The Washington herald., 1922-09-17


Harding. She long ago won our
hearts completely. no matter what
our political affiIiations, and It just
made our hearts ache to think Of
her lying there in agony and at
deaths door. She was sick for some
days before any of US realised she
was seriously Ill. We had heard
that all idea Of a Labor Day vaca-
tion had been given up by President
and Mrs. Harding because the latter
had a bad cold. as much as because
OF the industrial situation. Then
the first thing we knew II was for
mally announced from the white
House that Mrs. Harding was quite
Ill: then that she was dangerously
Ill. Then the big White House
gates were closed for the first time
since the Hardings lived there: the
band concerts on the south lawn of
the White House were cancelled and
a feeling Of depression hung over
the whole city. However, we are
rejoicing that she is convalescing;
everyone. those who know her and
those who have never seen her. are
all delighted that she Is getting
well.
I suppose her illness will prevent
the President from attending to-
morrow the ceremonies for the lay
ing of the corner stone for new
Masonic temple IN Detroit and from
going Tuesday to Cleveland to be
admitted to membership in the
thirty third degree Scottish Rite Of
Freemasonry at the 10th annual
meeting OF the Supreme Council.
Northern Jurisdiction. Mrs. Hard
ing was to accompany him on the
trip. Former Vice President Thomas
r. Marshall will also attend the
meeting in Cleveland.
suppose Mrs. Harding's condi-
tion may effect the social program
Of state functions at the White
House this winter. Surely after
this serious attack. which shows the
precarious condition Of Mrs. Hard
ing's health. her physicians will not
permit her to oyertax her strength
again. at large receptions. at least.
I wonder that she has stood the
strain as she has. for many, many,
times during campaigning days Mrs.
Harding shook hands. so she told
me. with as many as ten thousand
people at one reception and she has
often greeted three and four thou
sand at a time since being mistress
Of the White House. She received
somebody every day. practically
and usually many somebodies. A
stronger woman than she would
have broken down under the strain,
much less one who has been deli
cate for some time. l really think
she has been marvellous. However,
II we want to keep her with US.
ina gine she should not be burdened
with any social duties at all in the
future And with no social activ-
tiles at the White House. a winter
here is not apt to be so brilliant,
although one Of the most brilliant
seasons I can recall there was moth
ing going on at the White House at
all because OF Mr.. Wilson's illness.
Mrs. Harding's social secretary.
Miss Laura Harlan. rushed home
little sooner than she had planned
to do to look after the huge pile of
correspondence from all over the
country which poured into the
White House because of the First
Lady's illness. Miss Harlan spent
the summer at Murray Bay. Can
ada, and was due home shortly.
Mrs. Harding's brother. e. L. Killing.
spent practically all Of last week
at the White House to be near his
sister TIE poor President was so
upset all week. too, however. he
had to try to do little work,
which is so difficult when ones
heart is aching
JUST don't believe the real social
season will start here very
early this srason-though one can
never tell. For instance. some no
tables from other lands may ar
rive here. more or less suddenly.
at any time and We will find our
selves in the midst Of a great whirl
Of entertaining before We realize it
almost. However. there are no
special indications of an early or
particularly brilliant season up to
date and if the White House should
he out of it. things will be that
much Quieter. As a rule hostesses
wait until winters program is an
nOunced from the White House be-
fore making their own definite
plans and settling on dates. so as
not to conflict. because guests,
asked to the Executive Mansion.
are sure to neglect any other en-
gagement to accept that of the
First Lady and thereby spoil the
other parties. Hostesses wish to
avoid such mishaps to their enter