Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-18
BY MARGARET b. DOWNING.


Mrs. Coolidge, present First Lady Of
the land frequently encounters two
Others who have held that role as she
mingles in the social and muslca
events Of the sea son. Mrs. Taft, with
company Of friends sat quite near
AIRS. Coolidge at Mrs. Lawrence
Townsends first concert OF the sea
son. and Mrs Woodrow Wilson was
nearby. Al three distinguished
women were guests at the luncheon
81 the hotel. Mrs. Coolidge joining
with the cabinet ladies as the guest
az Mrs Jardine. Not in memory OF
this generation have two other First
Ladies chosen Washington as
residence. For a few months in 1874
Mrs. Warren Harding was here, max
ing the third
< Mrs. Taft holds a unique position
IS the wife of the Chief Justice, but
Mrs. John Quincy Adams was promi-
nent hostess Of the lower House for
10 wears when her husband became a
member Of Congress. Mistress Dolly
Madison lived in Washington for the
longest period Of any of the eminent
fadies who have presided over the
White House amenities Married in
1874 10 the distinguished chronicler
Of the Constitutional Convention
sIittIe Jennie a : he is affecuonatolN
ealled-she came 10 Washington ia
1901 as the wife Of the Secretary of
State under President Jefferson and
remained in residence continuously
during the eight years OF that admin
istration and the eight years in which
aames Madison served as fourth Pres
fient. For 10 years she presided
eharmingly over the beautiful home
Of Madison. Montpelier. Va, but on
the passing Of her husband in 1886
She returned to Washington and re-
NAMED until her death in 1S49. Mrs.
Woodrow Wilson has resided in Wash
nGton for MANY years, but not in an
official role until her marriage 10 Pres
hient Wilson IN 1915. All other wives
Of Presidents or their official chate-
hines have lived in Washington only
through the terms Of office assigned
e. husbands or other relatives.
: White House levees are problem
which every First Lady has TO con-
slider and that held recently for the
diplomatic corps proved conClusively
that, however hospitable the occu-
pants of the mansion may he, the idea
Of returning TO the serving Of re-
fleshments. so often suggested. must
b cast aside, or at least until some
change is devised in the schedule of
IPYees. 1t was plain last year when
the historic marsion was repaired and
Somewhat enlarged that the people
are unalterablY opposed to a more
Spacious building. Mrs. Coolidge has
had several suggestions about dividing
the companies into six levees instead
ef the traditional four. and. while
tllis idea appears plausible and
IL
Gent and his lady will make no inno-
Yations. Under the conditions, Serv-
fng even a glass of water would be
Impossible. still less the elaborate
Buffet suppers which held under the
Taft and Wilson administrations.
Mrs. Harding. having observed what
en- ordeal that was when she was
b guest as a senatorial hostess, wisely
Returned to the former customs. and
& is safe to predict that no other
presiding lady will. while the present
congestion is assured, challenge her
Judgment.
Z The Secretary Of the Treasury is
bot so fervent a patron of the drama
es he is of music and art, and ii is
Doubtful if the loud cries to eliminate
f1e tax on theater tickets will move
him to any drastic reforms. The
public, as the Secretary sees it, does
not object so strenuously TO the tax
as it does to the sum which calls
Forth the tax, and Mr. Mellon would,
with all thoughtful and responsible
officials of the Government, welcome
any measure which would curtail
Speculation in theater and other en-
france fees for public amusement.
But no method has vet been proposed,
either by Federal. State or municipal
authorities. which could prevent pro-
Gucers from doubling and treblinE the
ordinary price of seats when anything
Of moment is 10 be exhibited. Mem.
bers of Congress have reams of let
ters imploring them to take over the