Evening star., 1925-02-15
Tales of Well Known Folk
L In Social and Official Life
Coolidge's Sim plifed Inauguration Plan Likened
( to John Quincy Adams Program-Notes of
II Other DISTINGUISHED Personages.
BY MARGARET b. BOWLING.

! BY MARGARET b. DOWLING.
President Coolidge has taken John
Quincy Adams as his prototype in re-
gard to Inauguration ceremonies, and
he plans, according to his interpreter,
Senator Butler of Massachusetts, to
emulate the distinguished son of
Massachusetts. who became chief
magistrate just century ago, as
clpsely as possible. But simple and
unpretentious as the second Adams
induction into office seems at this
remote day, IT is chronicled in its era
With many f1ourishes, and was, in
deed, far in advance of any previous
Inauguration. For instance, the in
augural ball was the most brilliant
ever attempted in the crude young
Capital City, and a special hall, de-
signed by George Hadfield, architect
OF the courthouse, and erected by
Lewis Carusi, was used for the pur-
pose The ball was given under the
auspices of Washington's most ex-
elusive club, the Assembly, and the
decorations, the attendance and the
supper and other accessories were
considered of the most lavish order.
John Quincy Adams was escorted by
all the military procurable at that
militia and civilians walked this mile
from the Adams residence at 1898
+ street to the Capitol. After the
oath of Office was administered they
escorted the new President home,
where he entertained a vast company
of friends at lunch and received as
many more who came to shake hands
lie then went to the White House,
where Mrs. Monroe lay i'll, and for
two more hours held a levee with
officials from Congress and others.
Then the ball at came, and he and
Mrs. Adams led the grand march and
remained through the three hours OF
it's duration. Rather a busy day, 1t
would be called even now, almost
entirely dedicated to what was known
as the pomp and ceremony customary
on inaugurating a President.
When the last President from
Massachusetts,, John Quincy Adams,
assumed office, the diplomatic corps
was composed of exactly II persons.
Sir Charles Vaughn, the British min
lister was dean. and but four other
nations sent ministers or envoys of
the first class, while all others were
represented by charges or consuls.
Charles X reigned in France and his
envoy was Baron de Marieul. Ferdi-
nand VII ruled in Spain, but he had
only a charge in Washington at this
time, Senior Rivas Salmon. Prussia
had a minister sent to replace the
fl frst Prussian minister here, Baron
Greuhm, who died in this city in 1924
Portugal had a minister, the witty
and accomplished Able Correa de
Sierra, author of the phrase washing
ton, a city of magnificent distances.
Baron de Tuyll was minister from
Russia. Could the present corps be
assembled in one place to witness the
solemn ceremony of the President Of
the United States taking the oath OF
office, more than 400 persons would
be numbered. Congress and every di-
vision of the Government has in
creased in proportion during these
100 years. John Quincy Adams en-
tertained an official group OF less than
200 persons, whereas Washington,
under President Coolidge, counts
about 5000 persons in the official set.
Sir Esme and Lady Isabella Howard
arc continuing the traditions which
have governed the British embassy
since 1t was opened for amenities
more than so years ago by Sir Edward
Thornton and his stately lady. 1t may
be that the coming demolition of the
mansion has quickened interest In the
afternoon receptions; but few homes
have attracted such large and d1stin-
tinguished companies as those. wnlcn
have been entertained at the British
embassy during the past month. Some
notable changes are apparent under
Lady Isabellas regime and are po-
tent signs of the times. So short
time ago as when Lord and Lady
Reading invited a few friends to aft
ernoon tea the ballroom with drawn
curtains showed it's rows OF gilt
chairs primly set against the walls
and King Edward VII and Queen
Alexandra looked , from opposite
walls mirrored in the waxed surface
of the floors.
Now, however, so vast has become
Washington's calling contingent that
the ballroom figures in the drawing
room quite as charming nVine
room, a splendid rug covers the floor
and there are a multitude of flower
laden tables, easy chairs ana "lde'
comfortable settees. Their majesties
smile on as busy scene as In the
days when the ballroom was opened
only for a dance or musical. Inc
dining room, once the most stateiy
in proportions which washington
oasted and many feet larger than
rennodeling under President Roosevelt
in.1eO2. is now crowded just with
"a sual callers and is uncomfortabiy
marked when an invited company Is
received. This aspect, together Win
the submerging of Connecticut avenue
into commercialism, has hasteneo tne
sale of the historic mansion. 1t Is OF
interest that the British embassy con-
tinues it's trend from its early Gays
toward Georgetown, and not out olA-
teenth street. The first home OF the
British legation in this city was ~
the six Buildings" Twenty-fourth
snS x street. now the site of st. Ann
Infant Asylum.
Mr.. Irwin B. Laughlin, who is serv-
ing as Minister to Greece, mas re-
Gently purchased charming 1oun'
tain for the inclosed garden OF the
mansion he had erected in Crescent
place. quite near the splendid nome
Of Mr.. Henry White. This fountain
is of marble and is the work OF Ra-
mon Bonet of the New York art cen
fer and has been on exhibition at his
.tudio AN through February and Will
remain in the sculptor's keeping until
Mr. and Mrs Laughlin make their an
nual visit home this coming June. II
ia "A diminutive effort, but the per-
fection of grace, and shows two plump
children astride dolphin, from the
mouth of which the water pours and
which the youngsters catch In shells
Mr., and Mrs. Laughlin have plunged
whole -heartedIy into the plans for the
relief Of Greek exiles from Armenia
a charity which claims SUCH sustained
effort in Washington and other Amer
ican cities Conditions are more tran
auil in Athens, but the social side is
not paramount as in the days when