The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-10-17

hood. The capital life always has
once have had II part in II. The city
today has a score of residents who
after leaving public Office concluded
to stay here for the rest of theiI days.
Today there are two former presidents
OF the United States. several former
and a score or two of for
mer representatives, to say nothing Of
many former officials of the various
departments OF government. who are
living here and either earninE their
livings or depending upon their private
means for support.
So far as the widows of former gov
eminent officials are concerned, q large
part of resident society is made up Of
them. One widow of a president tried
to set a precedent for Washington
residence When James Madison died
his widow, Dolly as her intimate
friends called her, leased a house
which is still standing. and there
she lived for years, entertaining
largely and taking an active interest
In all government matters. Her ON
Is the present quarters of the Cosmos
club.
Some Noted Widows There
Mrs. John A. Logan, widow OF the
major general of the Federal army In
the CIvfl war and later United States
senator. resided in Washington from
the time her husband died until Der
own death a few months ago. Mrs
Logan not only had an active part in
civic work and benevolent work In
Washington, hut she wrote widely
upon subjects Of public interest. Mrs.
George L. Pickett, widow of the IA
nous Confederate officer who led the
charge of Gettysburg. has resided in
Washington for years. She was mar
ried when she was only sixteen years
old, her husband being many years
her senior. She is taking an active
part In Washington life. official and
social.
Mrs. John b. Henderson. wife of a
former United States senator from
Missouri. has lived In Washington
every since 1868. She is still inter
ested In everything pertaining to cap
ital city life. Under her direction Ger
tain parts of the city have been beau
titled. She is recognized even in her
advanced years as one of the leaders
in general Washington activities.
Men who serve in congress for a
great many years and who then resign
or who are forced out of office by the
changes in political conditions, SEEM
ingly become so fond of the city as q
residence place that those of them who
leave 1t to go back home do 80 with
extreme reluctance. They are con-
stantly revisIting the scenes Of their
legislative activities.
old-Timers Who Like Washington.
Chauncey NJ. Depew of New York
Is nearly ninety years old. but he
comes to Washington frequently to
visit the capitol. % call upon the
President and to accept dinner invita-
tons to the houses of old-time Wash
ington friends.
Senator Nathan B.. Scott OF West
Virginia lives in Washington. The
widow of Senator Stephen B. Elkins
of the same state has made this city
her home yer since the death of her
husband. The widow of John Hay and
the widow of r. r. Hit chose 10 re-
main here after their husbands had
died.
Former representatives in congress
who are living anu working here are
almost past the numbering. Congress
always is made up largely of lawyers.
Most of the former representatives
who are here are engaged in law prac-
tlce. They are familiar with all the
workings of government. and ii is
said that their practice. especially in
claims cases, is large.
Woodrow Wilson was the first for
mer president of the United States to
remain in Washington after leaving
the White House.
President Taft moved away after
his term of office had expired. but he
came back. of course. when he was
named as chief justice OF the United
States.