Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-19

But the more evidence on her purity he
gathered the more society shrugged its shoulders
and refused to receive her. No one In Oncial-
dom invited her anywhere.
Into this dilemma stepped Q master Of
strategy Martin Van Buren,, Secretary Of
State, was an innkeepers son from New York
State and a willy gentleman In the bargain.
Astutely he sided with Peggy Eaton, seeing that
It would tend toward his ultimate political adj
vantage to please the irate jackson where his
other officials Infatuated him.
For the cabinet was divided. Calhoun, Vice
President and three cabinet ministers had
families absolutely, Internationally, refused to
receive Peggy Eaton. Jackson felt the snub
was as much to him as to her. He became most
enraged when his own niece, who was taking
his wife's place as First Lady, sided with the
Calhouns.
1t was here that Peggy Eaton showed her
power, for the President sent his niece, Emily
whispered that Peggy Eaton. that social-climber,
was unoficially First Lady Of the Land.
In order to clear up his part in the proceed
tngs the President called q cabinet meeting at
which Peggy Eaton's character became q ques-
ton Of state. Witnesses were ministers but
nothing was proven except definite cleavage
IN ofncia1 circles. One was either pro-Peggy
or anti-Peggy. The latter were listed IS
traitors to the administration.
The President soon called another cabinet
meeting at which he discussed the evident dis
elimination against Mrs. Eaton then prevalent
In the Capital. Recognition Of Peggy Eaton
became an implied administration policy.
. Nevertheless the cabinet was doomed, d.
vided. as it was into two hostile camps which
chafYed each other to such an extent that
councils on state matters could not be held.
Van Buren,, Peggys active champion, was seen
as the Presidents constant companion, IN adj
dition, Of course, to Eaton, his best personal
friend. Daniel Webster had q penetrating eye.
for at this time he wrote that "the consequences
Of this desperate turmoil in the social and
fashionable world may determine who shall
succeed the present Chief Magistrate"
And so it turned out. Van Buren, was
clearly slated to succeed Jackson In the presi-
dency; Calhoun's high hopes were dashed to
the ground. During two-year struggle in
which the President Of the United States spent
most Of his energy on her eventual recognition,
Peggy Eaton secure in her marvellous beauty
and her nimble mind maintained her niche as
the Presidents favorite.
Peggy Eaton went to all the courts Of Europe
and captured them with her brilliance. When
Van Buren, became President and Eaton was
appointed Minister to Spain. it was Peggy who
took "the diplomatic concerns Of the United
States into her own hands" and who became
the queen Cristina's favorite.
On her return in 1910 the Eatons switched to
the Wing camp and were received royalty by
the very sloe WHICH ~ years peIoFe could not
tolerate her. There was nothing left to fight
for. So in the home in which she was born she
and Eaton lived quietly until the latter's death.
After her husband had died Peggy Eaton
seemed to have little left to live for, when
suddenly a double calamity in her family reused
her to new activity. Her son-in-law Randolph
died, and shortly after him her youngest
daughter. his wife. Mrs. Eaton adopted the
grandchildren and gave them training In all
the arts.