(7 of 7)
Perle's conception of herself as a combination Machiavelli and Madame de Stael makes White House aides smile quietly. Actually, she plays a more becoming role in the Administration: she entertains Harry Truman and his friends, gives pleasure in doing so, and gets pleasure from it. Said one aide flatly: "She has no more influence, policywise, than that post."
Rich, gusty, vigorous Perle Mesta obviously served Harry Truman well as Washington's No. i hostess, and Truman was obviously grateful. It seemed a very satisfactory arrangement for both.
*The official order of precedence in seating: President, Vice President, Chief Justice, ambassadors, Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, U.S. Representative to U.N., ministers, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, governors, Senators, Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief, former Vice Presidents, Congressmen . . .