Mrs. T., by Mrs. T.

Mrs. Bess Truman firmly believes that a First Lady's place is in the White House--staying there and minding her knitting. She has never held a press conference. Last summer, Washington newshens sent her a list of questions in the hope of getting a story on her reactions to being a President's wife. Last week, when the female reporters called on Mrs. T.'s two secretaries, they were rewarded by a fascinating piece of Trumaniana--the First Lady's terse, tart and revealing answers.

Some questions & answers:

Q. What qualities, innate or acquired, does she think would be the greatest asset of the wife of a President? A. Good health and a well-developed sense of humor.

Q. Does she think there will ever be a woman President of the U.S.? A. No.

Q. Would she want to be President? A. No.

Q. Does she keep a scrapbook of her husband's activities? A. Yes.

Q. Of her own? A. No.

Q. Of Margaret's? A. Yes.

Q. Does she keep a diary? A. No.

Q. Does unfavorable criticism of the President disturb her? A. After 25 years in politics, she has learned to accept it to a certain extent.

Q. What is her reaction to musical criticism of Margaret's singing? A. No comment.

Q. Has she discovered any ways of sparing herself during such tasks as receiving hundreds of guests? A. So far I have not felt it a task.

Q. Do any of the demands of her role as First Lady ever give her stage fright? A. No comment.

Q. Does she ever have to pinch herself to remember she is First Lady? A. No comment.

Q. Will you go to the Democratic National Convention in 1948? A. I wouldn't miss a Democratic convention if I could help it.

Q. If you had a son would you try to bring him up to be President? A. No.

Q. What would she like to do and have her husband do when he is no longer President? A. Return to Independence [Mo.].

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