Disappointment was expressed over this departure from precedent, not so much from a personal standpoint as from a sense of regret over the breaking up of a cherished institution which had its inception under the tutelage of the immortal George Washington, who with all of his dignity and stateliness deemed it a fitting conclusion of the celebration and an appropriate way to inspire respect and maintain prestige in the eyes of other nations. Being thoroughly consistent, he attended and gallantly did his share of dancing with the belles of the evening. The inaugural ball was the people’s ball; it was the epitome of democracy, the externalized embodiment of the American doctrine that “all men are created equal,” for every class of society had always been represented, from the highest to the most humble. Woodrow Wilson’s career as college president had been noted for the many changes he made, the most radical being the overthrow of the student aristocracy. As Governor of New Jersey, he had begun his term by upsetting the political machine. As soon as he became President the country became aware of the fact that the new Executive considered rules made for people and not people--especially White House people--for rules. He daily disregarded precedents for courses of action which, in his own judgment, were more feasible and expedient. [Illustration: © _Underwood & Underwood_ WOODROW WILSON AND HIS FAMILY IN 1912] With the abandonment of the inaugural ball, some anxiety arose about the social régime of the White House. All doubt on this score was dispelled, however, when the family began their delightful receptions. The charming Southern hospitality and the three lively young daughters gave the mansion an air of joyousness that did not diminish until the illness of the gracious First Lady cast its shadow over the entire city. The teas, receptions, garden parties, and dinners all reflected the wholesome, unaffected cordiality of the hostess. President Wilson chose for his Cabinet portfolios: State, William J. Bryan, Nebraska; Treasury, William G. McAdoo, New York; Navy, Josephus Daniels, North Carolina; War, Bindley M. Garrison, New Jersey; Postmaster General, Albert S. Burleson, Texas; Interior, Franklin K. Lane, California; Commerce, William C. Redfield, New York; Agriculture, David F. Houston, Missouri; Labour, William Wilson, Pennsylvania; Attorney General, James McReynolds, Kentucky. Presidential cares were never so engrossing that Woodrow Wilson failed to respond to the appeal of a child.