Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1898 — NEWS BY PROXY. [ARTICLE]

NEWS BY PROXY.

Young Woman Who Relates Current Events to Society Eadies. The secret Is out. It is no longer a mystery how the ladles of the official set of Washington are enabled to discuss intelligently all questions of national and state affairs, as well as all other subjects of the day, social and literary, without neglecting social or home duties. It has been noticed that at least one morning in the week the thinking aristocracy of Washington arose early, and, in fetching and appropriate costumes, gathered at 10:30 In the parlors of the Wlmondaughsis Club, on New York avenue. There, behind closed doors, they met a brilliant young woman, Miss Janet Richards, who, in a talk of an hour and a half, posted her fair bearers on all the current topics of the day. In a concise and interesting way Miss Richards, with a wonderful knowledge of current events, explains to them the happenings of the week and the matters likely to be discussed during the coming week. Beginning with European politics, she reviews the situation there, Interspersing her remarks with humor and sarcasm enough to make them Interesting. She is piquant and bright, so

her audience, notebook in hand, never wearies as she discusses subjects of gravest importance. The Sultan’s craft, King George’s political scandals and the impoverished condition of the Duke of Teck and the Prince of Wales, with comments on the means taken to Increase their fortunes, are clearly given. London gossip and fiction, the workingmen’s problem and what its solution is to be, Lady Cavendish and her opinions on the social life of past and present, also come In for a share of attention. Then home affairs are taken up, especially all questions of political and financial interest to be discussed by Congress; literary and social news. Questions are then asked by her auditors, so when they return to their homes they are ready to discuss any topic of the day intelligently with diplomat or layman. “You have no idea what a relief it is to come here,” remarked one of the ladles of the cabinet. “With all the social demands upon us it would be impossible for us to keep posted on all the subjects of the day. One could never read up on all these and have time for anything else.” A Senator, In speaking of Miss Richards, said: "For a long time many of us were puzzled to know where our wives got their Information, for when a discussion arose on any subject of interest they seemed to be better posted than we were.”—New York World.