, whose wife was foremost
among the Washington ladies, who posi-
lively refused to associate with Mrs
Eaton, said to friend of Gen. Jackson's
who endeavored to effect a reconciliation
that the quarrels OF women, Ike thos
Of the Modes and Persians. admitted mel
Their Of inquiry or explanation"
Calhoun knew well, however, that !
was b womaa's quarrel, but a politica
gameyof chess played by men who wer
using women as their pawns, ana he los
the game. Van Buren, and Eaton mex
! rendered their designations as cabinet of
ieers but President Jackson refused t
accept them. Such being the case, tn
cabinet officers whose wives declined Z
} associate with or call upon Mrs. Eato
rendered their designations. which Jack
J son promptly accepted. , The entire cit
: Of Washington was IN a turmoil.
| Angry men walked about the capita
city with bludgeons, seeking "satisfaC
ton :" Guels were talked of; old friend
: ships were severed. and every fresh in
dignity offered his little friend, Peg" en-
deared her the more 20 Gen. jackson, VIII
was duly grateful to Van Buren, for hi
having espoused her cause.
II 'Tt Is odd enough" write Dant
: Webster to a personal friend, ~that tn
consequences Of this dispute in the SC
cial and fashionable world are producin
great political efforts, and may deternriu
very probably who snail be the successo
to the present chief magistrate"
Mrs. Eaton ruled Andrew jackson q
Icompletely as he ruled the democrat
party. She was the daughter Of Williai
= O'Neill, who was in his day the land
!. lord Of what was then the leading publ
= house in Washington. She married u
y young naval officer, John Bowie Tfnbe'
7 lake, when she was only 16 years Of az
u and consequently was an extremely your
Q widow when she became Mrs. Eaton.
q (Monday-Our Electoral College.)