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.

Bars "Tango" As a Punishable Sin

1914

Paris, Jan. 12. — Cardinal Leon Adolphe Amette, archbishop of Paris, in an admonition which was published in his churches yesterday, forbids the dancing of the tango as a sin which must be confessed and require penance. He also will publish an official admonition on the daring and eccentricities of modern dress.

"We remind the women," the cardinal says, "that they should observe always the rules of Christian modesty, which too often are violated. We ask Christian women to unite in abolishing certain styles of dress which are contrary to decency.

"We condemn the dance imported from abroad known under the name of the tango, which, by its nature, is indecent and offensive to morals and Christians may not in conscience take part therein.

"It will therefore be the duty of confessors to take notice of this in the administration of the sacrament of penance."

Andre de Fouquieres, who lectured a year ago in the United States, said that Cardinal Amette's prohibition of the tango would produce profound dismay in Parisian social circles.