Evening star., 1932-04-24
MRS. GEORGE SUTHERLAND.

that one with so long an experience In
the field would have ripe observation
to offer
II think it is" she responded with
out hesitation and with great earnest
ness. Il think it is especially helpful to
those who are new in the city. When
you have become established and are
older in official life, you have more
privileges that is, you are exempt from
doing many things unless you feel you
have the time and really care to do
them. But it is all wonderful school.
Everything in the way OF interest,
amusement and instruction is offered
you; you have but to accept
-
There was still a further reason
which Mrs. Sutherland offered to sus-
tain the point she had made.
Washington society is life which
brings you in contact with many people
of many countries" she said. and that
Is necessarily interesting and education
al We not only acquire a great deal
from other people, bu5 we get our rough
edges sandpapered down"
What circle of all those with which
you have been identified do you con-
slider the most nteresting?" Mrs. Suth-
erland was asked next.
She laughed. and her answer was
diplomatic. The Senate circle was by
far the busiest" she said.
But discharging social duties-which,
Of course her health does not permit
her to do extensively at this time-does
not conclude the responsibilities of a
hostess of a justice OF the Supreme
Court, in the opinion OF Mrs. Suther-
Af 4
bility that rests on her husbands shoul-
derS, this versatile woman is doing all
she can to be of aid to him. Although
disclaiming any knowledge of, or ability
to participate in, his highly specialized
work, Mrs. Sutherland has found there
are many things she can do for her
husband.
1T is my place to keep him fit phys
ically," she pointed out, indicating the
strenuous labors which are exacted of
him aS.night after night following busy
days at the court, Mr. Justice Suther-
land tolls in his study over the prob
lens of the law.
Then, too" she continued. ''it is
my place TO shield him from the 'gad-
fiys' of life. so to speak, the things
which might annoy him. The ma
chinery of life is mine, as 1t should
be-"
One who might expect to find q
trace of pessimism in a person who is
more or less confined to her home be-
cause Of a none-too-robust health,
would be gloriously surprised to talk
with this lady of the court" There
are several ways in which she displays
her optimism
Most women, think, like living in
Washington" she observed although
have known few who never seemed
to adjust themselves and profeSsed to
be bored. OF course. that simply meant
they had never learned to accept the
riches offered them. To confess bore
dom in such an environment confesses
an empty and unfurnished mind. In
fact, it is a condition have never
been able to understand anywhere at
any time. when new experiences are al
ways beckoning round every corner"
Mrs. Sutherland looks back over the
years with a sense of satisfaction and
an assurance of having gained q great
zeal from life.
For her, there are memories OF travel.
She has visited all the countries of
Europe, and some of them many times
In her own words, she has been "en-
chanted with the beauty of the Fiords
and blue mountains of Norway; in
spired by the fine air and marvellous
mountain scenery of Switzerland;
awed by the dark glens and streams Of
Scotland. and thrilled by the art ana
beauty of Italy"
Then there are friends who come to
call on this interesting woman. Some
times they stay for an afternoon OF
bridge, and sometimes they just drop
in for tea.
After ALL" Mrs. Sutherland had said,
''in youth we look for activity and ad-
venture. but in the Indian Summer Of
life our friends are perhaps our most
precious and valued POSSESSIONS"
Mrs. Sutherland was reared by an
old-fashioned mother. not only to man.
age household capably, but her fin
gers were trained to sew and knit Like
many other women. she knitted unceas-
ingly during the war, and has ever since
continued 1t for the benefit and COM
fort OF blind children, to whom she
sends each year boxes of warm, woolly
knitted garments.
And. last of all. Mrs. Sutherland is an
inyeterate reader
when you read a great deal. as I
do" she had remarked. "the world is
full of friends that n-readers never
dream exist"
Travel has been Mrs. Sutherland's S
great incentive to reading She always
reads the histories of the countries she
visits. and the lives of the great men
and women who have been born and
reared in those countries: She likes
especially to read biographies. and, in
addition. has read and studied extern
siyely works OF the metaphysical and
occult.
Reluctantly she will initiate you into
one Of her secrets. She loves to take
up an author and read all of his works
through from cover to cover. In this
way she has just finished making
friends all over again with the charac-
terS in Dickens.
And, as you think back over a visit
to the charming apartment home OF
Mrs. George Sutherland. and reflect
upon the words and ways of the gra-
ciouS woman who is its hostess, some
how you feel certain that you have
caught a glimpse Of q stained-gla
window