Evening star., 1932-03-27
BY PAULINE A. FREDERICK.

Just outside any front door can be
found the best tonic in the world
sunshine and fresh air. This is Mrs.
William Dewitt Mitchell's sage counsel
after years of successful experimental
tion on the subject.
The gracious wife of the attorney
general has established her premise
In divers ways and regions. From the
peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the
Valley of the Potomac, she has hunted,
camped and travelled with her husband
and sons, experiencing the refreshment
which comes from intimate touch with
natures genial glow
Today, radiant health gives Mrs.
Mitchell a zest for such things as
s'nine holes of golf in a stiff north
wester'" And "out door exercise" has
become a necessary part of her daily
routine-"I find I must have 1t in
order to keep we'll" she points out.
This matter of keeping in tune with
physical laws is one evidence of the
musician in Mrs. Mitchell, for it
demonstrates her Sensitiyity to the
harmony of things. AS a musician
blends many tones into concord OF
sweet sounds" So she believes, elements
of life should be fused in such way
as to eliminate all possible discord.
As Mrs Mitchell sketched these
ideas recently, it was not difficult to
understand some of the forces which
have had a definite part in molding
her character.
The Mitchell home stands at the
edge of Rock Greek Valley-a honey
building of limestone with a dis
tingIlished looking entrance approached
by two steep flights Of steps. From the
doorway. or from French window
in the library, the eye can run riot
up and down the wooded slopes of
Rock Greek Park and across it to
where the city begins again.
1t was love for the out-of doors that
influenced the MitchellS to choose this
idyllic spot for their home: for the sun
and wind, with free hand, surround
them here.
One of the favorite rooms of the
hostess is the library which runs the
depth of the house to the left of the
entrance. French windows extend from
the floor almost to the ceiling and their
gold-cloth hangingS are drawn back so
that sunshine streams in on the garnet
rug.
I'VE always let in as much sunshine
as possible" Mrs. Mitchell explained.
Built-in book shelves and the walls
are a silvery blue-green. Comfortable
arm chairs and sofas-some of them of
the Colonial period-invite one to sit
down for cozy chat. A grand piano
with works of Schumann, Brahms,
Schubert and Richard Strauss on its
rack awaits the touch of its talented
mistress.
In a room with literature and music
and sunshine, Mrs. Mitchell seemed
distinctively at home; for these things
have all been forged into the chain of
her many interests.
A warm personality Immediately at
tracts one to this cultivated woman.
She has, in addition, poise that arms
her effectively with sympathy and
understanding to meet the most trying
exigencies which arise.
These latter Observation-Disclosures
pathy and underStanding-have won
her many friends. For, somehow as
she talks there seems to be projecting
itself, through her words, friendliness
that is irresistible. You accept it at
full value because you are sure that
that is exactly what she meant you to
do.
These mental notations on Mrs.
Mitchell were interrupted recently by
the entrance Of an important member
of the household-an energetic little
cocker-spaniel. Ears outstanding, and
tail a-wag, he proceeded to introduce
himself, and then, at a word from his
mistress, found nice sunny spot on
the rug and settled down for nap.
He and take many walks together"
Mrs. Mitchell divulged. Hes a Won
derful incentive for exercise"
Gertrude Bancroft Mitchell was born
In Boston and reared in st. Paul, the
daughter of railroad official of the
Great Northern under James j. Hill.
She attended grammar school, high
school, and then private school for a
time. Her talent for music was evi-
dent at an early age, so she prepared
herself to be a teacher of piano and
for time followed her chosen profess
sion. Later she spent some time in
vocal study.
st. Paul was an interesting city in
those days. For one thing. it was the
seat Of the Supreme Court of Mime
sofa. and a certain Judge Mitchell was
a distinguished member of that tribu-
nal. This jurist had a son whose in
terest also lay in the realm Of law.
Living In the same city, knowing
many Of the same people, Gertrude
Bancroft and William Dewitt Mitchell
had many opportunities to become ac-
quainted. Their subsequent marriage
was an outstanding event in st. Paul
society.
The Mitchells have two sons. Will
liam, the elder, is the third OF his name
to be member of the legal profession
He Is a graduate of Princeton and of
the Harvard Law School For three
years he has been practicing in his
fathers old law firm in st. Paul. Ban
croft Mitchell graduated from Prince
ton, too, but he afterward attended
the Harvard School of Business Ad-
ministration. At the present time he
is connected with financial concern
IN New York City.
4 X
Mrs Mitchell had her first taste of
Washington official life in 1925 when
President Coolidge appointed her law
yer-husband to the post of solicitor
general of the United States.
Two and half years later when the
Hoover cabinet was formed. Mr..
Mitchell was offered the Attorney
Generalship. and the musician-wife
fused into her career the duties Of a
cabinet hostess.
Mrs. Mitchell was asked what her
biggest task is as the wife of the At
torney General. Her reply was freight
ed with the sympathy and understand
ing which have such an important
place in her character.
Beyond our official duties. we women
Of the Cabinet have a very definite task
to perform" she said. 1T is important
that. when our husbands come home
from days Of heavy responsibility they
find congenial surroundings for relaxa-
ton and quiet which they so much need.
1t is our place to provide that atmos
phere for them, and assist them in every
way possible.
Dot T
can be said of any woman whose hus-
band works hard" she went on reflec
lively. 1T seems to devolve naturally
Npon any married woman to create a