The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-05-16
By JOHN BARR

By JOHN BARR
 Among the topics of convcrsa. ton fin the Pullmans as we were travelling fifty years ago across Kansas, New Mexico and Ari- z0na--when we weren't excIaim- ing about the strange scenes that were whirling past with the telegraph poleS--there were two rather gosslpy subjects in the public mind and press cOncern- ing the White House, then ocs coupled by our bachelor Press ldent, Grover Cleveland, and his prlm and proper elder sister, Miss Cleveland
 The first of these topics of popular gossip Is happily pre-. sented In an editorial published In . prominent newspaper In the issue of March 22, 1SS6, viz:
 DECOLLETE DRESSES
 Miss Cleveland, sister of Che President, has replied in . lct- ter to . friend to some recent criticisms of deCOllete dresses worn by the mistress of the White House on official Occa- sIOnS. This letter has found It's way into print in Boston, and here are the leading points:
 CT approve of evening dress which shows the neck and arms; I do not approve of any dress which shows the bust. Between the neck and bust there is Q line always to be drawn, and it Is as clear to the most frivolous wO. man as to the anatomist, etc."
 Following this is Q lengthy editorial comment, dlSagreelng with Miss Cleveland and talk. ing the part of the 'frivOlous' ladles.)
 That the clrcumSpect Miss Cleveland, of all persons, should be called upon to defend her. self against charges of appear ing In too scanty attire at White House receptions - contributed to the galety of nations and set our United States tltterlng.
 But the really big topic con. corning the White House at that time concerned rumOrs of the Presidents intention to relieve his sister of her duties of hos- tess and bring Q bride to take her place.
 Many rumors were afi0at. One newspaper of March ID, 1886, contained the following item on the editorial page:
 "The Boston Herald says the story comes from Albany that President Cleveland is engaged to marry Miss Van Vechten." "A New York society belle.)
 But the people that ! heard discussing the interesting ques- ton on the Pullman favored the rumOr that the bride would be either the widow or IS year old daughter of the Presidents fOr- mer Buffalo law partner, Folsom. So the subject of debate in our car was-which one ought GrOs yer to marry? Among the ladies there was Q difference or OplnIOn-s0me cOntending that the widow was the wiser choice because of more suitability of age; but I well remember that the man, headed by my friends -Comstock, Brandon and Henry were of one accord in the preference that the President himself disclosed and ratified m the following June-when Miss Frances Folsom became Mrs. Grover Cleveland, the lovely and tactful young mistress or Che White House-and won tne heart of America.
 I recall that of the new books that we and our fellow tourists had brought along to read by snatches when nOt locking out of the car windows Che favorite. especially among Che men. was Mark Twain's masterpiece. Huckleberry Finn' just published.
 remember how my big eom- nanlons reared over the book. and Of the thoughtfulness or Brandon in taking his copy 70 pale-facea young man. in the advanced stage of consumption --laurnsylng alone in . brave asgha G reach the healing cii- mate of Cailfornia.
 Ht was geed Co see the smiles