The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1935-05-17
A Symbol and a Cause peggy E@"9 BY chas. J. Mccu;rk

But he had recovered his pious self
ne called upon the President, who knew
nothing Of Mrs. Eaton's Philadelphia
visit OF its results. However, when he
ADMITTED instigating the story and re-
toid It the President listened coldly.
al don't believe it, he said fatty.
II think you're mistaken" the Pres
Mr., Undertake was present in Wash
ington the whole Of that year. Are you
sure of that date?"
He must have been absent that
year" Campbell answered.
The President ushered him out and
Immediately launched his inquiry. He
learned by consulting Undertakes
books in the mans own handwriting
That Undertake had been in Washing
ton all of 1921 up to February, 1922.
He summoned Campbell, confronted
to Mrs. Eaton. Campbell refused. He
said Jackson must have been mistaken
about the date.
well, what date was it?" the Presi-
dent insisted.
:! Chlnk 1t was 1876, Campbell
smirked.
That answer convinced the President
that Campbell was determined to per-
secute Mrs. Eaton in spite of proofs Of
her innocence. That summer had been
consumed by his agents in tracking
Gown every one of the sever charges
contained in Ely's letter. Not a scintil-
Ia OF evidence had been found to con-
firm any of them. On September 10 he
convened his cabinet to clear her name
and he commanded the presence OF
both Ely and Campbell.
Jackson at once expressed his con-
tempt for calumny in general and the
attack on Mrs. Eaton's character in
particular. He lashed out at Camp
bells two different versions of his foul
tale" and called attention to the dis
parity between his first date of 1921
and his second of 1926. He called on Ely
to give his version and Ely, .Wiping the
sweat from his face, admitted there
was mo evidence to convict Maj. Eaton
of improper conduct"
Nor Mrs. Eaton, either. She is as
chaste as a virgin" the President de-
clared, d%isdaining the two living bio
logical proofs to the contrary.
II stand ready to prove in a court
OF justice more than I have said," de-
clared the crusader and withdrew hur-
riedly under the slash Of the Presi-
dents eyes.
THAT is all" the President dismiss
falsity of the scandals about Mrs. Eat
ems actions. I have done so. I shall
expect you to govern your actions &C
cordingly."
If he really meant that he was ask
ing for the impossible. The daughter OF
an innkeeper, she had climbed to a
high social position. She was beauti-
full, charming and witty. She attracted
men as honey attracts bees. The hand
and tongue of every stupid, dowdy,
nington was against her. On her they
declared war to the finish!
The wal divided Washington into
two camps-those who called ON Mrs
Eaton and those who did not. Among
the former were Minnie Bankhead, wife
of the British secretary, with a title
in her " right; Mrs. William T
Of the postmaster general; Anne Royal
Americas first woman reporter, anC
Martin Van Buren,, widower and secre-
tary Of state, who spiritedly championed
Mrs. Eaton'S cause and became her
constant attendant and best friend, as
he became the Presidents and Maj
Eaton's. His conduct in this affair
eventually made him President Of the
United States.
Mrs. Calhoun, wife of the Vice Presi-
dent, led the forces against her, closely
supported by the families of Cabinet
Ministers branch, Ingham, and Berrien
The latter two were the most assiduous
%spreaders of scandal against Mrs. Eat
on.
President Jackson, after a struggle Of
nearly two years to force the women tc
recognize Mrs. Eaton, determined tt
exert pressure upon them through theil
husbands. When Emily Donelson join.
ed the enemy and Peggy Eaton pro-
tested to him he packed Andrew Jack