Evening star., 1932-03-13
By PAULINE A. FREDERICK,

SJOOQ open. JuSL INSIDE, on a console
table, rested magnificent silver low
ing cup filled with pink roses. To the
left of this fragrant greeting two
silk flags stood, sentry-lke, impress
sively suggesting a distinguished resi-
dent; for one was the stars and stripes,
and the other. a regimental ensign be-
longing to the Secretary of War.
Into this setting Mrs. Patrick ].
Hurley stepped in all her blonde come
illness to say good morning" and to
invite the way to living room where
beauty and comfort united their forces
triumphantly against the gloom OF a
rainy world
The flames in the fireplace cast gold
reflections against mahogany mantle
and royal-blue rug. In front of the
fire, chocolate-broWn bearskin
Sprawled luxuriously to be hemmed in
on either side by blue divans banked
with gold cushions. Table lamps here
and there made patches of rich orange
light on the cream-color walls.
On either side of the fireplace, there
we're doors that led to a veranda.
French windows at the end of the room
opened out on a tiny balcony over
looking Rock Greek Park.
Mrs Hurley seemed to fit perfectly
into these surroundings picture in
youngest of the cabinet hostesseS sug-
gested to one a poet who infuses fresh
romance and inspiration into subjects
that are old.
There is no excuse for any one being
anything but herself at all times"
Mrs. Hurley spoke these words with
conviction. They were her frank
answer to the question
What training should woman have
who aSpires to be the wife of a public
of1cial?"
Il should think it would be very
difficult to act a borrowed part" Mrs.
Hurley continued in her convincing
manner NO training or environment
could make up for the lack of common
sense. The capacity to understand and
the ability to deal justly and intelli-
gently where the rights of others are
involved are essential in every walk
of life. These qualities are found at
the very foundation of every successful
career
Like a poet selecting a theme about
which to build her song, Mrs Hurley
had unconSciously set out these words
as the keystone of her philosophy. And
if there is one thing which this charm
ing lady'S manner impreSSeS on one. it
is a sincerity that knows no guiding
star save that of being herself"
The tone in which she had spoken
stirred a response of admiration, too,
for her voice is like a delicate instru-
ment capable of registering, with shades
of equal beauty, the music Of a laugh,
and the rich, low tones Of feeling.
Tall. youthful, Mrs. Hurley made a
lovely picture as she sat on one of the
blue divans, amiably discussing vari-
Gus subjects that came to her atten-
ton. An engaging personality is one
of her rich possessions-a personality
that has for its setting exquisite fea-
lures and beautiful brown ewes. Blonde
hair that fluffs a bit about her face
Is pinned low at the back of her neck.
She was wearing light blue wool
suit sprinkled with gray. A white satin
blouse, a pearl choker wound twice
about her throat, and gardenia, ad-
ded to this chic outfit.
AS Mrs. Hurley talked, her obServa-
lions we're clear and to the point-no
wasted words-an economy of energy.
Yet there was no suggestion of brus-
queness in her manner of speaking.
She merely said what she had to say,
and that was the end of it.
Through her personality, and through
her words. there seemed to run the
motif which she had laid down as
every wonan's heritage as we'll as OBJ
legation to foster-"Be only yourself at
all times and in all places"
Mrs. Hurley, nee Ruth Wilson, was
born in Newport, r. l., but has spent
most of her life in Washington, where
she received her education at the
Holton Arms School
Music became one of the many in
terests of her youth. She was not so
much interested in practicing irksome
scales and learning by rote all the in
tricacieS of the scores Rather, her
hobby was mprovization-to sit down
at the piano and make her own trans
Iations" of the melodies she loved
Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Brahms.
Just before the War, stalwart young
attorney, Patrick j. Hurley, came TO
Washington to plead the case of the
Choctaw Indians. He met the accom-
plished daughter of Admiral Wilson,
and they soon thereafter plighted their
troth.
But the war interfered with the mar
f1age plans, for the young attorney
joined his countrys forces and went to
France. At the close of the war, how
ever, they were married and went to
Tulsa, Okla, to make their home.
1t is rather curious that Mrs Hurley's
short life should have given her an
intimate contact with both major
branches of the American forces of ma
tional defense. Her father is Admiral
Henry B. Wilson, and her husband Is
at the head Of the War Department.
X
Mrs. Hurleys face lights I'D with
pleasure when children are mentioned.
She has four alert little ones who range
IN age from II years to 18 months.
Patricia is the oldest, and Mary is the
youngest, while Ruth is 8, and the only
son, Wilson, is 7.
These active younger members" of
the Hurley home find great sport in
horseback riding, swimming and go
ing TO dancing school. With the excep-
tlon OF the youngest, all are attending
public school,
Being cabinet LADY, as well as a
mother to four young children at the
same time, is not always easy. Mrs.
Hurley 1nt1mated. Children at such
tender ages need mothers constant
care and supervision, If they are Ito
be trained in the way they should 60"
In addition, a woman in Mrs. Hurleys
position finds tremendous demands on
her time and energy by the duties of
WashlngtonS official life
A woman who is drawn by two such
exacting interests as these, must "di-
vide herself" so to speak, between the
two. Sometimes this so-called "divi-
sion" is difficult to carry out without
harnfully and unintentionally slight
ing one or the other interest.
Thus. there becomes evident one of
the most trying problems a young
cabinet hostess is called upon to face.
4
But it is nee to be young when one
Is in the cabinet" Mrs Hurley said.
'for you have health and energy to
carry on your duties which, on the
whole. are extremely enjoyable"
Among the domestic details which
Mrs. Hurley skillfully manages also. is
the arntira siIr,ar,.isicr, af lo..o.a