The Social Life of Harry T.

In 1929, when Washington eyebrows seemed permanently elevated over Dolly Gann and who-sits-where-at-dinner, a determined social secretary hauled off and settled it all. She wrote a book, which had plenty of ground rules for entertaining the Vice President (e.g., he sits at hostesses' right). Of this official she stated: "His avocation is to replace the President . . . in the political-social life . . . by appearing everywhere. . . ."

Vice President Harry Truman, whose friends never laugh when he sits down at the piano (he plays), probably never read this volume, but last week it looked as though he would not need to. The amiable Missourian with the touch of country in his voice and manner had conquered a schedule that had Mrs. Truman and Capital society writers breathless.

The party pressure really started on Inauguration Day. A few hours after he had unassumingly assumed office and had been told by his mother, "Now, you behave yourself," the V.P., in a neat, dark blue double-breasted suit, set off for a round of receptions. He went to the swank Federal Room of the Statler Hotel, to the Shoreham, to the home of a friend. Sunday, it was the Statler again.

But these parties were only a fraction of those to which the Trumans were invited--and went. By this week the schedule was settling down to a steady canter. The Vice President's office had three dates on the docket, but there were about five more in the offing. High mark was an invitation from Mrs. Evalyn Walsh (Hope Diamond) McLean.

The Trumans have been guests at Mrs. McLean's before, but not the guests of honor. Mrs. McLean's parties are different now. She serves California wine, usually a clear soup, frequently skips the fish course. The Trumans like cards and music, so there will be bridge. Pianist Evelyn Tynor will play, and Tenor Lauritz Melchior will be there.

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