Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-01-26
GAY CROWD GREETS
AND CHEERS SMITH
EXTENSIVELY Gowned Wom-
en- and Industrial Leaders
Show Enthusiasm.

Surrounded by the sparkle Of smart
gowns and the enthusians Of common
political purpose, Al Smith stepped
into a rousing welcome last night as
he entered the Mayhower Hotel ball
room to deliver his address before the
American Liberty League.
Representing the extremes OF the
1928 campaign, last nights gathering
was an impressive cross-section Of
American society, business and politics.
Representing the first were extensively
gowned women whose names grace the
social register; representing the Sec
ond were recognized leaders of indus
try, some of the Nations wealthiest
men. Representing the last was every
body, but most of all Al Smith.
Shouts Hello" to Crowd.
In the deep, slightly hoarse voice
familiar to 1928 presidential campaign
audiences, Smith touched of the in
formality of the event with hello"
to the crowd through which he pushed
his way.
The ball room was the same one
where few weeks ago Democrats held
a s50-a- plate Jackson day dinner.
Few of the diners wore tails and
white ties. Dinner jackets predomi-
mated and few even had on business
suits and colored fourth hands.
Among the feminine guests, how
ever, the smartest gowns this city has
seen for many an occasion shimmered
and glittered.
Mrs. Pauline Sabin, who was in the
fore of the drive for prohibition
repeal, was the only woman at the
head table" set for six. She is vice
president of the Liberty League. An
evening jacket made of solid white
sequins, overlapping and INTERVENING,
over a gown of black crepe graced her.
Mrs. Shouse Is Hostess.
A couple of tables removed was
Mrs. Jouett Shouse. wife of the
Liberty League president, playing
hostess to Alice Longworth and her
cousin, Mrs. Joseph Alsop of Avon.
Conn. Mrs. Alsop, first cousin OF
Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt as we'll as
OF Alice Longworth, has been White
House guest these last few days.
Mrs. Roosevelt, whose White House
invitation to Smith for this week end
met with rebuff, was not present, and
said earlier in the day that other
plans probably would prevent her
listening by radio to his speech.
Mrs. Longworth, who writes daily
newspaper feature usually criticising
the policies of her kinsman, wore her
brown fur jacket to Mrs. Shouse's
table instead of checking it, slipped
it off and was gowned all in white.
Mrs. James Warburg of New York,
in black. was also at the Shouse table.
Mime. Cantacuzene Present.
Nine. Cantacuzene, granddaughter
of President Grant, was another old
line Republican come to listen to the
former Democratic candidate for
President. She was gowned in black
silk with draping OF dotted lace
about her shapely shoulders
Matching modernistic bracelets on
either wrist, of a long -sleeved, tied
about -the-neck, backless black gown
gave eclat to the costume OF Mrs.
Barrett Wendell of Chicago.
A silken, orange-gold shoulder drap-
ing like that Of a Grecian statue
topped the pale blue gown Of Grace
Hendrick Eustis of New York.
Representative Edith Nourse Rogers,
Massachusetts Republican, in brown
and-silver gown with a gardenia on
her shoulder, was dining with the
press.
Before Smith. as he took his place,
was gigantic gavel.
This is not a gavel," he laughed.
Its lobster mallet."
He turned first to the right. then
to the left, to acknowledge greetings
with mods, grins and gestures.
While dozen photographers shoul-
dered one another for position. Smith
held up his arm and smiled again.
On Smiths right was Jouett Shouse.
Lights Are Lowered.
An American flag was stretched
across a portion Of the balcony over
the speakers table At an end of the
ball room was the State flag of Smiths
native New York.
Just before the speeches began tie
lights were lowered slightly. The
change brought out the glow Of the
tapering red. white and blue candles
in front of Smith.
A crowd in the middle Of the room
hit q harmony chord and then went
into Sidewalks of New York.
Smith beamed from behind the i've
microphones that were crowding Ills
plate.
Postmaster General Farley, who
lives in the hotel where the dinner
was being held, was "out for the eve
ming" telephone switchboard oper-
ator reported.
After The last macaroon was downed.
the walters carried out the tables and
by moving their chairs close together,
the diners made room for other hun
dreds WHO had been in the other
rooms.
isn't 1t grand spirit" said Shouse.
"How do you account for it?" he
was asked.
WELL" he said, these people came
because trey wanted to. Sometimes
this is rot the case"
Look. he continued, rising from
beside Smith. lust look where I'm
pointing That's the most dis
group of guests ever at
Washington dinner, and they're hav-
ing a fine time"
A waiter dropped a tray full of
chinaware and silver which evoked
cheers and applause from the high
humored crowd.
Shouse pounded so hard he splin-
tered a gavel.
Former Judge c. I. Dawson like
wise pounded so hard he knocked out
the light
Let it CO." he shouted as AL Smith
tried to fix 1t.
Howard Bruce. Democratic national
rom rnitteeman from MARYLAND. had a