Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-05-20
Tales of Well Known Folk
In Social and Official Life

At the Italian embassy |poB BEsasio
. Caetani has continued the excellent
custom. established by Baron Mayor
des Planches of placing large auto
graphed photographs of every am
bassador who has served at TINS
Capital in conspicuous places at the
embassy. They now make rather
crowded row on the mantel OF the
chief reception room and begin with
Baron Fava. who was the nrst am
bassador. Though the leveling times
of the fascist were far distant from
his era, he can be said to have shown
more democratic tendencies than
even the present representative OF
King Victor. For Baron Fava set
up his household goods over a bar
Der shop and subscribed to none OF
the usual social customs. In fact,
he was rather a recluse. and no
greater contrast could be imagined
successor. Baron Edmondo 3iayor des
Planches, who. with the baroness, gave
such brilliant entertainments in the
residence on New Hampshire avenue
which is now used entirely as ofnces
When Baron des Planches was trans
ferred to Constantinople. the Marquis
Cusani Cofalconier was appointed
and he, too, entertained lavishly and
the marquise was social power.
Then came Count Macchi de Cellere
and his charming family, who wrote
a fine chapter in the history of the
Italian embassy in Washington.
Baron Camille de Romano was next
in line and then Signor Ricci. who
stepped out to make room for Prince
Caetani. They all smile down on the
visitors to the embassy and within
the week. the present amba ssador
has been added to the group. In the
British embassy an excellent portrait
of Lord Pauncefote of Preston was
placed soon after his death and a
small photograph of Niscount Bryce
adorns the study. But the memorable
list of British ministers and ambassa-
doris to this capital shows great gaps
in time and interest. In fact. the
Italian is the only foreign domicile
in Washington which is endeavoring
to get a complete portrait series OF
its ENJOYS since unified Italy was
first represented in 1871.
Col George Harvey. the amba ssador
to Great Britain, who is making visit
TO his Vermont home. has followed the
lead of the late Whitelaw Reid. He sat
for his portrait to Sargent in order that
the gallery of the American embassy in
London. now nearing the point when it
can be occupied, may be complete. Four
Sargent canvases figure in this group
John Hay. Mr.. Reid. Joseph f. Choate
and now Col Harvey. Mr.. Irwin
Laughln has been a generous contribu-
tor to the fund which seeks to have
portraits of long-ago ENJOYS. John
Adams, James Buchanan and Martin
Van Buren, among other celebrities
painted by masters and become per-
manent treasure Of the embassy of the
United States. OF the long list of en-
voys beginning in 1871. that of the am
bassa doris OF whom Thomas +. Bayard
was the first is complete. and only
about ten Of the ministers remain to be
represented in their chronological
niche. Mrs Whitelaw Reid will aid in
accomplishing this ambition, and 1t is
likely that her picture as one of the
notable chatelaines will be given a
place in the ballroom.
Though Washington has a social
code. followed tehacfousiy THROUGH
the Intervening years between Mrs.
John Adams attempt. at cpga aizat 10 Ii
until the present. many of its dis
eliminating hOstesSeS are. glad to
profit by the traditional ways of the
older world. In the diplomatic corps
the ladies associated, with the. Ger
man embassy show a marked individ-
uality in their formal as we'll as in
formal amenities. Nothing more
charming than Nine. Reissers after
Moons at home in her residence on
18th and just off r street have oc-
CURED in Washington. this winter
She 'adheres to the customs of
Munich, her native city. and while she
prepares for guests at least four days
In the week, she never especially in
vites them. Those WHO drop in find
a Widespread table. dainties not seen
on American tables and an assort-
ment of sandwiches tootlrSome' as
they are unusual. Nine Reisser at
tends to all the Service and most
competently even though her draw
ing room is crowded. Dr.. and Nine.
Won Lewinski, who have taken the
home of Senator Key Pittman for the
season, keep to the old custom of
having every hospitality as informal
as possible except on the rarest oc-
casions. At the recent house warm