No Tango at White House

1914

But Circumstances Obviate Necessity of the President Ruling

Washington, Jan. 15. — President Wilson apparently is awaiting the verdict of clericals on both sides of the water who are investigating the tango before placing the stamp of his approval or his ban upon this and kindred dances.

All Washington — or at least the major portion of the national capital's society which attended President Wilson's reception to the diplomatic corps, is discussing the manner in which the president evaded the question of whether to tango or not to tango?

When the crowd thinned out, toward midnight, the younger set, who had come to the executive mansion with the expectation of indulging in a modest "hesitation" or tango, waited for the Marine Band to begin the syncopated melodies appropriate for these dances. Marches and Viennese waltzes seemed to be the only music the band could play, and the word was soon passed that the President and Mrs. Wilson thought it best not to have any dancing at this, their first reception.